RH Bayren Hotel & Spa

This modern hotel is fresh, airy, and bright. From the outside, it looks somewhat like a large cruise ship, with balconies lined up across all four floors. Inside, the lobby is open and expansive, with a gleaming tile floor and minimal decoration. It's not really a place to hang out, but there are a few chairs and sofas where guests can pause. Most guests spend their time in the many outdoor spaces by the pool or beach. The hotel attracts all sorts of travelers looking for a vacation on a beautiful beach. At certain times of the year, it may be overrun with families and children, so travelers wanting peace and quiet should check before booking. 

The hotel is located on the beachfront outside of Gandia proper, by the promenade and about a 15-minute drive from the actual town. The hotel is surrounded by other hotels and apartment blocks, and there are a decent number of casual restaurants and bars within an easy five- to 10-minute walk. The promenade is a good place for strolling and riding bikes. The Gandilandia-Parque de Atracciones amusement park can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. It's about a five-minute drive to the area around the marina, for more cafes and restaurants, or a 20-minute walk for those who don't mind a stroll. The Valencia Airport in Manises is just under an hour away by car. 

Rooms are modern and minimalist, decorated in beachy white, tan, and gray, with hardwood floors and mostly white walls. Bed coverings and drapery are also white, as are the headboards, giving everything a clean and bright look. Furniture is simple and modern, with clean lines and a subtle Scandinavian design vibe. Standard Rooms have balconies but no views, and Single Rooms have neither. Others look out to the sea or the pool. The Panoramic Suite, which can accommodate four people, has the best views, with the sea visible from the bed, sofa, and tub, as well as from the balcony, which also overlooks the pool. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Suites add Nespresso coffeemakers. Tiled bathrooms are modern and come with hairdryers, bidets, granite countertops, toiletries, and tub/shower combos. It's worth noting that larger beds in some rooms are simply two twin beds pushed together, which isn't the most comfortable arrangement.

Not surprisingly, much of what this hotel offers is geared toward its excellent setting on the beach. Year-round dining is available in the buffet restaurant Mare Nostrum, which serves all meals. Guests can dine inside or outside with views of the beach. The hip Lobby Bar also is open year-round. In the summer, the Moon Lounge opens by the beach. It's a beautiful open space with views of the sea and mountains. A bar by the pool also is open in warmer months as well, and there's another on the sand. 

The two outdoor pools are both small, especially for a hotel of this size, but they are right by the beach and there's also a hot tub. The area can get crowded, however. Rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas line the pool deck, and palm trees and the buildings provide additional shade. 

In addition to massage treatments, the chic spa offers a sauna, Turkish bath, two rainfall showers, Scottish shower, and a flotation pool. A contemporary gym is equipped with up-to-date cardio and weight-training machines as well as free weights. There's also a room for secure bike storage. The Kids' Club keeps the little ones entertained while parents take a break. A business center in the lobby has computers set up for guests to use in private cubicles, but there's a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, however. Parking is available for a fee.