Globales Reina Cristina

Built in 1901, the Hotel Globales Reina Cristina attracted a glitzy clientele in the past, allegedly including figures such as Pablo Picasso and Winston Churchill, although these days the property tends to be occupied by older English guests. The Reina Cristina mixes gorgeous Andalusian architecture with the feel of an English manor. The lobby leads through to a vast atrium with soaring arches and geometric-patterned woodwork showcasing the area’s Moorish influence, while the a la carte eatery is a hushed space with mustard-yellow armchairs, white tablecloths, sage carpet, a grand marble fireplace, and pieces of antique silverware in glass vitrines. The buffet restaurant and bar are more modern spaces, though, the latter with a pretty outdoor terrace shaded by mature lemon trees and providing views over the pool.

The Hotel Globales Reina Cristina used to be located in the peaceful countryside outside of Algeciras, with its own private beach, before Spain’s largest port was built on its doorstep. These days, the hotel is in the middle of Algeciras’ industrial area, although it’s only a seven-minute drive to the historic center of town, which is home to more shops, bars, and restaurants than in the immediate vicinity. It's between 10 and 15 minutes by car to the Costa Rinconcillo Playa, a wide, sandy beach. The hotel is, however, ideally situated for travelers looking to go farther afield -- Algeciras station is a 10-minute walk away, and the Rock of Gibraltar is 30 minutes’ drive away. Expect transfers to Jerez Airport to take roughly 100 minutes by car.

The hotel’s 168 rooms are somewhat of a mixed bag depending on whether or not they have received a revamp. Decent-sized standard rooms have large French doors leading to a private balcony, but they're outfitted with rather bland, dated furnishings -- think chintzy floral fabric, clashing striped curtains, and missing tiles on the headboards. Their pink-marble bathrooms are small near the point of bring claustrophobic, equipped with a shower/tub combo, and a toilet and bidet in a separate room. Executive Rooms, meanwhile, are far larger and have more contemporary decor, with walnut floors, a plush headboard, two armchairs in plum crushed velvet, and matching drapes. Their bathrooms are less modern but outfitted in quality marble, with shower/tub combos that have high-tech showerheads. Suites are decorated in an English style, with subtle floral fabrics and a grand fireplace. They have a bedroom with an armchair and chest of drawers, and a separate sitting room with two high, wing-backed armchairs and a coffee table. Their bathrooms have a separate bath and shower stall, as well as his ’n’ hers sinks and a bidet. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, a safe, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s best feature is its garden, which is large and verdant, shaded by mature trees. It also houses a mini-golf course, ping-pong table, and tennis court. There are three swimming pools, including an indoor one, a large freeform pool in a sunny terrace, and a separate, shallow pool for kids. Plastic loungers surround the pool, but there are no umbrellas. Unfortunately, there are no spa facilities expect for a sauna. Guests looking to work up a sweat indoors can hit the small gym, which has a cycle machine, cross-trainer, and treadmill. An indoor game room has a pool table and library around ample seating. Three buffet meals are served each day in the Andalucia restaurant, while the more formal Reina Cristina restaurant serves an a la carte lunch and dinner to all guests -- those staying in Executive Rooms and Suites can have an a la carte breakfast here as well. Drinks and light snacks are served at the two bars. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout and parking is free.