HelloBCN Hostel Barcelona
where the fun never stops
Friday, 31 July 2009
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Barcelona by Bike
Barcelona is an amazing city! And what better way to see it then on a bike, especially now that the sun has come out and the warm weather is with us again.
The authorities of Barcelona have been working hard to make Barcelona more 'bike friendly' putting inloads more bike lanes. So getting to places like the Sagrada Familia is a walk in the park... actually it is a really nice ride from HelloBCN Hostel as you pass by the port, then the Park de la Ciudadela and straight up Sant Joan Street. And if you still haven't seen enough you can head straight down Marina and make your way back to the hostel along the beach esplanade! Amazing!
It is important also to be aware of the regualtions governing riding bicycles in Barcelona or you may be hit with a nasty 'on the spot' fine. That's right as a non-resident of the Spain you would be required to pay any fine on the spot, so do be aware of a few simple (common sense) factors like: not riding the wrong way on a one way street; stopping at red lights; not riding at night without lights; and locking your bike up at the assigned bike racks (if left chained to a tree or light pole you might come back to find your bike missing as they may confiscate it).
So there you have it... tips for enjoying Barcelona by bike. Just ask us here at the HelloBCN Hostel reception where you can hire a bike!
Friday, 27 February 2009
Ryanair are now considering charging to pee...
Another factor to consider when buying that super cheap Ryanair ticket...
Firstly, there is of course the travel time involved in getting from the airports used by Ryanair, which in the case of Barcelona are an hour and a half bus ride out of Barcelona. Unfortunately we've had more than a few clients extend their stay as they did not realise that the airport was so far away (make sure you confirm the details before you purchase), or pay very nasty taxi fares to make it to the airport on time - up to 250 euros!
It's also important to consider the flight times, which are often leaving the wee hours of the morning or arriving super late at night (combine that with the 1 and a half hour bus journey!!). Then there's the limited luggage allowed to be checked-in. This is fine for weekenders, but not so great for 'backpackers' who use Ryanair as a cheap means of transport, not considering that their backpacks fill up with presents and little reminders of their trip... (We're now considering putting in a scale in the hostel so that clients can weigh their bags before they leave the hostel to save nasty surprises on check-in).
Ryanairs lattest initiatives to cut costs according to an article released today in Yahoo.co.uk are: They are looking at ways to get rid of check-in desks. That means on-line check-in only. And now they are considering charging for using the toilet... It may only be a pound, or 1.43 euros, but still...
Ryanair have done a lot for travel within europe, but ... Will you pay to use the toilet?
Firstly, there is of course the travel time involved in getting from the airports used by Ryanair, which in the case of Barcelona are an hour and a half bus ride out of Barcelona. Unfortunately we've had more than a few clients extend their stay as they did not realise that the airport was so far away (make sure you confirm the details before you purchase), or pay very nasty taxi fares to make it to the airport on time - up to 250 euros!
It's also important to consider the flight times, which are often leaving the wee hours of the morning or arriving super late at night (combine that with the 1 and a half hour bus journey!!). Then there's the limited luggage allowed to be checked-in. This is fine for weekenders, but not so great for 'backpackers' who use Ryanair as a cheap means of transport, not considering that their backpacks fill up with presents and little reminders of their trip... (We're now considering putting in a scale in the hostel so that clients can weigh their bags before they leave the hostel to save nasty surprises on check-in).
Ryanairs lattest initiatives to cut costs according to an article released today in Yahoo.co.uk are: They are looking at ways to get rid of check-in desks. That means on-line check-in only. And now they are considering charging for using the toilet... It may only be a pound, or 1.43 euros, but still...
Ryanair have done a lot for travel within europe, but ... Will you pay to use the toilet?
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Help an aussie...
We have a lot of Australian's pass through our doors, and with a few of the staff being aussies themselves the news of the recent fires and floods in Australia really hit home. So many people have been left without anything.
One story of a particular victim of the fires in Victoria has touched our hearts - Lucky Phil - after loosing everything in the bushfires, including his backyard which was to be the location of his up and coming wedding, Phil is still able to call himself lucky. 'Lucky to be alive', he says.
