The TSH Campus Barcelona Marina feels like a dorm, with small brightly painted spaces. The residence has plenty of energy, with young clientele adding to the lively atmosphere. Guests enter through a set of turnstiles accessed with keycards, which sets the tone for the place, as do the banks of vending machines found throughout. The cafe has a cheerful, cafeteria-style setting, plus an outdoor terrace. Guests gather at the rooftop pools, which are small and sun-drenched, with gorgeous city views. There are plenty of tree-shaded, outdoor communal spaces between the buildings for reading, relaxing, and socializing. Each floor has a communal cooking lounge with flat-screen TVs, large windows, hardwood floors, full kitchens, and lots of seating for hanging out.

TSH Campus Barcelona Marina is located in a working district of Barcelona, just a few minutes' walk from the Olympic Port -- a waterfront area with bars and restaurants, and a Frank Gehry-designed copper fish sculpture, originally built for Olympic sailing events. The Sagrada Familia, a Catholic basilica designed by Gaudi, is a 15-minute stroll from the hotel. There are two nearby metro stops, and it is a 20-minute walk to Nova Icaria Beach. The immediate area has a number of shops, bars, and restaurants -- a great location for tourists and students to soak up the Barcelona atmosphere and explore local culture.

Rooms at TSH Campus Barcelona Marina are tiny and unmistakably dorm-like, with a well-thought out use of space. Standard rooms are air conditioned and spotless, with double beds, small desks, hardwood floors, a wardrobe, and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms are basic, with shower stalls and free toiletries, but toiletries, linens, and sheets are only replaced once a week, when rooms are cleaned. Studios have private kitchens; other rooms share cooking facilities in groups of 10. Guests who want to leave food in the communal kitchen can bring a padlock to secure a refrigerator compartment.

TSH Campus Barcelona Marina has four rooftop pools with decks and spectacular Barcelona views. There are vending machines throughout the buildings, and a cafeteria-style cafe with indoor and outdoor dining options (and room service). Studios have private kitchens, and other rooms share cooking lounges with neighbors. Communal kitchens have refrigerators made up of lockable compartments -- one per guest room. Buildings have coin laundries for guests, and parking is available for a surcharge.