When you start planning your holiday, one of the first things that you will probably be thinking about is where to stay at within your chosen destination. There are many things to think about, but the one that will have the biggest impact on your stay is the type of accommodation that you choose to stay in. The aim of this short guide will be to give you a better idea of your options, and in doing so a few tips on choosing the best type of accommodation for you.
By far the most common and orthodox way to stay at any destination is in a hotel. The advantages of this type of accommodation is that you generally know what to expect thanks to the trustworthy star rating system. It’s easier to know what’s a good deal and what isn’t. This type of accommodation isn’t recommended for those traveling in large groups, as you will all have to be split up across several rooms. There’s also a lot of extras to consider, you will have to pay for expensive breakfasts per person per night, and that doesn’t include dinner. Choose a hotel if you want to play it safe, or you require extras like room service, despite the cost.
In certain cities, apartments are one of the most popular ways to stay and are well suited to certain types of destinations. If, for instance, we look at the accommodation Barcelona has to offer, then apartments are ideal. This is because they are numerous, holiday apartments are so numerous in fact that you can almost always find a location right next to the best attractions, the shopping area that interests you, or by the relatives you are visiting. On top of this, they are equipped with kitchens, so you don’t have to pay expensive fees for breakfast or buy expensive meals each night out, simply prepare food for yourself and save around 40 euros per night of your trip. You can find apartments pet friendly apartments, and ones that sleep large groups too, so you can always stay with the company you prefer. Be careful, as some apartments can be very small so just check beforehand if this is something you want to avoid, and if you don’t like being independent during your travels, you may prefer a hotel. Choose an apartment if you want to live like a local, have total independence during your stay, are traveling in a large group, or want to stay in the perfect location.
A hostel is a popular choice amongst the youth, the main reason being is that is the most economic. You can find hostels for as little as 20 euros per night in the heart of your selected destination. When you stay in a hostel you need to be aware that you are staying amongst other guests, you will share bedrooms, the kitchen, and bathrooms. Some other guests may be inconsiderate and be very noisy on returning at night, or might make a mess in the shared facilities. At the very least you should try to be considerate and be able to adjust to your roommates. Choose a hostel if you are looking for the cheapest solution to you accommodation needs.
The least common way to stay in Spain is the Bed and Breakfast. The aim of the Bed and Breakfast is to provide what the name implies, at a good value. It is normally a simple accommodation in a large house. A typical B&B will have around 10 guests at any time. Like apartments, they feel like a him away from home and you will usually find the owners live in the same building. The semantics of how your stay would work depend on the owner of the B&B, but usually you have breakfast in a certain room at a specified time. The main factor that distinguishes a Bed and Breakfast from a hotel is that the host is in charge of most of the daily administrative tasks. Choose a B&B as your accommodation if you are planning on staying a short weekend, or a couple of days in Spain.
So whether you’re staying in a hostel in Valencia, a hotel in San Sebastian, or you prefer Madrid apartments, now you have a better idea of the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation type, you can make an informed decision as to which one suits you the best.