Spain offers a broad range of lodging options, from modest family-run pensions to five-star luxury hotels, many of which are housed in striking historic structures. The classic beachfront vacation hotel is the basis of the coastal resort, but renting an apartment or a villa provides you with more flexibility. Farm stays, town B&Bs, rural guesthouses, and mountain inns are also all becoming more and more popular options.
Spain still offers reasonably priced lodging compared to other European nations. You may often get a basic double room at a pensión or small hotel for around €50, occasionally even less, particularly in rural areas.
As a general guideline, you may anticipate paying between €100 and €200 for accommodations with some boutique flair and between €150 and €200 for five-star hotels, ancient paradors, and opulent coastal resorts. Madrid and Barcelona, in particular, as well as several upscale coastal and resort locations, defy the trend because accommodations there are sometimes noticeably more costly across the board.
When visiting a popular city or resort during a vacation, festival, or conference, planning beforehand is crucial. In addition, hotels near major yearly events and annual festivals sometimes sell out months in advance.
However, if you haven’t made any reservations, you can always find a place to stay in the historic district surrounding the cathedral or major plaza of any town. It’s not necessarily the case that staying in the heart of things will cost you more money; in fact, many of the newest three- and four-star hotels may be found on the outskirts of town.
Most hotels provide family-friendly rooms with three or four beds for not much more than the cost of a double room, although single travelers typically pay as much as 80% more than the rate for a double.
The lowest and highest charges that can be charged for a given stay should be clearly posted at the front desk. During the peak season on the coast, several hotels require a one-week minimum stay, and some even insist on half board.
Keep in mind that ski resorts and other winter destinations may have a different peak season than the summer months and that interior towns like Madrid may offer better deals in August while tourists go to the coast.
9 Most popular types of accommodations in Spain
The most common lodging options for a trip to Spain are discussed below.
- Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
- Hostels
- Camping
- Paradors
- Hotels
- Apartments and villas
- Mountain Refuges and Pilgrim Accommodation
- Youth Hostels
- Beach Resorts
1. Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
being at a bed and breakfast (B&B) is like being in someone’s home away from home. The warm and individualized hospitality of a B&B’s hosts is a major selling point for many travelers.
Innkeepers at B&Bs are known to engage in more personal conversation with their guests than those at chain hotels, providing them with insider tips, unique suggestions, and a warmer, more welcoming environment.
A complimentary prepared breakfast is one of the main selling points of this sort of lodging. Fresh, delicious meals made from regional foods are also available.
Furthermore, B&Bs are typically situated in residential areas or historic neighborhoods, allowing you to better integrate with locals and have a more genuine travel experience.
Due to its often modest size, bed and breakfasts tend to exude a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those in need of some peace and quiet during their travels.
2. Hostels
Tourists on a tight budget often stay in hostels, also known as Pensiones or Hostales. This type of accommodation is very popular in Spain as it is very budget-friendly and gives you a unique experience.
Hostels are a great option because they are inexpensive. These lodgings are a great option for budget-conscious vacationers because of their lower prices compared to hotels.
Hostels are a perfect option for budget-conscious travelers since they frequently encourage a social atmosphere and introduce guests to people from all over the world.
Travelers can meet new people and hear about their adventures in hostels’ common facilities, such as kitchens and common rooms.
3. Camping
Authorized campsites in Spain can be found in the hundreds, concentrated primarily in coastal and vacation locations. Prices are at $6 per person, with another $10 for a tent and $20 for a vehicle or caravan. Location and high-end amenities (such as a restaurant, swimming pool, bar, and grocery) drive up the price of the finest sites.
If you want to camp frequently, it is recommended that you either purchase the yearly Gua de Campings, which can be found in most bookstores, or visit vayacamping.net.
Outside of designated campgrounds, camping is generally permitted but with certain limitations. Camping “within 1 kilometer of an official campsite, in urban areas, or in areas prohibited for military or touristic reasons” is forbidden. This implies that camping is prohibited on beaches and is restricted to specific places within national parks.
Aside from these limitations, however, and with little consideration, a tent may be pitched in practically any place in the countryside for a limited time. Do your best to get answers from locals before looking elsewhere.
4. Paradors
There are more than 90 exceptional hotels in Spain, all of which are known as paradores and are housed in historic buildings like castles, monasteries, and other Spanish landmarks. Paradors are a very popular type of accommodation among tourists in Spain as it gives you the opportunity to experience a short stay in a historic castle.
They are often located in the most picturesque areas of the nation or in some of the country’s most historic towns, and their rates are far lower than those of comparable five-star hotels.
Prices for a night’s stay can range from €110 to €180, with the former being the norm. However, there are a plethora of specials and discounts available online (through the official website) for those 60 and above, those in their 20s and 30s, and those staying for multiple nights.
