Pros:
the hostel itself is fine
Cons:
... but i couldn't sleep for two of my three nights there
lfh
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(2)
I stayed at the hostel fernando for three nights in January '08. The beds were fine, I saw no bugs, I got a decent shower, and the internet is cheap (a euro for half an hour). But I'd never stay at the hostel fernando again. The hostel is located on a street full of people just off la rambla -- about a block in from that main tourist strip -- and until at least four in the morning we were kept awake with the many and varied yelling of people of different nationalities. "happy birthday" hollared in spanish, some drunken scot recounting sexual escapades, and on and on. I wear earplugs in hostels and still couldn't keep out the noise long enough to drift off. Then, at 7am, the church bells would start. The hostel is located directly across the street from a church, and there are at least three in the area, and their bells go off every fifteen minutes. These two noises combined meant that I slept from about 4am until 7am on two consecutive nights (a friday and a saturday). The sunday night was a lot better -- less yelling -- but I would've thought that travelling in the off-season would've saved me the drunks. Alas, it did not. So although the hostel itself was fine, I would never stay there again, nor would I recommend it to anyway. Situate yourself a bit further from the rambla and you'll be fine.
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(Review ID: 5412)
very good quality for the price, October 25, 2004
Reviewer:
gezgin
( leon_coupe@yahoo.co.uk)
from UK
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I stayed 3 nights in a single room with shared facilities. Very clean and everything was almost new in the room. Although I'm a bit fussy guy, I also found the bathrooms very clean and good enough. There were people from every age group. The location is great, Las Ramblas is 300-400m away and I think it's a safe location. Two main disadvantages: 1. There is no communal area or kitchen to meet some other people (anyway you can't get bored in Barcelona) 2. My room was so small and a very tiny window looking into nowhere!Anyway it's highly recommended!
1 of
1 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5413)
Squeeze them in!!, October 24, 2003
Reviewer:
Richard
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
Fernando is in a great location, but they take the piss in getting as many beds into the dorm as they can. Apart from that it´s OK.
6 of
7 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5414)
Great location, but not too great otherwise, October 4, 2003
Reviewer:
Norman
( perlmutt@grinnell.edu)
from Toledo, Ohio
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
The location was definitely the best thing about this hostel. Within an easy walk of Las Ramblas, it was perfectly located in the heart of the city. However, other than that, it was neither wonderful nor terrible. The price was moderate, 19 euro a night during high season if I remember correctly. The dorm was largish, and it was a bit hot at night. Also, a clock chiming every hour through the night outside my window woke me up occasionally. The people here were mostly partiers - relatively nice, but no one particularly fascinating or memorable. There were snack machines, but no kitchen and no breakfast served. The internet machine was a bit pricey, but there was a cheaper internet place within an easy walk.
2 of
2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5415)
Safe and Clean, August 22, 2003
Reviewer:
KDog
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(3)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(3)
Safe and clean is saying something when you are so close to La Ramblas. However, it shouldn't be everything. This place doesn't offer any breakfast, which is a necessity for backpackers on a tight budget. Furthermore, we were a little put off by the fact that everyone who could speak Spanish to the receptionists were treated better than those of us who could not. We arrived at the hostel at 7:45 in the morning and we told to keep coming back every couple of hours as they "could not guarantee us a room." So, we had to lug our backpack around with us while we attempted to kill time (before anything is open in Barcelona). Our eventual (Spanish) roommates arrived a while after us, were told that there was definitely a room available for them, and stored their backpacks for them in the hostel while they went out for a bite to eat. When we came back, a group of Spanish girls were given rooms before us and a couple of Australians who had clearly been there earlier. The fan in the room was a nice touch.... not airco, but better than nothing.
2 of
2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5416)
Clean, Spacious, Great Location, July 25, 2003
Reviewer:
Holly
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
This hostal was very good. We had a double with bath because that's all that was available--but it was worth it. Very clean, open and spacious rooms with a wonderful little balcony overlooking the street. Our room was only one floor off the street so it could be noisy but the windows locked out all the noise no problem. The location is very good, though it's pretty much a touristy/frat party area 24 hours. Though there are some great places to eat and drink nearby. The ramblas is only a block or two down. Definitely a good backpackers hostal.
3 of
3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5417)
Perfect place to stay in a perfect city, June 15, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
The first night i got to Barcelona I stayed in a HI hostel which was cramped and noisy.This place was heaven. Perfect location, right in the hub of the gothic quarter which is beautiful. Room and bathroom were clean. Plenty of space for 5 girls sharing a room. Plus a huge locker for your stuff. We had a balcony overlooking the street and straight at an old church, it was fantastic.I didn't see a kitchen but there are so many places to eat nearby that are cheap and tasty. I ate fresh croissants every morning form the local bakery.It is near la rambla, and situatedin the bari gotic. The port and beach are nearby as is the metro.Perfect base to explore Barcelona. Also no lockout or curfew which is nice to have the freedom to come and go asyou please. Also might like a lie in after staying up late spanish style!I will go back without a doubt!!!
14 of
14 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5418)
clean and nice, June 14, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
Very central location (just off the Ramblas) to an acceptable price. Clean and nice. Only drawback is that it doesn't have a kitchen, so you have to eat out. Also the internet connection wasn't working when I was there. But otherwise, it's a good place to stay.
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(Review ID: 5419)
Great value, location, clean and safe, January 10, 2003
Reviewer:
Kilroy
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I just came at 7:30am off the night train and got a clean single for about 23 eu. Safe, clean, and right off Las Ramblas. Great location for sight seeing. Quiet at night. Great for the mature traveller. Dining area, no kitchen - but safe locker service. Place is clean, great bathrooms, friendly staff who speak english. Highly recommended.
14 of
15 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 5420)
Possibly the best hostel I've stayed in, January 10, 2003
Reviewer:
Sarah
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
The staff are friendly, the rooms are clean and cheap, the showers are exellent and the location cannot be beaten. It's just off Las Ramblas and over the road from the amazing Placa Reial. Near to the metro and loads of good night life. Also its quiet at night time so you might get some sleep in a city that dosn't know how. This hostel was so good I'm going back next week.
