Barcelona/Madrid need recommendations (rental, hotel, hotel, attractions)

[Houston_2010]

Hello: We are a group of 4 adults and 3 kids (8-11) traveling to Barcelona and Madrid in June. Can anyone recommend a flat or hotel that is near the center of the city, walkable to tourist attractions? We are in Barcelona for 3 nights before taking cruise, so we will need short term. Madrid will also be short term, 4 nights. I've been to Barcelona before but it's been 15+years. I think we stayed at a hotel near Las Ramblas and was great walking to many areas. I just don't recall the proper names and our pictures are not as detailed.

[CRock]

We spent 10 days in Barcelona in Sept. We used AirBnB. It was peak season and we had to split the stay 3 nights in one apartment and 7 nights is another. It ended up being $100 per night. Far better than any hotel we could find. Even hostels with private bedroom and shared bath was $125 a night on the weekends. If you are a party of 7 most likely you will have to get 2 rooms, that will add up in a hurry! Check out AirBnB, Ive used them several times and have been extremely pleased.

[pokeable]

The Westin Palace Madrid is kitty corner to the Thyssen, a couple of blocks from the Prado and the Retiro. The Atocha was a 10 minute walk, as was Plaza Mayor.

June would be expensive though Helps if you are an SPG member.

[Houston_2010]

Seeing VRBO has a few rental apartments with plenty of room for everyone for $130 or less per night. Well...let's see how the Euro conversion takes place...but around those numbers.