barcelona- Where to stay?

We rented an apartment in Barcelona and it was lovely, almost the whole thing was brand new and location a quarter block off Las Ramblas. That said, it was the worst for sleeping as there must have been several nightclubs across the street and people were carrying on until 3 to 4AM. I wish I could remember where it was to give you advice so you won't stay there but I think other places further away from Las Ramblas would possibly be quieter.

"Dreta de l'Eixample" ("Right Eixample") is where you want to stay - to the "right" of the Paseig de Gracia. It's closest to the Gothic/Tourist center without being over-run with tourists or having to be concerned with safety. This is a residential neighborhood full of beautiful buildings with incredibly decorative ornamentation both inside and out. You'll love it. I've stayed both in the "Dreta de l'Eixample" as well as the l'Esquerra de l'Eixample ("Left Eixample", left of the Paseig de Gracia) and prefer the former although the latter is pretty nice, too. I've also stayed in the Gothic Quarter and have visited El Born often as well as area around the Plaça De La Vila De Gràcia. The latter is a bit too far up, in my opinion, further away from the Gothic Quarter, but a nice, quieter out-of-the-way area, too. The Gothic Quarter is stunning, but can be a bit touristy by day and questionable (safety) at night - unless you have the numbers. El Born is pretty nice too, next to the Gothic Quarter, but still with a noticeable concentration of tourists milling about. You can't miss with the Eixample neighborhood. Love that area. Saludos, BarcelonaMan @ you-know-where!