Our history

How we got here

My name is Quique. I was born in Galicia, and when I was a few years old, we moved to Barcelona. I grew up running through the corridors of hotel after hotel, the business my parents devoted their entire lives to. At 19, I tried my luck in Switzerland, where my business ventures always involved dealing with people, my natural talent. After 15 years, I returned to Barcelona with a wealth of experience and the desire to start my own business. I knew that the hotel business was in my blood, something I had learned from a young age and perfected in my youth.

That’s how Hostal Portugal was born, a small hostel in the centre of Barcelona, which was not at all the tourist city it is today.

In 2016, in a modern Barcelona with international appeal, I met Eva, my current wife, an architect who loves recycled furniture and respects the environment. She shared her values with me and encouraged me to breathe new life into the hostel by giving it a makeover that would set it apart from the rest.

We decided that we wanted to have an establishment that would contribute to reducing waste, oppose indiscriminate disposable purchases, and use vegetation that contributes to a healthier life and helps reduce CO2.

So, with an eclectic image, especially for lovers of recycling, we turned it into a small green island, an indoor garden in the middle of this cosmopolitan city in constant motion.

Our values, our driving force

Green island

Plants provide shelter for a multitude of other living beings, produce the oxygen we breathe, maintain the soil, regulate humidity and contribute to climate stability. Thanks to them, we can enjoy a healthier life.

Decoration and recycling

Restoring furniture for reuse or recycling plastic items or parts to create spaces and decorations reduces the amount of waste we release into the environment while creating unique places with character.

Cooperation

Creating a local trade network that shares our values is essential for achieving sustainable development in our city. That is why we recommend locally sourced food and local rentals.

Our healthy contributions

Book exchange

Reading is a great way to cultivate wisdom. That’s why we have an area where you can leave the book you’ve finished or pick up a new one if you’ve forgotten yours. Also for the little ones.

Personalised service

We want you to feel at home. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything, and we will try to resolve it as soon as possible. We are available 24 hours a day for you. We also welcome your suggestions, as they are very important for improving our service.

Organic products

We use environmentally friendly products without harsh chemicals to clean and disinfect all our spaces.

A healthy stay

Many plants not only enhance the appearance and style of our establishment, but also refresh and purify the air of pollutants such as ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde.

Healthy mobility

We design routes for you to explore the city on foot or by bike, depending on your interests.

We recommend local businesses that offer special deals on bike hire.

Sustainable food

We recommend local places that work with km0, meaning that their products come from local cooperatives.

What our customers think

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Elfouzari Cédric profile picture
Elfouzari Cédric
10/01/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Bien positionné, tarif abordable
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Christian Amstütz profile picture
Christian Amstütz
07/01/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
I had a really great stay at Le Portugal and was honestly surprised by the quality, especially considering the price. The room was clean, well maintained, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. The front desk staff were extremely friendly and helpful — they even took the time to recommend nearby places for dinner, which I really appreciated. Noise was minimal, and for light sleepers, they even offer free earplugs, which is a thoughtful touch. I stayed in a private single room and it exceeded my expectations: it had its own bathroom, a small balcony with live plants, and a TV with a remote. I was also able to request a hair dryer at the front desk without any issue. There’s a small fridge available at reception where I could keep a few small items, which was very convenient. The location is also a big plus — very central, close to the water, and well connected to public transportation. Constructive feedback: The only real difficulty I had was finding the place initially — not the address itself, but the entrance. I walked past it three or four times before spotting it. There is a sign, but it’s very small and easy to miss, so clearer signage would make a big difference. Also, the building has several stairs and no elevator, so I wouldn’t recommend it for travelers with mobility or accessibility needs. Lastly, while there are standard power outlets, there are no USB ports in the rooms — adding those would be a nice upgrade. That said, I was genuinely very happy with my stay and would absolutely stay here again. Excellent value for money and a very pleasant experience overall. Highly recommended.
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Ilaria profile picture
Ilaria
06/01/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
La pensione è situata in posizione perfetta, proprio alla fine della Rambla ed a 2 passi dal Porto Vecchio. Il prezzo è tra i più competitivi di Barcellona considerando che ci sono anche camere singole con il bagno privato. Menzione speciale per lo staff alla reception, molto cordiale e professionale: ho chiesto ed ottenuto che mi conservassero delle cibarie nel loro frigorifero. Molto alternativo e simpatico l'arredamento ottenuto da materiali di riciclo.
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Mikolaj L profile picture
Mikolaj L
06/01/2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Really enjoy staying. Hostel is in very nice place. Near to metro station and just few minutes from old gothic are of city. Many things to see, Royal Square, Cathedra, all narro streets you can roam. Hostel stuff was very polite, nice and helpful. Room was big with nice balcony and street view. Bathroom was Ok. Next to hostel you will find few place for breakfast, eg. Beirut or 'Fleca for de pa'. Recommend Hostal Portugal.
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Ceca Avdic profile picture
Ceca Avdic
24/12/2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Citala sam svakakve komentare, ali evo evo i naseg iskustva. Lokacija je odlicna, cim se izadje iz metroa na par metara u ulici je smestaj. Nasa soba je bila super 215, cista, krevet udoban, svako jutro se rasprema, cisti peskiri. Jedina mana je buka u ulici pored ili ako neko od gostiju je bucan, ali to nije do smestaja. Inace smo jako zadovoljni bili i sigurno ako budemo se vracali tu cemo opet...
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Cuelebre7 Celta profile picture
Cuelebre7 Celta
23/12/2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Un lugar con personal amable, tranquilo y muy bien situado ideal para pasar un par de noches, valoro mucho la hora de salida que es a las 12, ya que muchos establecimientos han ido recortando la hora de salida cada vez más. Eso sí, los colchones deberían de ser renovados, don incómodos quizás por demasiado uso.