Barcelona Hotel Recommendation

[Mark.]

Hoping to book a short break to Barcelona for the end of the month, lots of the hotels that come up on websites seem to be out of town, so throwing it open to the floor for your tips.
Looking for 4/5* preferably, near the centre.

[Mark.]

Thanks chaps - keep 'em coming.

Al, knock over that link mate - I remember you mentioning it before

[Mark.]

Some more good calls there, cheers chaps.

Jiffle King, thanks for the insider info. Was thinking of getting a hire car to pick up at the airport - any reason I shouldn't? It works out cheaper if I use the right company than taxi/transfer for 3 of us.

[Mark.]

Glad I asked now

didn't get round to booking this weekend so still interesting reading.

[Mark.]

So booked last night, wife chose Hotel Torre Catalunya, not sure if it's the same as someone mentioned earlier, similar name. I think the Spa swung it for her.

Should be ok for a bit of Autumn sun, flying sleazyjet there though so that'll be an experience!

There for 3 nights from the 23rd.

Jiffle King,or others, any recommendations for meals out?

[Mark.]

The jiffle king said:

Are you in the Torre Catalyuna or the Gran Torre Catalunya? they are in different places.

As for restaurants, difficult to say, but I´ll consult the oracle (the secretary who has a list) and will try to come back. (Habaluc is good, Flamant was great, Fillete Russo for great bravas and posh burger - both on Enric Granados)

Went to a great tapas place on Saturday, will find out what it was called. I don´t recommend anything by Las Ramblas, not because they are poor (although many are) but they are aimed at tourists and watch out for your bag.

Cheers, we are in the Torre Catalyuna, seems nice enough.

Will note down the eateries, thanks. Will have to do a Tapas one at least once, wife love that.

[Mark.]

Dodgy taxi's, pick pockets, rip off restaurants.

Really glad I'm going now - cheers guys!

[Mark.]

Cheers Fubes but we are all booked in now. (Assuming your comment was directed at me).

[Mark.]

OK so just to wrap this one up.

Got back early hours this morning, Travel Republic called the hotel Torre Catalunya, it was the Gran hotel Torre Catalunya. Decent place right by main station.

Got 2 day tickets for the tourist bus which was well worth it (green route not used out of season) and used it like a long haul taxi, even managed to walk Las Ramblas without getting mugged, robbed, raped or buggered but not sure why we bothered because there is nothing along it of interest that I noticed.
Loved the Olympic areas, loved the friendly people, the food and drink very reasonable, some of the parks are great just to hang out and people watch in.
They don't like their cars it seems, best I saw was a Quatroporte in a garage next best was a Porker - think I'd enjoy taking one of the TVR's down there to show them what it's all about.

My favourite area is Barri Gotic, love those lanes.

JFK - you are a lucky bugger spending so much time there. Found myself thinking how I could do the same.

So thanks to everyone for input, now I've been I'm happy to give my view too - can't wait to visit again.