We will probably do mostly walking, but it wouldn't hurt to be near the Metro. We will be there for both daytime and evening. We want to visit musems, architurce, and shop. Moderate is under $200.
Have you heard anything (good or bad) about the hotels that Disney is helping people book with? Thanks for all the help.
*** Edited to correct the name of the hotel in the Gothic Quarter. All is fixed now! ***
DCL Hotels - $$$$$$ (as in sticker shock). The good news - if you want to book excursions they pick you up at the hotel. You can also book DCL transfers from their hotel to the port. Anywhere else you are on your own since DCL only offers airport transfers to the rest of us! The hotels they chose are generally of high quality but they are not in the tourist area from what I remember the last time I looked. I think AC Barcelona is one of their choices. It's going for 125 Euro/night right now on the Barcelona website. I think DCL charged about twice that.
If you're new to Europe, booking is a bit different. Double means two people, not necessarily two beds or a double bed. The bedding will vary (it might be two twins or one queen for example). You'll need to look at the description. I like barcelona.com for showing the hotels with pictures and room descriptions. They also have user ratings which can be very helpful when choosing.
Here are some choices. I've also included the Las Ramblas hotel. This hotel is now going for well over the $175 booked by the group.
Petit Palace Opera Garden Ramblas is running about 165 Euros which is a bit over your budget, but it's right next to the La Boqueria Market, the biggest market around! It's also closer to the main shopping district which is in L'Eixample (north of the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas). It gets a 7.3. I included it because it is one of the few hotels that has triple rooms if you have more people.
NH Duc de la Victoria is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter between the cathedral (the gothic quarter one, not La Sagrada Familia) and Las Ramblas. The price is decent and it has excellent reviews (average 8.2). It's 140 euros (< $200). Another review
here.
The
Ambassador hotel is relatively inexpensive located about two blocks from Las Ramblas. It's only 10 years old, so the hotel doesn't have as much "atmosphere" as some of the older sites, but the price break might be worth it. It is 154 euros and gets a 7.4.
For a two-star, less expensive alternative. Try
Hostal Mare Nostrum. It's right by the Metro and is a budget-conscious choice (relatively speaking - it's still $100/night). It gets a 7.1 at 75 euros.
Husa Oriente is just a tad over your budget at $160 euros but you might be able to shop around for a cheaper amount. It's right next to the Metro. It gets a 7.1.
Here is the
Ramblas Hotel where the others are staying. It's at 166 euros. It's just a bit south of Plaza Real which has tons of restaurants and partying opportunities. It gets a 7.3
There are more economical options if you stay in L'Eixample which is a more up-to-date area north of the Gothic Quarter. It begins at Playa Catalunya (the north end of Las Ramblas). It is further from the port though (Las Ramblas is about a mile long).
I hope these help at least give you some idea of where to go. Prices aren't actually all that bad even though they may seem it!
If you have to stick to your budget, I would recommend the NH Duc de la Victoria. If you have a bit more to spend, I'd consider staying with the others in the Ramblas Hotel. It's nearer the port (further south) but it's not actually in the Gothic Quarter, so it's not as "steamy" at night.
Another note - rooms are not truly "soundproof" no matter what they say. If you do stay on Las Ramblas and are a go-to-bed early type, ask for a quiet room. It won't face Las Ramblas, but you'll get a better night's sleep.
Whew! And that's all the free advice I have for this morning!
Sweet Sue
*** Edited to add additional review for NH Duc de la Victoria ***
Oh and Peter, this is where you are at too 
at the flights that went into Heathrow and then next leg went out of Gatwick. 
and have not had much of a chance to log on here... I did not mean to ignore amyone... 
