i was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about which hostals i should stay in on my trip to spain. This is my first trip to Europe and i need advice about hostals in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Any suggestions that anyone has will be a huge help. I dont want to get there and find out that the hostal i booked online doesnt exist or is not what it seemed like online. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

First off, welcome :)

Secondly, I think the hostel listings you'll find here at TP are quite reliable - so punch in your cities, dates, etc. and see what's available. From there, I would suggest reading the reviews of the hostels that appeal to you on the boards here, at hostelz.com, and bugeurope.com. As a rule of thumb, downplay the reviews that are either TOO glowing or TOO negative, unless you see that they all swing that way for a particular hostel.

Third, in Barcelona - where the language is Catalàn - hostal means a pension, kind of a low-budget hotel. If that's what you're looking for, cool. If not, be wary that the places with "Hostal" in the name aren't the highly social backpacker havens we know and love ;) In that case, you want an albergue, which is the wild and crazy institution we seek...

When's your trip? I'll be at the Home Guesthouse in Barcelona in a couple weeks' time, so I'll be posting a report here.

Thanks for the help. Im leaving on August 10 and staying for two weeks. Thank you for reminding me about the difference in the language once you enter barcelona. Enjoy your trip, thanks again.

Here is the advice I can give on those cities.

Barcelona-I have stayed in two, Ideal Youth Hostel and BCN Backpackers. Ideal Youth Hostel is right on Las Ramblas, but that is the best thing about this place. Maybe the most unstable bunk beds you could sleep on and the rooms are so packed it is impossible to move around without hitting something or someone. BCN Backpackers on the other hand is my second favorite hostel in Europe. It is small (around 20 people I think) so you will know everyone by the end of the night there. It is a very family like atmosphere there and very clean. But be sure to book in advance as they rarely have space for walk ins.

Madrid-The only hostel I have stayed here is Ole International Hostel. The rooms are almost as packed as Ideal Youth Hostel. It does have a good location, but the staff seemed kind of rude.

Valencia & Sevilla-These town only have a couple hostels. The one in Sevilla is supposed to be on the outskirts of the city and the ones in Valencia fill up fast. In Valencia, I would suggest the Hostal Alicante. The rooms are not much more than a youth hostel, and the owner even took me to the bar next door and bought me a couple beers. Can't ask for better service than that! :cheers:

In conclusion, Spain really does lack youth hostels outside of Madrid and Barcelona, so a private room might be the best case in the other cities.