Only my own idea but I think that very broadly, as you move in a north to north - easterly direction, following the coastline, Santander has three zones: industrial, centre and beach. The industrial is up to the ferry port. Then you're in the centre and this extends to the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria. Beyond this, as you head towards the most easterly point of the city and the coastline turns north-west, you're in the beach area.
This hotel is very firmly in the beach area. It means you don't have the abundance of shops, bars and restaurants that you have in the central zone but instead, about a munutes' walk away, you're adjacent to one of Santander's orange, sandy beaches. You're also a short walk from the beautiful headland that is Parque Marino de la Magdalena. Because you're not in the central shopping area, you get a good quality hotel at a reasonable price. A similar standard of hotel in the centre of Santander would cost much more.
If you're just looking for a modest 2 star hotel which is borderline hostel, there are a few of these as you head south of the ferry port. Further south along the coast are quality but bargain hotels but they're on an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere....no good without a car!
Back to this hotel. The interior had a very bright, clean & new look to it, from the reception, through to the lifts and stairwell up to the room. Fixtures & fittings were all fine, as was servicing and reception staff were friendly & efficient.