Sharon,
I am the author of the article Chris wrote about. When we visited Barcelona we had a reservation, but cancelled it because the Tourist info booth gave us a nicer hotel at a cheaper rate.
My Sister and I found Barcelona as safe as any big city. Just make sure you have good control of your purse, or better yet wear a money belt and leave the purse at home.
I hope you enjoy Spain as much as we did.
Let me know if you have any other questions.