This is a great place to stay if you want to leave the trappings of crazy tourist attractions, and try to live a few days, more similar to how the locals live.
It takes a bit of getting used to, but there are great local restaurants and shopping nearby as well as The far end of the Paseo de Gracia. And there are two nearby metro stations that can buzz you down to the heart of Barcelona in no time. Very quiet and peaceful surroundings.