Hotels or B&Bs -- what is better for Spain? (long)
 

Last summer we did a trip to Italy and Paris. In Italy we stayed in B&Bs and in Paris we stayed in a hotel. It could have been the places we stayed, but we really preferred the B&Bs (and not for the breakfasts, except for Venice which was spectacular with made to order crepes and omelettes). We really liked the homey feel with people willing to help you, friendly to travelers, and more of a friendly environment... Even if they werent always fancy, preferred the accommodations that weren't overly fancy because I liked feeling like I was somewhere new.

We are now going to Malaga, Granada, Seville and Madrid and I'm torn about whether I should be looking at hotels or B&Bs. We have less time on this trip (and are not renting a car) so I want to be in good central locations.

We are currently booked at Hotel Don Curro (one night Malaga), Hotel Las Almenas (2 nights Granada) and have yet to choose accomodations for Seville and Madrid, although we have been looking at Hotel el Prado and Hotel Preciados for Madrid. I'm just afraid we will book a place that is too "businessy" and regret it.

Any recommendations for B&Bs in good locations or more friendly B&Bish hotels? I've been looking at tripadvisor and booking.com reviews, as well as Maribel's guide, but it's so overwhelming and I keep second-guessing myself.

Traditionally Spain does not do B&Bs in the main cities. B&Bs are found mainly on the Mediterranean coast and usually run by expats.
In Spain the main accommodation in cities are hotels or hostels etc.
In the countryside you will find Casa Rurals. These are the nearest thing to what you call B&B.
You will find casa rurals listed in booking but also in www.toprural.com

Stay at Hostals which are small, family run hotels.

this is probably a stupid question, but are hostals the same thing as hostels? (like, youth hostels, etc where 8 people share a room, shared bathrooms, very low budget, etc)

Hostals are more or less like hotels. They use to be smaller and are often family run. Most of the time the standard is great, even though you might find very simple and cheap hostals with shared bathroom etc.

In Sevilla, you might want to check out Apartamentos Murillo: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/sevi...urillo.en.html

I've been very happy staying at Hostal Persal in Madrid, but it might be to big for your liking: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/madr...madrid.en.html

You should have a look at this site about boutique hotels in Madrid, from 60-70€: http://www.epoquehotels.com/city.php...madrid/lang/en

toprural will give you the b+b feel in the countryside.
hostals/pensions, hotels towns or cities.

We are booked for Sept in Barcelona at the 5 rooms hotel, which is actually 9 rooms and suites with breakfast. friends who were there loved it, dubbed it a "chic b&b" and said it was just as it web site conveyed.

Hostals are not the same as Hostels at all. Some of them can be very nice and sometimes (not always) the owners or staff can be very friendly and helpful and make your stay better by giving you tips, insight etc. on the town. I've also stayed at Hostals where they didn't really want to chat. Spain does get an endless supply of millions of tourists every year so I can understand.

For a good mix of location and homely accomodation, I suggest you get an apartment, it should work out about the same per person as a b&b, there's a company I use for Spain called Dailyflats, their website is http://www.dailyflats.com, they do Barcelona Apartments, Madrid Apartments, all over europe in fact. You might not have someone cooking an omelette made to order but you do get a fully equipped kitchen where you can expermient with some local cuisine if you're feeling adventurous! Enjoy your trip!

You have another identical thread going and have responses there. Just click on your name to find your threads.

As per above
http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/summer08bride/