Hi. Boyfriend and I will be arriving mid-late Feb 2009 into Barcelona.we will probably stay 3 days in Barcelona before moving on. should we book room now(ahead of time?) or looking for one @ arrival?looking for modest economical (non "bunk bed hostel" type) room. nothing fancy, just bed/bath. suggestions? thanks!

I would recommend you re-post this with a more descriptive title like

Advice on Barcelona Accommodations or something so Barcelona experts will not pass over it as they may with such a generic title.

thanks for the tip

As you say you'll "probably" spend three days there, perhaps you either should wait until your plans are firm or just play it by ear upon arrival. Since Feb. is not high season, you probably could wait till you get there and check at the tourist office for help in finding an inexpensive place. While I haven't done that in BCN, I did in Paris and the tourist office folks found us a nice hostel even during a busy tourist season.

I agree with flsd: February it should be pretty easy to 'pick & choose.'
There are 'Student' Hostels and 'Tourist' Hostels. The latter might call themselves Hostels because they don't meet a 3* Hotel prerequisite (Elevator or A/C or a full service restaurant), but most have double-bedded rooms that are very satisfactory and many include a Continental Breakfast in their room rate. Location should be your main concern.

Sorry, I can't recommend one: I stayed with a cousin on Pi y Maragal my last 2-visits to Barcelona.