Where to Stay in Barcelona

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People’s ideas of the best place to stay are as varied as their ideas on the best food or the best music. There are many factors that affect one’s choice. When we were deciding where to stay in Barcelona, we had to look for a place that could accommodate all 4 of us, had free parking nearby, and was close to public transportation. Quite a challenge, huh?

We were lucky to find all of it and more at Residencia Albergue Studio in Sarrià neighborhood. While this no-frills hotel isn’t central, it is a mere 50 meters walk from the nearest subway station (and a 20-minute ride to downtown). It serves free breakfast (tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, bread, butter, jam, Nutella, cheese spread, and a small pastry) and has free WiFi. The guests can use the fridge, the microwave, and an electric kettle, as well as dishes/silverware for free, and the washer/dryer for a small fee. There is a rooftop terrace that, we imagine, would be amazing in warmer months.

Residencia Albergue Studio has single rooms, sextuplet rooms, and everything in between. Our room actually had 2 small rooms in cheerful colors with a single bed and a bunk bed in each one. There was a built-in wardrobe in one room, and 2 small shelves/dressers in the other room. There was a small en-suite bathroom with a shower as well.

The best thing about this property is the owner/manager. Señor Pedro is phenomenal. He is extremely helpful, very knowledgeable – and happy to share his knowledge – and he is simply fantastic with kids. Our two took to him immediately and were sad to say good-bye after 3 days.

If you are looking for other great family-friendly places to stay, head over to Trip Chiefs to read about the best of Europe Airbnb for families!

The Best Area to Stay in Barcelona

On Señor Pedro’s suggestion, we spent some time exploring Sarrià neighborhood and I think it may easily be the best area to stay in Barcelona. The first documents referring to Sarrià date back to 987 a.d. What was once a Roman colony became a part of Barcelona in 1921, becoming the last independent village to do so. It has definitely preserved its unique atmosphere.

The Main Street – Carrer Major de Sarrià – is only a 10-15-minute walk. If you end up in this area, do check out the famous Bar El Thomas de Sarria with its delicious tapas (it is said to serve the best patatas bravas in Barcelona), Be You Juicery – a small vegetarian cafe, Chocolat-Box – a great place to stop for some hot chocolate and pastries, and a peu, de pagina – a fantastic family-run bookstore. 

I think the 3 days in Sarrià were our most authentic Spanish experience. We seemed to be the only tourists around, whether we went into a restaurant, a supermarket, or just strolled down the streets. And yet, we were only 15-20 minutes away from Plaça de Catalunya. If you are looking for a lively but peaceful and authentic area to stay in Barcelona, Sarrià can’t be beat.

P. S. We have not been compensated for this review in any way, shape, or form. We genuinely loved our stay at Señor Pedro’s hotel and wanted to share our experience with others.

If you’d like to read more about our time in Barcelona and fun things to do there, head over to Barcelona with Kids.