Travel Hotels marga@lacabe.com

Stay: June 2009 The Hostal Lausanne is a modest hotel occupying half a floor of an old, stately building about half a block away from the Plaza Catalunia, the heart of the city of Barcelona. It could not be in a better location, and it also could not be cheaper - my single room (with a double bed) without bathroom was about E30 in June 2009. It didn't buy me much: a tiny, but very clean, room with a fairly comfortable bed, a little table, a closet and a sink - and a window opening to the inside of the building. The shared bathrooms (there are two) are also very clean - I found the water pressure to be more than sufficient, but I do live in a very old house with no water pressure to speak of, so I'm easily impressed in this regard. The hotel provides towels and rooms are cleaned daily. There was shampoo/soap in the common bathrooms when I was there. The hostal has a lounge with a couple of sofas, a bunch of chairs, a TV and two computers (they also offer free wi-fi). It's a comfortable place to hang out and meet other travelers. There is a soda machine selling water at E 50c and sodas at E1 and assorted magazines, probably abandoned by travelers. The level of service depends on the person behind the receptionist desk at the time. The guy who was there when I arrived could not be nicer - my room was not ready when I arrived in the early hours of the morning and I was too sleepy to wait, so he let me sleep on the couch in the lounge! He was also very helpful with tourism tips. I heard another of the receptionists not being nearly as nice with another guest, however. In all, I'd whole heartedly recommend the Hostal Lausanne to anyone who wants a place to crash near the Barrio Gótico in Barcelona. Hostal Lausanne Av. Puerta del Angel 24 1o1a Barcelona Spain 933021139 http://www.hostallausanne.es/