by Choosing a hotel in Spainyidian
Among all the accommodation choices in Spain, the first one that comes to mind when preparing a trip is often a hotel. Whether by the roadside or in the heart of the city, not all hotels are alike. From hostels to luxury hotels, your choice will depend on your budget and your desired level of comfort.
Luxury hotels
Luxury hotels offer maximum comfort for your stay in Spain, typically in prime locations (city center, historic district, beachfront, etc.). However, this comfort comes at a price. In Spain, you can find double rooms ranging from €100 to €250 per night.
Example
The Catalonia Atocha hotel is one of the most popular in the Spanish capital. Close to the metro station and Madrid-Atocha train station, the hotel offers amenities such as a jacuzzi, rooftop terrace, and bar, with prices starting at €160 per night.
Small Spanish hotels
For a reasonably priced hotel with good comfort, many small hotels offer rates ranging from €60 to €80 per night. This can be advantageous if you are traveling as a couple and wish to split the room cost.
Example
For those who wish to bring their pets, visit the Hostal Madrid Centro. Close to Puerta del Sol, it is a basic hotel with an on-site restaurant (additional charges apply). The average price is around €50 per night.
Hotel chains
Ibis, Mercure, and other major hotel chains are located in most major European cities, offering basic rooms. Situated in strategic locations (near an airport, train station, city center), these hotels are convenient for short stays.
Example
The Ibis Madrid Centro hotel is located in the Malasaña district, next to Bilbao metro station. Rates start from €66 per night, allowing easy access to central Madrid and its amenities.
Have you considered evening Spanish courses in Brussels to improve?
Hostels
Unlike its neighbor Portugal, Spain’s hostels tend to be relatively expensive. In Madrid or Barcelona, a bed in a hostel typically costs between €10 and €20 per night. Some hostels even resemble actual hotels with private rooms, which can offer pleasant surprises despite higher prices compared to traditional hostels. I myself enjoyed a very comfortable room near downtown Barcelona for around €20 per night. It’s hard to find better value in a conventional hotel!
Example
The “I Love Madrid Hostel” is located a 3-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. A bed in a dormitory costs a little over €12 per night.
Interested in taking Spanish courses online?
Staying with locals in Spain
While hotels may suit some travelers, others may prefer options that provide kitchen facilities for cooking. This is where staying with locals becomes appealing—a more authentic way to experience Spain and interact with Spaniards.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses offer services similar to hotels but in a more personalized manner. You stay with the hosts, often in a private room, with meals included. Meals are shared with your hosts, providing an opportunity to discover Spanish specialties away from tourist restaurants while exchanging views on Spanish life.
Here are some examples of guesthouses and their rates:
Guesthouse Price per night
Guesthouse Barcelona Gotic €59
Casual Bilbao Gurea €85
We Boutique Hotel €130
Legado Alcazar €154
The5rooms €168
Airbnb accommodation
It is also possible to use Airbnb, where hosts set their own rates based on the market. It’s generally easier to find more affordable prices than guesthouses, though breakfast may not always be included. Airbnb offers various options—shared rooms, entire homes—that are often cost-effective and well-located.
You can also choose to rent an entire apartment or house, especially if traveling with friends or family. This significantly reduces the cost per person and allows you to enjoy comfortable accommodations in non-touristy neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into real Spanish life.
Interested in taking Spanish lessons before you depart?
Staying at Spanish campsites
Many tourists opt for camping in Spain, either in a camper van or with a tent, taking advantage of numerous campsites across the country. While camping in Madrid city center may be challenging, the Mediterranean coast offers ample locations. Overall, Spain provides camping spaces or accommodations across the country.
The advantage of camping is access to various facilities (pool, laundry, children’s activities) while socializing with fellow travelers.
Rates are generally reasonable, especially for tent pitches or caravan spaces.
For tent, camper van, or caravan spots, expect to pay between €13 and €20. Weekly rentals for mobile homes range from €500 to €600.
Need Spanish courses?
Free accommodation in Spain
Is free accommodation in Spain possible? There are several ways to save significantly on your vacation budget in Spain.
Couchsurfing
The Couchsurfing platform connects travelers seeking accommodation with hosts willing to host them for one or more nights. It’s advisable to plan in advance to arrange your stay. Once registered, you can message hosts who interest you and plan your visit. Whether a couch, shared room, or private room, all types of accommodations are possible.
Couchsurfing is free, focusing on cultural exchange and creating meaningful friendships while experiencing the country like a local.
Sleeping in a camper van or tent
If you prefer to sleep for free, consider bringing a tent, camper van, car, or similar vehicle and parking in suitable spots like forest edges, near lakes, or ponds. The Park4night app lists numerous free parking spots in Spain, chosen by fellow travelers. Each spot includes GPS coordinates, photos, and descriptions to match your expectations.
How to take Spanish lessons before departure?
Where and how to find accommodation in Spain?
To find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Spain, start by browsing comparison websites like Booking. Even if you don’t make a final reservation, it provides an idea of prevailing rates in your desired city. The site often offers discounts to attract customers, which can be worthwhile.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, continue your search on platforms like Airbnb, Couchsurfing, etc. Airbnb is particularly useful for vacation accommodation, offering a wide range of options from unique stays to entire homes, either solo or in groups, often at competitive prices.
Finally, you can search directly for your destination. By entering the city or region and the type of accommodation you prefer, you’re sure to find something suitable.
Alicante, Murcia, Benidorm, Marbella, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Sierra Nevada—wishing you a fantastic journey!
