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An attempt to explain the Spanish system

First of all, it is important to note that there is no standardized, international system for awarding hotel stars.

In most European countries, hotels are classified by an authority or a professional association. In Germany, for example, the classification of accommodation into 1 to 5 stars and the addition of superior is regulated by a points system of the DEHOGA / Hotelstars Union. A comprehensive catalog of criteria determines the number of stars.

In Spain, classification is prescribed by law and is implemented decentrally by the 17 autonomous communities according to different classification laws. As a result, the quality criteria applied vary throughout Spain. The classification ranges from luxury, first class, comfort, standard to tourist.

Since 2017, we have been comparing the stars listed with the actual conditions in the accommodation and asking our tour participants about their impressions and experiences. From this, we have compiled the orientation options listed here.

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Hotel signage

The classification can be recognized by a sign in the entrance area. There are stars or keys and letter combinations. The "Q" seal of quality guarantees that the hotel has undergone a voluntary inspection. An "S" stands for Superior - as a little more than the stars shown but not yet sufficient for the next higher number of stars.

Orientation option: Abbreviations

  • Hotels (H): Single or shared rooms. 1 star to 5 stars

  • Aparthoteles (HA): An apartment hotel is accommodation with furnished apartments that are rented out to vacationers. They consist of a kitchen, bathroom and either a living room and bedroom or a separate living and sleeping area. 1 star to 5 stars

  • Apartamentos Turísticos (AT) or Apartamentos: A vacation apartment that is rented out to vacationers. It consists of a kitchen, bathroom and either a living room and bedroom or a separate living and sleeping area. 1 key to 3 keys and luxury (4 keys)

  • Hostales (HS): Accommodation with mixed or same-sex dormitories with 4 or more beds, but also single and shared rooms. Often also youth hostels. 1 star to 3 stars

  • Pensiones (PE): Guest house with single or shared rooms. 1 star to 3 sta

  • Paradores (PA): Paradores de Turismo de España: Usually stylish accommodation, often with historic buildings and therefore also state-owned. 1 star to 5 stars

  • Turismo rural (TR): Casa rural (country house), Alojamiento rural (rural accommodation), Hotel rural / Posada rural (rural hotel). 1 star / key to 4 stars / key

  • Fondas (F): Simple hostels

Of course there are other accommodation options such as vacation farms, vacation homes and villas (casa / villa de vacaciones), bed & breakfast etc. and private accommodation, usually identified by signs Camas (beds) and Habitaciones (rooms).

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You can find more interesting information in English at andalucia.org. A Meeting point between travellers and tourism professionals. An exceptional showcase for everything concerning tourism in Andalusia.

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