Location and Surroundings
Diagonal 1 sits at 386, L’Eixample, 08037 Barcelona, Spain — in one of the city’s most central districts. L’Eixample is known for its wide, grid‑pattern streets, modernist architecture, and a high concentration of restaurants, shops, and public transport links. The property is on or near Avinguda Diagonal, a major thoroughfare that runs diagonally across the city, connecting the neighbourhoods of Gràcia, the city centre, and the coastal area.
From the reviews — originally written about the hotel that shares this building — guests note that the location is “really convenient” (Gareth Spencer) and “excellent, close to the beach, public transportation, and the city’s convention center” (Paul Parent). While those comments refer to a hotel, the surrounding area is the same for the student‑housing units. The nearest metro station (likely Diagonal or Verdaguer) is within a few minutes’ walk, giving direct access to lines L3, L5, and L6. The University of Barcelona’s main campus is about a 20‑minute walk or a 10‑minute metro ride; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Ciutadella campus) is about 25 minutes by foot or 15 minutes by tram. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona is farther north (roughly 40 minutes by train), and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya’s various campuses are also reachable within 20–30 minutes by public transport.
The neighbourhood itself is busy but relatively safe, with grocery stores, cafes, and gyms within a few blocks. The beach (Barceloneta) is about 3 km away — a 10‑minute metro ride or a 30‑minute walk.
Accommodation Types and Price Positioning
Diagonal 1 offers two room types: non‑ensuite and branded independent house.
- Non‑ensuite means you share a bathroom and possibly a kitchen with other residents. This is the more budget‑friendly option and is typical for student co‑living.
- Branded independent house refers to a self‑contained unit managed by a brand operator — likely a studio or a small apartment with private facilities, though the exact configuration varies. Because this is listed as a “branded independent house,” it may come with higher rent.
The monthly rent range is €580 – €985 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The deposit equals one month’s rent (€985, which matches the upper end of the price range — a common practice in Spain). The minimum lease is 4 months, so it suits semester‑length stays or a full academic year if you extend.
For context, the overall Barcelona student‑housing market has a city from‑price of €250 per month (for a very basic shared room or a spot in a larger apartment). That figure is based on aggregated listings across all property types. Diagonal 1’s starting price of €580 is more than double that baseline, which reflects its prime location in L’Eixample, included bills, and the branding of the operator.
Is €580 competitive? In central Barcelona, a private room in a shared apartment typically costs €400–€700, and a studio can go for €700–€1,100. Diagonal 1’s non‑ensuite units at the lower end (€580) are on the affordable side for a professional managed residence in the centre. The upper end (€985) is more in line with a studio or a high‑end co‑living room. The “bills included” tag (confirmed in the listing) covers utilities and Wi‑Fi, so you won’t have separate gas/electricity bills — a clear cost advantage.
What Residents Say
The property has a Google rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 6,269 reviews. These reviews are left by hotel guests who stayed at the building’s hotel section; the student housing may operate in the same or adjacent floors. We quote three examples verbatim:
Gareth Spencer (4/5): “I stayed at Hotel Barcelona Princess for a few days while working nearby, and one of the biggest advantages was definitely the location, really convenient and only about 25–30 minutes from the airport, which made travelling easy. The hotel itself was lovely, with great views depending on your room, either over the city.”
Tali (3/5): “A bit of a confusing one. This hotel sits somewhere between standard and upscale and doesn’t fully commit to either. On one hand, the facilities are genuinely great. Two heated pools, gym, sauna and overall a really nice setup if you want somewhere comfortable to stay and relax. The room itself was fine. It was too hot.”
Paul Parent (5/5): “During our stay at Hotel Barcelona Princess, (June 26) we were impressed by the modern design, comfortable rooms, and spectacular views over the Mediterranean and the Barcelona skyline. The hotel’s location is excellent, close to the beach, public transportation, and the city’s convention center, making it a convenient…”
Common themes: location is highly praised; the pool and gym (if accessible to housing residents — check with the operator) are attractive; room temperature control was an issue for one guest. Note that the reviews are about the hotel experience, not the student units, but they indicate the building’s overall quality and management.
Who This Residence Suits and Who Might Look Elsewhere
Suits:
- Students who want to live in a central, well‑connected area with easy access to multiple universities (UB, UPF, UPC).
- Those who prefer a managed accommodation with bills included and standard amenities (laundry, Wi‑Fi) — no need to set up contracts with utilities.
- Short‑term tenants (minimum 4 months) who need a flexible lease without a full‑year commitment.
- People who value having a gym, pool, and possibly a common area on site (if the student housing shares the hotel’s facilities — verify before booking).
Might look elsewhere:
- Budget‑conscious students: the starting price of €580 per month is above the city baseline. If you can tolerate a longer commute or a shared room in a more distant neighbourhood, you could find rooms for €300–€400.
- Those who need a private bathroom: the non‑ensuite option involves sharing. If a private ensuite is essential, the branded independent house type at the higher end may be the only choice, which pushes the rent up.
- Students who prioritise quiet study spaces: L’Eixample is central and can be noisy at night. Reviews mention “too hot” and a general busy atmosphere — light sleepers might struggle.
- Longer‑term renters (>1 year): the 4‑month minimum is short, but extending may be possible — however, central managed residences often have higher turnover and less stability.
Booking Timing and Practical Tips
- Availability: The listing shows a “not_available” tag as of the data snapshot (2026‑07). This means the property may have limited or no current vacancies. Check with the operator for the exact move‑in dates.
- Best booking window: For a September start (common academic year), Barcelona student housing fills up by May–June. Diagonal 1, being a managed residence, may release rooms on a rolling basis. If you are targeting a semester starting in February, book at least 2–3 months in advance.
- Deposit: €985 — one month’s rent. Ensure you have this ready at the time of reservation. Some operators accept credit cards; others require bank transfer.
- What to confirm:
- Are the hotel facilities (pool, gym, sauna) accessible to housing residents? The listing tags indicate laundry and Wi‑Fi are included, but pool/gym are not explicitly listed.
- Is the non‑ensuite room separate from the hotel guest floors? Security and quiet hours may differ.
- Lease terms: minimum 4 months, but what is the notice period for leaving early? Are there extension options?
FAQ
H3: Is the rent really all‑inclusive?
The tags specifically list “bills_included” and “Wi‑fi”. This typically means electricity, water, gas, and internet are covered in the monthly rent. However, you should confirm with the operator whether there are any caps on usage (e.g., a monthly limit on electricity or Wi‑Fi speed). The deposit (€985) is separate and refundable subject to the condition of the room.
H3: Can I move in with a friend and share a room?
Based on the room types listed (non‑ensuite, branded independent house), these are likely individual rooms in a shared apartment or individual studios. Sharing a single room (e.g., two people in one unit) is usually not allowed unless the operator explicitly offers a double occupancy option. Ask the operator if they allow a couple or friends to share the same room and whether the rent changes.
H3: How far is it from the University of Barcelona and Universitat Pompeu Fabra?
From the address (386, L’Eixample), the University of Barcelona’s main building on Plaça de la Universitat is about 2 km away — a 25‑minute walk or 10‑minute metro ride on line L1 or L3. Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s Ciutadella campus is 2.5 km — 15 minutes by metro (L4) or 30 minutes on foot. Both are easily reachable without a transfer.
Sources & Data Date
This article uses data from the listing “Diagonal 1” on AmberStudent (source: amber) as of July 2026. Price, availability, and reviews are indicative and may have changed since publication. For the most current information, please consult the operator directly.
For live vacancy information and to confirm the exact room configuration, you can speak with an on‑site assistant through the platform’s chat or booking tool.
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