Catering, providing food and drink for transients, has always, gone together with accommodations. Food services are a feature of hotels. The typical modern "packaged hotel" includes a restaurant, a coffee shop for quicker and less expensive meals, and a bar cocktail lounge. Many larger hotels have several restaurants, often featuring different kinds of foods, as well as different prices. Hotels also normally provide room service- food and drink that arc brought to the guest's room. In addition, catering service is usually provided in the hotel's recreational areas. The poolside bar and snack bar, for quick food, are normal parts of the service at a resort hotel.
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs outside the hotels are a standard feature of the resort scene. Indeed, many resorts could not really operate without them. They provide not only catering, but also some kind of entertainment for the tourist who is bored with the limits of hotel life. In some areas, like Miami Beach, they have sprung up without any apparent design, but in others, like the Costa Smeralda, they are carefully coordinated features of the total plan. In cities like New York, London, or Paris, restaurants and other catering establishments that serve the resident population obtain additional business from the tourists who flock to those cities.
Food, in fact, may be one of the reasons why people travel. Many people go out of their way to visit France, for example, because of the gourmetmeals that are served there. Similarly, the excellent restaurants of Hong Kong constitute one of its principal tourist attractions.
It should also be pointed out that many grocery stores, delicatessens, and liquor stores make money from tourism. This is true in large tourist cities like New York and in resort areas like Miami Beach. There is usually a food store at or near most marinas and camping areas. The accommodations and catering service industries employ large numbers of people. According to the United States census of 1970, more than 733,000 people were working in hotels, and more than 3.3 million in restaurants. Of course not all of these depend on the tourist trade, but the figures are indicative of the amount of labor involved in these businesses. At a luxury hotel, there may be as many as two or three employees for every guest room. At a large commercial hotel, there are usually about eight employees for every ten guest rooms.
This intensive use of labor is one of the reasons why tourism is so attractive to developing countries. Furthermore, many of the hotel and restaurant jobs are semiskilled work, so only a small amount of training is necessary to fill them.
2. Tourism in Spain
2.1 Useful information about Spain
If you are coming to Spain for the first time, be warned: this is a country that fast becomes an addiction. You might intend to come just for a beach holiday, or a tour of the major cities, but before you know it you'll find yourself hooked by something quite different - by the celebration of some local fiesta, perhaps, or the amazing nightlife in Madrid, by the Moorish monuments of Andalusia, by Basque cooking, or the wild landscapes and birds of Estremadura. And by then, of course, you will have noticed that there is not just one Spain but many. Indeed, Spaniards often speak about Spain in the plural.
The cities - above all - are compellingly individual. Barcelona, for many, has the edge: for Gouda’s splendid modernista architecture, the lively promenade of Las Ramblas, and not least, for Bara - the city's football team. But Madrid, although not as pretty, has the advantages. The city and its people, immortalized in the movies of Pedro Almodavar, have a vibrancy and style that is revealed in a thousand bars and summer terrazas. Not to mention three of the world's finest art museums. Then there's Sevilla, home of flamenco in southern Spain; Valencia, Levantine, city with the vibrant nightlife to equal any European rival; and Bilbao, due to Frank Gehry's astonishing Guggenheim museum, is the most visited tourist place of «Basque’s country».
Touring Castile and Lean, you confront the classic Spanish images of great cathedrals and reconsquista castles. Andalusia has the great mosques and Moorish palaces of Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba; Castile has the superbly preserved medieval capital, Toledo.
The best places for rest in Spain are undeniably its beaches. Long tracts of coastline - along the Costa del Sol, in particular - have been developed into concrete hotel complexes. On the Costa Brava, the string of coves between Palamos and Begur are often overlooked, while in the south there are superb windsurfing waters around Tarifa and some decidedly key resorts along the Costa de la Luz.
Wherever you are in Spain, you can't help but notice the Spaniards infectious enthusiasm for life.
2.2 When to go to Spain
Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round, and in parts of Andalusia positively subtropical, warm enough to wear a T-shirt by day even in the winter months.
In high summer the other factor worth considering is tourism itself. Spain plays host to some thirty million tourists a year - almost one for every resident - and all the main beach and mountain resorts are packed in July and August, as are the major sights. August, Spain's how holiday month, sees the coast as its most crowded and the cities, by contrast, pretty sleepy.
2.3 Eating and drinking in Spain
There are two ways to eat in Spain: you can go to a restaurant or commodore (dining room) and have a full meal, or you can have a succession of tapas (small snacks) or raciones (larger ones) at one or more bars.
At the bottom line a comedor - where you'll get a basic, filling, three-course meal with a drink, the menu del dia - is the cheapest option, but they're often tricky to find, and drab places when you do. Bars tend to work out pricier but a lot more interesting, allowing you to do the rounds and sample local or house specialties.
3. Accommodation in Spain
3.1 Classification criteria (According to internationally accepted standards)
Hotels are classified from five to two stars. Aparthotels and tourist villages are classified as two, three or four star. Guest houses are classified as 'comfort' - denoting the highest grade - and 'standard', the lowest grade.
