we are planning a trip to the area in may, driving from faro in portugal to alicante [15 days] we want to visit seville /cordoba and granada on the way to the coast any tips on hotels would be welcome as the last trip we had to spain in september was a treat using hotels that people on this site recommended,barcelona in particular, so any good not over expensive[under 200 euros] places will be ideal, keep the ideas coming folks also any tips on anything else we should not miss.. the plan is 2 nights seville..1 night cordoba and 1 night granada

I think you might be able to squeeze Hotel Alfonso XIII into your budget - it's the best in Seville and has such an atmosphere and style that very few hotels have left today.

I'm sure you've already earmarked all the usual touristy places, and I'm afraid I can't offer any further insight than that a- I was only there for four nights myself.

My personal choice in Granada is the parador located on the grounds of the Alhambra; unfortunately it is the most popular one in Spain and often fills up months in advance. It isn't cheap but it is worth it IMO.

I've also stayed at the Alfonso in Sevill but I doubt you'll get it in your budget range.

Here is the RUL for the paradors:

http://www.paradores-spain.com/

The Alfonso XIII is part of the Westin chain and there are usually some good web offers. www.westin.com

The Parador in Granada is nice, but a tough reservation. It is the Parador with the most demand in all of Spain. If you can't get in, try the Hotel Alhambra Palace: www.h-alhambrapalace.es

In Cordoba, you will want to be in the center of town. The Hotel Conquistador is right next to the Mezquita - ask for a bigger room.
www.hotel-conquistador.com

Good luck and buen viaje!