An exceptional variety of visitor accommodation can be found in northern Spain and Galicia Accommodation can be found that will fit all forms of budgets and even the most particular tourists will find something to suit their particular needs.

If you want something slightly different then most people would head for one of the various exclusive hotels throughout the region or one of the “Paradors” that can be found in various key places throughout the area. Throughout the region there are various mountain refuges with stunning views as well as campsites in the coastal areas.

The standard of accommodation in the area is extremely high as you would expect from Galicia and Northern Spain. Hotels are categorized and awarded stars by the regional tourist authorities. If you need actual visible proof of the standard of your hotel you can find confirmation indicated by a small blue plaque near the hotel front door.

You'll find in hotels that they have at least a shower in each room but more usually en suite bathrooms. You may well be surprised but it is unlikely that these sorts of facilities would be found in the smaller hostels and “Pensiones”.

Don't equate the number of stars on the outside door of the hotel to necessarily match the standards of the accommodation that is on offer and this is because in Spain the stars are allocated on the facilities on offer not necessarily the quality of the service. As you would expect the range of facilities on offer in the more exclusive hotels would run to air conditioning, on site parking, televisions in each room, facilities for the disabled and in some cases internet-access.

The cost of accommodation as in most cases varies from season to season therefore it is wise to plan in advance. A popular option available in all of the autonomous regions of northern Spain are hostels (hostales) and guest houses (pensiones) which are cheaper than hotels. These are usually small family-run establishments offering just a few beds.

This area of Northern Spain otherwise known as Green Spain claims to have a total of 92,000 beds registered over 1,500 Hotels, Hostels and “Pensiones”.

The biggest hotel chains in northern Spain are the Grupo Sol-Melia and NH with hotels in the main towns. The standard of accommodation in these hotels is extremely high. Latterly there have been a growing number of smaller privately run hotels that offer memorable relaxing accommodation available.

Throughout Spain you'll find in key areas tourist accommodation known as Parador's. These are classified from between three to five stars. The first Parador opened in 1928 and there is now quite a comprehensive network throughout the country. They are located close together so that there is never more than a day’s drive to the nearest one. The Parador de los Reyes Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela, located in a former royal hunting lodge is possibly the best known Parador in the area. Various monasteries, castles and other monuments have been used for Paradors elsewhere. Some Parador's have been purpose built often in spectacular scenery or in towns of historic interest.

The local Parador might not be best hotel in town but it will usually deliver a predictably consistent standard of

Finnair to Expand Long-Haul Fleet
Finnair to Expand Long-Haul Fleet.
Qantas Trials NG Check-In System @ Perth Airport
Qantas Trials NG Check-In System @ Perth Airport.
Emirates to Hold Recruitment Drive in Singapore
Emirates to Hold Recruitment Drive in Singapore.
Roger Kacou Joins M?pick as Senior Vice President Africa
Roger Kacou Joins M?pick as Senior Vice President Africa.
Mandarin Oriental Reports H1 2010 Results
Mandarin Oriental Reports H1 2010 Results.

comfort. The bedrooms are usually spacious and comfortable, and all furnished to a standard that varies little from Parador to Parador. Quite often you will find that they offer outstanding samples of regional cuisine. It might be wise to book in advance if you are planning to visit the area either during the high season or if you wish to stay in one of the smaller Paradors. You can either call each Parador direct or use the Central booking service based in Madrid called the Central de Reservas. You have to expect as in most cases that if you choose to during the high season accommodation can be on the expensive side but deals can be found if you're able to shop around.