Generator Barcelona - a hostel like no other
Sponsored by:
Share This Article:
What do you think when we say, “hostel”? Do the words “stylish”, “modern” and "comfortable" come to mind?
If not, you need to change your preconceptions of a hostel, because Generator Barcelona will shatter them all. It lives up to its claim ‘you’ve never seen a hostel like this.’
Far from the basic decor and budget approach of many hostels, Generator have created a arty, retro hub that offers higher quality than you’d expect while keeping the price tag well within the realms of ‘reasonable.’
Yes, it is made up of shared dorms and yes the majority of it is aimed at communal living – so what makes this place different?
The rooms whilst having a stylish edge, do offer much the same as everywhere else – a bed. It might seem simple but in the world of hostels private bathroom facilities are few and far between – so Generator providing a private shower, sink and toilet (all separate) to each room is a big plus point for those needing a bit more privacy.
Each room offers its own temperature control which I found offered more comfort and is a nice little touch.
The rooms on offer take in most of your individual and group needs with dorms (six or eight bed rooms) and private doubles, triples and quads. If all that sharing isn’t your bag, the building offers amazing hotel rooms that are on-a-par with any boutique hotel – with en-suite, balconies and exceptional views. Our own experience gave us views of the sea and the top of La Sagrada Familia.
The whole interior is a walk-in, work-of-art with its new purpose merging with the old – it was an office building for a gas company for 50 years, using aspects of the old building with the new. The tables in the bar being made from parts from the old office lift is just one of the quirk touches all over the place.
This re-using of materials carries on throughout the whole ethos, earning them the first green certificate of for a hostel in the city. So you can tick some conscience boxes during your stay.
‘Quirky’ is a buzz word for this hostel, with a theme of showing the ‘old’ to a new generation of travels – the chill-out areas are adorned with old vinyl records, books, cassette players and other retro trinkets.
Its unique design sees all areas flow into each other adding to the ‘community’ feel other – residents can be as involved as they like in the various activities without ever being totally excluded. For example you can see the excitement of the bar from the more relaxed Mezzanine area whilst chilling with game of pool.
The management have made real efforts to bring the Barcelona locale in through the hostel doors – during our stay they held a Primavera Festival launch night with a local DJ and were launching their involvement with a local video art festival. Alongside free local tours and menu of tapas and coffee from local suppliers the local offerings form a large part of the hostels activities.
Moving out of the building itself, the location could not be any better. Slap in a central position it is 15 minutes Metro ride to the cities amazing beaches and within easy reach of all the cities top attractions, for example it is just two stops from the hustle and bustle of La Rambla.
It’s not all 100% perfect, during our stay the booking-in process was a little slow and the breakfast was on the minimal side (but still very good value). In the whole picture these are minor niggles that didn’t make the stay any less enjoyable.
If you are looking for a budget stay in Barcelona but don’t fancy scrimping on the quality, Generator’s new hostel should be a definite consideration.
Find out more here.
If not, you need to change your preconceptions of a hostel, because Generator Barcelona will shatter them all. It lives up to its claim ‘you’ve never seen a hostel like this.’
Far from the basic decor and budget approach of many hostels, Generator have created a arty, retro hub that offers higher quality than you’d expect while keeping the price tag well within the realms of ‘reasonable.’
Yes, it is made up of shared dorms and yes the majority of it is aimed at communal living – so what makes this place different?
The rooms whilst having a stylish edge, do offer much the same as everywhere else – a bed. It might seem simple but in the world of hostels private bathroom facilities are few and far between – so Generator providing a private shower, sink and toilet (all separate) to each room is a big plus point for those needing a bit more privacy.
Each room offers its own temperature control which I found offered more comfort and is a nice little touch.
The rooms on offer take in most of your individual and group needs with dorms (six or eight bed rooms) and private doubles, triples and quads. If all that sharing isn’t your bag, the building offers amazing hotel rooms that are on-a-par with any boutique hotel – with en-suite, balconies and exceptional views. Our own experience gave us views of the sea and the top of La Sagrada Familia.
- Article continues below...
- More stories you may like...
- How to stay sane (and safe) on an Indian sleeper train
- Highlights of Huaraz, Peru: snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and Seeds of Hope
- How to travel Malta on a student budget
The whole interior is a walk-in, work-of-art with its new purpose merging with the old – it was an office building for a gas company for 50 years, using aspects of the old building with the new. The tables in the bar being made from parts from the old office lift is just one of the quirk touches all over the place.
This re-using of materials carries on throughout the whole ethos, earning them the first green certificate of for a hostel in the city. So you can tick some conscience boxes during your stay.
‘Quirky’ is a buzz word for this hostel, with a theme of showing the ‘old’ to a new generation of travels – the chill-out areas are adorned with old vinyl records, books, cassette players and other retro trinkets.
Its unique design sees all areas flow into each other adding to the ‘community’ feel other – residents can be as involved as they like in the various activities without ever being totally excluded. For example you can see the excitement of the bar from the more relaxed Mezzanine area whilst chilling with game of pool.
The management have made real efforts to bring the Barcelona locale in through the hostel doors – during our stay they held a Primavera Festival launch night with a local DJ and were launching their involvement with a local video art festival. Alongside free local tours and menu of tapas and coffee from local suppliers the local offerings form a large part of the hostels activities.
Moving out of the building itself, the location could not be any better. Slap in a central position it is 15 minutes Metro ride to the cities amazing beaches and within easy reach of all the cities top attractions, for example it is just two stops from the hustle and bustle of La Rambla.
It’s not all 100% perfect, during our stay the booking-in process was a little slow and the breakfast was on the minimal side (but still very good value). In the whole picture these are minor niggles that didn’t make the stay any less enjoyable.
If you are looking for a budget stay in Barcelona but don’t fancy scrimping on the quality, Generator’s new hostel should be a definite consideration.
Find out more here.
You might also like...
People who read this also read...
TRENDING
TRENDING CHANNELS
CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH