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Biking Barcelona – An Ideal City to Explore by Bike

Posted on April 9, 2012 by leighton

biking barcelona banner Biking in Barcelona is easy, fun and probably the best way to explore the city. Not only is Barcelona a bicycle friendly city, with a well planned network of bike lanes and low-traffic streets designated as bicycle safe, but it also has excellent weather and a beautiful boardwalk running for around 5 kilometers directly along the beach.

Barcelona’s Bike Lanes and Low-Traffic Streets

Barcelona is crisscrossed with clearly marked bike lanes and specially designated low-traffic streets ideal for biking. This well planned system of bike friendly streets in Barcelona makes navigating the city by bike easy, fun and a relaxed experience. For the newcomer to biking in Barcelona and anyone who is not well familiarized with the city, the government of Barcelona releases a yearly-updated map of the current bike lanes and low-traffic s treets ideal for biking in Barcelona. The map is generally available in any bike rental shop in Barcelona or at the Barcelona tourist information center at Plaza Catalunya.

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First Guests at Sant Jordi Gracia Hostel in Barcelona

Posted on April 3, 2012 by leighton

Sant Jordi Gracia Hostel Barcelona First Guests It is official, the first guests at Sant Jordi Gracia were successfully checked in. After 6 months of constructions and over a year of planning we are finally open for business and have some seriously satisfied customers. A big thank you to everyone that contributed to the project and helped to make our grand opening a spectacular success!

For more information about our newest hostel in Barcelona, Sant Jordi Gracia, check out “Fixie Barcelona – The Fixed Gear Bicycle Barcelona Hostel”. To see some photos of the final stage of construction, check out “A Few Finishing Touches – Sant Jordi Gracia is Opening Soon”. Reserve your bed now and take advantage of our super low prices. To check out availability and prices go to our book now page and click on the link for Book Hostel Sant Jordi Gracia.

We are super proud of the newest addition to our group of hostels in Barcelona. Not only is it brand new and designed especially for backpacking and hostel enthusiasts but it is also located in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Barcelona and provides a hip, international atmosphere.

Posted in News | Tagged barcelona hostels, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelona | Leave a comment

A Few Finishing Touches – Sant Jordi Gracia is Opening Soon

Posted on March 28, 2012 by leighton

Sant Jordi Gracia Barcelona Hostel - Finishing Touches Putting on the last coat of paint, installing the guest computers and preparing the reception desk, taking the plastic covers off the brand new mattresses, hanging some unique decorations, and hauling away the porta-potty, the Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona staff and construction crew that have been working so hard on our new Sant Jordi Gracia Hostel are finishing up with a few final details. With less than a week before the grand opening, we are finally seeing our vision become reality – and it’s looking pretty cool!

If you’re coming to Barcelona soon, book your bed now at Sant Jordi Gracia and take advantage of our super low prices. To find out more about the newest Sant Jordi Barcelona hostel check out Fixie Barcelona – The Fixed Gear Bicycle Barcelona Hostel.

Check out a few pictures of the final phase of construction.

Posted in News, Photos | Tagged barcelona hostels, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelona, sant jordi gracia, sant jordi gracia barcelona hostel | 1 Comment

Kiragami Dragon at Sant Jordi Diagonal

Posted on March 26, 2012 by leighton

A Kiragami specialist shows the staff and guests at the Sant Jordi Diagonal Hostel in Barcelona how to make a dragon in less than 2 minutes using a piece of paper and a pair of scissors. She then made us a special Drac, the Sant Jordi dragon.

kiragami dragon at sant jordi hostels in barcelona I am continually amazed by the cool experiences and the amazing, talented people that can be found in any random hostel around the world. Staying in a hostel has to be one of the best ways to meet new people and discover the world in new and intersting ways. This was just another day at our Sant Jordi Hostels in Barcelona.

Posted in Photos, Sant Jordi Activities, Sant Jordi TV | Tagged barcelona hostels, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelona, kiragami dragon | Leave a comment

Best Deal – Barcelona Hostel!!!

Posted on March 22, 2012 by leighton

We’re Almost Giving It Away – Book Now And Stay In Our Newest Hostel in Barcelona For As Low As 9,90€

Opening the 2^nd of April, Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona’s newest addition to our award winning group of Barcelona hostels, Sant Jordi Gracia is a modern, boutique hostel designed for the cosmopolitan hipster and fixed-gear bicycle aficionado.

