Everything - the staff was incredible, quickly learning your name and making you feel like you're part of the hostel one family. I arrived at 11:30pm due to a very delayed flight and was welcomed by Angel who said I could fully check-in in the morning, but more importantly grab some dinner first.
The communal dinner really brings people together and you instantly make friends. The food was also excellent, from pasta with cinnamon (sounds weird, was actually good) to the best risotto with veggies I've had in a while. So many people were traveling by themselves and this was key in meeting others.
After dinner each night, the staff took us out to a chill bar for pregaming then a club to dance until the wee hours of the morning. The culture isn't that you have to go out every night (it can be exhausting!) but the option is always there and many people do. Even so, I wouldn't call this a party hostel - the rooms and facilities are very clean and there was no drinking in the actual rooms so you can sleep uninterrupted from whatever else is going on. Everyone staying there was very respectful of each other and the vibe was that of whatever makes you instantly make friends :-)
The hostel was centrally located a few minutes walk from the metro, each bed has an outlet (it's important!!), and there's a lift if you're feeling lazy and are on the 4th floor. Just looking at the facilities, perks, etc of all the hostels, many look excellent on paper and are, in fact, very good places to stay, especially with the plethora of hostels in Barcelona. The staff absolutely was the differentiator in my stay here.
Over my 5 nights, the main staff I interacted with was made up of Angel, Marcos, Natasha, and Madelyn. Angel is one of the founders of the hostel and it's very clear that he deeply cares about your stay and wants you to have an amazing time. Marcos was our personal party guide for a few of the nights, but also took us to a super chill beach that we spent a few afternoons. Natasha was incredibly sweet and helpful with suggestions of what to do in the area, and was also around during the day to chat with and just hang out. Madelyn was on the night shift a few times when we got back and we had a few great conversations that were way too late/early in the morning, but were very fun. Obviously this is just a quick blurb, but the staff here is truly exceptional.
I've also stayed at one of their sister hostels in Prague (Hostel One Home) a few years back and still keep in touch with and meet up with friends from that trip - I know I'll similarly keep in touch with friends from this stay. The atmosphere at both was very conducive to making friends, which was why I got very excited when I saw this listing.
Overall, Barcelona was the last stop on my trip and it really finished with a bang. Hostel One was just icing (lots of icing) on the cake.
Social and fun
• FREE DAY ACTIVITIES - explore the city and see some of the city's hidden gems that most tourists miss.
• EVERY DAY - oh yes every single night and every day we make sure is different!
• Fully equipped kitchen 24/7 access
• Free WIFI
• 3 common areas all designed for different moods. To relax, to work or to party.