Carmine

Reasonably priced rooms are still widely available in Andalucia, and growing! In almost town now you will be able to get a simple double for around 25-35, a single for 20 or less. Rooms en-suite bath or shower start at just above these prices. Only in major resorts and some "tourist cities", like Granada, Seville or Madrid, will you pay over the average price.

As a general rule all you need to do is locate the main square, town hall or cathedral of any town, to find suitable accommodation for your stay in Spain.

In Spain, unlike many other countries, you don't appear to pay more for a central location though you do tend to get a comparatively bad deal if you are traveling on your own, single rooms are considerably sparce.

Be prepared to haggle for your room to be reduced on price if you are traveling in Spain alone.

One thing you will need to master when traveling in Spain is the elaborate variety of types and places to stay.

• Any problems with overcharging, ask for the Official Complaints Book (Libro de Reclamaciones), all establishments must keep one by law

Fondas, Pensiones, Hostales, Hoteles

The most basic and least expensive of all the accommocation types in Spain is the Fondas (most identifiable by a square blue sign with a white F on it), closely followed by Casa de Hespedes (CH on a similar sign), Pensiones, (P) and, less commonly, Hospedajes. Distinctions between all of these are rather blurred, but in general you'll often find food is served at both the Fondas and Pensiones. Casa de Hespedes were traditionally for longer stays and are known to us Brits as "guesthouses". This type of accommodation is more commonly known to be for the older generation and found on family seaside resorts.

As Spain upgrades its tourist facilities, both Fondas and Casa de Hespedes are gradually disappearing and being replaced with modern accommodation, they are now very rare.

Slightly more expensive but far more common are Hostales (marked as Hs) and hostal-residencies (HsR). These are categorised from one to three stars, but even so prices can vary from lcoation to location - in general the more remote, the less expensive. Most Hostales offer good functional rooms, usually with a private shower, and, for doubles at least, they can be excellent value. The residencia designation means no meals other than perhaps breakfast are served.

Moving up the scale you finally have Hotelese (H), again star-rated by the authorities (from one to five). One-Star Hotels cost no more than three-star Hostales - sometimes they can be less expensive! Three-Stars and you start paying a lot more, and at four or five you are at the luxury end of the market. Near the top end of the scale there is also luxury hotel chains, these are state run, Paradores of Spain, beautiful places, often converted from Castles. Monasteries and other minor Spanish Monuments. If you can splash out then Paradores are almost all wonderful. Even if you cannot afford to stay the buildings themselves are worth a look, and usually have pleasant classic bars and restaurants, open to nonresidents.

Rural Tourism and Villas Tursticas
There has been a significant growth in rural tourism over recent years, encouraged by the Junta de Andalucia, in an attempt to spread the wealth of tourism away from the coast and into the less prosperous hinterland. As well as working out cheaper than staying on the coast or in the cities, this can be a great way to discover the true Spain!

There are several Spanish Guides to rural accommodation in farmhouses and villages, among which are the Anuario de Turismo, Guia de Alojamiento Rural (El Pas/Aguilar), which are both easily comprehensible with photos of each property. Available from most Spanish bookshops.

Villas Turisticas are rural hotels or groups of free-standing dwellings set up and run by the regional government. Built in scenic locations, they often use the verncular architecture of the region. Technically they are self-catering apartments, but they usually have all the facilities, including reception, restaurant and room service, that you would find in a four-star hotel.

There are also Casas Rurales, a scheme established along the lines of the French Gites. Accommodation at these can vary from bed and breakfast at a farmhouse to a rental cottage. Many are mentioned throughout the Guide and local Turismos have details of others in their respective zones.

Youth Hosteles and Refuges
Alberques Juveniles (Youth Hostels) are a possible option, especially in Andalucia's major towns. Andalucia's ninteen year-round hostels are affiliated to Inturjoven, the region's official youth hostel organisation, and a leaflet with details of the locations of these, their facilities and tariffs can be obtained from any albergue or the Inturjoven office, c/Mio 24, 41011 Sevilla - (954 277 087).

While Andalucia's hostels are pretty lenient when it comes to annoyances such as curfews, be warned that the most popular places are often block-booked by school groups, or by hostellers who have booked months ahead, and also demand producrtion of YHA card. At 9.25-14 per person depending on th season, you can quite easily pay more than you would sharing a cheap double room in a hostal. That said, many of the newer youth hostals, such as those in Mlaga, Crdoba, Granada and Almria are almost like hotels and make for a better stopover.

In isolated mountain areas the Federacin Andaluza de Montaismo, Camino de Ronda, 101, 18003 Granada (958 291 340), runs a number of refugios, simple, cheap dormitory-huts for climbers and hikers, generally equipped only with bunks and a very basic kitchen.

Camping
There are over 130 authorised campsites in Andaluci, predominantly on the coast- Graded into three classes according to facilities, they usually work out at 2.50 - 6 per person, per night, depending on season, facilities and location. If you plan to camp frequently the pick up the free Gui de Camping published by the Junta de Andaluci, which details virtually all of them in map format; it's available from most Turismos, and in advance from Spanish National Tourist Offices abroad. A complete nationwide Guia de Campings, listing full prices, facilities and exact locations, is available from most Spanish bookshops.

Wild camping is legal but with some restrictions. You are not allowed to camp "urban" areas, these areas are prohibited for military or touristic reasons, or within a 1km of an official campsite. Basically this means you cannot camp on tourist beaches, but if you are sensible and "wild camp" nearby, having some sensitivity to the rules, you can camp almost anywhere in the countryside.

If you plan to camp regularly, an international camping carnet would be a good idea, giving 10% discount on quality campsites. The carnet is available to members of the AA (who will direct you to the camping and caravanning association) or RAC. Members only of Camping and Caravanning Club may also buy this carnet for 4.50, Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JH (0247 669 4995), or the foreign touring arm of the same company, the Carefree Travel Service (0247 642 2024), which provides the CCI free if you take out vehicle and personal insurance with them.

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