HOTEL ACTA MIMIC

These days budget doesn’t have to mean style-less. If anything, visitors hunting out accommodation in the seedier sides of European cities practically expect a bit of edgy urban luxury hidden behind the reclaimed facades, no matter how many stars they’re touting.

Case in point, the three-star Mimic in Barcelona’s boisterous Rayal district. Monochrome, light-filled rooms here are all open plan with seating areas incorporated into the bedroom, and showers right up by the windows (but equipped with modesty curtains), as well as chromotherapy changing lights, flat screens and free Wi-Fi.

It’s cheap and cheerful as opposed to high style and, while the minimalist rooms may not be everybody’s idea of fun, the hotel boasts some great common spaces draped in playful graphics, including a cool 70s-style lounge, restaurant (with free welcome cocktails), and a sun terrace on the top floor.

The location is convenient and, in spite of the dodgy reputation of Raval and the proximity to tourist thoroughfare (and resulting pickpocket central) Las Ramblas, the local area is relatively safe; the multitude of bars – mostly catering to a straight, studenty crowd, with the odd exception – keeps the streets busy around the clock.