Hostal Fernando is a nice step up from the typically dated hostels that can be found throughout Barcelona's atmospheric Ciutat Vella. Interiors are refreshingly up-to-date, if entirely simple. This impression that starts in the lobby, which is a contemporary, minimalist space with exposed brick and stone walls, avant garde lighting, and chairs of a vaguely mid-century look. A big aerial color photo of Barcelona is on the wall near the front desk, and several color photos of iconic Barcelona buildings cover the walls on the second-floor landing. The hostel draws budget travelers of all ages to its affordably priced rooms, free breakfast, and excellent Gothic Quarter location near restaurants, bars, clubs, and the metro. 

Hostal Fernando is in an excellent location in the Gothic Quarter, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops. It's a tourist-heavy, busy area and a bit loud, though for being in the heart of the action, it's hard to beat. Placa Sant Jaume is a two-minute walk from the hostel, while lively Placa Reial -- which hosts festivals and open-air concerts in the summer and is a year-round nightlife hub -- is a two-minute stroll. Las Ramblas is also three minutes away on foot, and the Liceu Metro station and Boqueria Market are about five minutes away on foot. Expect a 10-minute walk to the Picasso Museum. Barcelona Sants train station is 15 minutes away by car and Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a little over a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Placa Catalunya is a little over a 10-minute walk or drive, and the Aerobus (cheaper than a taxi) runs to the airport from here (the trip takes about 30 minutes). 

Hotel rooms and bunk-bed dorms all have a simple, budget look,though they're clean and in good condition, with a modern finish. Some rooms have a light blue, gray, beige, and brown color palette and blond-wood furnishings and headboards, while others feature vivid orange bedspreads and dark woods. Walls are largely bare, but some rooms have color photos. Dorms have a particularly spartan style, and many of the hotel rooms are quite small (some as tiny as 10 square meters, or 108 square feet). The hostel is in a busy location, and some rooms near the street have occasional noise issues. 

All 38 hotel units have air-conditioning, desks, safes or private lockers, and free Wi-Fi, though reception can be spotty. Hotel rooms add flat-screen TVs with limited channels. Bathrooms in the hotel rooms are not terribly small, but space can be cramped around the toilet. All come with hairdryers and rainfall showers. Each dormitory room has its own en-suite bathroom shared with other guests in the room. All have showers, toilets, and sinks. Rooms and public spaces at the hostel are non-smoking. 

Hostal Fernando serves a free continental breakfast, though hot eggs and bacon can be added for a fee. The cafeteria-style restaurant has a cold food counter with items like salads and cold pasta, and also serves paellas, pizzas, and other Spanish and Catalan comfort food for lunch and dinner. The bar offers a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and also has a cafe counter with pastries and coffees. Bicycles can be rented and there are vending machines, a public computer, free luggage storage, and 24-hour front desk with tourist assistance. The communal kitchen is handy for storing food. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but can be spotty.