I could not get a reservation in Meson Castilla or Rialto or San Agustin and booked Hostal Levante (late May for 3 nights). They had a double room with private bath for 6500 inc. IVA which sounded like too good a bargain to me. It is near Plaza Sant Jaume in the old city. ANyone stayed there or heard anything good or bad about it. Any help appreciated!

Carla, <BR>From Barcelona Rough Guide: <BR>"...welcoming wood- panelled hostal...nice, plain rooms with/without showers on 2 floors in a well-kept building" <BR> <BR>From Barcelona Lonely Planet: <BR>"...large, clean hostal, popular among travellers" <BR> <BR>From Let's Go, Spain/Portugal: <BR>"...shabby entrance but rooms inside up to par. Wooden interior, large windows, clean bathrooms (some shared), good ventilation, excellent TV room, knowledgeable owner, safe available 7 a.m.-10 p.m." <BR> <BR>Have you tried the Gran Via or the Adagio (Barri Gotic-phone: 93 3189061, fax: 93 3183724)? Both are recommended in Sawday's "Special Places to Stay in Spain and Portugal". <BR> <BR>Hope this helps a bit. <BR>

Thanks for the reviews. Frommer's also gives it a good review but it is always good to try to find out if the reviews left something out! I do not care about a pretty decorated place just a decent and clean place to sleep with my own bathroom in the center of things. I heard the GRan VIa was too noisy. WHat have you heard about the Adagio?

Carla, <BR>I recently discovered the Adagio in the Sawday book, and it's also recommended in Sandra Gustafson's new "Cheap Sleeps in Spain"-don't have either with me now, but I'll email you the descriptions from home. I've never stayed at the Gran Via but it's been recommended on the Forum-a kind of "faded elegance"-don't know about the noise, but the location itself is central both to the Barri Gotic and the Eixample shopping/Modernist architecture area. <BR>Maribel

Carla, <BR>I stayed at the Gran Via two years ago. I had an interior room overlooking the courtyard and it couldn't have been quieter. It's worth a try as it has a great location and the rooms are clean with newer bathrooms. It is popular, so it might be booked, but try it. <BR> <BR>

Michelle, <BR>Do you have phone number/fax/e-mail for Gran Via in Barcelona? <BR>Thank you, <BR>Maria

Carla, <BR> <BR>Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 642 <BR>Tel: 93318 1900 <BR>Fax: 92318 9997 <BR> <BR>There's a good description of it on the Rick Steves' website. He also has a few other suggestions you might try. <BR> <BR>Good luck <BR> <BR> <BR>