BandB's in Spain.
 

A friend is planning to drive from the southwest of Spain to the northwest, and plans to look for B&B's along the way. He's done this in Ireland, and thinks Spain has the same system of B&B's, in other words, there's always another one around the corner. I'm not sure this is the situation. Am I right to think he may have to sleep in the car if he doesn't have reservations planned ahead?
Paul

If he is travelling in summer, you are absolutely right. It's highly possible to find most of them full. It all depends on his flexibility, I mean, villages are not usually very far from other village so if he drives a bit more and doesn't mind to pay a bit more or even have a worse pension or hostel , he can try it. But I will not risk it in August :)

I have stayed at Hostals in Spain where breakfast was included (Continental or Buffet) but it's not like Ireland. There are Pensiones and Hostals and your friend may find either along the way from Huelva up thru Extremadura to Galicia. If he stops in mid-afternoon in a city or village like Ourense, for example, he shouldn't have a problem finding one or the other. Except for longer term guests, they'll usually have something available or they'll be able to refer him to another establishment.

It is definitely not like Ireland!

Ned it's absolutely right , it's not like Ireland :) When you told B&B's I supposed you know that there are not such a thing in Spain. That's why I talked of pensions or hostels which is the more similar thing I can think of here.

I guess B&B Definition is different, when I think BB I think quaint country home or converted chateau like a boutique hotel, For me you choose a BB in Canada for the atmosphere rather than the price, pensiones and hostals can be on the 1* side, although not always, for the BB experience that we look for in Canada, I would say that the Spanish Parador experience is quite close, converted palaces or churches or villas, these are generally 3-4 star and not because they are not excellent but only because they are missing the pool and maybe business centers, becasue the rooms and the setting are trully amazing www.parador.es

I tell you why paradores are like that. The property of the chain is the spanish state (to say, the government).
Most of the buildings are protected buildings due to its historic value and the newest ones work as a franchise. But anyway, are state controlled. There are a few 5 stars also.