Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
El Raval
You're right in the thick of things when staying in this mildly wild side of the old city. Ac-
commodation options are broad, from fleapits on dodgy lanes through to the latest in design-
er comfort. Hostels and cheap hotels abound.
HOSTAL
CHIC & BASIC TALLERS
93 302 51 83;
www.chicandbasic.com
; Carrer dels Tallers 82; s/d from €71/
84; ; Universitat)
The colour scheme here is predominantly white, with exceptions like the screaming orange
fridge in the communal kitchen and chill-out area. Rooms are also themed lily white, from
the floors to the sheets. Finishing touches include the plasma-screen TVs and the option of
plugging your iPod into your room's sound system. The street can get noisy.
HOTEL
HOTEL PENINSULAR
93 302 31 38;
www.hotelpeninsular.net
; Carrer de Sant Pau 34; s/d €57/80;
; Liceu)
An oasis on the edge of the slightly dicey Barri Xinès, this former convent (which was con-
nected by tunnel to the Església de Sant Agustí) has a plant-draped atrium extending its
height and most of its length. The 60 rooms are simple, with tiled floors and whitewash, but
mostly spacious and well kept. There are some great bargains to be had on quiet dates.
DESIGN HOTEL
BARCELÓ RAVAL
93 320 14 90;
www.barceloraval.com
;
Rambla del Raval 17-21; r from €128;
; Liceu)
Part of the city's plans to pull the El Raval district up by the bootstraps, this oval-shaped de-
signer hotel tower makes a 21st-century splash. The rooftop terrace offers fabulous views
and the B-Lounge bar-restaurant is the toast of the town for meals and cocktails. Rooms
have slick aesthetics (white with lime green or ruby-red splashes of colour), Nespresso ma-
chines and iPod docks.
DESIGN HOTEL
CHIC & BASIC RAMBLAS
& d €106-116; ; Drassanes)
The latest in the Chic & Basic chain is the most riotous to date, with quirky and colourful
interiors that hit you from the second you walk in and see a vintage Seat 600 in the foyer.