Continuing the Sant Jordi Hostel’s tradition of high quality accommodation, great facilities, fun international atmosphere, super friendly staff and amazing organized parties, Hostel Sant Jordi Gracia will take even the high standards of our Sant Jordi Barcelona hostels to the next level. If you thought our other hostels were cool before, just wait till you see what we have planned for Hostel Sant Jordi Gracia!!!

Our Brand New Barcelona Hostel, Sant Jordi Gracia is the first ever fixed-gear bicycle themed hostel. The fixie movement is blowing up across the globe and Barcelona is no exception. Representing an increasingly popular subculture of modern urban environs, a “fixie” is much more than just a bike; it signifies a way of life – a world view. Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona finds the fixie world view so cool and inspiring that we are opening the first ever Barcleona youth hostel dedicated to all things “fixie”.

Located in one of the hippest neighborhoods of Barcelona, Sant Jordi Gracia is in the center of everything that is cool in Barcelona. The Gracia neighborhood is not the city center and it is not the barrio Gotico but it is the most bohemian and artistically rich area of the city and does have numerous small plazas lined with cafes, shops and bars. The small streets and plazas of the Gracia have a distinct international, mediterranean feel and have become the refuge of artists and musicians from Cataluña and around the world.

The appeal of the Gracia is hard to explain. There is a unique mix of peoples and cultures. Sitting in a plaza on the patio of a small café, eating some tapas and drinking a sangria, you can watch the different people acting out their daily routines: elderly locals walking their dogs or just sitting on a bench people watching, young punkys with mohawks hanging out, chilling with friends, street musicians playing guitars and singing for café patrons, random teenagers laying in the sun on the ground in the middle of a plaza.

Take advantage of this special offer and book your bed now while the prices are low!!!

Posted in News | Tagged barcelona hostels, Barcelona Hostels great deal, cheap barcelona hostel, cheap hostel in barcelona, great deal on Barcelona hostel, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelona | 4 Comments

Sonar 2012 – Barcelona Music Festival

Posted on March 15, 2012 by leighton

The Sonar 2012 Barcelona Music Festival

The 2012 Sonar – Barcelona’s 19^th International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art – will take place in Barcelona on the 14^th, 15^th and 16^th of June, 2012. As usual, the line-up is outstanding and the event is loaded with tons of interesting and enlightening exhibitions, shows and seminars.

What is Sonar

Sonar is much more than just a music festival, it is the ultimate opportunity to encounter, interact with and appreciate the most current movements in the modern media arts and music.

If you have never heard of it before, Sonar is a 3 day festival dedicated to the advancement of music and new media art. Sonar is a celebration of modern music and a platform for the presentation of a contemporary mix of entertainment and artistry – the new unique and experimental. It provides the ultimate venue for the interaction, blending and combination of trends in myriad music genres and media art.

Barcelona Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night

The 2012 Sonar Barcelona is divided into two separate events: Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night. Barcelona Sonar by Day includes concerts, showcases, a professional zone and an exhibition area. It is primarily oriented toward the search for and discovery of new talent and provides the up-and-coming in the music and media arts industries a place to show off what they can do. Barcelona Sonar by Night is the main event, where the top performers and the most recognized names in the world of international music rock the stage. The best of the best in modern electronica as well as an extensive line-up of up and coming artists and djs from varios genres makes Barcelona Sonar a unique and unforgettable music experience.

Much more than just a concert or music festival, Barcelona Sonar is the best congregation point for an audience seeking new concepts in music and media arts. It has also, over the course of its 18 year history, come to be known as the place of choice for industry professionals to conduct business and make contacts.

Where to Stay during the Barcelona Sonar 2012

The best choice for accommodation during Barcelona’s Sonar 2012 is Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona. With award winning, affordable and fun accommodations, Sant Jordi hostels has proven itself as having the top Youth hostels in Barcelona. Winning such prestigious awards as 2^nd Best Hostel Chain Worldwide 2010 and 2011 (hostelworld.com), 9^th Best Small Hostel Worldwide 2011 (hostelworld.com) and 8^th Best Medium Hostel Worldwide 2011 (hostelworld.com), Sant Jordi hostels has 6 hostels in Barcelona and provides some of the best hostel services and facilities worldwide.

