• New  !   Just west of Figueres,   
  Mas Coquells is a traditional country house in Alt Empordà area of Catalonia. Originally built in the 12th century, the mas has recently been restored and opened to the public, and offers five attractively decorated bedrooms. It is well located betwen the resorts of the northern Costa Brava, and the foothills of the Pyrenees. 
• New  !   Montseny, near Barcelona,   
  Husa Sant Bernat *** lies in the Montseny National Park, in the hills north of Barcelona, and is an oasis of peace and calm compared to the city. Friendly staff, good food, and wonderful views that get mentioned in many reviews. 10 miles north of  AP7 motorway exit 11. The 3 star rating does not do this place justice, though the three-star prices represent excellent value for money.  

3. Provinces of Valencia and Murcia, central Mediterranean coast and Balearics

• New  !  Benissa, Costa Blanca - Valencia
   Hotel La Madrugada   *** This hotel is the opposite of most hotels along the Costa Blanca. Though located between Denia and Benidorm, it seems a world away from the tower blocks of the resorts. With seven rooms and one suite, this is a stylish villa in the hills, with pool, tennis court and views to the sea, a quiet out-of-the-way hotel for a relaxing break.  AP7 motorway exit 63.
• Parque Natural Sierra Espuña, Murcia, 
   Bajo el Cejo - Guest House  Just an hour inland from the seaside at Mazarron, this three star guest house is located in the heart of a regional park. The buildings have been lovingly and painstakingly renovated to provide a great base for hiking, mountain biking, or enjoying the wild scenery or the pool. Excellent reviews except from people who don't like steep tracks.

• Salobrena, Costa Tropical  (south of Granada)
  The Hotel Jayma ** lies in the heart of old Salobrena, among narrow streets of white houses. It's the Spanish coast as it ought to be, i.e. Spanish. The hotels is small, simple, clean and friendly, and gets excellent reviews from people who have stayed there. The Jayma is what the Spanish call a "hostal", which just means a simple no-frills hotel, with simple no-frills prices.
• Near Tarifa, Andalucia  ( at the southern tip of Spain)
  The Hotel la Torre ** is about 10 km north of Tarifa, the most southerly point in Europe,  and lies just a few yards from lovely sandy beaches in this rare unspoilt part of the Spanish coast. A simple old fashioned Spanish hotel, clean and friendly and with good food. The hotel is also close to the Los Alcornocales Natural Park
• Vejer de la Frontera, Andalucia  
  The Hotel la Casa del Califa is a charming intimate hotel in the heart of the mediaeval quarter of this old Andalusian "ciudad blanco" or white town, half way between Cadiz and Algeciras. The hotel boasts a terrace with wonderful views

• Cazorla, Andalucia
  Hotel Guadalquivir **  Excellent value in this spotlessly clean family-run hotel in Cazorla. Well off the beaten track, Cazorla and nearby la Iruela are gems, old Andalucian towns clinging to the slopes of the Sierra de Cazorla behind - a large nature reserve. Cazorla is also famous for its olive oil, reputedly among the best in Spain.
• Granada, Andalucia
  Hotel Puerta de las Granadas *** ; Great location on the small street leading up to the Alhambra from the Plaza Nueva. Can arrange Alhambra visit tickets even when they are sold out on Internet. Good base for exploring old Granada, the Albaycin and the Alhambra. Staff friendly and helpful, rooms clean and neat, but some are a bit small
• Granada, Andalucia
  Hotel Almona ** ; If you want a cheap hotel in a reasonably quiet location in central Granada, this is a good choice. A fairly basic simple two star hotel that is fairly well reviewed. No frills, no restaurant, but plenty of places to eat close by. An easy base from which to explore Granada on foot.
• Grazalema, Andalucia
  Hotel Puerta de la Villa **** ; a four-star hotel at two star prices, in the centre of Grazalema, a delightful "pueblo blanco" or white village 20 km from Ronda, in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This small town is well off the beaten track, and a great spot from which to explore the spectacular scenery and the wildlife of the surrounding area.