One thing that you should never struggle to find in Spain is a value for money hotel. Whether you want a campsite www.vayacamping.net, budget accommodation (un hostal - NOT a "hostel" as we know it in English) or a luxury 5* hotel, Spain can provide you with whatever you require. Almost all hotels offer tremendous value and can normally be booked on the internet through sites such as www.travelreaction.com and Hotel ClubThe holiday island of Mallorca has many excellent hotels and many can be found at www.amic-hotels-mallorca.com
One particular chain of hotels is worthy of special attention - the Paradors of Spain. www.parador.es These hotels are generally buildings of historic or architectural interest and are usually famous for fine food and wine. They range from reformed manor houses, to castles to modern hotels by the beach. Each one is special and they are, in some ways, a part of the national heritage. Every year a popular holiday for Spaniards and non-Spaniards alike is a tour of a certain region of Spain staying only at paradors. Equally, it is possible to join a guided tour with a qualified guide where you will study a favourite subject or region and overnight at one or more paradors. The web site www.parador.es is an excellent introduction to Spanish history, architecture, gastronomy etc. It is well worth an hour of anyone's time, even if you have no intention in visiting the hotels.
At this stage, I must declare a preference and highlight my favourite hotel in Europe. If you are ever in Madrid you should take the opportunity to stay at the Auditorium Madrid Hotel.. This is billed as the "Largest Hotel in Europe." Normally that would immediately put me off but in the case of the Auditorium the guest is offered superb service at very realistic prices in quality surrpundings. It is conveniently situated 10 minutes from the Airport and less than 20 minutes from the city centre (depending on traffic!) I always try to stay at the hotel and have never had a bad experience. It also boasts enormous conference and banqueting facilities all under the same roof.
In Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, just a few hundred metres from the magnificent boats and yachts of Puerto Banús, you will find Hotel Lorcrimar I recently spent a very pleasant week there. Although it is an easy stroll to the magnificent marina the hotel is in a quieter residential district with very attractive prices. Everything was spotlessly clean, the service was impeccable and it was one of the best hotel-stays I have had in many years. There is wifi, a pleasant pool and secure underground parking. Highly recommended!
If, however you want away from the cities and just need to "chill" why not try Casa La Celada near Iznájar, Córdoba? This charming Casa Rural is less than three kilometres from the dramatic and historic town of Iznájar, meaning “Happy Castle”, which quite literally teeters on top of an immense rocky crag that juts out into Andalucía´s largest lake, the Embalse de Iznájar. Yet another "Hotel" is a country retreat on Mallorca run by a Spanish-English couple Sant Blai Enjoy your stay!
A web-site that I always enjoy visiting is www.littlehotelsofspain.co.uk which is an informative guide for the independent traveller to the many small and charming hotels in Spain. They offer a personal service with the convenience of booking online from a selection of specially chosen hotels, some close to beaches and others ideal for walking holidays or city breaks. Whether you want to just chill out on a beach or follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote, you will find great suggestions in all price ranges.
Finally, I am delighted to confirm that ThisIsSpain still has its agreement with a group of hotels in Alicante and Murcia which offer FREE accommodation if booked through this site Hotel Cenajo and other very special rates with MedPlaya
ˇFeliz Viaje!
