Hostel of the week: Casa Gracia Barcelona, Spain

If you want somewhere less touristy and a place to breathe as you roam the streets lined with orange trees, you will fall head over heels for the Gràcia neighbourhood.  Once upon a time, it was a separate town to Barcelona, so it still feels like it’s a little detached a community of arty locals. THE place to stay here is the laid-back Casa Gracia Barcelona, a mansion-turned-hostel in the leafy Jardinets of Gracia. You’re surrounded by bohemian cafes, fruit and veg shops, bakeries, bodegas, delicious ice cream bars and a retro cinema (everyone needs one!). The unmissable cultural sights such as Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Casa Batlló are on your doorstep too.

Yes, Casa Gracia has a playroom that used to be a vault, and a secret wine cellar, but let’s talk about the UNREAL rooms for a sec! You can treat yourself to a deluxe apartment aka “The Really Mod Shack” with a balcony view of the ‘Paseo de Gracia’ Boulevard. Or if you want to go super luxe, check out the Super Suite, complete with a “hydromassage” Jacuzzi, bathrobe and slippers, and a welcome pack of fruits and vino! For those saving their dollars, the dorms have everything you need and more including free individual lockers, towels, toiletries, hairdryers and wardrobes. Hostel? More like temple!

The hostel restaurant, La Paisana, is where the magic happens with their “Cooking Monster Pablo” rustling up traditional Catalan cuisine every night. After you’ve been wined and dined, head downstairs to the swanky Bis Bar where the Gracia staff are “waiting for you, having a vermouth.” Errrrr…save us a bar stool!

The hostel uses its mega spaces for a variety of events, such as regular DJ sessions and live concerts from the newest talent on the block. The Gracia staff love a good workshop with an array of options from the Rhythm of Catalan Rumba, Lomography and even an Instagramming Food Workshop!
After all that activity, Gracia is equipped with several rooms dedicated to pure C.H.I.L.L. Stimulate your mind in the Bilblioteca, or try a bit of yoga or lounge in the De Tranquis area with a cup of tea and a cupcake! Can we stay here forever please?!!

Tip: If you are around in August make sure you check out Barcelona’s Gràcia Festival – a week-long street fiesta bustling with vibrant bars, handmade decorations and food stalls aplenty. You thinking what we’re thinking? Photo opps times a million!
You may know by now that Casa Gracia Barcelona is a beautiful hostel in a beautiful neighbourhood, but here’s a few customer words to seal the deal!
“Amazing tapas, rooms and atmosphere! Better than a hotel ? I would recommend this hostel to everyone!”
“Amazing stay! It started with a warm welcome from staff members and ended with a cheerful good bye. Everything in between was great. Fun atmosphere, fancy bar in the basement and nice tapas bar. The rooms were better than expected for a hostel with a nice bathroom. Close to metro station, but walking distance to most everything. Would definitely book again and recommend it to my friends.”
“One of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in. Practically a hotel.”
“Super GOOG location! Fantastic decoration and Interior taste! Many inspiration graphic and super smart system, clean and safe environment, nice staffs, everything great!!! Why couldn’t I rate 100%??? If I come back to Barcelona I will defiantly chose this hostel again!!”
“Absolutely gorgeous hostel so happy to be able to come back not only to Barcelona, but Cass Gracia for the second time! My boyfriend and I were so shocked and pleased by our beautiful room and initial reception!”
Book your royal hostel experience here.