Posted in Events in Barcelona | Tagged 2012 barcelona sonar, 2012 sonar barcelona, barcelona hostels, barcelona sonar, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelona, sonar, sonar 2012, sonar accomodation, sonar barcelona | 1 Comment

Inside Hostel Sant Jordi Alberg

Posted on March 8, 2012 by leighton

Check out our Award winning Barcelona Hostel Sant Jordi Alberg – TheParty Hostel of Barcelona. See why Sant Jordi Alberg is one of the top rated hostels in Barcelona and continues to win the most prestigious awards in the hostel industry.

5th Best Hostel Worldwide, January 2012 (hostelworld)
8^th Best Medium Hostel Worldwide, 2011 (HOSCAR award)
2^nd Best Hostel In Spain, October 2011 (hostelworld)
Best Value Award, December 2010 (hostelbookers)
6^th Best Hostel Worldwide, December 2009 (hostelworld)
Best Cleanliness Award, December 2009 (hostelbookers)
#1 Best Hostel In Spain, August 2009 (hosetlworld)

Sant Jordi Hostels… More than a hostel, a life experience!

Posted in Sant Jordi TV | Tagged barcelona hostels, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelona, sant jordi alberg, sant jordi alberg barcelona hostel | Leave a comment

Fixie Barcelona – Fad or Functionality

Posted on March 5, 2012 by leighton

Because we at Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona are opening the first ever fixie themed hostel this spring in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona, we would like to clear up a few things about fixies and fixie use in modern urban environs.

Modern Popularity of Fixies

In the past 5 to 10 years fixed-gear bicycles have become ever more popular. It is not at all uncommon to see fancy, retro-looking or bright colored fixies with all the latest accessories parked outside of any random café, book store, vintage clothing or record shop of whatever bohemian neighborhood of whatever modern city you might be in wherever around the world you might be. It has almost become too common. If you happen to be in the “cool” neighborhood, you will see fixies in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Munich, Barcelona, Singapor and on, and on around the world. Is this because they are great bikes or because they are just plain cool?

Why Ride a Fixie

The forefather of the modern fixie is the track-bike, a bicycle designed especially for racing on an outdoor track or a velodrome. Actually, a fixie is nothing more than a popularized version of track bike. Because they are designed for racing – and in racing, aerodynamics and low weight are vital – track bikes are stripped of all unnecessary parts. This makes track bikes and fixies accordingly very light weight and mechanically simple.

Because of their light weight, speed and functionality, fixed-gear bikes were adopted by bike messengers in big cities. Bike messengers, are always under pressure to deliver the package quickly, safely and without delay and therefore require a fast and reliable bike that will not break and if it does, can be fixed at a moment’s notice. Most bike messengers swear by their fixed-gear bikes and would not consider riding anything else.

Fixie – Fad or Functionality?

Does this mean that a fixie is the best bike ever, for everyone? Probably not. But, that doesn’t mean that they are not cool, fun to ride and maybe even a benefit to the environment. Some will argue that the whole fixie scene is just a fad for hipsters who want to look cool, feel unique, or convince themselves that they are doing something special, different and maybe even rebellious or illegal. That just might be the case. But, that doesn’t negate the fact that fixed-gear bikes are functional, fun to ride and might just convince a person who would otherwise drive, to get a little exercise and take a short break from contributing to global warming, pollution and the empowerment of the oil industry. Ok, I might be a little too optimistic, but in my opinion anything that makes a person happy and feel better about themselves is a positive thing; fad or not.

The First Ever “Fixie” Hostel is in Barcelona

Fixed-gear bicycles have become so popular around the world and particularly in Barcelona that in Spring 2012 the Award winning Barcelona based Hostel Chain, Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona, will be opening the first ever fixie Barcelona, fixed-gear bicycle themed hostel – designed to provide comfortable, modern, hostel-style accommodation with an international, fun and friendly environment that celebrates the contemporary urban love for all things fixie.

If you’re just looking for a great hostel in Barcelona and don’t even know what a fixie is, no worries, you’ll love Hostel Sant Jordi Gracia as much as the next guy.

