Just returned from Zaragoza after spending a week there, experienced some pitfalls but also discovered some excellent accommodations. Here’s a summary of my experience for your reference. As the capital of the Aragon region, Zaragoza actually offers plenty of hotel options, but finding the right one requires some research, as explored in this Zaragoza hotel room guide.
Booking Timing is Crucial
Based on my observations, hotel prices in Zaragoza fluctuate quite noticeably. During Fiesta del Pilar and Easter, prices skyrocket, with some hotels increasing rates by over 50%. Unless you’re specifically attending these festivals, I’d recommend avoiding these periods when considering Zaragoza hotel prices. Weekday prices are typically 20-30 euros cheaper than weekends, which is quite a significant saving. I arrived on a Sunday, and my first night cost nearly 25 euros more than the following days.
Location Recommendations
Zaragoza’s accommodation areas are divided into several zones, each with pros and cons:
| Area | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|
| Old Town | Attractions concentrated, walking distance to Basilica del Pilar | Narrow streets, difficult parking | Sightseeing tourists |
| Paseo de las Damas area | Convenient shopping and dining, good transport | Higher prices | Business travelers |
| Near Train Station | Transport hub, good value | Slightly far from Old Town | Transit passengers |
| University District | Affordable prices, youthful atmosphere | Far from main attractions | Budget travelers |
I stayed at a three-star hotel on the edge of the Old Town, about a 10-minute walk to Plaza del Pilar, convenient yet not too noisy. Important reminder: If you’re driving, make sure to confirm whether the hotel has parking, as many hotels in the Old Town don’t have their own parking facilities, and nearby public parking costs 15-20 euros per day.
Options by Price Range
Budget
This price range mainly includes chain budget hotels and small family-run guesthouses. I checked out several Ibis Budget locations and Pensiones, all have basic facilities, just smaller rooms. Casa Candelaria is a well-reviewed guesthouse with a very nice owner, and while breakfast is simple, it’s authentic.
Mid-range
The best value-for-money range, which is where I stayed. Hotel Sauce and Hotel Diagonal Plaza are both excellent, with spacious rooms and good locations. Hotel Sauce’s rooftop terrace offers views of the entire Old Town - watching the sunset from there is truly spectacular.
Luxury
If budget allows, Palafox Hotel and Hotel Catalonia Zaragoza are worth considering. The former is the city’s best five-star hotel with impeccable service; the latter is converted from a historic building with great character.
Booking Platform Comparison
Tried several platforms - Booking doesn’t always have the lowest prices, but offers flexible cancellation policies. Hotel websites sometimes offer direct booking discounts, especially for stays of 3+ nights. Airbnb doesn’t have many listings in Zaragoza, but if you find a well-located apartment with a kitchen, you can save considerably on meals.
Finally, the overall standard of hotels in Zaragoza is quite good, and staff English proficiency is higher than I expected. Regarding breakfast, Spanish hotels generally keep it simple - basically bread, ham, and coffee, so don’t expect too much. If you want a more substantial breakfast, as discussed in this Zaragoza Swiss Hotel review, it’s better to save the breakfast fee and go to an outside cafe for a more authentic experience.
