Hi there,
Just a few tips I hope you find useful.
I stayed in Barcelona in April at Hotel Urquinaona on Ronda Sant Pere. see barcelonahotels.com I was with my mom and wanted a safe yet very central place.
the hotel is one star but fine, very clean, nice breakfast, lovely bathroom, rooms a bit small but nice. The area is very safe, much better than barrio gotico or the port or the ramblas. I used to live in Barcelona and know the city quite well.
I also feel it is better to be away from the ramblas. From this hotel you can walk to barrio gotico (5mins) Plaza catalnya (2mins ) etc.
I heard Hotel Gravina is nice too (dearer)
hope this helps
JamesC