Hostel Penedès, a cheap and divisive option in Vilafranca
Hostel Penedès is a budget hostel in the centre of Vilafranca del Penedès, in the province of Barcelona, with simple rooms, some recently refurbished. Its Google rating is low, with complaints about noise and cleanliness. It suits travellers passing through and tight budgets that do not need a perfect night's rest.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hostel Penedès.
Where Hostel Penedès is and how to get there
Hostel Penedès is on Carrer d'Amàlia Soler, right in the centre of Vilafranca del Penedès, in the province of Barcelona. The property's description mentions shops and restaurants within walking distance and a nearby train station, useful for getting to Barcelona or Sitges without a car.
Vilafranca is known for its winemaking tradition, so as a base for exploring the Penedès it makes sense. That is my view, based on those details, not a promise of comfort.
What the rooms are like
The rooms at Hostel Penedès are simple and not all at the same level. According to one review, those on the third floor have been recently refurbished, while those on the second floor feel more like an old village house.
- The refurbished ones. One guest describes them as well equipped and warm, without luxury, with touches like a capsule coffee machine and water in the room.
- The older ones. They have a different feel, more like a village house. If condition matters to you, ask for one of the refurbished rooms.
- The bathroom. The description mentions a private bathroom in many rooms, but one review says the washbasin was across the hall, outside the room. Check before you book.
- Other extras. WiFi, air conditioning and, in some rooms, a balcony with city views.
What guests say about Hostel Penedès
The Google rating is 2.5 out of 5 from 89 reviews, and that already tells you a lot. The reviews are very divided, so read them carefully before deciding.
On the positive side, one guest praises the warm welcome and the room details. On the negative side, several complain of noise, loud music and people making noise at night, and one says they got no help from reception. Another review mentions bad smells and hair in the room. There is also someone who complains of an overcharge and of no refund after an accident that stopped them getting there.
I would not take this as a final verdict, but it is a serious warning about cleanliness, rest and flexibility.
What to know before booking
Hostel Penedès plays the card of price and location. These are, in my view, the two sides of the coin.
| What works | What to know |
|---|---|
| Centre of Vilafranca del Penedès, with shops and restaurants nearby | Low Google rating, with very polarised reviews |
| Recently refurbished rooms on one floor | Other rooms are old and the bathroom may be outside |
| Train station nearby, according to the description | Complaints about night noise and loud music |
| Extras such as a capsule coffee machine | Complaints about cleanliness, charges and refunds |
My advice is to read the cancellation terms carefully and ask in writing which type of room you will get. If sleep is your top priority, consider another option.
Who Hostel Penedès is for, and who it is not for
I would choose it for someone passing through, who is out all day and just wants a cheap bed in Vilafranca del Penedès. It also suits a group of friends who do not mind a lively atmosphere.
It is not my pick for anyone who needs quiet, for a romantic getaway, or for anyone who wants flawless cleanliness with no argument. If you are after something with a different feel in Catalonia, you could look at Hostal La Savina in Cervera or Rural Sant Llop in Tordera.
What to do in Vilafranca del Penedès and around
Vilafranca is a town with a winemaking tradition and historic charm, and that is the main reason to come. Between wines and cavas, the region is good for a food trip and visits to wineries.
From Hostel Penedès you can explore the centre on foot and, by train, get to Barcelona or Sitges, according to the property's description. For a wine trip on a tight budget, the combination can work, as long as you accept what the reviews say. If you want a rural and calmer setting, also look at Caseta Morritos in Deltebro.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
