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