Budget Hotels in Barcelona: 11 Best Places to Stay in 2024

Visiting Barcelona for the first time and don’t want to break the bank on a hotel? Luckily, the city has plenty of beautiful hotels that won’t cost you a fortune.

If you’re heading to Barcelona but don’t want to break the bank on a hotel, you’re in luck. The city’s full of affordable hotels that don’t compromise on design.

I’m now a full-time Barcelona resident after making the move from England last year, and I’ve become a bit of an expert on where to stay (and where not to).

In this article you’ll find my favourite budget hotels in Barcelona, with zero compromises required. Most of them have rooftop pools, and some of them even have private baths on the terrace. One hotel even has free wine!

Some links in this post are affiliate links. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

What’s the best area of Barcelona to stay in?

If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d recommend basing yourself in the city-centre so you can walk to most of the sights. My favourite neighbourhoods are:

• El Born
• Eixample
• The Gothic Quarter
• Poblenou
• Gràcia

The best budget hotels in Barcelona: Poble Nou

Poblenou used to be Barcelona’s industrial district, but it’s undergoing a lot of renovation and it’s now quickly becoming the creative hub of the city.

There’s brilliant brunch spots, tapas bars and Barcelona’s notorious club – Razzmatazz. 

Els Encants, Barcelona’s eclectic flea market with a fabulous mirrored ceiling, also calls Poblenou home – and it’s the perfect place to while away a morning.

1. The Social Hub

The Social Hub is a brand-new opening in Barcelona’s creative hub, Poblenou. There’s something for everyone here – movie screenings, a swimming pool, gym and a rooftop bar.

Plus, if you’re a remote worker, there’s a brilliant co-working space on the ground floor.

The rooms here feel very university-like – think pinboards, posters and bright colours. They’re simple but equipped with everything you need for the weekend.

If you fancy going all out, book the Playroom. It’s 3x the size of the other rooms and comes with its own private bar!

The location of this hotel is brilliant – you’re just 20-minutes from the beach in one direction and the centre of Barcelona in the other.

Rooms start from £90 a night.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• Brand new hotel
• Rooftop pool

The best budget hotels in Barcelona: Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter (or Barri Gòtic) is the neighbourhood most people associate Barcelona with. It’s the old city and its iconic medieval streets and grand Gothic architecture are like something out of a fairytale.

It’s an amazing place to base yourself for your first time in Barcelona, getting lost amongst the maze-like alleyways of the old town. 

2. Malda Singular Hotel

Malda Singular is definitely one of the best budget hotels in Barcelona. Looking at the interiors, you would never guess you could get a room here from under £100 a night!

It’s small, with only 17 rooms, but that just adds to its charm. Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, you’re within walking distance of move of the sights.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• 9.2* “Superb” rating
• 10-minute walk to Las Ramblas

3. H10 Madison

I’d argue that the H10 Madison has one of the best hotel pool setups in Barcelona – their view of the Cathedral is pretty impressive.

This hotel’s the perfect blend of old and new – the building’s a restored early 20th-century building, but the rooms are modern and sleek.

There’s an on-site restaurant, cocktail bar and a gorgeous roof terrace, but you probably won’t need them being in such an amazing location.

Rooms here start from just £112 a night.

• 9.3* “Superb” rating
• Rooftop pool with an amazing view
• Air-conditioned rooms

The best budget hotels in Barcelona: El Born

The picturesque neighbourhood of El Born is made up of medieval, winding streets with plenty of character.

The neighbourhood dates back to the 13th century and the name El Born comes from the Catalan word bornejar, meaning “to joust”.

Legend has it that during medieval times, jousting tournaments were held on Passeig del Born – one of the main streets running through the neighbourhood.

These days, Passeig del Born is lined with bars – and its one of my favourite places for a night out in Barcelona.

4. Motel One

Motel One is located next to Ciutadella Park, one of my favourite parts of Barcelona. It’s a beautiful green space that’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The hotel itself is basic but an excellent base for your weekend in Barcelona. There’s a 24-hour bar and a roof terrace with views over the park and the sea.

Rooms start from just £73 a night which is an amazing price for how central this hotel is.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• 9.0* “Superb” rating
• 20-minute walk to Las Ramblas, 30-minute walk to the Sagrada Familia

The best budget hotels in Barcelona: Eixample

Eixample, meaning “Expansion” in Catalan, was developed at the end of the 19th century, and it feels quite different to the rest of Barcelona, with its wider, more modern streets.

This is the neighbourhood I call home, and so it goes without saying I absolutely love it.

If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, Eixample is a brilliant city centre base. You’ll be able to walk to most of the sights – most of the famous Gaudí buildings are here.

