Founded in 1898, the Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort is often considered Valencia's top resort, and is the only one belonging to the Leading Hotels of The World club. Created with the intent to restore the beaches of Las Arenas and La Malvarrosa, the hotel is housed in an historic building that combines classic and modern design elements with an exceptional seaside location and quiet grounds. A section of the hotel faces a quiet street with low-rise buildings. Its large meeting spaces are ideally suited for business travelers and convention-goers, but anyone can enjoy the great variety of services -- including beach and boardwalk access, a large pool, and a terrace overlooking the gardens and sea. As the hotel is often used by locals for weddings, the lobby is crawling with well-clad patrons -- the space has an open, sophisticated feel, with old photographs of the original building, high ceilings, and a stylish bar.

Set on the beach, Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort allows guests direct access to Valencia's sand and sea, as well as a promenade with casual and upscale restaurants and shopping. Some parts of the surrounding area are run-down, and a large industrial seaport detracts from an otherwise peaceful setting. Aside from the beach area, there are few scenic places to stroll. The bike lane is a great option, running through the Garden de Turia to the city center. Otherwise, guests will likely need to take a taxi or the metro to get to the city center (which is a 20-minute ride). The hotel is near the impressive Americas Cup complex and the Valencia airport is less than 10 miles away. It's also about five miles from the Oceanographic Museum of Valencia, the Palace of Music, and the City of the Arts and Sciences.

Rooms are spacious and understatedly elegant, with light wood furnishings, subtle color, and tasteful artwork. Some rooms have balconies, and all have amenities such as flat-screen TVs, stereo systems, and stocked minibars. Bathrooms are large and luxurious, with plush towels, robes, and slippers. Frosted glass separates the tub or shower from the rest of the bathroom, while translucent countertops add sleek style. Balconies are large, with quality furniture and great views of the gardens or beach. City-view rooms tend to take in street noise at the front of the hotel, and walls aren't soundproof. The hotel also offers a variety of suites, each with individual decor and furnishings, including artwork, dining areas, and whirlpools.

With plenty of amenities, the hotel aims to please the most discerning guests. The on-site Mediterranean brasserie has original artwork and is filled with natural light, while the terrace cafe has plush furnishings and serves lighter fare. The breakfast buffet is generous, with an array of hot and cold items laid out beautifully. The fitness center has quality equipment and natural light, plus fresh fruits and newspapers. Guests can unwind with thermal treatments at the lovely spa, and there's an outdoor paddle tennis court. The serene outdoor pool has white columns and stylish sun loungers -- plus a roof deck. For those who prefer to stay indoors, the lobby bar area, with its high ceilings and plush cream sofas, is a great place to unwind. For large groups, the three spacious conference rooms get tons of natural light and have modern design touches, while the Sofia Auditorium has a stage. There's also a gorgeous garden area with a working fountain, ideal for cocktails and al fresco group events. A checkerboard-design lawn adds a nice design element to the property.