TMOliver

I wouldn't be surprised to see an internet special for the Avenida Palace (certainly 3 stars in my book) for 100 Euros or a bit more. Your price range ought to include some pretty fancy (but little more comfortable and convenient) choices. Hotels on the Ramblas tend to add a bit of a premium for location and come with noise, warts and other diminishing characteristics. This is one of those times in which TripAdvisor, shills, puffery and mean-spirited reviews included, can be your friend.

Especially with a visit of several days, the "Hop-on, Hop-off" buses in Barcelona are (a) a relative bargain and (b) an ideal "first day" choice to evaluate sights for followup visits.