I've often wished for a real B&B-type place in Spain, because I (like many Americans, no doubt) really NEED breakfast (and a pastry and cup of coffee won't really do it for me!). My two largest meals are breakfast and dinner--just the opposite of how Spanish people eat! I can get used to Spanish-style eating habits, but it always takes me a few days.

I loved staying in paradores for just this reason--the breakfasts were nice, and I didn't leave the place in the morning wishing for a bowl of Cheerios. I don't know that it's worth the extra Euros--but it sure made me happy!

I too have stayed at one or two hotels which served full breakfasts included in their price so I wouldn't call them a "B&B" as they're not the quaint, family-home-turned-inn kind of lodging establishment.

Just out of curiosity would a Fonda be the closest concept to a Bed & breakfast in Spain?
Or, a régimen de alojamiento y desayuno establishment? I have seen both.

Yes, booklady, fondas could be the nearest concept to a bed & breakfast though they used to offer also lunch and dinner. I say "used to" because you won't find many nowadays in Madrid. In fact, I don't know any.

"Régimen de alojamiento y desayuno" is usually heard in hotels. They offer "alojamiento y desayuno" (bed & breakfast), "media pensión" (half-board) and "pensión completa" (full-board).

In Spain very few hostels give breakfast and, of course, don't expect them to be the yummy buffets you can find in some hotels.

By the way, it's curious to me that after living for 6 months in England 3 years ago, none of the 3 different families I lived with had an English breakfast.

We stayed at a WONDERFUL place in El Puerto De Santa María that served a continental breakfast named Casa Nº6. It was the nicest Hostal we encountered during our entire trip!!! The family that runs it is kind and helpful, and the place was clean and gorgeous!!! Also, we had a nice continental breakfast at the Hotel Continental in Barcelona.