This study analyses the size, efficiency and productivity of a representative sample of Spanish hotels. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, three different return-to-scale models are estimated. The number of full-time employees (FTEs), the staff cost and the number of rooms (inputs) and the total operating revenue (output) are used to estimate the levels of efficiency and productivity. The results show that independent properties must be more competitive if they are to survive in the medium and long terms. Three elements are essential to achieve greater competitiveness: (i) a higher level of differentiation; (ii) application of the results of technological innovation in the production process; and (iii) a more intensive level of cooperation.