Castelar Palace by Seaward Suites

Castelar Palace by Seaward Suites is an aparthotel spread across two buildings, with the main house retaining the character of its former noble residence. That gives the place more personality than a standard modern block, while the practical side remains firmly present: air conditioning, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, free WiFi and a lift.

English is spoken by the hotel team, alongside Spanish, French and Italian. The rooftop SPA is open to all guests, so your return from the day's activities can finish with warm water, sauna time or a massage rather than an argument with the sofa. The setting in Villajoyosa's old town also puts you among the town's coloured houses, fishing history and local streets.

You are in Villajoyosa, Spain, in the old town and within a three-minute walk of Villajoyosa Beach. The beach is sandy, and the hotel is close enough for a quick change of clothes before you go back out. El Paraiso Beach is about 1.3 miles away, while El Torres Beach is roughly 2.3 miles away by road.

Vilamuseu is about 500 metres away, and Parque de la Barbera is around 700 metres from the property. Restaurants sit virtually on the doorstep, with Vinos Handeland around 10 feet away and Restaurante Droca about 50 feet away. Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is roughly 22 miles away, with the road journey listed at about 33 minutes.

The room choice makes most sense according to how you travel. For a couple who want a straightforward night, the double room with its king-size bed keeps things simple. If you are travelling as three, a Superior Studio gives you a sofa bed as well as the main bed, while the one-bedroom premium apartment adds a more distinct living arrangement and keeps the aparthotel idea useful rather than decorative.

Every unit has a kitchenette, private bathroom, shower, air conditioning, heating, television and free WiFi. There is also a wardrobe, an alarm clock, a hairdryer and an iron, which covers the unglamorous but useful details of a travelling diver's wardrobe. Some rooms look towards the church or the sea. Quiet hours run from 21:00 to 09:00, a helpful rule when you want an uninterrupted night rather than a soundtrack from the old town.

The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean food at brunch and lunch, while the hotel's cafeteria handles breakfast, brunch and tapas. Breakfast is available in continental, vegetarian and gluten-free versions, with fresh pastries, fruit and juices. That is the sort of start that works whether you are heading out early or taking the sensible option and letting the morning happen slowly.

The kitchenettes give you a useful fallback for simple food and drinks in your own space, particularly when you return hungry but not in the mood for another full meal. For a proper evening out, you are already in the old town, with several restaurants and bars only a few steps away. No need to turn dinner into an expedition.

The rooftop SPA is the main reason to stay in rather than immediately wandering back into Villajoyosa. It includes warm water with jets, a sauna and massage services, with beauty treatments also available. There is a fitness room too, although after a long day in the water, the hot jets may win that particular contest.

When you want fresh air, the beach is close, and the activity options include snorkelling, windsurfing and water-sport facilities on site. Walking tours, cycling and hiking are also available activities, while pub crawls offer a less earnest way to spend the evening. Parque de la Barbera, around 700 metres away, gives you a nearby change of scenery without requiring a major excursion.

Check-in starts from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. You need to tell the property your expected arrival time, particularly if your journey does not fit neatly into office hours. Express check-in and check-out are available, and luggage storage helps if you arrive before the room is ready or have time to fill after leaving it.

An airport shuttle is available from Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport; arrange it with the hotel before travelling. Parking is limited and subject to availability, so driving requires a little planning rather than blind faith. The building has a lift, wheelchair-accessible facilities and accessible rooms. Smoking is not allowed, pets are not accepted, and the minimum age for check-in is 18.