Inexpensive hotel in Barcelona for the middle of June?

We definitely need one of the Barcelona folks to weigh in here.

That's about 2 blocks west of the Ramblas. Some blocks on that side are quite gritty in appearance. I didn't feel unsafe walking around that area in 2016, but I knew some US tourists would find parts of the Raval scary. What you and your daughter might do is go to Google Maps, switch to earth view (or whatever they call it), and drag the little yellow man onto the map near the hotel. "Walk" around the map a bit. What do you think?

Hotel rates in Barcelona look a lot higher for your dates than they were on my most recent visit in 2019. I used booking.com to check availability and found literally nothing below 150 ($160) euros per night without filtering on location or rating. I just specified refundable, private bath and air conditioning.

I wouldn't stay there if it were me, i'd look for something in the Eixample or Gracia districts.

Sonar Music Festival is on Jun 15 – Jun 17 in Barcelona, which is probably why you are seeing elevated prices. It's one of Europe's most well known music festivals.

You're right about the elevated prices we found but it's only 4 nights we'll be there, and we won't be out after 8. I looked at the street view on Google maps and, while it wasn't beautiful, it wasn't too terrible. I'll report back on how we fared - thanks very much for answering.

I agree with the above. I would not stay in Raval, or any other place in Ciutat Vella district (Old City). It's not a matter of safety per se, it's also a matter of noise and crowds. As suggested, l'Eixample district or Gràcia are good choices.

And don't be put off by not being "close to the cruise harbour". In Barcelona, that's an absurd reasoning since it's so easy and fast to move about that this consideration is rendered useless.

Have you considered a hostAl? In Catalonia, a "hostal" is a type of budget accommodation similar to a hostel, but with some differences. A hostal typically offers private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and some basic amenities such as TV and Wi-Fi, but generally does not have the shared dormitory-style rooms that are common in traditional hostels. Hostals are usually family-run establishments and are often found in smaller towns and villages, offering travelers a more authentic and personalized experience. They are typically less expensive than hotels, but more costly than traditional hostels. Hostals are often a good option for budget-conscious travellers who want more privacy and comfort than a hostel can offer.

These are some HOSTALS, GUESTHOUSES AND B&Bs in BARCELONA, as recommended by frequent visitors of the city at the Barcelona forum at TripAdvisor: http://bit.ly/hostals_and_BBs_in_BCN

Enjoy!

The Hotel Sant Agusti it'll have to be. No time to change plans, and I'm a careful tourist. If I'm mugged I'll report back! Thanks to all the Rick Steves folks for the input.

Don't worry much, New Yorkers can't be mugged :))

Im Spanish, not from Barcelona but living here since 1 year ago. El Raval is one of the most (or the most) dangerous district in Barcelona :/. Specially during the night. if the hotel is next to the rambla could be ok... (btw rambla, plaza cataluña, metro and nearly areas is full of pick pockets during day and night, so be carefull.)

Honestly 150-170$ i think is more than enought per night, i think if you search with a Spanish VPN or in the spanish hotel web pages you can find very good deals for 100€ per night.

If not, consider to use Airbnb or this kind of apps

I have to say, the last few replies to my post haven't been helpful. I already said that it's too late to change my plans - we leave next Tuesday (it's a unique situation) - and hearing how dangerous the area is, etc. has just made me feel trepidatious and unhappy about going. Yes, New Yorkers do get mugged, but I think I'll be fine. Please no more replies.

Thank you, Bill Sinclair!

I'll report back on how we fared - thanks very much for answering.

How'd it go?

Actually, it fared quite well. Was safe and, since our room didn't face the street, it was quiet at night. Cheap fruits sold on the street and about a long block from the Palau Guell, an early mansion designed by Gaudi that was breathtaking. Wouldn't have gotten there if we hadn't been in the neighborhood and we didn't need a timed entry, as required by the other Gaudi sites in the city.

So there you go.......

(and I wasn't mugged)

Thanks, glad you had a good time!