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The standard of accommodation in the Basque country is very high: even the most modest of pensiones are usually very clean and respectable. Places to stay (alojamientos) are divided into three main categories; Hoteles (marked H or HR) are graded from one to five stars, which distinguishes them from hostales (Hs or HsR), which go from one to three stars. Pensiones (P) are the standard budget option, and are usually family-run flats in an apartment block. An excellent option if you've got transport is the network of agroturismos and casas rurales. The best of these are traditional Basque farmhouses. Many are in picturesque settings, and most offer exceptional value. While some are listed in this section, the tourist offices in the region will provide you with a booklet listing all of them. There are a few official youth hostels in the Basque region, but the price of pensiones rarely makes it worth the trouble except for solo travellers. Spanish youth hostels frequently are populated by noisy schoolkids, and have curfews and check-out times unsuitable for the late hours the locals keep.
Most campsites in the Basque country are on the coast, and are set up as well-equipped holiday villages for holidaying families. In other areas, camping, unless specifically prohibited, is a matter of common sense: most locals will know of (or offer) a place where you can pitch a tent tranquilamente. All registered accommodations charge a 7% value-added tax; this is often included at cheaper places and may be waived if you pay cash (tut tut).
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