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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Catalonia, Spain

Girona’s accommodation options suit various travelers, making it possible to find a place for solo travelers, families, and groups. This section aids your choice, securing a welcoming stay in this captivating Catalan city.

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Hostels

    Mainly dorm rooms, some private rooms. Popular with budget travelers and solo adventurers seeking a social atmosphere. Girona hostels stay clean and well-kept.

  • Guesthouses (Pensions/Hostales)

    Often family-run, offering basic, clean rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms. Value for money with a personal touch. Many are in central locations.

  • Hotels

    From small, charming boutique hotels in the Old Quarter to larger, modern chain hotels outside the historic center (near the train station or commercial areas). Varied amenities and services are available.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Several upscale boutique hotels, especially in renovated historic buildings within the Barri Vell. These properties combine high-end amenities, personalized service, and a mix of historic charm with modern comforts.

Unique & Vacation Options

  • Rural Tourism (Turisme Rural)

    Outside the city, within the Girona province, traditional farmhouses (masies) and country estates transform into charming bed and breakfasts or self-catering units. They offer an authentic rural experience, fitting for those seeking tranquility or exploring the countryside.

  • Apartments

    Many renovated apartments in the Old Quarter and city center are available for short-term rental. They offer a local living experience, more space, and kitchen facilities, especially good for longer stays or families.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available via platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo. These present a good alternative to hotels, offering more space, kitchen convenience, and a chance for local living. They suit families, groups, or longer stays where self-catering helps manage costs.

  • Camping

    Several well-equipped campsites are just outside Girona, towards the Costa Brava. Popular for those traveling with RVs, caravans, or seeking an outdoorsy experience closer to nature. They often have good facilities, including pools and entertainment.

Neighborhood Guide

Girona’s varied neighborhoods offer distinct atmospheres, each with its advantages.

Barri Vell Old Quarter

Advantages
  • Immersive historical atmosphere
  • Direct access to major attractions
  • Incredibly charming and picturesque
  • Transported to another time
Disadvantages
  • Can be hilly with many stairs
  • Limited accessibility for cars (parking outside)
  • Some accommodations may be in older buildings
  • Potentially noisy in popular areas

Eixample

Advantages
  • Accessible with flatter streets
  • Wider range of modern hotels
  • Excellent transport links (train/bus station)
  • A quieter, contemporary experience
Disadvantages
  • Lacks the historic charm
  • Further walk to main historical sights
  • Less medieval feel than the Old Quarter
  • Less picturesque for some travelers

Mercadal

Advantages
  • Central and lively area
  • Excellent selection of dining, shops, and bars
  • Good access to both Old Quarter and modern areas
  • Bustling, social atmosphere
Disadvantages
  • Can be noisy in the evenings
  • Concentration of restaurants and social activity
  • Accommodation near main squares might be loud
  • Less tranquil for quiet evenings

Considerations

Safety

Girona is a generally safe city. All listed neighborhoods maintain tourist safety. Petty theft (pickpocketing and bag snatching) risk highest in crowded areas; exercise normal precautions.

Proximity & Noise

Barri Vell stands closest to historical attractions, a 10-15 minute walk to the train/bus station. Eixample is very close to the station, a 10-20 minute walk to the Old Quarter. Mercadal is directly across the Onyar River, 5-10 minute walk to most attractions. Noise levels vary by area, with Mercadal being lively in evenings.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking choices can help secure preferred accommodation and potentially better rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High season (June-August) and major festivals (e.g., Temps de Flors in May): Book 3-6 months beforehand. Availability might become very limited, and prices can rise significantly.
  • Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Book 1-3 months beforehand. More options and potentially better deals than peak summer.
  • Low season (November-March): More flexibility. Booking 1 month or less beforehand usually suffices, often with good deals. Excludes Christmas/New Year, which can see price spikes.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common for hotels or established accommodations. Prices are generally fixed. Small guesthouses might offer a slight discount for cash.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • International platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, and Vrbo (for apartments and vacation rentals) are widely used and reliable.
  • Hotel websites: Often present the best rates or exclusive packages directly. Check the hotel's official website after finding it on a booking platform.
  • Local tourism websites: Sometimes list smaller guesthouses or unique rural accommodations not on major international platforms, offering a local experience.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies: These vary by accommodation and booking platform. Always review the specific deposit needs and cancellation policies before confirming. Many platforms present free cancellation up to a certain date, offering flexibility. Deposits are common for apartment rentals.