We just love that aussie attitude and want to help Phil enjoy his wedding despite of everything. For that reason HelloBCN Hostel will be donating the proceeds from the bike hire for the months of January and February. We are also inviting guests to throw in a bob or two. Every little bit helps!
For more information on how you can help out, visit http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/melbourne_bushfiresoffer_help/index.html
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Monday nights in the Sala Apolo - Nasty Mondays
It seems to be the new place to be on a Monday night... I come in to work on a Tuesday morning to see those expressions on those faces... 'we went out and had a great time last night and we're here working but wishing we were in bed, sleeping'. Oh to be young! It's amazing how much we put our bodies through for fun!
Come and check out Nasty Mondays in the Sala Apolo next Monday! It's just around the corner from the hostel, so you don't have far to stumble home! Reserve now at www.hellobcnhostel.com
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
COOKING @ HelloBCN
In January we had our first big Spanish dinner at the hostel. We cooked Fideuà (a kind of Paella with pasta instead of rice). Delicious!!! And… good news: as I said that was just the first time… we will cook one day a week for our guests. For only 5 euros you will enjoy a traditional Spanish dish and you will get 1 free drink! Join us!
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Winter specials - 5 nights for the price of 4!
Not sure where your going next... With some budget airlines cutting prices even further, it's a great time to get a great deal on a flight to Barcelona. And HelloBCN Hostel is offering further discounts on accommodation:
5 nights for the price of 4!
That's right, make your reservation directly with the hostel to take advantage of this offer - email now info@hellobcnhostel.com. Offer only available for reservations made between 22 Jan and 15 February 2009 and for stays between 1 Febuary and 28 February 2009.
www.hellobcnhostel.com
Christmas day lunch @ HelloBCN hostel
Christmas lunch at the hostel!! Staff and clients joined together, creating a great enviroment. We ate roast chicken, tortilla and other typical Spanish tapas. A great day!
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Fira de Santa Llucia
Barcelona has already turned on it's Christmas lights and the festive spirit has hit the streets.
One of my favourite things about Christmas in Barcelona is heading down to the Fira de Santa Llucia to buy a Christmas tree... Don't forget to check out these markets!
One of my favourite things about Christmas in Barcelona is heading down to the Fira de Santa Llucia to buy a Christmas tree... Don't forget to check out these markets!
Fira de Santa Llucia
Dating from 1786, the Fira de Santa Llucia is a Christmas fair held every December outside Barcelona Cathedral. Around 300 market stalls sell seasonal goodies, while nativity scenes, musical parades and exhibitions add to the fun.
Another activity at the Fira de Santa Llucia is the giant caga tió, a huge, smiley-faced "log" that drops out presents when kids beat it with a stick.
The caga tió is a character in Catalan mythology relating to Christmas tradition and many families keep one in their homes during the festive season (small versions are on sale at the Fira de Santa Llucia's market). Beginning with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December, children give the tió something to "eat" every day and cover him with a blanket to keep him warm at night. On Christmas day the log is put in the fireplace and children beat it with sticks while singing traditional songs. Much like a Mexican piñanta, the log then drops out sweets, nuts, dried figs and Turrón (a Spanish nougat). When nothing is left, the exhausted caga tió drops a salt herring to indicate it has finished bearing gifts. Strange but true.
When: 29 Nov - 23 Dec 2008 (annual)
Where: Barcelona Cathedral
Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Christmas in Barcelona
Christmas is almost here... Hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another year. For some it's a time to take a break and celebrate all the good things (and perhaps work on forgetting about the bad things) that 2008 has brought us. Here at HelloBCN Hostel, we're getting ready for all the festive spirits that will pass through our door.
Traditionally in Spain Christmas is celebrated on the Christmas Eve (24th of December), however here in Catalonia Christmas is generally celebrated on the 25th of December.
We are inviting all guests who will be staying with us on the night of the 25th of December to join us for lunch. For those of you who will be away from your loved ones during the festive season, we want to invite you to celebrate with the HelloBCN family!!!
Reserve now at www.hellobcnhostel.com
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