Spain - Barcelona Accommodation
 

Has anyone had experience staying at Ally's Guest House (Carrer del Bruc) or Somnio Hostels (Carrer de la Diputacio - not to be confused with Duo by Somnio), both in the L'Eixample area of Barcelona? We are staying for 5 nights in early October and thinking about these "budget" accommodations. Are these central enough to sights? We don't wish to spend more than 75 Euro taxes included ($100 Cdn) if we can help it.

Haven't stayed at those, but the location of the Somnio Hostel (which is near the corner of rambla de Catalunya) is excellent, you couldn't get any better. I just stayed in a hotel right near there, I find that area very convenient for lots of reasons.

Ally's Guest House isn't inconvenient, but not really nearly as good as the other one IMO. Now some people might like being farther away from the action (it is near Verdaguer metro and ave Diagonal for those who don't know). I also like being near the restaurants and outdoor cafes along rambla de Catalunya.

Thanks! Somnio is the one we were leaning more to, especially since we get a private bathroom with our room, Ally's would be a shared bath. Nice to know it is a good location also.

Very nice location. But I also think you should have a look at Hostal Orleans in vibrant El Born. Great value, double at 60€. I always stay here if I can find a room:
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/hostal-orleans.en.html http://www.hostalorleans.com/index.php?lang=en

About El Born: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Kimhe, thanks for the tip - I have just checked and the Hostal Orleans looks great but nothing available for several of the days we need...Price is great, wish they had availability!

Somnio is close to my favourite lunch place in Barcelona, very popular L'Aribau, on the corner of C/Aribau and Corts Catalanes, just beside the university from 1450. This is a very typical and local atmosphere place with no fuss and great Catalan food. Lunch is the main meal of the day for most Spanish, and places like this normally has got bargain three course Menu del día with drinks incl. from about 1pm.

In L'Aribau businesspeople, academics and all kind of locals drop in for a three course lunch for 8,60€ (before 14, 9,60€ after 14h). Salad or today's soup, grilled meat or fish with poatatoes/vegetables and dessert. Excellent place with lots of local specialities. Had a wonderful local sausage Botifarra with slightly garlicy white beans here last time in May for some 6€.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...a.html#REVIEWS
http://barcelona.salir.com/laribau

Thanks kimhe! Will definitely look for this place!

Loved Casa Gracia in the Passeig de Gracia neighborhood.