I'm new here and have been really impressed with the quality of the reports and helpfulness I've witnessed, so I was moved to post a question as I plan a June trip to Barcelona.

This place gets a very good review from Madridman, but I can find little else out there, except the hostal's own site, which does make it look pretty nice. They don't give much in the way of information about the amenities or location, but Madridman puts it in L'Eixample.

I'd feel better if I could get some first hand reports. I'm interested in the usual: cleanliness, noise level, location, safety, staff, any other things I should specify or request if/when I book. Madridman says the location is "a bit of a walk from Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter." Having never been to BCN, I don't know exactly what that means and whether that's a walk that is at all unsafe or unpleasant. It will be me and my boyfriend.

Here's the link to the hostal:
http://www.hostalmartina.com/martinaenglish.html

Thanks!

There are several hostals that have positive reviews on this board.
www.hostalgirona.com
www.hostalopera.com
www.hostalpalacios.com
If you enter them in the search function, you should be able to find threads about them.

I was specifically interested in Martina because, at least from the photos, it looks way nicer than a lot of the others, or that's my opinion, anyway. I'll probably go with one that's a little more widely-reviewed if I don't hear anything more about Martina.

ttt - considering the Martina myself for a June trip. 65 Euros for a en suite room. Comments anybody?

I'll just add another option to kybourbon's list.

www.hostalgoya.com

any of the recommended places above have a/c??? The Martina does not and we are traveling during late June. Should we be concerned and make a switch?

Hostal Opera (now Opera Ramblas)and Palacios have AC.

I'm considering this place, as well for an upcoming trip. I looks lovely, but basic.

There are a few favorable reviews of it on Tripadvisor:
http://tinyurl.com/c8xm2f

Only negative I've read is that the street is noisy, so ask for a room in back.

jkgourmet,
The Hostal Goya has a/c.

As for hotels with a/c, the well regarded Derby Collection of 3-5 star hotels has lower the summer rates for the 3 star Derby Astoria and Balmes, putting them into the quite affordable range of 60-90, depending on your dates. On their booking site, you need to click on "More rates", below the ones that appear, to see all the savings, the other 10% and 15% discounts.

For example, for Sun., June 28, the booking site shows a double/twin rate at the Astoria for 70, but below, under "More Rates", you'll see a special 15% off rate of 59.50. For the Balmes, the special offer 15% off double rate is 63.75.

www.derbyhotels.com

Thank you - okay, I'll get the a/c. Which one of these (if any) are in L'Eixample and would be most suitable to an older American couple (read: Youth hostel days and shared bathrooms are way behind us these days, but we still travel on a budget and don't need luxury.)

The 3 star Derby Astoria and the Balmes are in the Left Eixample (the Balmes being closer to the Pl de Catalunya), while the Hostal Goya is on the Right Eixample on Pau Claris (near the Derby 5 star Claris).