Barcelona - where to stay?

Not exactly Barcelona, but we had a good holiday in Sitges which is a small town near Barcelona, it's only half an hour on an efficient train into the centre. It's a pretty little town with beaches and marina and lots of good restaurants.

I've been to Barcelona many times. Hotels, you "you pays your money, you takes your choice" Be prepared for queues at tourist sites. Tour buses are good value.
One thing you must be careful of, is pickpockets, particularly on public transport. All ways have a shoulder bag worn across your front. Enjoy.

Thanks for the tip about Sitges Saxi, we did think of actually doing a two weeker in a resort close by and going into Barcelona every few days and relaxing/recovering in a resort.
Petra, thanks for your tip about pick pockets, I am always on my guard, as for 'you takes your choice' it was recommendations I was after as I know there are loads available. I just thought someone might have stayed somewhere they thought was wonderful and would recommend it.

We went to Barcelona this year. Stayed in a small hotel just off the Ramblas. Good central location. We thought it was ideal.

I have had two mid week breaks in Barcelona, and stayed both times on Las Ramblas. This is pretty central and the tour buses are a 10 minute walk. I would recommend the city tour and also a lovely beach is about 30 minutes on a bus. Both hotels I stayed in were of a good standard.

You'll have a lovely time. We booked a flat in the old quarter, just minutes from the Ramblas. It is known as the gothic quarter. It was better than a small hotel room and meant we could prepare snacks etc. rather than eating out all the time.

We've always stayed in Barri Gotic by the old gothic Cathedral. Twice at the H10 Hotel Pi and once at the Catalonia Catedral hotel. Both were excellent.

Oh I love it there. We used to go to a little café in that area each night. I seem to remember a lovely street market there one day. Mind you, we wanted to see those Gaudi chimneys that are so famous but, pre internet we couldn't find them Turned out they were just round the corner from our hotel. The one place I was disappointed with was the Gaudi Parc [Parc Guelle?], although the view from there was stunning. And we also couldn't find the Picasso gallery. Think we need to go back!

We stayed in a rather studenty place but we had a suite with a kitchen on the top floor. The taxi driver did not think it was safe and was very severe with us but I suppose we are both street wise- touch wood- there is a small army of children used as pickpockets on Las Ramblas . Cutting through a side street off las Ramblas we saw a man surrounded by young children with a pile of handbags and camera bags. We went round the corner very quickly. I thought Barceloneta looked nice to stay - lots of fish restaurants and a beach to walk on but a few minutes walk from the Barri Gotic as well. I think trip advisor is your friend .