In discussing a “flexible” decree, the spokesperson told Efe that this feature lets hoteliers align a property’s climate with the outside weather. When the temperature outside reads 27 or 44 degrees, it is certainly not the same as a 25-degree day, he explained, highlighting how ambient conditions influence indoor comfort and energy use.
Even so, a number of hotels and local authorities already exhibit reluctance. This hesitancy is evident in Madrid, where the Hospitality Association estimates a potential impact on the region’s turnover of around 250 million euros. The figure underscores how energy policy choices can ripple through the hospitality sector, affecting revenue and operational planning for many establishments in the capital and its surroundings.
Beyond public complaints, the discussion veers into the political arena, with some figures like Yzuel choosing not to engage in what she called political buzz. She also notes that many operators had already begun adopting energy-responsive measures ahead of schedule, driven by a 2009 law on energy savings and the broader 2008-2011 Savings and Energy Efficiency Enabling Plan. This history helps explain why some hoteliers viewed the decree as a natural continuation of ongoing efficiency efforts, rather than a sudden, disruptive mandate. The plan’s incentives and regulatory signals encouraged facilities to optimize heating and cooling strategies, to manage costs, and to reduce environmental impact while maintaining guest comfort. Source attributed to Efe.