Radisson Blu Palace Hotel

Where • Palace Royale 39, Spa, Belgium

More info • radissonblu.com/palacehotel-spa

Nestled in a valley of the Ardennes Mountains, in the heart of Spa, Belgium, the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel attracts both business and leisure travelers. The first class, four-star, 120-room hotel is only about 8 miles from Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the venue of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, and is walking distance to most city attractions, including the world's oldest casino located directly across the street.

Best yet, the hotel is virtually attached to the Thermes de Spa, and hotel guests can not only book hotel-spa packages and enjoy spa discounts, but they can also use their hotel room keys to enter the private funicular giving direct access to the spa.

The setup • Location isn't the only perk of this hotel. The modern designed property contains everything a traveler might need, including a restaurant, brasserie, bar, parking garage and fitness area with sauna and Turkish bath.

Our room • I stayed in a "standard room," which was spacious, well-designed and decorated in contemporary style. Travel-savvy touches, such as good reading lamps, free Internet service, in-room coffee makers, individual climate control, mini bar and safe added to the comfort of the stay. The gray-marble bathroom reinforced the room's sleek décor and held all the necessities, including a bathtub and shower.

For me, extra perks came in the form of a nice view of Spa from my window, Spa-brand water on the night table, a collection of luxurious Anne Semonin amenities in the bathroom and a bountiful buffet breakfast.

Pricing • The Internet lists the average nightly rate for a standard room at about $173. The special "Spa Package" for two people came in at $403 and included, in addition to the room and use of the hotel, a three-course dinner, one-day access to the Thermes of Spa and breakfast. Prices fluctuate with the exchange rate.