Playacapricho Hotel

There is no shortage of sunlight, greenery, and family-friendly activities at Playacapricho Hotel, beginning with the sunny atrium, decorated with a fountain near a fig tree, glass elevators, a grand piano, a white winding staircase, and greenery that dangles from all seven-floors. The chain hotel has direct access to the beach and an outdoor pool area that is spruced up with green palm trees, blue lounge chairs, two hot tubs, small waterfalls, a pool volleyball net, and a mini island with palm trees. The large childrens' pool -- that includes two slides -- is connected by a separating rock wall. The overall atmosphere is family-focused and on the noisy side.

Roquetas de Mar in Almeria is a Spanish holiday resort town that is bustling with tourists in the summer. Guests at Playacapricho Hotel have direct access to the beach and all of the seaside activities: bicycle and carriage rentals, bars, restaurants, and gift shops. Other family activities are reachable by car. The Mario Water Park is a 21-minute drive. Go kart racing is 17 minutes by car at Circuito de Karts Copo Roqueta. Day excursions can be arranged at Pepe Tours, which is eight minutes away by foot. Golfing is close by with Club de Golf Playa Serena (A 13-minute walk away). The Aquarium Roquetas is 21 minutes away in a car. The Grand Plaza Park mall is a 12-minute drive. Aquatours Almeria boat tours are a 25-minute drive away. The airport is 39 minutes by car.

Traditional furnishings with bursts of Spanish details -- white columns, railings, and tiles -- are fitted in standard rooms that also feature striped bedspreads, neutral paint, and draperies. Bathrooms are modern and tiled in marble with bidets. The classic decorations in standard rooms (singles and doubles) are outdated, including old-fashioned tube TVs. Rooms come with mini-fridges, wake-up service, safes, writing desks, and balconies or terraces. Views of the beach or pool are available in select rooms. Studios have kitchens and suites come with flat-screen TVs, terraces, and whirlpool tubs. A note to light sleepers: guests complain of noise in rooms by the road.

The Playacapricho Hotel offers two meeting rooms with pops of blue and red, low-hanging chandeliers, audiovisual equipment, and optional catering. The rooms fit from 15-170 people. Tapas are served at the poolside Olimpo bar, with its informal green chairs and stage for Spanish entertainment. The Tivoli Lobby Bar -- with tan and green wicker chairs and a Spanish tiled bar -- offers atrium and indoor seating. The Andalucia Restaurant, featuring a buffet, is decorated with colorful tiles, ceiling fans, green pillars, and vintage rattan chairs. The elegant Romano's Pub features retro teal chairs, red leather bar stools, and a beautiful wood staircase. All-inclusive packages are available. There is a big outdoor pool with children's pool and slides. Entertainment for kids includes a playground and game room.