INOUT Hostel/Alberg (Barcelona)

The unanimous downside of this hostel is that it sits sufficiently high up a hill. Beyond that it's all good.

INOUT's (alberg means campground) subtly perverse name refers to the indoor (hostel, restaurant) and outdoor (hiking, pool) facilities. The place is located 15 minutes tube ride outside of Barcelona---and only accessible by train or motor so you can't cheap out and try to walk there---and way more than the lauded 300 steps from the train stop. It would be good if the hostel deployed a golf cart to collect guests. Getting to the front door is a hike!

The rooms are the best I've seen plus the cheapest (10euros).

Bed stations have semi privacy and individual reading lights, a socket (the better to charge the cell next to your pillow), headboard shelf and wooden lockers with hangers. My stay came in the winter months so I was thrilled to find blankets and working radiators in the rooms. With bathrooms in the rooms those late night nature calls are not a trek.

Every worker is top-notch professional and helpful; but most are mentally challenged (the night auditors, though, seem aloof beyond excuse). This is one super clean hostel! The special persons who work here even clean spots already clean.

And since the place is mindful of handicapped persons, ramps, bathrooms and even light switches are designed with them in mind.

The distance from the city center should please every Canadian and backpacker who claims aversion to "touristy spots" and the mountainous vistas, with their calm and majesty, can't fail to inspire the writer or photographer within. I also like INOUT because of the round-the-clock free Internet (and wireless) access and small but doable kitchen. There are also coin-laundry machines on site. Combined washing and drying costs just 4.50.

What I did not like was the doors and windows left constantly open. Like, I said I was here in the winter so, yes, it was cold...especially at this altitude. Hello! So much for an "energy crisis". Also, the dorms are needlessly equipped with a buzzer that BARKS every time the key is used. So say hello to 2am---and 3, 3:20, 4:10, 4:40, etc.---wake-up 'calls'! The distance from Barcelona means you're far from the hustle and bustle---as well as everything else, including supermarkets and convenience stores and taxis.

Nevertheless, I only intended to sleep two nights and wound up extending my stay and making several friends hailing from several countries. So, yes, will definitely stay here the next time I'm in town.

I'll just be sure it's during the summer winds.

Major del Rectoret, 2
34 932.800.985