Hi there,
I am interested to hear your thoughts and opinions about a hotel in a central location. We like comfortable and clean accommodation.
Thanks
Donna

Hi Donna
My wife and I stayed at the Duques de Bergera in June 2004.
The location was perfect as it is two minutes from the La Ramla and spitting distance of Placa de Catalunya.
Don't be put off by the gloomy entrance to the hotel, everything else was fine.
Ron

I think you'll find there are plenty of modern hotels in Barcelona but the "controversy" amongst some is where (what part of the city) to be in. Some people wouldn't be caught dead near La Ramblas (where there is a LeMeridien currently undergoing renovation) and others prefer to stay in the Eixample neighborhood. One of the most "moderne" hotels is the Eurostars Grand Marina but it is located out on the water (great views) and some say too FAR from the "action" and ditto with the Hotel Arts.

You might want to look at reviews on the Fodors.com site as well as TripAdvisor to give you some sense of where you might want to be located.

We stayed last time at the Hotel Condes de Barcelona right on Passeig de Gràcia half a block from Casa Batlló and more or less across the street from La Pedrera. The Rambla and department stores are maybe a 10-15 min. walk, the Metro stops fifty yards away, lots of great shops and cafes easily walkable. (Bring plenty of money for the shops.)

The hotel has been nicely modernized - hardwood floors, new beds, good restaurant, friendly folks. Highly recommended.

http://www.condesdebarcelona.com

The Suizo is a modern (in a beautiful traditional building), comfortable 3-star hotel right in the middle of the Gothic Quarter, right on Placa Jaume with the Jaume I metro station at its door. You can walk just about everywhere - Barceloneta, harbor, Ramblas, Placa Catalunya etc. The Eixample and La Sagrada Familia are also walkable, or a short Metro ride away.

Thanks everyone for your help.
I will check out the hotels mentioned.
Donna