El Raval neighbourhood in Barcelona has been a forgotten place until very recently, a historic place in the suburbs known for years as “Barrio Chino” and that now -specially its upper part- has become the in style neighbourhood of the city. It is a multiethnic area which keeps the charm of the old things and a meeting place for those who lead the cultural vanguardism in Barcelona.
The advantage of this place is that what used to be the suburbs of the city has now moved to the heart of it: El Raval delimits with the Gothic neighbourhood through La Rambla and with the area of Pelai street. The famous La Boquería Market is part of its network of streets and, in fact, a good example of the bustling and colourful character of the neighbourhood.
Accommodation in Barcelona
El Raval belongs to the old city district and here the traveller will find pleasant terraces, tapas bars with an atmosphere typical from Barcelona and restaurants with worldly cuisines. One of the essential elements in the neighbourhood’s renovation has been the construction of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA) in the area.
Surrounding this institution, the University and many other firms that have invested in the area, we can find all type of businesses which have created an innovative and dynamic scheme, where traditional firms come hand-in-hand with modern firms from technological or design sectors.
Many hotel chains have also responded to the call of this revolution, inaugurating hotels of vanguardist design, accommodations specially designed for young clients, between 25 and 45, preferably for trips as a couple to Barcelona, trips with friends or business trips.
Hotel in Barcelona
A good example of the adaptation of these hotels to the new reality of El Raval is the Barceló Raval, located in the Rambla of El Raval, with a 360º terrace on the roof which offers stunning views of this area of the centre of Barcelona.
The Abba Rambla, the Milenni Hotel, the Be Sound Hostel… And close to them, although outside the neighbourhood, we find some hotels of the Basque chain Petit Palace, such as the Petit Palace Boquería.