Seasonal Price Information

Highest Prices

Prices are typically highest in summer and during major events like the Temps de Flors flower festival.

Lowest Prices

Prices are lowest in winter (excluding Christmas/New Year).

Best Value

Shoulder seasons present a good balance of pleasant weather and value.

Accommodation Recommendations

Recommendations for various types of travelers, focusing on the accommodation type rather than specific names to support exploration.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Budget

Consider well-rated hostels, especially in the Eixample district for station proximity, or simple guesthouses (pensions) offering basic but clean rooms in central areas.

  • Look for hostels near the train station.
  • Simple guesthouses offer good value.
  • Consider shared rooms for cost savings.
  • Read reviews for cleanliness and safety.
Mid-Range

Explore 3-star hotels in Mercadal or the Eixample for comfort and location balance. Well-situated apartments also present excellent value at this price point.

  • 3-star hotels often balance price and amenity.
  • Apartments can offer more space and kitchen.
  • Consider areas with local amenities.
  • Check for "Menú del Día" offerings nearby.

Luxury & Family Choices

Luxury

Seek out boutique hotels in the Barri Vell that offer historic charm and high-end amenities. Modern 4-5 star hotels with full services are also available in newer city areas.

  • Boutique hotels in the Old Quarter.
  • Modern 4-5 star options outside the center.
  • Look for historic architecture blended with modern comfort.
  • Check for personalized service offerings.
Family-Friendly

Vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms and kitchen facilities are ideal for families, offering space and self-catering flexibility. Look for hotels with family rooms or connecting rooms.

  • Apartments for space and kitchen.
  • Hotels with family or connecting rooms.
  • Properties near Parc de la Devesa.
  • Quieter residential areas in Eixample.

Solo Travelers

  • Hostels

    For a social atmosphere and opportunities to meet other travelers, hostels are a good choice.

  • Small Guesthouses or Boutique Hotels

    Centrally located options present comfort, security, and easy access to attractions for independent exploration.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays, though formal community-based tourism initiatives are less common as organized offerings in Girona itself.

  • Dining

    Many tapas bars are perfect for solo diners, offering small plates.

Long-Stay & Cultural Significance

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments or vacation rentals offer better value and amenities (like full kitchens and laundry facilities) for stays of a week or longer. They facilitate a "local living" experience.

  • Properties with Cultural Significance

    Seek out boutique hotels or guesthouses within renovated historic buildings in the Barri Vell. Many preserve original architectural features while offering modern comforts, allowing you to sleep within Girona's rich history.

  • Artistic Stays

    Some unique stays feature local art or design elements.

  • Local Support

    Choosing locally-owned properties supports the community directly.

Visual Insight

Charming Boutique Hotel Exterior

A view of a picturesque boutique hotel entrance within Girona's historic Old Quarter, showing its traditional architecture and inviting ambiance.

Girona Riverside Houses

An iconic image of Girona featuring the colorful houses lining the Onyar River, reflecting in the water, captured from one of the city's charming bridges.

Remember

Book Early for Peak Times

Especially during summer or major festivals, early booking is highly advisable to secure your preferred stay.

Explore Beyond the Obvious

Consider guesthouses or rural tourism options for an unique and authentic experience.

Utilize Online Resources

Use trusted platforms and hotel websites to compare options and find suitable deals.