Mambo Tango Backpackers Hostel

Very cute hostel. The hostel is completely family-run and the owners knew everyone by name. The hostel is relatively small and cosy but their 'open living' style (ie/ room doors left open except at night) means that you are more likely to meet some lovely people. I stayed there for three nights recently and met some lovely fellow travelers. The people that tended to stay at the hostel are slightly on the older side (ie/ in their 20s) and more seasoned travelers. The hostel doesn't condone drunkeness so it is certainly not the type of place you want to stay at if you plan on drinking heavily in the hostel and getting home drunk in the middle of the night. BUT - it has quite a fun atmosphere, downstairs TV and lounge, small bar upstairs, courtyard outside. Air conditioning is only turned on at night which means that the place does get quite stuffy during the day time - shouldn't matter though as most people are out and about all day (although it does get stuff if you are trying to sleep late because of a late Barcelona night!!). They organise regular events which are good - free means, TV nights and pub nights. Worth asking questions about these pub nights though - the one I went to was a fair distance away (so, taxi ride home) and the drinks were quite expensive - not always ideal if you are a backpacker!! Despite this - I would definitely recommend staying here. It is about a 10 minute walk from Las Ramblas but close to a metro station. One last thing - if you are scared of dogs I wouldn't stay here. The owners have two of the most docile (but quite large) dogs I have ever seen - and given the size of the reception area, I can imagine they would be quite daunting if you were scared. When they are at the hostel there is really no way to avoid them.

Free internet, free breakfast as well, with expresso coffee. One thing I will say, security could be seen to be pretty average, what with their open-door policy. HOWEVER, there are lockers in the rooms to lock up valuables, but since the owners know everyone that stays there, I was never concerned about leaving things lying around for short periods of time.