Playasol Aquapark & Spa Hotel

The Playsol Spa Hotel is a busy beachfront hotel with sufficient space to accommodate guests at the buzzing pool and wicker-chaired buffet area. The hotel occupies a boxy, generic, modern building, but green, relaxed gardens make the space feel welcoming. The lobby is a big affair, with an open glass ceiling and a geometrically-patterned tiled floor, a circular, funky lighting fixture, and wicker chairs and sofas. A large reception area is full of flyers and brochures for nearby attractions and activities. There are more plants inside, which line wide tiled hallways, and plenty of windows for ample sunlight. The design is basic beachy, but the place is bright, clean, and cheerful.

The Playasol Spa Hotel in Roquetas de Mar sits right on the beach, just behind a seafront pedestrian promenade, surrounded by palm-filled gardens. The 18-hole Playaserena Golf Course is a half-mile away. Bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and a big supermarket are within walking distance. There’s a bus stop and a taxi stand next to the hotel that can bring travelers to the center of Roquetas de Mar, a mellow, touristy resort town.

Suites in particular have abundant space, but no room here is cramped. All rooms include private terraces with varying views -- some look out onto the stunning Mediterranean, and others onto the pool or nearby buildings. Rooms have minibars and air-conditioning, but no Wi-Fi (it’s only available in the lobby, and after 30 minutes, the hotel charges to use it). Bathrooms are squeaky clean, with toiletries and good water pressure. Tube TVs are outdated and furniture is basic. Attractive details include cheery pops of orange and patterned tile work.

The hotel has a big, pretty, curvaceous, and well-kept pool, surrounded by palm trees and complete with water slides, a hot tub, hammocks, and lounge chairs. There's a lush, palm-filled garden with sun-beds for soaking up rays. Towel service is a nice touch, and the pool gets bustling and busy during peak tourist season. There’s a spa, and 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi in public areas. Kids can play in a playground, compete with mini-golf, or partake in the kids’ clubs and its many activities. A buffet serves abundant yet mediocre breakfast, lunch, and dinner; there's a lounge bar, and in the high season, the El Pirata Pool Snack-Bar offers poolside drinks and tapas.