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The oldest hotel in Barcelona (1880) is also one of our favorites. Hotel Sant Agustí is appropriately named after Sant Agustí church, with which it shares a pretty plaça. Back in 1720, long before it was a hotel, Sant Agustí was a convent. Some of the old building is still visible inside the hotel's lobby and corridors. Rooms at Sant Agustí were remodelled in early 2007. It's best to ask for a newer room with a view of the plaça.
We love Sant Agustí's sophisticated modern style, which combines old and new. Many rooms feature original wood beams from the 18th century and sections of old stone walls. Sleek furniture, panel-screen televisions, and Wi-Fi are characteristic of all remodeled rooms.
The eight attic suites are the best bet at Sant Agustí. While these are the most expensive, the rate is not that much higher than a normal double rate, and their charm factor is high. The suites have minibars—other rooms do not—and feature angled ceilings with windowed views of the plaça and church. These rooms are very private and could be the perfect "love nest."
Breakfast is buffet style at Sant Agustí, served in what used to be the old hotel kitchen. As you peruse the cereal bar, check out the counter made from the old cast iron stove. There are various lounge areas within the hotel and an Internet station in the lobby.
The immediate 'hood is the only drawback at this otherwise fantastic hotel. The Raval isn't the tidiest neighborhood, and while Plaça Sant Agustí is pleasant, it's also a popular meeting spot for the area's homeless to gather and drink. If this doesn't ruffle your feathers, then it's highly recommendable to book Sant Agustí. It's close to everything, and offers a family-run, historical, unique sort of stay in one of Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods.
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