Classification of Hotels in Galicia

There is a broad range of accommodation options available throughout Galicia and the Spanish government classifies them based upon their overall quality and the services that they offer.

Just like anywhere else in Europe, you can select from not just hotels, but camp sites, houses (known as a casa, villa, finca or, if in a rural setting, a casa rustica or casas rurales) and apartments.

If you want detailed information on any, or all of the above, Spain’s Tourist offices have booklets defining exactly what you should expect from each category of accommodation.

Types of Hotel available

Although we tend use the term hotel flexibly to describe any establishment renting rooms in the short term, the Spanish have a more formally defined classification. As such a hotel will fall into one of the following categories.

Fondas

These are similar to what the British call boarding houses. They have their own symbol, a blue letter F on a white background, and offer a small number of bedrooms (not usually on suite), plus a bar and possibly some dinning facilities. They are cheap and cheerful, but do not expect too much.

Pensiones

These are the next step up from Fondas and can more legitimately be described as hotels. Pensiones are not however called hotels and although they have a star classification system, there is a significant difference between e.g. 2 star pensiones and two star hotels (the latter being superior). There is a twist however, namely that it is possible for the more highly rated pensiones to be better than the lowly rated hotels.

Hotels

Hotels have a star rating and this should reflect the amenities that the establishment in question offers. Hotels should provide on suite bedrooms, bars and dinning areas and may offer a range of other facilities from swimming pools, a spa, sports complexes and business facilities. The star rating, that ranges from one to five, should reflect the extent to which these services are provided.

Paradores

Paradors are state run hotels, but this term should not mislead you. The parador is the crème de la crème of Spanish hotel accommodation and all are of a high standard with matching facilities. Paradors arose out of a recognition that much of Spain’s heritage was left to ruin. The concept was developed to take old and historic buildings, renovate them to their former glory and equip them as high quality hotels, thus protecting the country’s heritage and financing it into the bargain. As such most paradors are stately homes, castles or buildings with a strong connection to the past.

Refugios

One final, basic and very cheap form of accommodation is the refugios. These are the Spanish equivalent of hostels and tend to be used by back packers and walkers. They do not have individual rooms and are very communal with dormitory style sleeping quarters. They are often found in isolated locations along treks or paths and usually have cooking facilities, although the residents may be expected to prepare their own meals.

To find a hotel in Galicia, go to our Hotels page.

The photographs on this page are (from top to bottom), the marina at Porto Sin and a beach in the rias baixas in la Coruna province.