FAQ

Availability & prices

Do you have availability for...?
You can check availability online by clicking on the booking link on our web page www.hellobcnhostel.com. For groups of 8 or more, please email us directly – groups@hellobcnhostel.com.
Why can’t I check availability for rooms?
It might be because there is currently no online availability for the requested dates. However we do not put all our beds on line.  You can contact us directly to enquire about availability and possible cancellations.
What is the cost of one night?
Prices vary according to the type of accommodation desired and the season. You can find the price list by clicking on the booking link on our web page www.hellobcnhostel.com.
Are there any extra costs I should know about?
There are no hidden costs.  Breakfast, sheets, internet, Tea and coffee are all included in the price of the night.  Extras such as towels, water, beer etc. are available and may be hired or purchased at the Hostel.

The Hostel

Is there a lockout or curfew?
No, our reception is open 24 hours a day.  There is no lock-out during the day.  However, rooms will be cleaned between 11am and 2pm.
What time is check-in /check-out ?
Check-out is at 11.00am. You can leave your bags for the day in our free luggage storage until 8pm. Rooms for new arrivals are generally available after 12 o’clock (midday); if you arrive before your room is ready, you may check in at the front desk and leave your luggage in our luggage room.
How do I get there ?
Maps and directions are available by going to our ‘Where are we located?’ section.
Do you speak English ?
All of our reception staff speak English and will be more than happy to help you out with any questions you might have.
Is smoking permitted in the hostel?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the hostel.  Where a person is caught smoking in the hostel, the reservation will be cancelled and no money refunded.
I am a travel agent & am interested in working with you.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you. Please email us directly for further information.
***PLEASE NOTE
Due to past problems, Travel agents and agencies may NOT book accommodation for their clients using the helloBCN Hostel online booking engine. Reservations made in this manner will be considered null and void and the responsible travel agent/agency will be blacklisted and, where applicable, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Travel agents or agencies wishing to book accommodation at helloBCN Hostel for their clients must contact our reservations staff directly.

Reservations

About the reservation system ...
Our reservation system is provided by helloBCN Hostel. Valid credit card details are required to book online. Secure online reservations can be made through our website with valid credit card information including the credit card number, date of expiry, and the credit card owner’s name. From the main page, click on BOOK HERE.
Can you please send me a confirmation for my visa application?
Under no conditions are we allowed to SEND FAX OR LETTERS for Visa document applications to embassies or consulates.
Do I need to book ahead of time or can I just show up?
We recommend reserving ahead of time whenever possible. Accommodation in high season in Barcelona can fill up unexpectedly due to obscure festivals or various events.
Do you accept groups?
Groups of up to 8 people can reserve directly online. On the main page click bookings & availability. For larger groups, please email us directly groups@hellobcnhostel.com. Our staff will reply as soon as possible.
I haven` t received a confirmation.
Your email provider may be using spam filters. Please check your spam folders. If you still have not received your confirmation, or if your email provider deletes possible spam, please email the hostel.
I need to cancel my reservation.
Cancellations are subject to our cancellation policy. Please refer to our General Rules for more details.  Please note that we do not accept cancellations by phone.
Why do I need a credit card to reserve?
In case of no-shows or late cancellations, we retain the right to debit a penalty fee from your card equal to the total of the first night’s accommodation. For further details, see the Reservation Terms& Conditions on the booking page.
Is it safe to book online?
To put it short: yes.
Is my credit card charged ahead of time when I make a reservation?
 Where the reservation is made via telephone or email, the first night will be charged to the credit card before the reservation is confirmed (to avoid false or stolen credit card details being provided).  The balance will then be paid on arrival. Reservations made online using our booking engine (powered by Hostel Bookers) will incur a small booking fee for maintenance and administration costs. 
What is your cancellation policy?
Our full cancellation policy can be found below.
Where do my personal details go?
On arrival we record your passport details as required by the police.  We do not sell any information to spammers or outside market research companies.

Rooms

Are dorm rooms mixed sex or single sex?
We have female dorms and mixed dorms. If you would like a single sex dorm room, please choose the right room. Please note that availability is subject to demand.
Are private rooms available?
There are a limited number of private double rooms, with availability subject to demand.
Do you have rooms with private bathrooms?
We have some rooms available with private bathrooms.
Do you have single rooms?
We do not have single rooms at this time, but a double room as single use may be arranged. Please email our staff with your request.
How big are the dorm rooms?
Dorms range in size from 4 to 8 people.
What is a Dorm Bed?
A dorm bed is a bed in a dormitory room, a room shared with other people. Dormitory beds are reserved on a per bed basis.
What is a Double room?
A Double Room is a private room for MAXIMUM two (2) people. Double rooms have 2 single beds o matrimonial beds, please contact our staff. Double rooms are reserved on a per room basis.
What is a `Communal` or `Shared Bath`?
`Shared Bath` means that the communal bathrooms and showers are down the hall from your room.

