Earlier this year I stayed in the Hotel Monegal which is right at the top of La Ramblas. It is in a great location, though as it is VERY centrally located it can be a little noisy at night. It is not a 'posh' hotel, no swimming pool or bars but nice clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms. There are plenty of bars and restaurants within a few minutes walk, in fact there are some within a few seconds walk! If I was going to Barcelona again I would stay here again. BTW I'm in my mid 40's.