What to expect: With its warm vine motif, cushioned benches, and plenty of natural light, the main lobby is an inviting space for the hotel’s corporate and leisure travelers; guests are welcome to snack from bowls of locally grown oranges. Business travelers dominate during the week, but weekends bring shoppers, theme-park visitors, and wedding parties.

Amenity highlights: The hotel’s Sunday champagne brunch includes an international buffet. An open fireplace separates a splash pool and spa tub surrounded by lounge chairs, from the Spanish-style garden with glass cocktail tables. Guests have access to an on-site fitness room, and may ask for a discounted day pass to an adjacent sports club.

Insider tip: Valencia’s extensive network of trails, the paseo system, is one of the region’s highlights. The paseos connect almost 30 miles of recreational, shopping, and residential areas via well-lit, paved walkways and bike paths, as well as woodsy nature trails along the Santa Clara River. Maps are available at the hotel’s front desk.