Which part of the city to stay in Madrid & Barcelona?

[RB]

I asked for some advice last year re Portugal & Spain (http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ce-must-see-do-57044.html?highlight=barcelona ) and got good tips & we had a great time ( http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-fasa-61547.html?highlight=portugal+and+spain).
We are heading back in May 2015 to fill in some spots we missed. We are more apartment style people and will be using public transport. Any advice on preferred areas to stay in Madrid & Barcelona?

 

[Pushka]

Stay near Las Ramblas in Barcelona. We stayed at Casa Camper which was fabulous.

 

[dajop]

I was going to say stay anywhere but near Las Ramblas! I love Barcelona but detest the crowds and the aggressiveness of the touts in Las Ramblas, something I could do without when going to/from the hotel. My preferred area is Eixample (north of Placa Catalunya).

 

[drron]

I agree with dajop.We stayed at the Hilton Diagonal Mar-out near beaches.Was close to a mall with supermarket and restaurants and was very close to a tram stop-route T4 so easy to get around.One of the routes on the Hop on/off bus was very close so we found it convenient.Should be a few apartments out that way.
For Barcelona public transport-
Public Transport in Barcelona

 

[Pushka]

If it's a first visit to Barcelona then it seems the logical place to go. I guess I prefer to be in the mix of things.

Casa Camper is in a lane off Ramblas. Excellent security and quiet.

 

[amaroo]

Madrid - we stayed at Gran Melia Fenix Gran Meliá Fénix excellent location, and loved Madrid ... FWIW, preferred Madrid and Sevilla over Barcelona.

Barcelona - we stayed in an apartment linked to Hotel Murmuri 2 Bedrooms Apartment with Terrace - Murmuri Residence by Hotel Murmuri excellent location.