Spain Hotels and Hostels

Hotels and hostels in Spain are comparable to those you might find elsewhere in Europe. The rooms themselves can be quite small, as can the bathrooms, but they often have a lot of character that reflects the surrounding area. If you're staying at a higher end hotel, don't be put off by the size of the room. If you're in budget accommodations, you may be surprised with their character and prime location.
When you're traveling in a country like Spain, you'll really benefit from seeking out locally owned and independent boutique hotels. Not only do these hotels typically cost less than comparable chain hotels, but they offer you a far better experience. They have a unique character and are usually integrated into the community on a level that you won't experience at a chain hotel. Also, more of your money will actually stay in the community you're visiting instead of heading to a corporate headquarters.

Finding the Best Prices

Like elsewhere in Europe, in may be beneficial to make reservations ahead of time when you travel to Spain, particular during the high seasons. Rooms can fill up, and most hotels are not used to people showing up without reservations. In larger cities, like Barcelona, it can be overwhelming and chaotic to find a place to stay after you arrive. It can also be very difficult to compare prices once you arrive, so you can never confirm that you're actually getting a good deal.
Traveling in the off or shoulder seasons can save you a lot of money when you travel to Spain. Many Europeans spend their vacation time on the coastline in Spain, so if you can avoid European holidays you will save yourself a lot of money. Also, consider visiting during the week as opposed to weekends. Many hotels will offer weekday special rates so you'll find you can save yourself a lot of money.
Finally, if you're going to be visiting one city for more than a few days, consider subletting and apartment for a week or two. You'll save money on the rate of you accommodation, but you'll also likely have a kitchen so you can save yourself a lot of money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out.

Types of Accommodation

Accommodations in Spain are highly variable and include everything from guesthouses, to apartments, to bed and breakfasts. You can select the type of accommodation you wish based on the type of trip you're planning. If you're a backpacker hoping to socialize with other young travelers then you might choose to go with a hostel. Alternatively, if you're traveling as a couple on a budget you'll likely spend about the same amount of money on a cheap, private room, where you'll get some privacy without the party atmosphere of a hospital. Bed and breakfasts are a great way to experience a different side of Spanish tourism, while apartments may offer the best deal for people staying for a longer period of time in one area.
Do some research ahead of time on the area you plan to visit to decide exactly what kind of hotel might be best for you. There are plenty of options out there. Be sure and consider what priorities are most important to you, location, cost, atmosphere, among other things should all be taken into account when you select your hotel.