They are generally 4* except in the sticks or in tourist resorts such as Costa del Sol, Magaluf etc. where they can be disappointing.

Have a look at Trip advisor but read between the lines

Yes, most 4 star hotels in Spain are really nice, but not great.

Normally Yes,

I am visiting this excellent one quite often:

http://www.hoteltamisagolf.com/

4 star, but cheaper than many 3 stars.

Ummmmmmmmmmm, they are four star hotels.

But the standards for stars are different in Europe than in the US.