Hostal Martinval caters primarily to young European travelers looking for a budget property near Barcelona's popular sites. The facade of the historic hotel is grand, with wrought-iron Juliet balconies and pretty windows. The lobby entrance has marble columns and a curved marble staircase with a wrought-iron handrail. Guests can also use the pretty birdcage style elevator to get upstairs, although it's small and slow. Near the tiny front desk is a row of stools, but this is the hostel's only communal area. Although the interior of the property was renovated in 2015, there is a sprinkling of antique and vintage features throughout, such as a brass doorbell, marble floors, and long wooden shutters. 

Hostal Martinval is in the Eixample District on a street of shops, restaurants, and bars, near public transportation and within walking distance of several notable sights in Barcelona. It's a six-minute walk to the Girona metro stop and it takes around the same amount of time to reach both the Paseo de Gracia -- a central business artery with impressive architecture -- and Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera) a Modernist building by Gaudi. Casa Batllo, one of Gaudi's most famous works, is nine minutes away on foot. Another Gaudi masterpiece, Sagrada Familia, is a 13-minute walk from the hostel. Plaza Catalunya, a picturesque city square, is a 14-minute walk. Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe is a seven-minute drive or 17 minutes by train. The Palau de la Musica Catalan us a nine-minute drive or 10 minutes on public transportation. The Ramblas, a popular tree-lined promenade, is a 14-minute drive. The bustling, large public market of La Boqueria is 15 minutes away by car or 17 minutes on public transportation. Plaza Real is a 12-minute car ride or 19 minutes on public transportation. Barcelona Airport is 23 minutes by car or 48 minutes by train.

The rooms at Hostal Martinval are simple, with some charming vintage touches. They range from small rooms with shared bathrooms to an apartment with a full kitchen. Most have high ceilings and curtained windows and green wooden, shutters, with views of the street or a courtyard. Some of the rooms have Juliet balconies, and the hotel's apartment unit has a furnished terrace. Rooms facing the street get better light but more noise. All rooms have free Wi-Fi (though it can be spotty) and flat-screen TVs, but they're often placed at odd angles. While the rooms do have fans, there are complaints of stuffiness and unreliable air-conditioning. Bathrooms are small, with tiled walls, walk-in showers, and hairdryers. 

The amenities are scarce at the Hostal Martinval -- there's no restaurant, bar, or breakfast service. There is free Wi-Fi, although guests report that it can be spotty. Guests receive a free drink upon arrival and free snacks throughout the day, and there is a counter in the lobby with stools next to a vending machine. Newspapers are also free and cots, cribs, and extra beds are available. The front desk is open 24 hours and has a safe deposit box.