Hotel Continental

The friendly, floral-walled Continental's soundproofed rooms are a little old-fashioned but quite cosy, with coral touches, carpeted floors, microwaves, hairdryers and fridge; some have small balconies overlooking La Rambla (€20 extra). In 1937 George Orwell stayed here on his return from the front during the Spanish Civil War, when Barcelona was tense with factional strife.