Staying near Barcelona Sants after a TGV ride from Paris

I can't offer lodging help in the area around Sants. I wouldn't choose to stay there myself. I prefer to be closer to Pl. Catalunya. I also don't know about views from the train.

You'll find that the streets in Barcelona are lively until well after midnight. People tend not to sit down to dinner until 10 PM or later.

We will all urge you not to travel with a lot of luggage, because you'll have to manage getting it on and off trains by yourself. If you do have large or heavy bags, you must verify that your hotel has an elevator and that it will get you all the way to your room. Hotels in historic buildings and in mixed-use buildings sometimes leave you with a flight of stairs to negotiate even though there is an elevator on the premises.

For such a late arrival, and with two people to share the cost, I'd suggest a taxi from the station. It's not a safety issue except that folks with a lot of luggage are easier marks for pickpockets, and Barcelona has some of the world's best. There should be signs inside the station directing you to the door closest to the official taxi stand.

Firstly, 20:34 is not late at all in Spain, where everything happens a bit later.
Secondly, the ride is not enjoyed as particularly scenic, especially at high speed.
Thirdly, I wouldn't stay near Sants, as it's a slightly grimy area.

Look at these hotels...
•Corner
•Midmost
•Europark
•Ambit
•Catalonia Born
•Musik Boutique

I reaffirm:

8:34 is not late by any standards, shops close between 8:30 and 9, and shopping malls at 10 so there's going to be plenty of people around. Besides, other than being aware of pickpockets, the city is very safe.

While I don't share David's view about the "grimness" of that neighbourhood, in fact, there are very nice bits to get lost in, such as the area around Plaça d'Osca or Carrer de Sants -the longest street for shopping in Europe-, for example, I also think that being your first time you might want to be a bit closer to the centre. Not that for sure you won't visit other areas during your stay, including this one (since the city has "things" worth visiting in most districts), but I can understand the allure of being in the Ciutat Vella (Old City) or in l'Eixample districts.

Sorry for not recommending hotels, since I don't have any use for them living here I'm not really in the loop.

We stayed at Gran Torre Catalunya on our 2nd visit to Barcelona, just across the street from Sants station. The views at breakfast overlook the city are lovely. Our room faced Montjuic & the sea. The area is safe, clean, 10 minute walk to Placa Espania & the fountains. Cabs to centre were under €10.

Does TVG have a luggage weight limit? Spain's Renfe trains do. Check for that for luggage considerations. I saw a metro map for Barcelona with details on stations as far as whether it was accessible, had elevators, etc. It even included skull and crossbones for those stops that were not 'travelling with luggage' friendly. Sorry I can't find it on this device, but Sants was a 'friendly' station. I am sure you can find the same map with a little google searching,
I am arriving shortly after you and renting a short let apartment closer to Sagrada Familia, so can't provide lodging recommendations. I tend to prefer to centre myself where I will be doing most of my sightseeing. For me it is all about the Modernista aspect of Barcelona...even if it is my first visit. It is also my last city on a three week trip, so being in the middle of things is not my need.
Placing yourself strategically near train or metro is a good idea, I think, but also close to where you want to spend your days.

I was gonna suggest Gran Hotel Catalunya based on having walked by it two weeks ago, but you have a recommendation from someone who stayed there which is much better. As areas around train stations go, the area around Sants is not bad though I have not stayed there. I prefer Barceloneta and the Gothic Quarter. As others have said, 20:34 is not late in Spain -- goodness me, they don't start eating dinner until 21:00. As to the view, there are nice spots but I would not plan my trip around seeing those particular views.

I stayed at NH Hotel Barcelona Sants 10 months ago, a pleasant mid-range hotel with business services, reflecting the policy of the NH chain. You should note that there are two other branches of the chain in the area, with similar names. Google Maps will show them to you if you first search for the train station.
Other posts reflect my own view that it is just an ordinary neighbourhood with no outstanding attractions, but pleasant enough for strolling. The nearest Metro station from where I stayed was four or five blocks away.
Spain is wide awake late at night. Dinner service in many restaurants is just getting started at 9 p.m. However I would take a taxi from the train station to the hotel, especially if you insist on weighing yourself down with luggage (which, as pointed out, will be a real burden on the train.) And yes, you will get a better deal as well as reducing stress by booking ahead. The same is true of booking a hotel: Nothing is to be gained by waiting.
The train ride from Paris Lyon station is comfortable and interesting enough if not spectacularly scenic. The mid-morning service I took was 20 double-decker cars long, and full, so space for bags was at a premium.
The Lyon station in Paris is a little tricky. It has a main hall and then auxiliary halls to the left. That's where you go to find the train. It generally does not open for passengers until 20 minutes before departure, which causes a rush of customers aware of the shortage of luggage storage. But your seat is guaranteed with your advance reservation.

"The Lyon station in Paris is a little tricky. It has a main hall and then auxiliary halls to the left. That's where you go to find the train. "
I find this statement a little bit confusing. It suggests to me that you find the train in the auxiliary halls and I do not think that is correct. There are two halls: Hall 1 and Hall 2 for trains but I would not say that the trains are found in the auxiliary hall. In fact every TGV that I have ever taken from Gare de Lyon and maybe I have just been lucky has left from a Voie identified by a letter in Hall 1. Take a look at http://parisbytrain.com/gare-de-lyon-photos/ for information on station layout and how to find your trains and https://www.gares-sncf.com/sites/default/files/field_plan_files/2017-06/pg-pgl_hall1et2_orientation_a.compressed.pdf for a map of the station.

I have taken the train between Paris and Barcelona a few times and for some reason the train to Barcelona is always really crowded and luggage storage can be a problem but the train back to Paris has always been empty. I did the trip to Barcelona on the first train of the morning earlier this month and the train was packed. Coming back three days later, I took the train that arrives in Paris at around 10 PM and there were 5 people, including my family of four, in the train car for the entire ride. Be careful of pickpockets and scammers at Gare de Lyon. I arrived 60 minutes early for my trip this month because I was worried about traffic and, of course, there was none. So I passed the time watching pickpockets, their boss, and scam artists attempting to ply their trades and one SNCF security guard trying to chase them away. My favorite part was when one man who was trying to scam people told off the guard and accused the guard of picking on him. The guard listened to entire thing without interrupting and responded with the most perfect Gallic shrug and pointed to the door. Ten minutes later I saw our guy again in the terminal.

While the area around Sants is not where i normally stay, we are coming just for a game and will stay at Barcelo Sants. Website indicates direct access from train station.

Hi everyone! Woah thanks for your advice! I will take a cab from Barcelona Sants station to our hotel - which I will book soon based on your accommodation. And I have booked the train tickets on upper deck! =)

And the advice for checking in at Lyon station is so appreciated. Looks like we have to be there early to figure out how to check in!