We are visting Barcelona twice.
Once for 2 nights before a cruise and then when the cruise returns we have a night there before we catch our flight home.
So probably would like to stay near a Metro, and also near the port area in the first two nights ( I want to visit the Aquarium, as well as go on a day trip to Montserrat . )
Secondly we could stay somewhere different but still handy to rail transport to the airport.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

We ended a cruise in Barcelona last May - we stayed Hotel Regencia Colon for 109E for a triple - I thought it was a deal. Location was very convenient for the old city, El Born, Las Ramblas and near Metro for other parts of the city. Room and bathroom good sized for a European hotel but a little street noise came in. Tripadvisor has alot of info on other hotels. Happy travels!

There is no doubt the best bargain and located hotel is the Hotel Continental on La Rambla..the subway is across the street as is a bus stop.. This hotel is very popular with cruisers and tourists alike (we have stayed there three times). there is a free 24 hour buffet which includes wine and beer, free internet service , funky decor (don't ask..lol), a wonderful staff and is family owned,. Many of our cruises have left from Barcelona and the "joke" is that we book our cruise, book the hotel (outside room with balcony) and our guide/driver. It is around the corner from the Gaudi Church and a block down from the famous market.. and of course the everchanging La Rambla. BTW heard the Aquarium was not that great.. and if your interested in a ride to Montserrat our driver, Auriello or his friend Michael will provide a great tour..For more info [email protected] Barcelona is a wonderful, wonderful city and I can't get enough of it.

Another possibility is the Monte Carlo....an excellent place to stay in my own experience and close to Placa Catalunya and no street noise from Las Ramblas

Thanks for your replies. I will now investigate the suggestions given.

The most popular neighborhoods are in a very compact area.
IMO, it is not really necessary to stay at a specific street corner to be in a good location.
You will want to take cab from the cruise port and the difference will be a 5min ride to a hotel very close to the port, and 7min to one in the Born district, or 10min to one in Eixample.
Since many sights are packed in a quite walkable central area, the Metro is not always the most convenient means of transport since buses are usually easier to catch for a short ride.

Parrotmom - just asking, how can a Barcelona hotel be near / on Las Ramblas and the Gaudi church, La Sagrada Familia? I went to the website - certainly interesting but did not really see a link to the location of the hotel (was looking for a map).

Carter2010 - probably the best way IMO into the city from the airport is a special bus that makes several stops and ends at the Plaza Catalunya. And probably a taxi to the ship - it will not be very expensive if you stay near the Old City or El Born. Be very very careful on the subway - lots of tricky tricky people trolling for tourists and their valuables.

Thanks again to all for above advise.

Suec1, Parrotmom seems to be confused about the location of Hotel Continental which seems to be located at the beginning of Rambla de Calaletes. (Sorry Parrotmom!) Sagrada Familia is away from that area. Even the Cathedral of Barcelona in the Bari Gotico is not really around the corner, though easy walking distance. BTW, it may not only be her who is confused. Even the hotel's site says :

"In Barcelona, on Ramblas, Hotel Continental Barcelona and Hotel Continental Palacete, next to Catalunya Square, facing Canaletas fountain. In the best shopping and business area. Right in the Gothic quarter. Next to Gaudi: Sagrada Familia. "

Really confused description. Even Palacete (which is in Eixample district) is not that close to Sagrada Familia.

Thanks Kappa1 - your post says what I was thinking - the Sagrada Familia is not particularly close to Las Ramblas - maybe they are referencing the Cathedral in Bari Gotico.