I'm looking for a modest hotel near the center of Barcelona. Is the city easy to get around? I'm looking for something convenient since I don't speak Spanish well and it's my first time to Spain.

Hi Corrine, Just returned from Spain last month. We did not stay in the center, more in the newer city area, but found it very easy to get around on the Metro and busses. 1 1/2 blocks from our hotel was a bus stop that took us right down to La Ramba with no changes. We also used to Metro(underground) to get to the Picasso Museum. Public trans is very good. My Spanish consists of listening to tapes driving to work for 8 weeks prior to departure. Most hotel clerks, as least those on day shifts, speak enough English to get by. Carry a map of the city and a phrase book with you. We missed our stop once on the bus and ended up at the end terminal. We showed the driver our map and pointed to where we wanted to go and he had us sit back down and dropped us off right next to the hotel bypassing bus stops all of the way. I found the Spanish people to be very friendly and helpful even though we spoke different languages. <BR>Have a great trip. I can't wait to be on my way again. <BR>Art <BR>

Corrine, <BR>Try the Gran Via. It's an easy walk to both the Barrio and the Ramblas, has some atmosphere (older historic building), clean, around $100. <BR> <BR>Michele <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hi, my friend and I stayed at a lovely hotel right on La Rambla, called the Hotel Lleo. It was very nice, and very inexpensive. We could walk to the sea.

We just returned a few days ago and stayed at Meson Castilla in Barcelona. Lovely, good location, just off La Ramblas, quiet, excellent breakfast, for about $80-90 a night, I think (we pre-paid awhile ago). I would recommend it.