There are more than 10,000 options for hotel accommodation in Spain. Accommodations are divided into several categories:

Hotel indicated by an ''H'', Residential Hotels offer no dining service and are indicated by an ''HR''
Hotel Apartments which are self catered establishments indicated by an ''HA''
Serviced Apartments, which offer hired services as opposed to self catered establishments, these are indicated by an ''RA''
Hotel Apartments offer no dining-room service
Motels are simple and are indicated by a ''M''
Vacation Complexs offer a plethora of services including advanced sporting facilities and are indicated by their ''CV''.

All accommodation establishments in Spain offer a plaque at the entrance showing their officially governed category. Hotels in all categories are rated using a star system from one to five stars. The rating system starts with basic rooms and facilities rated as 1 and two stars, moderate facilities are indicated by three and four stars and deluxe establishments are honored with a 5 star rating. Boarding House ratings are limited to one or two stars, while the facilities offered by Vacation Complexes are indicated by one to three star ratings. ''Q'' is the Spanish Seal of Tourist Quality, which identifies those Hotels that have been shown by external audit to meet the requisite standards of quality.

Prior to making any bookings and/or checking in, patrons are fully entitled to know the rates to be charged for the services contracted. Reception areas of all establishments are required to display a notice bearing the following information: a list of rates for all services provided, the mandatory Official Stamp and an indication as to the year in course.

Ideal for most travelers are three- and four-star hotels. Establishments granted one and two stars are, as a general rule, offer limited or shared plumbing and other facilities and tend to be less comfortable, but budget travels do not despair lesser rated hotels can be perfectly clean and decent places to stay. Your best bet will be to view your room before signing in to ensure you are getting what you require for your travel needs.

For those sophisticated travelers looking for a unique vacation experience Spain offers Paradores. An extensive state-run network of hotels which are typically located in scenic locations from castles, palaces and even convents which have been restored and furnished complete with every desirable, modern amenity.

There is also an extensive network of spa hotels in Spain which are called ''Balnearios.'' These establishments are generally located near hot water springs, but this is not their only ammenity. Balnearios in Spain offer a plethora of treatments for whatever ails you from muscle aches soothed by a relaxing massage to feet tired from sightseeing pampered to perfection with parafin pedicures, a relaxing spa vacation in Spain can be just what the doctor ordered.

Sometimes a hotel in Spain might not fit the bill. If you are looking to explore a particular region and want a home-base to set out on adventures from, then renting a villa is probably your best bet. Villa rental properties throughout Spain can range from cottages and farmhouses to estates and castles. Essentially as a renter you will lease the property for an allotted amount of time ranging from 1 week to several months. For extended stays of more than a few days rentals are generally more cost effective as well. There are a wide variety of choices when it comes to setting up your villa rental in Spain. Some villas will offer a host of amenities to make your stay exceptional, while others offer basic amenities and may even require that you supply your linens. Prepare to pay more for more comprehensive coverage, but know that cost effective options are out there waiting for you!

Villa rental not only offers competitive pricing, but also allows you flexibility and opportunity unique to this establishment. Foremost, travelers can take advantage of the fresh offerings at the local market, as your property will most definitely have kitchen facilities in which to prepare some local dishes. Groups of travelers enjoy individual bedrooms, rustic furniture and accommodations reflecting Spanish life. Maid service is also available in most cases, an amenity you should surely sign up for if offered! Afterall, you are on vacation! In most cases the villas are usually located away from the centers in the local areas, allowing you a more rustic experience and the flexibility to take advantage of the open road and explore Spanish culture off the beaten path while having a home base to return to. Villa and castle rentals are also popular options for lovebird’s persuing a destination wedding!

Traditionally sought by the backpacking, student traveler, hostels remain the most competitively priced accommodations throughout Europe. In Italy there are a wide variety of styles for all budgets. Hostels still offer multiple beds, shared bathrooms and in some cases curfews, but in the 21st century travelers have access to hostel information including ratings and amenities online. You can plan your trip, long or short, and plot your path based on your personal requirements. In just a few clicks you can find exactly what you’re looking for!

Specific to Hostels is Spain are the following codes used for indication of the facitilies and rated by a star system from one to three:

Hostelry is your basic hostel and is indicated by an ‘Hs’
Residential Hostelry which are typically rural or private homes indicated by ‘HsR’
Pensión or Boarding Houses are indicated by a ‘P’