My friends and I are going to Barcelona for the first time in July and we are wondering if any one has any hostal/hotel suggestions? We want to stay at somewhere nice with character, doesn't need to be fancy, and at a location that is close to nightlife. Recommendations of great restaurants and bars are welcome too. Thanks.

Darling you must stay at the Ritz, drink a dram of the very best Scots Whiskey you can and relax in the wonderfull roman baths.

Millo,<BR>I visit BCN about 1x per yr. I typically stay at a small hotel called the Hotel California. It has small, but comfortable rooms with private baths, marble floors and just of Las Ramblas in the Gothic quarter. The staff are very friendly, helpful and very reasonably priced. Some staff speak some English if you don't speak Spanish. My last visit for a single room was about 40 USD. You can book them on the web through a hotel booking service for BCN. If you have not been to BCN, you will love it. Make sure you make the side trip to Montserrat. The Picasso, Miro and national museum are fantastic. You will love the city, the people, the food and the nightlife is great!!!

Citadines<BR><BR>Well, here is my 'umpteenth" post about the Citadines Aparthotel, right on La Rambla, just across from the main market..<BR><BR>We have stayed in two different configurations at the Citadines. It was just my wife and myself...<BR><BR>The first one was a very large room with a queen size bed and a sitting area. In the sitting area there was a sofa bed ... there was also a table and chairs and fully equipped (small) kitchen.<BR><BR>The second room type we've had was larger, with a separate bedroom with queen size bed, in the large "living area" there were 2 sofa beds and a table and chairs, again fully equipped kitchen. In both cases the queen size beds were very comfortable and made up in the "American style". The second room I describe would have certainly been fine traveling with 2 teenagers (which we have done many times!). The cost of that room was $149 without breakfast.<BR><BR>They do also have larger rooms with 2 bedrooms and a living area with 2 sofa beds.<BR><BR>Hope that helps,<BR><BR>Barry<BR>

Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.

Barry - FYI - You influenced me to book at Citadines for this July. The price for that location was excellent. I'll let you know if we like it as much as you do.

Try Hosteria Grau. We are staying there in June. Its frills free but clean according to some guidebooks. It' a block or two from Las Ramblas near Placa Catalunya. They have rooms and apartments. We got an apartment for the price we are paying for a room in other cities. <BR><BR>http://www.intercom.es/grau/

Hi Lynda -<BR><BR>I certainly hope you do too!<BR><BR>Barry

We recently stayed at the Hotel Claris and loved it. The rooms were beautiful and the location was excellent.

MUST stay at the Continental on La Rambla.. perfect.. inexpensive and includes breakfast!!

I agree with Alice, we stayed at the Continental in March and it can not be beaten for location.<BR>Enjoy Barcelona, it's a great city.

I agree with Alice, we stayed at the Continental in March and it can not be beaten for location.<BR>Enjoy Barcelona, it's a great city.

I am having my first trip to Barcelona and staying at the California. Any other suggestions for a 30+ gay guy travelling solo for the first time?