Hipotels Gran Conil & Spa

Minimalist-chic is the overarching theme at Hipotels Gran Conil. With its glass-fronted exterior and no-frills design, it’s all business at first glance. The lobby is overwhelmingly modern, featuring an all-white palette of pristine leather couches, sleek tables, and tiled floors. Above, cylindrical chrome chandeliers shine down on a slender Moorish tile fountain. It’s a spacious area overall, and the beachy theme is well represented, too, thanks to pops of cool blue artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to flow through. The landscaping is equally impressive, with neatly manicured lawns and lush trees spread throughout the property. The vibe here is upbeat and contemporary, and it’s a good option for couples, families, and those who are in town primarily for the beach. 

Ideally situated atop a cliff, the hotel provides expansive views of La Fontanilla Beach. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the water (across a road), and about five minutes by car to the heart of Conil de la Frontera, a charming fishing village renowned for its beaches and bustling weekly market. The charming shops, tapas bars, and picturesque courtyards on Calle Cadiz are about 15 minutes from the hotel on foot. There are two museums within an eight-minute drive of the hotel: Museo Raices Conilenas offers an in-depth look at Conil’s history and customs, while El Taller Del Arte is a regional art museum packed with colorful exhibits. The 16th-century Santa Catalina Church, also eight minutes away by car, is in the historic city center. The nearest airport, Jerez de la Frontera, is approximately an hour’s drive away. 

Overall, the rooms here are simple, with muted color palettes and minimal decor. The furniture is discreet -- think wooden tables, gray fabric chairs, and just a spare piece of abstract artwork on the walls. Some of the furniture shows signs of wear, and it’s clear all of the units could use a little update. However, they’re all air-conditioned and equipped with flat-screen satellite TVs and free Wi-Fi. Safes and minibars are available for a fee. Furnished balconies offer exceptional views of the sea in many rooms. The bathrooms are nicely designed in shades of cream and wood, with spacious countertops, double sinks, stall showers, and bath amenities. Junior Suites have separate living areas and include sofa beds, making them a more practical option for families or larger groups. For a more upmarket experience, the Senior Suites offer an additional bedroom, along with a lounge, dining room, and terrace with sun loungers. 

The gastronomic scene at Hipotels Gran Conil is fittingly top-level, given that this is a fishing village. La Almadraba is a stylish buffet restaurant specializing in Andalusian cuisine. The ambience here is pleasant -- casually polished, with hardwood floors, covered tables, and cushioned chairs beneath glimmering lights. The buffet spread is excellent, with several rows of enticing platters of seafood, main courses, appetizers, and desserts. Elsewhere, the El Mirador Lobby Bar is a more relaxed spot for lounging, playing pool, and sipping drinks. The highlight, by far, is the outdoor seating space, of which there is plenty, including casual patio seating and a shaded terrace with great sea views.

The on-site spa isn’t especially large, but manages to pack plenty of functional features into its close confines. It’s fairly neutral in design, with warm wood accents and fuss-free decor, and there are a couple of cozy treatment rooms and a sauna. There are opportunities galore to swim here: there’s a stylish indoor pool adjacent to the spa, a kids’ pool, and a much larger outdoor pool with plenty of sun loungers and a neighboring snack bar. Other fitness amenities include a tennis court and a full-service gym.

There’s typically some type of live entertainment at the bar every night, ranging from flamenco shows to concerts. The hotel makes it easy for parents to enjoy some downtime, too; there’s a playground, a playroom, and, at night, a show area where they can dance and enjoy live performances. For those who wish to get away, cars and bikes are available for rent. Airport transfers are also available for a surcharge. Wi-Fi is free, but indoor parking costs extra.