In a pinch - off to Lisbon in early July - would like to hear advice/recommendations in finding
a mid-range hotel preferably, but not necessarily, near the old city center - quiet, near neighborhoods, eateries...we don't need high-end accomodations or fixtures or amenities...
thank you for any ideas

Define mid-range. I stayed at the Residential Florescente, but you might consider it low-end. It's in the center and near a great many places to eat. Click on my name for my Lisbon TR.

Under the Search The Forums type in Lisbon Hotel and you will get many posts about this subject.
As thursdaysd says, what is the price you want to spend. Last August we stayed in Brown's Luxury Apartments which are high end studio apartments for E95 per night. Perfect location.

P.S. Make sure you get air conditioning in July.

Last October we stayed at the Sana Lisboa. It's a business-type hotel, but very nice and excellent location.

http://www.sanahotels.com/gca/index.php?id=42

The Trip Advisor reviews are very good, too.

(And there is an ice machine on every floor! Some of our little group were delighted with this feature.)

Byrd

I can recommend the VIP Eden, where we stayed a few months ago. Great central location, all rooms have a small kitchenette, and there is a swimming pool on the roof.

I would say you can look around Booking.com website. They have cool promotions at the moment.

I can suggest "As Janelas Verdes": http://www.heritage.pt
(perhaps if you book through booking you get a better price)

Another option if you thinking to cook might be rent an apartment. In this case an option might be http://www.travelingtolisbon.com

Boskorama, by the way: I do not know a lot of hotels around. I am Portuguese, so usualy I do not stay in hotels, but I know Lisbon and can advise you regarding the location!

I stayed at the Zenit Lisboa last November. It was great. If you get a room at the back ask for a room change. Easy subway ride or 20 min walk to main tourist attractions. Nice area of Lisbon. Lots of cafes close by. Close to Gulbenkein museum.

I just booked Marques De Pombal Hotel for a fall trip. It gets great reviews on tripadvisor, is very reasonably priced, and seems to be in a very good location (based on what I read). I booked through their website. Any feedback from Lisbon experts would be appreciated as well.