Excellent description from Cowboy!

On the first visit we stayed in Les Corts , a residential area near shopping mall L'illa, and
enjoyed it. ( we had 8 nights, like walking , speak Spanish)
Still, for the first time and a shorter stay I would recommend staying closer to Catalunya.
Last month I stayed in a friend's apt. off lower Ramblas ...never liked the location, but it was free.
Crowded and noisy
Barcelona is a big city with huge traffic. Perhaps staying on a high floor, facing the courtyard or something similar might help. Being away from the very center does not guarantee
noise free location.

P.s.
Not familiar with Waytostay...i. Post the links of the apt. you like for more comments.

Thanks cowboy and danon, very helpful! I will look at particular apartments and post as suggested.
Thanks again.

Mmmmm, have seen a few not so encouraging reviews of WayToStay on TA so unsure about going down that path now, back to the drawing board!

OK, now I am leaning toward 'ninot' after yk's recommendation

http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...view/ninot.htm

but have just seen this new one which looks like a great location?

http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ria-suites.htm

any thoughts please?

the second one is as central as you can get,but it is above a youth hostel(?????)....might be noisier than the apt. yk stayed in. Don't see what floor it is on.

ozgirl, I just posted a full review on the NINOT apartment on my original thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...omment-7365680

As danon said, the 2nd apt is definitely more central, but the comment about above a youth hostel would make me concern about noise at night. Also, how many people are in your party? The NINOT apt is 3BR/2BA with 1 king + 3 twin beds, so everybody gets a REAL bed to sleep on. The Lauria Suites is a 2BR/1BA with 2 double beds + 1 sofa bed. I think the Lauria Suites is okay if you're traveling with young children, but for 5 adults, the Ninot apt will be more comfortable.

Thanks yk, yes had read your report.
With regard to the youth hostel the reviewer that mentioned it said it was no problem...
The hostel that I found on that street (Sant Jordi) advertises for "youth, families and school groups"???
The apartment is on the 2nd floor.

yk, we only have 3 in our party so the ninot was always going to be spacious for us...lol (Having said that, it is cheaper than the lauria apartment .)
Still looking.....

Update from habitat-the hot water 'issue' with Ninot is being addressed and they have not had any complaints about the youth hostel with the Lauria location. I'm torn!