When planning a trip, one of the most important aspects is choosing the type of accommodation . To do this, we must consider the purpose of the trip, as this will influence our choice of accommodation.
Furthermore, since July 2025 in Spain, it has been mandatory to register all properties intended for tourist rental in the Single Registry of Tourist Rentals , in accordance with Royal Decree 1312/2024, to ensure greater transparency and administrative control of the sector. This particularly affects tourist apartments and holiday homes, which must comply with and quality requirements to operate legally.
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Every day, more and more tourist accommodations are emerging, many of them aiming to meet the specific needs of a particular group of people .
Although this hyper-segmentation is influencing our decision about where to stay, most users still prefer the most familiar options: hotel, hostel, guesthouse, motel, resort, vacation rental, aparthotel, and guesthouse (link).
Tourist accommodations can be classified by their price per night . Typically, accommodations located in the center of large urban areas tend to have the highest price per night , as they are much closer to tourist attractions. Prices decrease as you move away from the city center.
Furthermore, there are often price fluctuations depending on the season and the transition between winter and summer.
We can also classify them according to the area in which they are located, whether urban or rural areas.
It is important to note that the official classification and practical regulation of tourist accommodations varies from one autonomous community to another or country to another, with specific categories and regulations for hotels , tourist apartments , holiday homes , campsites, and other formats. Furthermore, increasing digitalization is driving the transformation of traditional categories , incorporating management technologies , online booking , and automated services to enhance the guest experience.
Once you've established the purpose of your trip and the type of accommodation you want, you should set a budget for the type of accommodation that best suits your needs. Consider comparing several options that offer similar services within your budget.
The price of accommodation is influenced by various factors, such as the services offered, the length of your stay, and the location.
We'll show you the main characteristics of each type of accommodation, analyzing the factors mentioned above, among others:
The hotels
Hotels typically have a time slot for guest check-in or check-out, although the reception operates 24 hours a day with concierge service.
Remember that with Check-in Scan you can completely automate the check-in process.
Some hotels also offer additional services such as meals, a gym, a swimming pool, a spa, or conference rooms. Hotel quality is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with some exceptional cases reaching 6 or 7 stars.
There are different types of hotels depending on their characteristics:
In 2025, the official hotel classification criteria have also incorporated the assessment of environmental sustainability, accessibility and diversity of available digital services, responding to current trends and demands of responsible and connected tourism
Hostels are an affordable and accessible accommodation option, making them very attractive to travelers on a budget , such as backpackers and young tourists. They are usually located in central or well-connected areas , which makes them convenient.
They are characterized by offering shared rooms , although they may also have private rooms at a higher price.
They foster a social atmosphere among guests through common areas such as kitchens and living rooms.
Although the services are basic, they include free Wi-Fi, linens, and lockers, and in some cases, breakfast. Guests are also actively involved in managing their stay.
Motels are accommodations geared towards travelers in cars, located near roads or highways .
They are characterized by their direct access from the parking lot to the rooms , facilitating guest check-in and check-out. They are usually located on the outskirts of cities, offer free parking, and have a simple one- or two-story structure.
The services are basic, including bed, private bathroom, television and in some cases Wi-Fi, but without extras such as restaurants or gyms.
They are an economical option and are designed for short stays, usually one or two nights.
A resort is a type of tourist accommodation located in attractive destinations "all-inclusive" basis , covering food, drinks, and entertainment.
They are designed to offer a relaxing and leisure experience , with a focus on extended stays, providing a wide variety of accommodations ranging from standard rooms to luxury villas.
A guesthouse is a simple and inexpensive type of accommodation , ideal for travelers on a budget. It usually offers a friendly atmosphere and personalized service .
The rooms are basic and may have a shared or private bathroom . Amenities are limited and generally include a bed, bathroom, and in some cases, Wi-Fi and a television. Breakfast is often included, but other meals are not always offered.
Guesthouses are located in both central and residential areas and are preferred for short stays due to their simplicity and low cost.
Tourist apartments are accommodations that offer more space, privacy and flexibility than other types, with several rooms, a living room, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals.
They offer a homey atmosphere, ideal for families or groups , and allow for independent organization.
Although services are more limited compared to hotels, they usually include Wi-Fi and regular cleaning.
They are located in different areas, from central areas to tourist areas , and are a cost-effective option due to their value for money, especially for longer stays.
A guest house is a privately or family-run tourist accommodation that offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with private rooms and sometimes shared bathrooms with the owners.
It usually includes breakfast and has common areas such as lounges or gardens , encouraging socialization among guests.
They are usually located in both urban and rural areas, offering personalized service and local recommendations.
With a moderate cost , guest houses are more economical than hotels, providing a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those seeking greater privacy and comfort.
A bed and breakfast is a type of tourist accommodation, usually family-run, that offers a welcoming atmosphere. These accommodations typically offer private rooms in houses and often en-suite rooms with private bathrooms. A
key feature of this type of lodging is the breakfast (hence the name), where the host prepares a personalized menu, offering guests fresh, local products and breakfast options tailored to their dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, intolerances, etc.).
Many of these types of accommodation, especially tourist apartments, require registration in official tourist registries to guarantee legality and protection for both guests and owners. Those who operate outside of this regulation will be penalized 2025.
An aparthotel combines the comforts of a hotel with the independence of an apartment , offering larger rooms with a kitchen , living room, and services such as daily cleaning and 24-hour reception. It is ideal for both short and long stays, providing privacy and autonomy.
It usually has common facilities such as a gym or swimming pool , and its location is usually strategic, in central or well-connected areas.
They are popular with families and business travelers , offering good value for money, especially for long stays.
Understanding current regulations and the official characteristics of each type of tourist accommodation, as well as digital innovations and sustainability demands, is key to choosing the right type for each trip and for the successful management of accommodations in the current context of global and local tourism in 2025
