Overlooking the Convento de las Desalzas Reales, the Palacio San Martin Hotel is housed in a traditional corner building, with a typically Mediterranean terracotta and cream façade. Adorned with wrought iron balconies, it dates from the late-19th century and used to serve as the American embassy. The public areas are elegant but not overstated. There’s a small reception area, a refined lounge bar with a glass ceiling and a sunlit interior patio. The 97 spacious guestrooms feature thick red carpets and enormous beds, complemented by subtly chosen items of antique furniture, such as writing desks, chests of drawers and bedside tables. All are clean and well maintained, as are the en suite bathrooms. The hotel also has a wood-panelled top floor restaurant, serving regional and international cuisine, accompanied by excellent views of the city. This is an attractive, upmarket property providing a high standard of service to all visitors, though guests have commented that the plaza which it overlooks can be a little noisy at night.