More on Fixies in Barcelona and Basic Fixie Info

If you’re interested in finding out more about fixed-gear biking, riding fixies in Barcelona, the many different modern uses for fixed-gear bicycles, or would like to contribute to a discussion on whether “fixie” is just a fad, check out the rest of our blog and feel free to leave comments. Chech Out these link for more on all things fixie:

Fixie Barcelona – What is a Fixie?
Biking Barcelona – An Ideal City to Explore by Bike
Fixie Barcelona – Hardcourt Bike Polo in Barcelona
Fixie Barcelona – Fixed-Gear Bicycle Shops in Barcelona

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged barcelona fixed-gear bicycle, barcelona fixie, barcelona hostels, fixie barcelona, hostel barcelona, hostels barcelona | 2 Comments

Inside Hostel Sant Jordi Mambo Tango

Posted on March 1, 2012 by leighton

Check out our Award winning Barcelona Hostel Sant Jordi Mambo Tango – A good-vibes hostel in the heart of Barcelona with a cozy, younge atmosphere. With unparalleled high standards of service and facilities and a philosophy of mutual respect, Sant Jordi Mambo Tango is a Barcelona hostel where travelers can truly relax and feel at home.

Sant Jordi Hostels… More than a hostel, a life experience!

Posted in Sant Jordi TV | Tagged barcelona hostels, hostels barcelona, hostels in barcelon | Leave a comment

Fixie Barcelona – What is a Fixie

Posted on March 1, 2012 by leighton

Because we at Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona are opening the first ever fixie themed hostel in spring 2012 in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona, we would like to clear up a few things about fixies and fixie use in modern urban environs.

What is a fixie?

The simplest way to describe a “fixie”, or fixed-gear bicycle, is a bike that has only one gear and no freewheel (that technical part of your bicycle that allows you to keep the pedals still, or even move them in a backward direction, while the bike continues to move forward). That means that on all fixies, as the back wheel of the bike moves, so do the pedals. Regardless of which direction the bike is going – forward or backward – the pedals will move in the corresponding direction and at a corresponding speed.

If you think about this for a few minutes you begin to realize that as the fixed-gear bicycle goes faster so does the speed of rotation of the pedals. This makes going down big hills a bit of a challenge and is definitely a learned skill. As most fixed-gear bicycles do not include brakes – this is a preference of some fixie aficionados – the only way to slow the bike down is by controlling the speed of rotation of the pedals; in extreme cases forcing the bike to skid. This exclusion of brakes on fixed-gear bicycles can be dangerous and is, in many states and countries, illegal.

Modern Use of Fixed-gear Bicycles

If you dig a little deeper into the world of fixie, you will discover that there are several different kinds of fixed-gear bicycles used for a variety of particular purposes. There are fixies designed specifically for doing tricks or BMX type stunts, fixies made for veledrome or track racing, fixies adjusted to be used in the newly popular sport of bike polo, fixies modified especially for bike messengers and of course, the ever popular fixie designed for the oh-so-cool urban hipster. Functionality or fad, the fixed gear bike is here to stay.

Around each specialized type of fixed-gear bicycle has develop a rich subculture or group of individuals who identify themselves with and through the type of bicycle that they ride: The fixie designed especially for doing BMX type stunts in urban environs has a hardcore following of dedicated amateurs and professionals; People who own track bikes to be ridden on veledromes or outdoor tracks are generally bike racers at heart; Bike messengers are simply bike messengers; Hardcourt bike polo enthusiasts are just plain cool; and the urban hipster, well, if one is riding a fixie then he or she is definitely making a statement about something.

The First Ever “Fixie” Hostel is in Barcelona

Fixed-gear bicycles have become so popular around the world and particularly in Barcelona that in Spring 2012 the Award winning Barcelona Hostel Chain, Sant Jordi Hostels Barcelona, will be opening the first ever fixie Barcelona fixed-gear bicycle themed hostel – designed to provide comfortable, modern, hostel-style accommodation with an international, fun and friendly environment that celebrates the contemporary urban love for all things fixie.

If you’re just looking for a great hostel in Barcelona and don’t even know what a fixie is, no worries, you’ll love Hostel Sant Jordi Gracia as much as the next guy. If you are into the fixie scene and love all things fixing then Sant Jordi Gracia is the place for you. Period.