Where you stay when planning a trip is one of the major decisions to be made if you want to have an enjoyable and stress-free holiday. Whether you have lots of money and can afford a 4 star hotel, or are on a tight budget and looking for something more basic you will still want to be located somewhere central to the attractions and sights of the city, and cleanliness and friendly staff are just as important.

Before you book a break try and find out as much about the area as you can - where is the hotel located, what attractions are nearby, and what facilities are included are standard questions, most hotels these days have their own website or will be featured on accommodation booking sites where you can find lots of information and options. Find out more by checking out reviews on travel networking sites and getting first-hand information from people who may have already stayed there and can give you the real facts.

Barcelona is a city that still attracts thousands every week and its popularity continues to grow, even though the economy is supposed to be making people stay at home and save the pennies. Although you can easily pay a fortune for luxury there are still plenty of places to be found that offer reasonable prices and are comfortable and clean. Search around and you can still find a bargain, however most travellers tend to book hotels and apartments in the mid-price range as they are guaranteed to be central, modern and affordable.

Boutique b&b's are becoming more popular around the city as they are generally bright and airy with en-suite bathrooms and mod cons, such as internet access and TV's in the rooms. For those on a budget then lodging can be found in older buildings that, although may have more character, might be lacking in cleanliness and facilities. Parents travelling with a young family might make the decision to rent an apartment for their trip as prices are more reasonable and they prefer the homely atmosphere it can provide. Take a holiday in the heart of the city and you'll be booking your return very soon!

Barcelona is busy most of the year around but particularly on weekends as many arrive here for the clubbing venues, and it's also popular for stag and hen nights. Also known as a conference centre the business and mid-range hotels get booked up very quickly so it's best to call ahead, particularly if you're not travelling alone. The last thing you want is to be wandering the streets of Barcelona with bags and kids searching for quality accommodation, you'll either end up staying somewhere inconvenient and of a low standard or paying over the odds.

La Rambla is central to many of the city's sights and entertainment, however it is also very touristy so can be noisy and crowded. There are a wealth of places to stay here but be prepared to pay higher prices. The Gothic Quarter is slightly cheaper and just as central but a little quieter, buildings are older here though so may not be up to the standard you want.

Born and Sant Pere have seen an influx of accommodation in recent years and the areas themselves offer a medieval architecture with lots of restaurants, bars and boutiques to explore. They are not as touristy as La Rambla and are ideal for families, independent people who like to travel, young or old lovers and groups of friends. Raval is another trendy location just on the edge of the Gothic Quarter and has its own selection of hip places to eat and drink with a multi-cultural atmosphere making it stand out from other districts in the city.

More hotels are now being built along the waterfront in the areas of Barceloneta and the Ports, giving visitors much more choice of places to stay. Business travellers generally tend to stay here as prices are good and they are convenient for the business areas of the city, this means that prices are lower at weekends and holidays for tourists.

Eixample is an upmarket district with hotels located in its broad avenues, a fashionable place it can be pricey although if you look you can still find budget accommodation in the Modernista buildings. Last but not least is Gracia, off the beaten track but popular for its peacefulness, tree-lined avenues and narrow streets. Apartments for rent can be found online and booked very easily, the choice is wide and prices are reasonable.