Five stars- fully air-conditioned accommodation; all rooms must have a private bath and shower, a telephone, a radio and TV' set; 24-hour room service; a bar, restaurant and a coffee shop; a lounge area; dancing facilities; a swimming pool and sports facilities; the front office must be manned 24-hours; the property must also offer a laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning service and have shops and a hairdresser.
Four stars- fully Mr-conditioned accommodation; all rooms must have a private bath or shower, an 'internal or external' telephone and radio; room service from breakfast to midnight; a bar, a restaurant and a lounge; a swimming pool or a private beach facility; the front office must be manned 24-hours; the property must also offer a laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning service and have shops and a hairdresser.
Three stars- all rooms must have a private bath or shower and an 'internal or external' telephone; a bar, a restaurant and a lounge; the front office must be manned on a 24-hour basis; the property must also offer a laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning service.
Two stars- at least 20 per cent of rooms must have a bath or shower; all rooms must have a wash-hand basin and a mirror plus a telephone or service bell; breakfast facilities must be available; the front office must be manned during the day, at night a porter service must be available.
3.2 Barcelona Hotels
1. Barbara Hotel – 2 stars
Barbara Hotel is located in the heart of Barcelona, near the famous Las Ramblas and El Raval (Barcelona's vibrant red light district). The hotel is within walking distance to the Gothic District, Plaza Catalonia, Montjuic, Olympic Port and Palace of Fairs and Congresses. The beaches of Barcelona can be found at about 15 minutes walking distance. The nearest metro stations are Liceu and Parallel (Green Line L3).
Hotel facilities: Breakfast room; Bar; Disabled facilities; Room facilities: Private bathroom; Hairdryer (on request); direct dial telephone; Heating; Television; Radio.
2. Bona Nova Park Hotel – 2 stars
The Bona Nova Hotel is situated in a very quiet and residential area of the city close to the business area of the Avenida Diagonal. It is also close to the fair grounds and attractions. The city centre can be reached in ten minutes by taxi. The nearest metro station to the hotel is Maria Cristina, which is a five minutes walk away.
The hotel's guest rooms are spacious and comfortably decorated.
Hotel facilities: Room service; Group dining room; Car rental facilities; Laundry facilities; Conference facilities;
Room facilities: Television; Direct dial phone; Mini bar; Automatic wake-up call; Voltage: 220v.
3. Alexandra Hotel – 3 stars
Alexandra Hotel Barcelona is situated in Mallorca Street, very close to the main cultural sites of the city, the business centers and the most important shopping and leisure areas. The location of the Alexandra Hotel, between the Paseo de Garcia and the Rambla de Cataluna, as well as its interior design, evoke the modernist style of the city. The hotel's restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, and cocktails and snacks are available at the bar.
Hotel facilities: Business/meetings facilities; Car parking (at cost); Safety deposit box; Laundry/dry-cleaning service; Room service; Restaurant;
Room facilities: Air conditioning; Satellite TV; Direct dial telephone; Minibar; Bathroom; Hairdryer.
2. Gran Hotel Catalonia -3 stars
The Gran Hotel Catalonia is located in the heart of the Eixample district in Barcelona. The hotel is strategically located close to the key Gaudi Modernist buildings, in the best shopping and services area of the city.
All 84 rooms provide guests with everything they need to feel comfortable. The Gran Hotel Catalonia is both known for its exquisite international restaurant and its local cuisine de marche.
Hotel facilities: Restaurant; Cafeteria; Bar; Car parking; Laundry and dry-cleaning service; Conference and banquet facilities; Fax service at reception desk;
Room facilities: Air conditioning and heating; Satellite television; Radio; Direct dial telephone; Minibar; Safety deposit box; Fully equipped marble bathroom.
3. Catalonia Hotel Berna - 4 stars
Catalonia Hotel Berna is located right in the centre of Barcelona. Being so close to the emblematic Paseo de Gracia and just a step away from Avenida Diagonal, any visitor is within reach of shops and shopping centers with the best names, and also the famous "La Pedrera" building by Antonio Gaudi and the Antoni Tapies Foundation. A short walk away is Plaza de Catalonia and from there, Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and, finally, the new part of the city opening to the sea, a place for leisure and fun: Port Vell and the Mare magnum. The hotel, housed in the historic building, opened in March 2003.
Hotel facilities: Restaurant; Coffee bar; Car parking; Conference rooms; panoramic lift;
Room facilities: Air conditioning; Direct dial telephone; Minibar; Internet connection; Interactive satellite TV; Pay-per-view movies; Safety deposit box; Complete marble bath room.
4. Aristol Hotel – 4 stars
The Aristol Hotel is situated only a few streets from Sant Pau Hospital. It is a modernist gem that is the work of Domenech i Muntaner. It possesses a plethora of small details that have the objective of guaranteeing the client's comfort.
The hotel offers 25 guest rooms.
