Hostels, hotels or paradors

There are several differences between hostels and hotels, including:

1. Hostels tend to be budget-oriented because there are shared options vs. private to lower costs.
2. For those who prefer an informal environment, hostels are typically more informal than hotels.
3. For those who prefer to socialize with their fellow guests, hostels usually have more common areas and opportunities to socialize. 
4. Hostels are generally self-catering.
5. Hostels generally attract more "adventure travel" oriented visitors rather than "leisure travel" oriented.

The Spanish Paradors are hotels for luxury accommodation in Castles, Palaces, Fortresses, Convents, Monasteries and other historic buildings. One can also find modern Spanish hotels

These hotels can be found throughout Spain.  Many parador hotels were set up so tourism could act as a guardian for the national and artistic heritage of Spain and to invest in poorer regions. 

Carefully sifting through the options facing us, my brother and I have opted for hostels in Seville for 2 nights.  

Later, several nights in Salamanca will be our home base when exploring and researching within the Fuentesauco region in northern Spain.  He reminded me last night that walking will be our major mode of transportation so it's a good thing I have been walking every day to strengthen my Spanish legs.