Hotel Marqués, Blue Hoteles

Our room faced the back, with no view beyond the apartments behind it, so ask for one facing the front. Parking was an issue: I left the car in an outdoor lot 800m away for 5 Euro a day instead of using the closer one the hotel recommended, which costs 15 Euro per day. The location is very central, an easy walk to bars, restaurants, and the old town.

The hotel is lovely and small, close to central Gijòn, the harbour, and shopping, and I wouldn't mind coming back. Rooms and bathrooms are great, the location is great, and reception is open 24 hours. Breakfast has an okay selection, but it's a bit dull since all the bread comes factory-packed. There's just one elevator, and the corridors are a bit narrow.

Rooms are clean and modern, if a little small, and the location is fantastic for the old city, port, and beaches, though San Lorenzo is a bit farther away. The entrance and reception are almost lacking, with only one person working there, and the reception area doesn't make the best impression. The lift is painfully slow and really tests your patience, so I'd choose a lower floor if possible. Hotels in this area aren't cheap, and there are plenty to choose from, so it may be worth checking other options.

The hotel offered discounts for full-day parking at a nearby Parkia garage, which saved us a lot of time and hassle since finding free parking nearby is nearly impossible. It's very central, close to Gijon's historic center and the waterfront. Our room for two was tidy and had enough storage, though a bit small. The bathroom could use some pegs for drying towels.