Hosteria Grau - Barcelona, Spain     

We went for 4 nights and stayed in Hosteria Grau which is very near Las Ramblas and Placa Catalunya and reasonable walking distance to the harbour. Everything is easily accessible and the bus and tube networks are easy to negotiate Lots of vegetarian eating places including a chain called Fresc Co which provides a salad buffet, hot food, drinks and a few desserts for under 10 euros and you can eat and drink as much as you like. Also Juicy Jones which is just off Las Ramblas and is totally vegan. I thought I might have problems with food but didn't at all. Recommend the open top bus tour. There are 3 different routes covered by one ticket and you just get on and off as you please over one or two days. It helps get an idea of what you want to go back and see. Great architecture, friendly people and great weather. And if you have time, go to Sitges (half an hour by train) for a day at the beach - it's what the locals do!

I have stayed at Hosteria Grau 5 times since 1999. After staying there initially as a student I returned on each of my subsequent visits to Barcelona. The property is very centrally located without getting too far in to any of the dodgey parts of the city. The accomodation is basic enough but always clean and well maintained. I have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful and would have no hesitation in recommending the place to anyone who wanted a no frills city centre base during a stay in BCN.