Finding accommodation in Spain is an extremely simple procedure. Since the tourist industry is vital for Spain there is an abundance of accommodation available in the Costa Tropical of Granada, from luxurious hotels to simple pensions. Because hotels in Spain are government regulated they must meet certain criteria to be awarded their star rating.
Spanish hotels are classified with a five-star rating system similar to that of the UK; a five-star hotel in Spain
will have air conditioning in all bedrooms and public areas, along with
central heating. Only the most luxurious and well equipped hotels earn
the much coveted five stars. If you are looking for cheap accommodation in the Province of Granada, Spain look no further than small, family-run establishments, known as pensions. In the old days, single or widowed women needing a source of income would open their homes to the budget traveller. Nowadays they are thriving businesses attracting discerning tourists who prefer to experience native Spain. Often the bathrooms are not en-suite in a pension but for value for money, offering a friendly welcome and a stay in a spotlessly clean family environment they are hard to beat.
Hostals in Spain are also extremely popular as another inexpensive option. They are frequently found in the older quarters of Spanish towns; in the mid sixties, prior to the tourist boom in Spain, they were extremely basic, however many now offer en suite accommodation, with the better ones rated as high as three stars. Renting a property either on the coast or inland Spain is another option; there is a wealth of rental agencies in Andalucia who have all types of properties, for all budgets, available for you to choose from. If you are looking for something special you may consider staying in a ‘parador’. A parador is a high quality hotel, frequently situated in beautiful surroundings off the beaten track, offering a high standard of accommodation coupled with excellent cuisine catering to all tastes. The majority of paradors in Spain are historic buildings, such as castles, monasteries or palaces that have been carefully restored to retain their distinctive characters. They are expensive to stay in, but if you are looking for luxury, coupled with an ambience second to none, then a parador is a must. Please refer to our business directory for a comprehensive list of accommodation available in The Province of Granada. Glossary of Accommodation TermsApartamento - Translating as 'apartment,' a few establishments have ‘apartamentos’ which they offer as an alternative to rooms, rented by the night or week. Aparthotel - These are hotels offering principally self-catering accommodation, found mainly but not only in resorts.
Bed-and-Breakfast - This has no real meaning in Spain. Places calling themselves B&B's may be ‘pensiones’ or ‘casas de huespedes’, or may be private houses whose owners rent out a room or two.
Camping - This is the Spanish word for campsite.
Casa de Huespedes - Another term for ‘pensión’.
Casa Rural - Literally a country house, i.e. a house or cottage in the country. Occasionally, people renting out a house in a town or even a city will call it a ‘casa rural’ to qualify for grants, or to emphasise that it is a house, not a flat.
Fonda - Like a ‘pensión’ but may also have a small restaurant or dining room.
Habitación - A private house owner renting out rooms.
Hostal - A small hotel with few facilities. Generally significantly cheaper than a hotel with the same star rating.
Hotel - Usually slightly more expensive and more comfortable than an equivalent star rated ‘hostal’.
Parador - This is a Spanish state-owned luxury hotel, either purpose-built or a converted castle, mansion or monastery. Generally quite expensive. Pensión - Small, low budget establishments. |