Security

Do you have lockers or a safe?
In the dorm rooms each person has a large locker which is controlled by the same card which gives you access to the hostel and your room.  There is a deposit for this key (card) of 10 euros.  This deposit is refunded on check-out where the key is returned before 11.00am.
Is luggage storage available for the day I check out?
Yes, you may store your baggage with us until 8pm free of charge. We do not store luggage for longer periods.

Services & facilities

Are sheets and blankets provided?
Yes, bed linen and blankets are included in the price. For sanitary reasons, sleeping bags are not permitted.
Are showers included?
Yes, hot showers are available 24 hours a day at no charge to our guests.
Are there any bus maps?
Our helpful staff will be more than happy to indicate the most useful bus lines and metro stops.
Do you do airport pick ups/ drop offs?
We do not provide airport pick ups or drop offs. Public transportation to and from the airports is very cheap and very efficient. Please see the ‘Where are you located?’ section for further details.
Do you have air conditioning/heating?
Yes, we have air-conditioning and heating in all of our rooms.  Please note that the heating and air-conditioning system is on timer in order to conserve energy.
Do you have cooking facilities?
A self-catering kitchen is available. Use of our fully equipped kitchen facilities is free for our guests. The kitchens are open from 8h00 until 24h00.
Do you have Internet access?  WIFI?
Yes, and it’s FREE!
Do you have laundry facilities?
We have washing machines and dryers, there are also clothing racks to hang your clothes if you don’t want to use dryers.
Do you have maps of Barcelona?
Yes, we provide free maps of Barcelona to all of our guests.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, we provide a basic breakfast.  If you need something more substantial, you can make it yourself in the kitchen – just make sure you clean up after yourself!

Is parking available?
Metered parking can be found (with much difficulty) on the streets. There are also a few paid parking garages nearby, which our staff will point out to you.
Is there an elevator?
Yes, there are elevators in the hostel

General Rules

• To preserve and maintain our laid-back atmosphere we do not allow: any bookings of stag nights, hen nights or sporting tours.
• A Booking for over 8 persons is considered a group booking and can not be booked over the web. To make group bookings you must enquire about availability by emailing groups@hellobcnhostel.com
• For a group booking we reserve the right to ask for a deposit, which will be refunded on check-out, and only if the management or Hostel staff consider that no damage has been done to the hostel.
• We reserve the right to abandon or cancel reservations if the given information is incorrect or false.
• We make every effort to accommodate you in the dormitory size of your choice. However, because of the nature of our business, we may have to place you in a different sized dormitory. As a result the balance to be paid upon arrival can be slightly different to what is stated on your confirmation.
• All nights of accommodation must be paid for on arrival
• The helloBCN Hostel Management and Staff reserve the right to refuse accommodation to anyone or end their stay before the reservation finishes if standards of behaviour are not met, in cases such as this no money will be refunded to the guests.
• Guests with children under the age of 10 are requested to book private accommodations.
• People can not share one dorm bed.
• Bed linen and blankets are included in the price.
• Generally everyone is welcome at helloBCN Hostel, as long as they understand Hostels.

Cancellation policy

TERMS-CONDITIONS
Cancellation conditions of reservations coming through external online booking companies.
Your credit card will be charged ONLY:
1- In cases of "no show"
2- If you cancel or change the date of your reservation with less than 24hrs notice. (i.e. after midday on the day before you are due to arrive). The amount charged will be the total of the first night of your reservation. If a reservation is altered or changed with less than 24 hours notice prior to the applicable date, the amount charged will be equivalent to the total remainder of the first night of the original reservation.

Cancellation conditions of reservations made via telephone, email or directly with the hostel.
In cases of no show we won’t refund any money.
Where changes are made outside the accepted notification period of 24 hours, the first night of reservation will be charged.
Changes made inside the notification period, will incur a charge of 20% due to administrations costs and bank transactions costs.
In order to return the money we will need your full bank account details for international transfers (SWIFT, IBAN, address, name, etc). helloBCN Hostel will pay for the bank commission for international transfers, but not your local bank commission.

Cancellation for group bookings
To have a processed reservation you will need to pay a deposit, the amount of which will be advised in the letter of offer. Before this stage the reservation will not be confirmed and no beds will be blocked. No money will be refunded if you decide to cancel the reservation.
15 days before the arrival date you will have to make the full payment of the remaining amount. Between these two points you can make changes to your booking. Once you have made the final payment no changes, total cancellation or partial cancellation will be accepted.