The country has hit back at reports of a ban on setting air conditioning lower than 27C. Spain’s government has now said the rule will not apply to hotel rooms, although it will apply to public areas in hotels.

Spain, in line with EU requirements to reduce Russian oil and gas consumption, has approved a temporary law which increases the minimum temperature for air conditioning units from 26C to 27C as part of a package of energy-saving measures.
 
Exceptions will be made in hotel rooms and on public transport, where air conditioning can be set to a lower temperature.

Bars and restaurants and establishments where working conditions require “physical exercise” are allowed temperatures “around” 25C.
 
Spain’s tourism minister Reyes Maroto confirmed rules applied to common areas of hotels, but not to hotel rooms.

She added there were exceptions to guarantee workers have the required comfort in kitchens and launderettes.

Maroto said the Spanish government had provided €170 million to the accommodation sector for energy-saving initiatives.