Hostal Rio de Castro

I stayed here for several nights in the fall of 2008. It's a bare bones operation. Check in is by a computer in a small cubicle between the street and the entrance. There is not really a lobby, just a row of rooms upstairs. The reception , on the same floor as the rooms, is manned only a few (erratic) hours a day. I saw the manager only once. The is an extra charge for air conditioning. I did without in the early fall, but I doubt the room would be bearable without it in the summer. The furnishings are basic , but the room and bath were clean and in good condition. I was a little concerned about security. Access to the cubicle where one checks in is by a "secret" code which is posted on the door. It's not a bad area, but I felt a bit vulnerable fumbling with suitcases, credit card, etc. The unmanned reception desk also made me a bit uneasy.

Unique Quality: Inexpensive, but NOTHING is cheap in Barcelona

Directions: 10 minute walk from the centeral avenue