Just off Plaça de Catalunya, the most central of fun, ecoconscious Room Mate's properties blends upscale hostel and boutique hotel. The 66 bright-white rooms are cleverly configured with designer furnishings, plump mattresses, colourful carpets, USB-connected TVs and tea/coffee kits. The two top-floor suites with terrace, bath and twin showers are popular, and there's a striking courtyard with a living wall.
Room Mate has a clutch of other much-loved, sensibly priced hotels in L'Eixample: Anna, Emma, Carla and Gerard (the last is the glossiest).