We will be returning a car to Sants Railway one evening in July, then flying out to US at 10 AM next morning. Please recommend lodging near airport with a comfortable bed and quiet and clean. Ideally, we could get to the hotel by train from Sants and then shuttle to the airport the next morning with the hotel airport shuttle. I know Sants area is not too far to travel the next morning, but I would be more comfortable to stay near airport prior to Intl travel and we must be there by 8 AM. This is our last night in Spain, and I hope to find a comfortable quiet room. And I want it to be in line with the other fantastic accommodations we have arranged. Thank you for your thoughts and recommendations.

There's nothing near the airport that I can recommend, and no advantage. You're a quick taxi ride from the airport if you stay in the center of the city where you can actually enjoy your last night in Spain.

Robert, Thank you for your input. I see the AYRE HOTEL GRAN VIA is available, would you recommend that?
What about the Barceló Sants?
Any other recommendations near Sants Estacio?

We are doing the exact same thing in June and I read TA threads that said it doesn't save much time to stay at the airport since you have to allow time for the shuttle in the morning. I did check TA for hotels near Placa de Espanya where I was advised it's an easy straight shot to the airport (and not far from Sants) as well as the hotel next to Sants but we ultimately decided to stay in Barcelona so we can enjoy the afternoon and evening in the city. If we were dropping the rental car in the evening might have just stayed by Sants.

I would stay near the Plaza Espana or Plaza Catalunya. You can catch the Aerobus to the airport and it takes only about 30min or so.

barcelo´sants is fine.

Where you stay would depend on your budget, but I would go with what lincasanova recommends.

If you are dropping the car at Sants, Barcelo Sants is a good choice. It is on top of the station, so in the morning you can go down and hop on the airport train.

..or bus