The exterior of Hotel Playa de la Luz is a traditional Andalusian building with whitewashed walls and an orange-tiled roof. Cement planters in front of the entrance hold green topiaries. Inside, the lobby has soaring ceilings and exposed brick walls. A beautiful two-tiered blue lantern hangs from above. White wicker furniture topped with white cushions is set around glass coffee tables. Outdoors, views of the Atlantic Ocean are prevalent. Grassy lawns are landscaped with palm trees and flowering bushes. Many of the guests here are Spanish and European families, though couples come here as well.

There isn't much within walking distance of Hotel Playa de la Luz other than the sandy beach and a few other hotels and private residences. There is a small cafe for guests who tire of what's on offer at Playa de la Luz. Vibrant downtown Rota is about one-and-a-half miles from the hotel, so a car is really the only convenient way to explore the area. Parking at the hotel is free.

There are 219 rooms and suites at Hotel Playa de la Luz, and though none of them are very memorable or stylish, each is clean and well-maintained with a private furnished balcony or terrace. Economic Double Rooms are the smallest. Marble floors and white walls are kind of plain, and the blue striped curtains don't quite match the blue checked bed coverlets. Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and minibars are standard. Bathrooms look a little worn, but the blue and white color palette is soothing. Shower/tub combos and bidets are standard, as are toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers. Upgrade to a suite for a living room area, more square footage, and a wet bar. Views range from vistas of the ocean to the inner courtyard.

Features at Hotel Playa de la Luz are mainly focused on enjoying the sun and outdoors. The gorgeous swimming pool is surrounded by seating areas as well as sun loungers and straw umbrellas on greenery. There's an adjacent kiddie pool separated from the main pool by a transparent wall. Private access to the public beach is a perk. A seasonal beach club is très chic, with canopied day beds and ocean views. The bar here is an ideal spot for sunset views with cocktails and tapas. Packages are available for buffet-style meals (which can also be purchased a la carte) at Restaurante La Gaviota.

The wellness center includes the fitness room with cardio and strength-training equipment, along with treatment rooms. There's a kids' club with indoor and outdoor organized activities. Recreation includes tennis courts, soccer, and bike rentals. Snacks, toiletries, beach gear, and newspapers can be purchased at the gift shop. Unreliable Wi-Fi and parking are free.