Hostal Grau

Hostal Grau is a small, independent hotel on a quiet street in upper El Raval, a few minutes' walk from Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla. It has put sustainability at the heart of its approach and holds several environmental certifications, including Biosphere and the Barcelona Sostenible label, and it describes itself as a LEED-certified project. The hotel has also been recognised by the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels.

Choose between standard, superior and deluxe rooms, a compact Off Room, or a range of apartments and studios, including family studios and mini-studios with kitchenettes, which are useful for longer stays or for families. Furnishings mix recycled and natural materials, and the style is warm and simple. El Terrat, the rooftop, is a place to relax with a drink above the city, and long-stay guests can make use of the hotel's restaurant service.

Reception is open 24 hours, and the staff pride themselves on being available whenever guests need them. The hotel is pet friendly, offers a best-price guarantee and a welcome package for direct bookings, and late check-out may be available on request. Because it is small, it books up in high season, so reserve well ahead.

Hostal Grau suits couples, families and travellers who care about sustainability and want a personal, friendly base in the centre without the price of a large hotel. It is mid-priced, with apartments offering particularly good value for groups. Some rooms are compact, so check the room type that suits your needs before booking. El Raval is lively and multicultural; Carrer de les Ramelleres is one of its quieter streets, but take normal city precautions at night.

The nearest metro stations are Catalunya on lines L1 and L3 and Universitat on lines L1 and L2, both within about five minutes' walk, and Plaça de Catalunya has airport buses and regional trains. The MACBA and the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona are a short walk away, La Boqueria is about ten minutes down La Rambla, and Granja M. Viader and the Cafés El Magnífico shop on Carrer d'en Xuclà are close by. Boadas, the historic cocktail bar at the top of La Rambla, is just around the corner.