5. Hotels
The busy cities of Spain are loaded with hotels that vary from budget-friendly to elegant. The biggest cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are popular destinations among travelers to Spain due to the number of superb city hotels of diverse forms, sizes, categories, and rates.
For instance, if you’re planning a visit to Barcelona, you might choose to stay in one of the hotels situated in the Gothic Quarter. This ancient quarter is famed for its meandering, small alleys and stunning old buildings, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beautiful cultural and historical heritage of the city.
Meanwhile, a Madrid retreat provides a distinct urban experience. Staying at a hotel surrounding the Gran Via or Salamanca districts will position you in the center of Madrid’s high fashion and nightlife.
6. Apartments and villas
Villa and apartment vacation rentals offer a distinct and flexible housing choice for visitors seeking a home away from home atmosphere. Holiday villas and apartment rentals offer a range of perks and distinctive characteristics that separate them from regular hotel stays.
One of the primary advantages of villas and rental homes is the space and solitude they offer.
Unlike hotel rooms, these rentals frequently have numerous bedrooms, space for living, and private outdoors, allowing visitors to rest and unwind in their own personal paradise. This is particularly advantageous for individuals or families of friends traveling together.
Another advantage is the independence and flexibility provided by a villa or apartment rental. Here, you have the ability to make your own meals in a kitchen that is fully furnished, saving money on eating out.
Additionally, you may build your own holiday itinerary, explore the local region at your own speed, and enjoy the comfort and freedom of a home-like atmosphere.
Whether it’s a charming apartment in the midst of a busy city or a big villa situated on the beach or in the countryside, vacation property rentals provide a unique and immersive stay for tourists seeking a home away from home.
7. Mountain Refuges and Pilgrim Accommodation
Mountain refuges and pilgrim homes are unique and lovely lodging alternatives for tourists seeking a different sort of experience. They offer a distinct combination of rustic appeal, calm, and a closer connection with nature or meditation.
Mountain refuges are often situated in secluded and picturesque settings, tucked within stunning mountain vistas. They give shelter and comfort to hikers, mountaineers, and wildlife enthusiasts exploring the outdoors.
These lodgings frequently offer a basic and comfortable atmosphere, allowing guests to withdraw from the rush and bustle of contemporary life and immerse themselves in the calm of nature.
On the other side, pilgrim lodgings cater exclusively to travelers embarking on religious or spiritual trips.
They are created to respond to the requirements of pilgrims, giving a space for relaxation and meditation along the pilgrimage routes. These lodgings typically generate a feeling of belonging and camaraderie among pilgrims, leading to meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
Both mountain refuges and pilgrim lodgings are often more economical than standard hotels, offering a budget-friendly alternative for adventurous and like-minded tourists.
8. Youth Hostels
Youth hostels have long been popular among younger travelers and on-budget tourists. These institutions provide inexpensive housing alternatives for young and adventurous travelers, which makes it simpler for them to experience the world without breaking the budget.
One of the primary benefits of staying at youth hostels is the ability to meet and interact with fellow travelers from across the world. The communal setting generates a sense of friendship, making it simpler to develop new connections and exchange travel experiences.
This social feature sets youth hostels distinct from other types of housing and frequently leads to memorable and interesting connections.
Moreover, youth hostels are admired for their relaxed and welcoming environment. They offer basic facilities such as shared dorms, community kitchens, and common rooms, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
Many hostels also conduct social events and activities, giving guests the chance to discover the local culture and landmarks together.
A further advantage of youth hostels is the ideal location. Most hostels are ideally positioned in the center of famous attractions, making it easier for visitors to reach important sites and landmarks.
9. Beach Resorts
Tourists looking for a place to unwind, have fun, and enjoy the stunning oceanfront setting often choose a resort on the beach. These larger resorts have prime beachfront locations, close proximity to secluded coves, and panoramic ocean views.
The beach, the pool, the restaurants, the bars, and the nightlife—basically everything you could want for a perfect vacation in Spain—are all within easy walking distance.
You won’t have a minute to yourself at these resorts since they often offer so many different things to do and see, from water sports to spa treatments to guided tours.
Larger beachfront hotels typically provide more opulent lodgings, such as palatial suites with sitting areas, private balconies or terraces, and first-rate amenities.
Vacationing at a coastal resort allows you to relax, discover new places, and have lasting experiences, all within walking distance of the water. These bigger resorts are ideal for those who want to get away from it all on their beach vacation while still having access to exciting activities and luxurious amenities.
Conclusion
Welcome to Spain, home to Flamenco, delicious tapas, a wide range of scenery, and numerous historic sites. Despite this abundance of options, it might be difficult to select a hotel in Spain that is suitable for your needs.
Choosing the right place to stay in this dynamic country is a crucial component of planning a memorable vacation.
The variety of lodging options in Spain is as varied as its surroundings, from slick, contemporary hotels in the middle of the cities to rustic, rural fincas. We’re here to help you guide you through Spain’s many types of accommodations that you can choose from.
