Barcelona lodging - "Searching for a Gem"

el Jardi is recommended in the Rick Steves book and if I recall he says to book early because it is popular with RS travelers. We stayed here in 2013 and it was lovely.

First off it was really reasonably priced, especially for Barcelona. It is right in the middle of everything - very convenient. I specifically booked a room with a terrace view and it did not disappoint. Our room looked over a very pretty square that was popular with street musicians playing beautiful music. The room itself was comfortable and clean, but nothing special past that. I don't think there was a fridge. Breakfast was good (coffee too). We paid probably 9E for breakfast, but I don't recall for sure. Also, there was a coffee stop right next door that we stopped at very early one morning and stood with the locals drinking our espresso before we had to jet to the airport. I would easily stay there again.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187497-d236209-Reviews-El_Jardi-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

Thanks but I already checked el Jardi as I have the 2015 RS guide. No rooms available. Still searching....

Melany... have a look at one of the hostals (different from 'hostels', hostals are small hotels with basic amenities: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostal) and B&Bs most recommended by fellow travellers at the TA Barcelona forum. I made a map which makes it easier to locate them: http://bit.ly/hostals_and_BBs_in_BCN

Some ideas for you here ...
http://violetaboutique.com/home/
http://www.hostallivebarcelona.com/en
http://www.anticespai.com/
http://hotelconstanza.com/

I stayed at Pensio2000. It's a little quirky. It's a big apartment, turned into a B&B-style lodging with a 6-7 rooms. My double room had a tiny balcony with a view of the Palau de la Musica, across the street. Central, but very quiet at night. There's a communal mini-fridge you can use. They don't serve breakfast, but there were always snacks and drinks on hand. I don't drink coffee, but I'm pretty sure there was a kettle and instant available.

Oh my - I waited way too late - running into "no vacancies". Other referrals welcome.

It can be difficult arranging 'last minute' travel when it involves the co-ordination of multiple hotel, flight and train bookings. Not only do you waste time when every hotel you search is fully booked, but you risk spoiling your trip by having to settle for a bad experience in an inferior property. I can understand 'last minute' travel when it's a package deal, or you get a good airfare, but it's best to plan these trips 6 months or so in advance.

You are right David. My husband bought tickets for me, albeit last minute, so that I could spend my birthday there. Sorry for your frustration. Thanks to everyone for last-minute help. The RS guide, and this forum, have helped me everywhere else - that is the good news. Still looking for the "birthday gem" in Barcelona.... :)

You'll find something I am sure. What are your dates?

I'm not sure what your budget is but check out Hotel Colonna. My husband and I went to Spain a few years ago on a last minute trip during Semana Santa (2 weeks notice) and had an awesome view with a balcony with a view of the cathedral and the gothic quarter. It wasn't the cheapest option but we travel on short notice so we either go cheap and sacrifice or splurge and get what we want. I doubt you are last minute at all compared to many. A friend called me today headed to the airport because she wasn't going to make dinner Friday because she was going to be in Switzerland. Not everybody, I imagine a large block, make long term plans. I never do and still manage! Definitely use booking.com and other sites too. Just because its in a guide book doesn't mean it's the 'best place'.

El Balcon De Born....check it out on the web. In the middle of what you will likely want to see...about two blocks from the Picasso Museum, and the Maria del Mar church, one block from the sea itself. I stayed there and enjoyed it...so much that when I return I will be there once more..;...http://www.elbalcondelborn-barcelona.com/

El balcon de born looks so perfect. I called them - so nice. no rooms available - but I agree, what a wonderful find. The reviews are over-the-top! So...still searching for the gem...will update and post review of wherever I land. Thanks RS fans!

I stayed in Hotel Curious this summer. A block off La Rambla about a third of the way down from Placa Cataluna. Very quiet, clean, newly remodeled. The desk people were nice and helpful. Had a simple breakfast in mornings,; coffee, juice pastries, etc. The single rooms are quite small but I would definitly use again. No balcony and not great views but spent my time out on the streets.

I just made reservations at El Jardi. You can't always trust the website for vacancies. I just emailed the hotel and they had rooms available.

Found Praktik Garden - booked a room. Will review. Thanks to everyone!

Well done. This is in a part of town that I like very much too - near Girona metro.
Reasonably quiet, kinda stylish, with some great restaurants, and not too far from the attractions.

Pratkik Rambla is an excellent option- just returned from a 4 night stay