Coming to Barcelona the middle of April to celebrate with my husband of 40, yes, forty years!! I think from the reading I have done that Eixample district sounds nice. Is the right side or left side preferable?
We are looking for a hotel that is within $350 to $500 USD and not too stuffy. A hotel with breakfast and a restaurant on premises or restaurants in the area would be nice. We like to walk to La Rambla so do not want to be too, too far away and do not want to have to rely on subway or taxis all day to get back to the hotel. We do not want an apartment so will save time for those of you who like apartments. This is a vacation--I don't cook or do dishes, lol.
Thank you for your consideration and recommendations.

Take a look at the Hotel Alma Barcelona (www.almabarcelona.com) the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona (www.hotelmajestic.es) and the Hotel 1898 (www.hotel1898.com). They should fit what you are looking for in a great hotel experience.

Thank you Robert 2533

If you have not booked yet try http://www.hoteldirect.co.uk/barcelona/ for cheaper prices.

Possibly 1/2 price.

Giving you more money to spend on enjoying your trip.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, and enjoy many more anniversaries.

Hotel Alma looks very nice. How long of a walk would it be to say La Bocqueria? This hotel seems a bit further North than others but is it away from the major attraction of Barcelona? Thank you for your help.

The Alma is very nice! It will probably take you a little over 20 minutes to reach La Bocqueria, not a bad hike on a sunny day.

Alma is minutes to beautiful Passeig de Gracia and a couple of important Gaudi buildings.

La Rambla is touristy, crowded and not particularly interesting IMO:
KFC , McDonalds, street performers, cheesy tourist shops , pickpockets , etc.

Rambla de Catalunya , parallel to P de G. is lovely ,as are number of streets
nearby.

I have booked the Alma and am very excited to see Barcelona. We love to walk around the town but coming back to the Alma will be very nice.
Thank you everyone for helping me make this decision.

We stay away from La Rambla and recommend Passieg de Gracia as an alternative.

It's a little difficult visiting La Bocqueria if you don't walk down La Rambla.

Returning to Barcelona after 42 years---my college friends and I camped somewhere and drank a lot of wine and danced with some sailors, I think probably all over La Rambla. We were the ones that kept everyone awake. Some 42 years later, I cannot wait to go back and revisit this wonderful place. But, I won't camp on a beach---I'll sleep well in a quiet place. Can't wait to go back!!!!

You should enjoy it!