Hospes Amerigo

Hospes Amerigo's origins as a Dominican convent are still on display in its gracious limestone facade, pointed windows, and etherial ambience that draws couples, families, groups of friends, and business travelers. The lobby, with its high ceilings and pristine marble floors, is airy with cozy seating niches. Guests are offered high-quality wine or coffee on arrival. At the heart of the hotel are its restaurants -- food-centric spaces that pay homage to local ingredients and draw international foodies, as the chef-signed photos attest -- the Fondillon Restaurant has a Michelin star. The tapas restaurant has a vintage decor of rough wood and chalkboard surfaces, and a narrow terrace with plantings next to large, natural stone-block walls. The rooftop pool, with its black-mesh-and-steel loungers and sleek bar, is a favorite gathering spot. 

Centrally located, the Hospes Amerigo is surrounded by bars and restaurants, and is within walking distance of many old town sights. Several major attractions are within a short walk including the Cathedral of San Nicolas (two minutes away), the Paseo Explanada (three minutes away), and the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts and Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (both a four-minute walk from the hotel). The Archaeological Museum of Alicante is a six-minute walk away, and Playa del Postiguet Beach is about a 10-minute walk. Castillo of Santa Barbara is a seven-minute drive or a 28-minute train ride, and the El Plantio Golf Resort is a 15-minute drive. Alicante Airport is a 17-minute drive or a 33-minute train ride.

Hospes Amerigo's 81 rooms are spacious, with views that include Santa Barbara Castle and Cathedral of San Nicolas. Dark woods predominate -- in the floors and massive headboards -- with white walls and pops of red or orange on satin throws or pillows. Low-backed, modern sofas are paired with glass-and-chrome coffee tables. But wear and tear is evident in places, such as nicked veneers or stained upholstery. Superior Rooms might have Juliet balconies and separate seating areas. All rooms are air-conditioned, and include minibars, safes, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Trouser presses, robes and slippers, are also on hand, and bottled water is replenished daily. Bathrooms are roomy and include fresh flowers. They have bidets and magnifying mirrors. Bathtub and stall showers are in gray-veined marble and have glass doors. Beautifully packaged Olivia brand toiletries are provided. Some rooms, especially on lower floors, pick up street noise.

Hospes Amerigo doesn't stint on the amenities. There are four restaurants, including one with a Michelin-star, a tapas bar with an extensive wine selection, and a coffee shop. The hotel has an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool on the roof -- both heated -- and a rooftop bar. There's a breakfast buffet for a fee, which includes eggs cooked to order. The spa includes a sauna, and its treatments reflect several international holistic practices and ingredients. The small fitness center has a mix of cardio machines and free weights. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there's a computer available for guests' use, and a business center. There are several meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 people. The front desk will arrange airport transfers and tickets, rental cars, and store luggage. The hotel also houses a few small shops. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee. Valet parking is available as well.