Types of Hotels in Galicia
Galicia and Spain have a broad range of hotels and they are all classified based up on the quality and the services that they offer.
Although referred to as Hotels by English speakers, there are 4 actual catagories of hotel and guest house available in Spain and they are known as Fondas, Pensiones, hotels and parador hotels. A fifth classification also exists for hostels and these are called Refugios. Below is a brief summary of each.
Fondas
- These are like boarding houses and have their own special symbol to denote them. It is a blue letter F on a white background. Fondas offer a small number of bedrooms (not usually on suite), along with a bar and usually dinning facilities. They are a cheaper option to real hotels. Some are quite good although standards do vary, so get as much information as possible on any Fonda you intend to stay in before hand.
Pensiones
- Pensiones are one notch up from the Fondas and are closer to what most would describe as a hotel. Despite this, Pensiones are not hotels and although they have their own star classification system there is a big difference between a three star pensiones and three star hotel. That said, it is possible for the more highly rated pensiones to be better than the lowly rated hotels. i.e. A four star pensiones may be better than a two star hotel.
Hotels
- Hotels have an internationally recognised star rating. This indicates the quality of all the services that the hotel offers. All hotels should provide on suite facilities, plus bars and dinning rooms and other facilities like swimming pools, fitness suites, sports complexes and conference rooms. The star rating ranges from 1 to 5.
Parador hotles
- Paradores are state run hotels offering a high standard of accommodation in historic or very old buildings. They are of a high standard and often charge an equally high price. Many paradores were once stately homes, castles or monasteries and have been refurbished to modern hotel standards.
Refugios
- These are a basic and cheap form of accommodation similar to a hostel and they are often used by back packers and walkers. They do not normally have rooms and offer communal or dormitory style sleeping quarters. Refugios are located along treks and walking paths and usually have some do it yourself cooking facilities.
In selecting any of the none hotel options above, be aware that standards vary very significantly. If you choose not to stay in a regulated hotel you must expect a lower standard of accommodation and on-site facilities. Return to our main Hotel selection page.
