Hi!
Just to add to Madridman's (as always) knowledgeable comments; I used to stay at Hostal Persal each year. It is kept in good condition, the staff are helpful and can speak English and you can get BBC news on the television in your room (or at least that was the case).
The only reason I stopped staying there was because the price ended up double that of more modest hostales. However if you can ask for and get a price that is attractive I can certainly recommend staying there.
Regards