In Europe, there is a wide range of possibilities for accommodation. Hotels, rural houses, unique accommodations, tourist apartments, hostels, lodges or campsites are some of the options; each one with its own particularities.
Establishment categories
Each type of accommodation is divided into categories, according to its services and characteristics, and this classification may differ from one country to another. Thus, a 3-star hotel in Spain will not necessarily have the same services as one of the same category in another European country.
Quality certificate
In Spain, the "Q Calidad Turística" certificate guarantees high quality standards for the facilities and services of the accommodation, as well as management oriented towards customer service and continuous improvement.
Tourist tax
This is a surcharge charged to visitors of a city or country and is usually used for the development and promotion of infrastructure, tourism activities, or the conservation and improvement of heritage. The most common way of charging it is through the reservation of an accommodation and the amount may vary depending on many factors such as the number of nights booked, the category of the establishment, the season or the age of the customer. In Europe, it is implemented in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal. In Spain, the Autonomous Communities are responsible for regulating them and they can be charged in hotels, tourist apartments, hostels and even cruise ships. Catalonia and the Balearic Islands are some of the Autonomous Communities that already apply it.