Barcelo Cabo de Gata

The Barcelo Cabo de Gata has a plain white exterior leading to a large, airy lobby with brown wicker seating and red cushions. Having opened in 2005, the hotel is more modern than other hotels in the area; a visually stunning wooden and glass patterned roof above the reception area adds light, bouncing off the white marble floor. The grounds are well landscaped and covered with palm trees, blooming flowers ,and stone pathways.

Although couples come to the hotel for its convenient beach access, quieter location, large pools ,and relaxing spa facilities, guests are still primarily families. The children's pool, playground, and animation during certain months all help keep little ones busy. During the high season, guests should expect lines at the restaurants.

Barcelo Cabo de Gata is situated in a quiet area along the Mediterranean Coast with direct access to the gorgeous but pebbly beach. Since it's in a residential area, there's not much in the immediate vicinity and guests have to walk 10 to 15 minutes for a few outside dining and shopping options. It is conveniently located just five minutes from the airport and it's a 20-minute drive to the city of Almeria. It's also a short 15-minute drive to the main part of the Cabo de Gata National Park.

For guests with cars, there's a free parking lot but garage access requires a fee.

All of the 230 rooms at Barcelo Cabo de Gata are spacious and have modern furnishings, air conditioning, and minibars. Rooms have terra cotta tile floors, baroque wooden headboard, white linens, and blue bedskirts; modern art prints and large flat-screen TVs are nice touches. In addition to a blue love seat and armchair, the dark wooden furniture includes a desk and table, but some is worn. Gorgeous tiled bathrooms with marble are large and have a bathtub and separate glassed-in shower. Bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries also come standard. Each room also has a balcony, but some have better views than others. Note that if you get a sea-view room overlooking the pool, it may be noisy.

Double beds are also two twin beds pushed together, a common feature across Europe. Junior Suites have more amenities like a whirlpool tub, iPod dock, and free coffee and tea facilities. The Family Suites can fit up to eight people by spreading out among two bedrooms and a living room area.

Since there's little in the immediate vicinity, the hotel provides everything needed for a relaxing beach vacation. Guests have an all-inclusive option, which includes all buffet food, drinks (both alcoholic and non), and pool loungers and towels, as well as access to the gym. The Mare Nostrum Restaurant Buffet serves all meals both inside and outside and has regional themes, in addition to a variety of dishes. The snack bar outside is conveniently near the beach. For drinks, there's a Pool Bar with ample seating next to a stage and the El Coral Lobby Bar has indoor/outdoor seating with funky light fixtures and rounded armchairs in earth tones.

There are three large pools with gorgeous mosaic tiling and plenty of lounge chairs and tables surrounding them. There's also a separate children's pool. Kids can keep busy at the playground or with the animation that's offered during certain times. The U-Spa has an extensive list of treatments and includes a hydro-massage pool, Turkish bath, sauna and gym.

For the business traveler, meeting rooms and a business center with two computers in the lobby are available.