Hotel de la Cañada

Overlooking the tree-lined canal known as La Cañada, this stylish brick construction is easily one of the city's best midrange deals. The location is superb, and despite having 113 rooms, service still feels personal. Perks include a swimming pool, sauna, gym, terrace bar and an army of friendly staff members.

The hotel's elegant lobby really makes La Cañada stand out: hardwood floors, reading nooks, cozy chairs, decorative lamps, bookshelves stacked with hardbound tomes, old clocks and Old World bric-a-brac lend a sophisticated air to what could have easily been an impersonal, run-of-the-mill hotel. The rooms themselves are huge and immaculate, and striped curtains and matching sofas give them an air of an English parlor. It's a business hotel through and through, and you could easily be the only tourists in the place. But you'll also be one of the comfiest travelers in town, waking up to a delicious continental buffet breakfast that includes excellent espresso, yoghurt and fresh fruit. With a local newspaper spread out in front of you, you'll feel like the sophisticated traveller you are.