Hotel Huerto Del Cura

Hotel Huerto del Cura is undeniably tranquil, set in manicured grounds with numerous palm trees and colorful bougainvillea. Bungalow-style rooms dot the property, as does a small outdoor pool and adjacent bar. Interiors are clean and contemporary, characterized by neutral tones in the form of natural stone, textured woods, and woven fabrics. The overall look can feel a bit characterless, though nonetheless elegant. Travelers are primarily business travelers and couples who want a peaceful stay with a decent array of on-site amenities. 

This hotel is outside the center of Elche, situated across the road from the Huerto del Cura Botanical Garden. Travelers are about a 15-minute walk to the town's center, where are restaurants, shops, and sights such as Placa de Baix, Basilica de Santa Maria, and imposing Moorish Palau de Altamira. On the other side of the Palau de Altamira is the Parc Municipal, a large date palm grove with some 200,000 trees growing here. It’s a half-hour drive from the hotel to Alicante, or 40 minutes by public transport, while in the other direction, Cartagena is a 70-minute drive away, or a three-hour journey by bus and train. Expect transfers to Alicante Airport to take 20 to 25 minutes by car.

Housed in two-room bungalows, rooms are contemporary and elegant, decorated largely in light neutral tones -- think light-wood floors, rustic (sometimes mismatched) wood furniture, whitewalls and bedsheets, and tan or black seating upholstery. The overall look is a bit simple and underwhelming in entry-level rooms, though large headboards or above-bed wall hangings add character. Standard Double Rooms are a decent size, fitting desks and two chairs, while Superior Rooms have couches and Junior Suites have separate lounge areas. Travertine or marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and array of toiletries. Across the board, amenities consist of air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, shelving space with safes, and free Wi-Fi.

The Hotel Huerto del Cura offers a good range of amenities. A standout is the Oasis Zen Garden, a spa set in a garden-surrounded villa. The peaceful spa offers massage treatments and wellness therapies either inside or outside in a straw-roofed pergola. A good-sized, palm-shaped pool is set in a terrace shaded by trees, and it has an adjacent kiddy pool. The sundeck has loungers and dining tables, plus a pool bar that serves drinks and tapas throughout the day. The Mediterranean restaurant, Els Capellans, serves modern takes on regional classics, including a well-reviewed continental buffet breakfast. This hotel is a popular destination for events such as weddings, and there are seven spaces that can be hired out, including the Huerto del Cura palm grove, which can seat over 700 people. The hotel has secure underground parking for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.