Plus, there’s endless choices of bars, restaurants and shops, and hotels for every budget.

5. Praktik Essens

Any hotel where your room comes with a private terrace and bathtub is a winner in my eyes. So the fact you can bag a room at Praktik Essens from £89 is pretty hard to believe.

Honestly this whole hotel is gorgeous, the rooms are beautiful and it’s in a brilliant location just a few minute’s walk from Passeig de Gracia.

As if this hotel couldn’t get any better, they have happy hour every day from 6pm-8pm where you can get FREE, yes free, wine and snacks.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• 9.2* “Superb” rating
• Free wine and snacks every day at happy hour

6. Praktik Garden

You’re about to notice a bit of a pattern, as Praktik Garden is the sister hotel to Praktik Essens.

There’s 4 in total across the city, and they’re one of the best budget hotels in Barcelona – thanks to their brilliant balance of design and affordability.

This hotel is only a short walk from Passeig de Gracia, with beautiful bedrooms (some with balconies) and a garden terrace perfect for summer evenings.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• 8.3* “Very good” rating
• Central location

7. Praktik Vinoteca

Praktik Vinoteca is another beautifully designed hotel in the heart of Barcelona, but with a slight twist.

It gets its name because it’s centered around wine – there’s an on-site wine expert offering tasting sessions every evening for only €30pp.

Upstairs, the rooms are neutrally-designed, and they’re all interior-facing, perfect for shutting out the city-centre noise.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• 8.6* “Fabulous” rating
• A short walk from Plaza Catalunya

8. Hostalin Barcelona Gran Via

Whilst it may not be the prettiest hotel on this list, Hostalin Barcelona Gran Via is an affordable option – you’ll get a double room with a balcony for around £100 a night.

It’s well-located too, only 10 minutes from Las Ramblas.

There’s 2 different metro stations only a short walk from the hotel, and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants in the surrounding area.

• Air-conditioned rooms
• 8.3* “Very good” rating
• A short walk from Passeig de Gracia

9. Magatzem 128

Magatzem 128 is a converted furniture warehouse and its industrial roots are still evident throughout the building.

The quirky design extends throughout the hotel and there’s plenty of room types to choose from so you’re bound to find one perfect for you.

Downstairs, the onsite cafe serves coffee roasted in Barcelona, so it’s the perfect place to start your day.

• 8.8* “Fabulous” rating
• Air-conditioned rooms
• Rooms from £68 a night

The best budget hotels in Barcelona: Gracia

Gràcia is a charming neighbourhood bordering Eixample to the South and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi to the west.

For a long time, it was an independent village, but it became part of Barcelona during the city’s expansion in 1897.

Despite this, its still maintained its village feel, and the neighbourhoods Catalan roots is very present here. Gràcia’s a brilliant place to stay on your first visit to Barcelona if you want to experience a more traditional side to the city.

10. Radisson Blu 1882

I think the roof terrace sells this hotel all by itself – it’s absolutely stunning. Imagine sitting here in summer, drink in hand, overlooking the Sagrada Familia. 

Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel is slightly out of the city centre, in village-like Gracia. But if you don’t mind a slight walk into the centre of Barcelona, it’s a beautiful neighbourhood with lots of independent shops and cosy tapas bars.

There’s an outdoor pool, a downstairs bar, and free bikes if don’t fancy walking! Rooms here start from about £100 a night.

• 9.0* “Superb” rating
• Air-conditioned rooms
• Beautiful interiors

The best budget hotels in Barcelona: Poble Sec

Poble Sec is located near Montjuïc, a large hill that overlooks the city, where you’ll find Barcelona’s Olympic swimming pool (it’s open to the public and entry costs €7.50.

11. Casa Vaganto

Casa Vaganto is a beautiful boutique hotel that looks much more expensive than it is.

There’s no pool, but there’s free wine on offer in the evening, free tea and coffee throughout the day, and bikes available to hire.

The 19 bedrooms, are finished beautifully, and the majority have views either over the street or Plaza el Molino.

Rooms here start from just £86 a night.

• 8.8* “Fabulous” rating
• Air-conditioned rooms
• Free bike rental

Finding budget hotels in Barcelona – FAQs

How do I find a cheap hotel in Barcelona?

If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Barcelona, you’re best visiting outside of the peak season. Anytime between October-April is best. I personally prefer the city when it’s a little cooler and easier to walk around in.

How many days do you need in Barcelona?

3 days is the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions and have a bit of time to relax on the beach. There’s nothing worse than feeling rushed when you’re on holiday – and there’s a lot to see in Barcelona!

I hope you find this guide to the best budget hotels in Barcelona useful. Let me know in the comments where you end up booking!