Understanding Tourist Accommodation Types and Classifications
Understanding Tourist Accommodation Concepts
The concept of tourist accommodation is fundamental to the hospitality sector. Their dependencies are homogeneous as a whole.
Accommodation Modalities
- Type A: Hotel, Hotel Apartment, Motel, Hotel Residency
- Type B: Hostel Residency, Guest Houses, Hostels, Inns, Refuges
Defining a Tourist Accommodation Company
A tourist accommodation company is understood to mean any company that performs an activity which consists of professionally and regularly providing an accommodation service to the public through prices, either permanently or on a seasonal basis, with or without the provision of complementary services.
Exclusions from Tourist Accommodation Companies
Accommodation activities whose main purpose is institutional, social, health, assistance, workplace, educational, or sports shall not be considered tourist accommodation companies and shall be excluded from the scope of application of this law. This also applies to any activities held as part of the administration’s activities targeted at children, youth, or other collectives in need of special protection.
Classification of Tourist Accommodation Companies
1. Hotels
- Hotel: Establishment aimed at providing a tourist accommodation service with or without complementary services.
- City Hotel: Located in zones classified and organized as a quarter, situated in protected buildings.
- Apartment Hotel: Features facilities needed for the conservation, preparation, and consumption of food and drinks inside an accommodation unit.
- Interior Tourism Accommodation: Establishments where a tourist accommodation service is provided in a building located in an old quarter.
2. Tourist Apartments
Establishments devoted to providing a tourist accommodation service. They have all furnishings, facilities, services, and equipment needed for the conservation, preparation, and consumption of food and drinks, and are in conditions that enable them to be occupied immediately.
3. Rural Hotels
Located in a rural setting, integrated into the environment.
- Rural Hotel: Prior to 1940 construction.
- Agricultural Tourism Hotel: From 1960 construction.
4. Hostels and Refuges
Provides shared accommodation service to the public at large in rooms fitting multiple people, with or without food.
5. Inns
Part of a church, chapel, or sanctuary, serving as accommodation for the public at large.
Non-Hotel Accommodation Categories
1. Tourist Apartments
These are establishments devoted to providing a tourist accommodation service which are advertised as such. They are made up of a set of accommodation units that have all the furnishings, facilities, services, and equipment needed for the conservation, preparation, and consumption of food and drinks, and are in conditions that enable them to be occupied immediately, in fulfillment of all the requirements established by law.
2. Apartments or Houses of Tourist Use (AT)
- Apartments of Tourist Use (Tourist Houses): Do not require administrative authorization, only communication.
3. Camping Sites
A delimited space, equipped (electricity, water, and other services) and fitted to be temporarily occupied by persons who intend to spend their time outdoors during a limited period with holiday or tourist aims, using as accommodation motor homes, camping tents, caravans, or other similar elements.
- Minimal Capacity: 10 persons.
4. Holiday Cities
Establishments characterized by their situation, facilities, and services, offering:
- Direct contact with nature.
- Full Board regime.
- Opportunities to practice sports and participate in collective leisure activities.
5. Rural Hotels
Offer accommodation services. Date of construction (1960). Located in rustic land.
6. Agritourism (Agricultural Accommodation)
- Accommodation services.
- Date of construction.
- Limited number of beds.
7. Interior Tourism
- Building date (1940).
- Located in the old center of urban units.
- Minimum distance of 500 m from the closest tourist zone.
8. Social Tourism
- Clients: Students, workers, retired individuals.
- Ownership: Public or Private.
- Examples:
- Albergues Juveniles (Youth Hostels): Typically for 16-26 years old.
- Student Residences.