TL;DR

Central Chic: A design-led eco boutique hostel with private rooms right by Plaça Catalunya.
Relaxed: Calm, adult- and family-friendly vibes rather than a party-hostel atmosphere.
Stylish: Post-industrial interiors softened with plants, colour, and lived-in charm.
Social: Shared spaces and rooftop bar create a genuine home-away-from-home feel.
Check prices here

Eco Boutique Hostal Grau is a unique, upscale, private room hostel right off La Rambla, and by Plaça Catalunya – pretty much the heart of downtown Barcelona.

It’s a fun, relaxed place, but not at all a typical party/youth hostel. We mean, like, actually relaxed, with plenty of adult, and family-friendly vibes.

There’s a post-industrial chic to the whole thing. We’re talking enough pastel paint, butcher block and monstera to open an Anthropologie.

Yet, touches of grunge, sneaky floral tiles and plants everywhere, tone down the too-clean vibes.

It all results in a rather charming balance of gentrification and your coolest uni friend’s first flat.

You know, the one they shared with that shoegaze band that signed with Partisan and toured with Cigarettes After Sex.

It’s a luxury hostel, certainly, but still a hostel. So don’t expect the facilities of a luxury hotel.

If you can handle a shared kitchen, though, you get to enjoy real home away from home vibes that luxury hotels just don’t give.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms: 23 private rooms and apartments in total.
Style: Whitewashed, post-industrial rooms with warm, lived-in touches.
Choice: Options range from compact Doubles to spacious apartments with kitchens.
See each room in detail here

Rooms are whitewashed post-industrial, but a few embellishments make them feel more lived-in than sterile.

You’ll find furniture with an ‘off the side of the street’ vibe, if the street in question was occupied only by very clean n stylish hippies.

Depending on the room, there’s seating, but some of it is a little wimpy.

All Eco Boutique Hostal Grau guest rooms include a desk, organic mattress, wardrobe, and a cute bathroom though.

Double Rooms are the basic option, starting at a snug 15 square metres.

They’re followed by more spacious Superior options with desks and a teapot for your morning ‘I want something warm but don’t want to leave bed’.

Deluxe Rooms are 40 metres squared and also come with TV, and some outside space.

For more space, opt for one of the apartment options.

They vary in size and perks, but all of them have private kitchens and comfortable seating.

What are prices like?

Check dates and prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Kitchen: Shared kitchen with pastries provided and a handy coffee machine.
Rooftop: Rooftop bar serving tapas, cocktails, and cava.
Spaces: Communal areas include a yoga space and relaxed social zones.

The most hostel-like thing about Eco Boutique Hostal Grau is the food situation.

A kitchen offers the option of cooking, but with morning pastries provided and incredible proximity to Barcelona’s acclaimed culinary scene, there’s little motivation to use it.

It does have a little coffee machine that may become your best friend.

The honour bar takes care of snacks and drink, with a cocktail offered daily.

Other communal spaces include a little yoga area, and, most importantly, the rooftop.

There’s a full bar up there, providing tapas along with classic cocktails. We’d opt for the cava, ourselves, but that’s a very personal choice.

Anything else, and the staff is on hand. They’re a familial kind of professional, if that’s not too much of an oxymoron, dedicated to helping you enjoy your stay.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Location: Quiet but central spot near Plaça Catalunya and La Rambla.
Walkable: Easy access to Barri Gòtic sights, cafes, and museums.
Connected: Excellent transport links for beaches and major attractions.

For Barcelona classic, but chill, you won’t find a better location.

Eco Boutique Hostal Grau is tucked toward the north of the Gothic Quarter, west of Plaça Catalunya.

It’s a strategic location that puts you near, but away, from the busier, party streets and 10-20 minutes walking from almost all of downtown’s greatest hits.

The main square is a 5-minute walk, La Rambla and Mercado de la Boqueria more like 10, for example.

There are small museums, beautiful streets and squares, and great cafes and bars all along your way through Barri Gotic.

If you’d rather something more upscale and polished, walk ten minutes north to Passieg de Gracia for grand architecture and high end shopping and dining.

Proximity to Plaça Catalunya, with its metro and various bus lines, makes is easy to explore further attractions – Barceloneta and the beach for example, Camp Nou or Park Güell.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“The location is excellent; it is very close to La Rambla, situated on a street that directly connects to two main avenues, and the area feels safe and convenient. It is an ideal base for exploring the city. The breakfast exceeded our expectations. Everything was homemade, organic, and very fresh. Starting the day with such a thoughtfully prepared breakfast was a real pleasure. The hotel has a minimalist design, yet everything you need has been carefully considered. The rooms were clean, the beds were comfortable, and the overall atmosphere was relaxing. The common area feels warm and welcoming, and having tea and coffee available throughout the day was a lovely touch. Most importantly, the staff were exceptional — genuinely kind, friendly, and helpful. They patiently answered all of our questions (and we may have asked quite a few), making us feel more like guests in a home rather than at a hotel. If we return to Barcelona, we would not hesitate to stay here again. Highly recommended….”

“It was exactly what we were looking for. Lovely space, thoughtful touches throughout, comfortable beds, helpful staff, and great location. I would highly recommend to friends traveling to Barcelona….”