Review

It gets the job done if you are on a tight budget. The room is small and gets incredibly hot in the summer because there is no AC, just a fan. It’s strictly for sleeping and studying, not for hanging out.

Street noise is a serious issue here. The windows are old and single-glazed, so you hear every scooter and shout from outside until very late.

The room feels dated, like it hasn't been touched since the early 2000s. The paint is peeling in some corners and the floor tiles are chipped.

Wi-Fi is included but the signal is weak in the evenings when everyone is online. I often have to use my phone data to watch videos without buffering.

It’s a massive dormitory, so don’t expect personalized service. The security guards are strict (which is good considering the area), but the maintenance team is slow to fix things like broken lights.

The cleaning staff works hard, but the students are messy. The shared kitchens often have dirty dishes piled up from the night before.

Inside the building, it feels very safe because of the 24/7 security checkpoint. You can't get in without an ID card, which keeps random people out.

El Raval is not for the faint-hearted. It’s vibrant and multicultural, but also dirty and chaotic. You have to be careful with your phone and wallet every time you step out the door.

There are a lot of pickpockets and drug dealers hanging around the corners. I try not to walk alone here after midnight if I can avoid it.

This is the best part — you are right next to Drassanes metro. You can walk to La Rambla or the port in 5 minutes, so you save money on transport.