accomodation in barcelona

Can anyone recommend a good place to stay in central Barcelona,preferably within walking distance of Las Ramblas? We will be there in early August, arriving by train. We would like something with a bit of character ,but do not particularly want luxury! Four of us- my husband and myself and two teenagers for one night.
Thanks a lot.

Hostal Marenostrum (web: http://www.hostalmarenostrum.com</a>) is located on the Rambla, just across from the LICEU metro station on the Rambla, next to the MIRO circular painting on the Rambla. It's also next to the Boquería Market. I spent a few nights here and found it just fine and the prices were good too. I wouldn't say it rates HIGH on the "lodging with character" scale but the rooms are clean, modern, and very hotel-like. My room had a balcony with a few of Las Ramblas.

Saludos, MadridMan/BarcelonaMan

Typo correction: "My room had a balcony with a VIEW of Las Ramblas." (Sorry about that.)

Are you looking for one room for four people, or two seperate rooms - one double and one twin?

www.hotelturin.com</a> is very close to the Ramblas in a side street off the Ramblas, only a few minutes walk from Catalunya Square, where there is a metro, the open topped buses leave from there, and the airport buses go from there. It has not got a lot in the way of character, but each room has a large balcony and it is clean and functional. I don't know if they do family rooms though. I stayed in a twin.

I have heard very good reports from friends about Hostal Opera - by the opera house on Las Ramblas and again very close. It is a lot more basic than Turin, but much cheaper and in an old building. Friends of mine have stayed twice. Try a websearch for it.

I also stayed at Hotel Espana. It certainly has a very historic reception area and murals and an attractive restaurant, but the rooms are very basic and it is noisy if there is a schoolgroup in. I wouldn't stay there again, but since your travelling with teens, they would love it as the place was full of teenagers running riot all night every night.

Look online for apartment, they are unbelievable cheaper than most hotels!

I found one on barcelonacheckin.com

samelley: most apartments are "unbelievable cheaper" as they are semi-legal (or totally obscure) business, not paying most or any taxes.
This would not mean they give bad service at all, and probably these are the best option for a family of 4, but normally they only accept longer stays (ie. 3 days minimum)

skeeterlvp: I personally would avoid Las Ramblas, but I'm afraid is something that only we local people say. Why to stay at or nearly the noisest and more pickpocket-crowded part of the city??... beacuse it's famous, of course. OK, each at his own. I would look for a place in Eixample or El Born instead, much nicer IMO. I'm sorry I can't give you any names, just my 2 cents. I do live in Barcelona so never used hotels here except than for business meetings (so not on the cheap side)