Originally Posted by
aztimm
Here's a quick summary of things we want to do in Barcelona:
* typical tourist stuff in city, walk La Rambla (carefully/safely), visit most of the Gaudi sites, other museums, etc.
* a day or so at the beach, weather permitting (here is where the del Mar location would help)
* some excursions out of town: Sitges, Park Guell, Montserrat, and possibly even a car rental to Andorra and other areas (other suggestions welcome)
If you do end up renting a car, you could consider staying at the Doubletree in Emporda. It is easy to visit Girona and nice towns along the Costa Brava (Cadaques, Begur, Pals). This is one of my favorites for weekends outside the city. I've enjoyed the junior suites I have been upgraded to as Gold with a balcony over the golf course.
Alternatively, the Doubletree La Mola has much lower rates than the city centre Hilton hotels and is convenient for Montserrat and the ring road. It also has a pool that isn't nearly as crowded as Diagonal Mar.