Although it is an increasingly popular tourist destination Barcelona is very much a working city. Room prices tend to fluctuate as congresses and exhibitions come and go, and weekends in general are busy throughout the year. The busiest months are March to May and September to October, when booking well in advance is strongly advised.

The airport is situated 14km from the city centre and the large hotels that cluster around this area can be attractive propositions, especially if arriving late into the city, but give you less of a true impression of the city.

An obviously convenient area to stay for tourists is anywhere along Las Ramblas. The tree-lined streets and lively buskers create a delightful ambience that gives an immediate flavour of the city to recently arrived visitors. Naturally rooms along here are at a premium and you might have to settle for something just off the main thoroughfare. Be aware that Las Ramblas itself remains lively all night, and if you need something quieter you should look elsewhere. There are plenty of private hotels in the narrow streets and secluded squares of the old town.

The Eixample district is a bit less central but is the location of the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famously unfinished cathedral, as well as Casa Mila, the distinctive town house designed by the artist. Hotels here are more reasonably priced than those on Las Ramblas, and include the Apsis Aranea, an unremarkable corner building from the outside but which inside offers comfortable, modern designed accommodation and well within walking distance of the Eixample's bars, restaurants and other attractions. Not too far away, and still in the Eixample district, the Amister is a slightly more upmarket option - and again offers cool, contemporary accommodation within striking distance of the city's most historical attractions.

Over in the Olympic Village, along the coast to the East, you'll find good quality hotels including the modern Arts Ritz Carlton, which overlooks the Marina development, including a fabulous view of Frank Gehry's metal fish sculpture from the hotel poolside. Further back from the coastal strip but still in the heart of the arty development of the Villa Olimpico district is the H10 Marina. Not as sumptuous as the Ritz Carlton it also comes with a bit more affordable price tag.