Description
Housed in what can best be described as a ‘quietly rough’ part of town, the Hostal Morato is, nonetheless, an ideal stepping-out spot for that trendiest-of-trendified-areas, the Raval. Once a home-form-home for drug-dealers, prostitutes, pimps, et al, the Raval has been cleaned up in recent years and has some of the best – and most eclectic – nightlife going in Barcelona. The Hostal itself – a modernised version of the classic Spanish pensione – is more one-star hotel than backpackers’ lodging, and has clean, fresh rooms at bargain prices. Most rooms have a small balcony overlooking the street, and all have central heating and fan. Located in one of the main thoroughfares linking the Ramblas and Avenida Parallel, this is an ideal spot for budget-conscious travellers wanting to savour a more off-beat version of Barcelona’s nightlife, without having to splurge on expensive taxi fares. The Raval itself hosts a warren of tiny bars (try the one-room 'Edith Piaf'), transvestite nightclubs and self-consciously-chic cafés. The newly-renovated Rambla de Raval is just a 2 minutes’ walk away, as is, of course, the Ramblas, Plaza Reial, and the Gothic Quarter.