Hotel facilities: Reception; Lobby; Car parking; Direct internet access; Laundry; Hairdresser; Lift; Safety deposit box;
Room facilities: Private bathroom; Hairdryer; Air conditioning; Heating; Direct dial telephone; Television.
5. Astoria Hotel – 4 stars
Occupying a building of that eclectic style so characteristic of Barcelona's centre, the Hotel Astoria has also benefited from a perfectionist spirit. Recently renovated while maintaining all the original materials, the latest technical advances have been incorporated, making it possible to enjoy modern comforts in an all-time favorite hotel.
Hotel facilities: Room service; Restaurant; Bar; Car parking; Sauna; Fitness centre; Laundry and ironing service; Meeting rooms;
Room facilities: Air conditioning/heating; Satellite television; Direct dial telephone; Fax modem connection; Safety deposit box; Minibar.
6. Claris Hotel – 5 stars
The Hotel Claris was built in 1992 keeping the facade of the former Palacio Vedruna. All rooms have been decorated with a mixture of modern contemporary and classic styles, using only the finest quality materials. To complement the sophisticated decor there are over 100 antique kilims, 17th and 18th century English and French furniture, and many sculptures from the 2nd to 7th centuries.
Hotel facilities: Restaurants; Car parking/Car rental facilities; Small sized lobby; 24 hour porter age; Outdoor swimming pool; Solarium/Sauna; Gymnasium; Baby sitting; Laundry facilities; Conference facilities;
Room facilities: Air conditioning; Satellite television; Radio; Direct dial phone; Mini bar; Hairdryer; Automatic wake-up call; Voltage: 220v; 24 hour room service.
7. Grand Marina Hotel – 5 stars
The Grand Marina Hotel is located in unique surroundings, on the Mediterranean Sea, inBarcelona's Old Port (Port Vell), near the famous Ramblas Boulevard and the Maremagnum shopping and entertainment centre.
The World Trade Centre complex is an international business centre with a unique architectural style, a large open-air plaza, and an exterior design reminiscent of the bridge of a large ship. The hotel building, with a total area of more than 200,000 square feet, occupies the Western side of the World Trade Centre, with views of the city. The complex includes numerous meeting rooms, offices, a VIP Club and various cafes and restaurants.
The hotel has 273 fully appointed rooms, including 37 suites. Decoration is elegant, with subdued and relaxing colors, light tropical woods and fabrics of the highest quality, providing a luxurious, well-balanced atmosphere.
Hotel facilities:Restaurants; Lobby lounge; Piano bar; Outdoor swimming pool; Fitness centre; Sauna; Jacuzzi; Concierge; Conference facilities; Banquet halls;
Room facilities: Private bathroom; Television; Internet access; Safety deposit box; Minibar.
8.Princesa Sofia Intercontinental Hotel – 5 stars
One of Barcelona's finest, the Princess Sofia Intercontinental, now completely refurbished, offers the ultimate in five-star luxury. The hotel is bright and airy from the spacious marble-floored lobby to the soft hues and tasteful furnishings in every room. In keeping with the ethos of the hotel, there is an exquisite choice of local and international cuisine at Contrast restaurant with romantic terrace dining during the summer months
Hotel facilities:24-hour room service; Restaurant; Bar; Car parking; Fitness centre; Outdoor and indoor heated swimming pools; Sauna; Jacuzzi; Beauty salon; Concierge; Business centre; Laundry and valet service;
Room facilities:Satellite TV; Pay-per-view movies; Nintendo; 2-line direct dial telephone; Voicemail; Data port; Minibar; Safety deposit box.
3.3 Madrid Hotels
1. Tryp Washington Hotel - 3 stars
Tryp Washington Hotel stands on Gran Via, in the heart of the city, close to the Plaza de Espana and Puerta del Sol. The major historical attractions and commercial areas are located a few minutes from the hotel. The hotel offers 120 rooms with modern amenities.
Hotel facilities: Restaurant; Bar; Parking; Room service;
Room facilities: Air conditioning; direct dial telephone; Satellite television; Hairdryer; Safe; Sound proof.
2. High Tech Prime Cliper Hotel - 3stars High Tech Prime Cliper Hotel is located in the very centre of Madrid, only minutes away from famous shopping centers and tourist attractions, such as Prado Museum, Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza, Royal Palace, and Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as 3 just minutes away from 3 underground stations and bus routes.
The hotel is well equipped to cater for any traveler, whether visiting for business or for pleasure.
Hotel facilities: Breakfast room; Bar; Business corner; Internet connection;
Room facilities:Air conditioning; Television; Radio; Minibar; Computer connections; Direct telephone; Safe deposit box; Iron and ironing board.
3. Hotel Opera -4 stars
Hotel Opera is located right in the very heart of the historical centre of Madrid, in front of the Teatro de la Opera and only a few metres from the Royal Palace. It is in the centre of the shopping area, and only a few minutes walk from the Palace de Oriente, the Senate, the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza de Espana and the Gran Via. Dine in the hotel's restaurant, "Cafe de la Opera", where the waiters are lyrical singers!