Hotel Fuerte el Rompido

The Hotel Fuerte el Rompido has lots of everything, but somehow manages to feel exclusive and upscale, from the airy lobby to the surprisingly elegant buffet restaurant. The lobby is huge and open with a tile fountain in the center, gigantic windows, and architecture that brings the tropical Costa de la Luz feeling indoors. Guests congregate at El Olivio restaurant for a buffet of international cuisine served in a large room with stone walls and tile floors. The Noble Bar is a popular spot for cocktails throughout the day, including on the shaded sun porch with gorgeous views of el Rompido and a distant lighthouse. Also a must: the pools, which are ringed by comfortable sun beds and umbrellas, including some on terraced lawns with hedges for privacy. Families with children are common visitors, as are romance-seeking couples.

Set near a scenic river and the Gulf of Cadiz, the Hotel Fuerte el Rompido is a 10-minute walk from the picturesque Andalusian fishing village of El Rompido -- with bars, restaurants, and shops. There is a golf course next door, and several others in the area. The Donano National Park -- about one hour away by car -- offers hiking, birdwatching, and native wildlife in a protected environment. The hotel is not on the beach, but guests take a free 10-minute ferry ride from the marina, crossing the river to reach the gorgeous, unpopulated beach, La Flecha.

Rooms at the Hotel Fuerte el Rompido are clean and simply decorated in soothing earth tones, and have plenty of space and large terraces overlooking the golf course, town of El Rompido, or the sea. Satellite TVs, safes, minibars and guests' choice of pillows are included. Furniture is a little bit dated, especially the sofas, except in the Presidential Suite, which has room for full-scale meetings, canopy beds, pretty bed linens, and an altogether different color scheme (and stylish flair) than the lower-grade rooms.

The Hotel Fuerte el Rompido offers plenty of activity options both on the property and around the area. On-site, guests can take dance classes while kids head to the Forti Club. Staff can arrange excursions and offsite classes, like wine- and olive-tasting tours, flamenco lessons, and more. Athletes also have plenty of options on the property: bike rentals and trails, hiking, horseback riding, scuba, volleyball, tennis, and soccer are just some of the sports offerings. There are also two huge and lovely outdoor pools, a small indoor pool with lounge chairs in the water, and a kids' pool. The serene Spa Rompido has a menu of massage and body treatments, including a hydromassage pool. Meeting facilities are flexible and some have lovely terraces for special events. The onsite restaurant El Olivio serves a great buffet of international cuisine -- with some traditional regional dishes -- and Noble Bar serves cocktails and snacks, and has live music.