Hotel RH Ifach

Located amid plain apartment buildings and large hotels, the SH Ifach stands out with a striking architecture style and an eye-catching glass-covered entrance. The lobby wows at first sight, more for its size and layout than for its style, unfortunately. Huge metal pillars hold a massive pyramid-shaped glass structure, while wood paneling on both the ceiling and some walls adds some color. Rattan furniture is beachy but dated and reminiscent of the '80s, while yellow marble floors and plenty of wood paneling and chrome all further contribute to the unintentionally retro vibe. Dining and drinking options are casual across the board, while the outdoors have a pleasant feel, with lots of palm trees and flowers, and a big pool deck with straw umbrellas and greenery. The atmosphere is generally bustling at the SH Ifach, with dozens of kids running around and splashing in the pool during the day, and live music mostly geared toward children in the evening.

The hotel is located on a major thoroughfare running parallel to the coast and connecting the old and new parts of Calpe. The area is sandwiched between the impressive Penon de Ifach (the town's stunning seaside mountain) and the salinas -- both home to hundreds of rare birds and plants -- and has a high concentration of hotels and apartment buildings. There are several casual cafes within a couple of blocks, and dozens of other options can be found on the promenade and in the area around the marina, each located a five-minute walk away. The hotel is also five minutes on foot from long, sandy Fossa Beach. The old town, with its cobbled streets and varied dining options, is a 25-minute walk from the hotel, though the trip might best be made by taxi for most guests (a five-minute drive). Alicante-Elche Airport is an hour’s drive away.

The hotel has 193 spacious, light rooms spread over 15 floors, all featuring large sliding doors that open onto balconies furnished with two chairs and a table. Many have wonderful views of the stunning Penon de Ifach and the sea. Room decor is pleasant enough, but undeniably dated, with rattan and wooden furniture that was more fashionable in the ‘90s, mustard and brown striped comforters, and off-white or beige tiled floors. Dark gray and plum walls add some style, but the overall feel isn't modern. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, and minibars, but rooms lack coffeemakers. Most units feature a double sofa bed for up to two extra guests. Bathrooms are generally spacious but average, with shower/tub combos with glass screens, lots of counter space, wall-mounted hairdryers, and an array of hotel-brand toiletries. Top floors have better views. 

This hotel ticks all of the standard boxes that travelers familiar with the region will expect, with everything from a lovely pool to mediocre buffets and plenty of entertainment. The hotel has a large, appealing zero-entry pool with an integrated whirlpool and views of the Penon de Ifach. Dozens of loungers offer seating all around the pool, but guests complain that the deck can feel overcrowded in the summer. A bar housed in a large palapa serves drinks and snacks throughout the day and offers plenty of tables both under the thatched room and under large sail shades on the pool deck. Poolside fitness classes are available seasonally, as are evening shows, and vibe is generally lively. There is an additional indoor pool with jets in the spa, which also features massage cabins, a sauna, and a nail salon. Access to the indoor pool costs extra in the winter. There's also a roomy fitness center with a nice selection of mostly modern weight and cardio equipment. The buffet restaurant serves a varied spread for all three meals and features a kiddy corner with pasta and nuggets, though food gets mixed reviews. All-inclusive rates are available, but they are subject to minimum-stay requirements. A playground with a jungle gym and slides is open year round, and a kids’ club offers indoor and outdoor activities seasonally. The hotel also features three meeting rooms and private parking (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.