Please can anyone give us a few ideas on where to stay in Barcelona (10 of us are planning to go there for a long birthday weekend in mid December) with such alot of us going we want to ensure we get to stay in the right place - i.e is it best to stay in the centre or on the outskirts - any answers would be greatly appreciated, many thanks in anticipation!!
Stay central, the Barri Gotic and surrounding area is great, all the way towards the Port Olympic, I would stear clear of the area know as El Ravel, it on the right going down La Rambla towards the sea and is the red light area and can be a bit shaddy. A good hotel to use that is in a great location is the Hotel Gotico, if you contact direct for a price its www.gargallohotels.es
When I was there earlier this year a group of us (7) stayed at the Hotel Monegal which is situated opposite the Place De La Catalunya at the top of La Ramblas. I would definintely stay there again. http://www.hotel-barcelona.com/monegal.html
We stayed right in the centre on 'Las Ramblas' . The hotel was called The Hotel Royal. See www.hroyal.com. Nice clean rooms, lovely bathroom. In the centre of everything which was great for us. Loads to do in the old market and loads of entertainment on the street. Underground is on Las Ramblas as well so easy to travel places. Nice breakfast included and there's a bar/grill/restaurant attached to the hotel.