Forget what you think you may know about Benidorm – this popular tourist destination on the Costa Brava offers idyllic white sandy beaches, perpetually sunny climate and an energetic atmosphere all year round.
Yes, the nightlife is great (and it really is), but there’s plenty of family-friendly options too. And while peak-season for Benidorm is June-September – plenty of time to start planning your holiers! – Benidorm’s got something for everyone any time of the year.
Need some ideas? Visit its adrenaline-raising theme parks, check out the electric nightlife or indulge in the region’s first-class cuisine. Sun-worshippers can catch some rays at the amazing Levante and Poniente beaches, and savour the crystal-clear waters of the Mal Pas or La Almadabra Cove.
Or perhaps you’d like to squeeze in a round of golf in the Palacio de Deporte facility or enjoy the music at an Electrobeach concert – you might be surprised to see how the city has changed, but you definitely won’t be disappointed!
6. Meliá Villaitana
For something more relaxed…
If you’re looking for the convenience of Benidorm’s beaches and bustling town (but pine for the quiet relaxation of rural Spain) you should check out this gorgeous deluxe hotel.
Located less than 3 km from Benidorm, the Melia Villaitana boasts superb views over Gran Bahía Bay and the Costa Blanca. The upscale hotel, which is set on two 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, imitates a traditional Mediterranean village lying on the outskirts of Benidorm.
The Melia Villaitana is easily accessible from the AP-7 Motorway, close to the Terra Mítica Theme Park and Terra Natura Nature Reserve, while the beautiful city of Alicante is only a 20-minute drive away.
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A real luxe hotel with plenty of Andalucian charm, Hotel Villaitana offers an upscale spa area, wellness centre, superb lagoon-style swimming pool and even its very own artificial beach! Additional amenities include tennis and paddle tennis courts, a seasonal children’s playground for children over 5 years and a club.
Each of the large, air-conditioned rooms come with a private balcony, with select suites featuring hot tubs on the terrace. Dining options at the Villaitana Hotel are extensive, ranging from a tapas lounge, an Italian eatery and a jazz bar.
5. Meliá Benidorm
For the best location…
Meliá Benidorm is a luxurious Spanish destination located in Rincon de Loix, right in the heart of Benidorm.
With 526 colourful bedrooms spread over 30 floors and beautiful, extensive outdoor gardens, the hotel is perfectly positioned just 1km from Playa de Levante Beach.
The hotel’s location is superb, with numerous tourist attractions including outdoor landmarks and historic churches within driving distance, while The Isla de Benidorm and Tossal de la Cala are also within reach.
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The Meliá’s facilities are second-to-none. The hotel features a spectacular lagoon-style pool with waterfalls, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, as well as a heated indoor pool, children’s play area, full gym and sauna complete with whirlpools.
Meliá Benidorm offers its guests a generous breakfast buffet as well lunch and dinner via its spacious and cosy El Curt Restaurant. Meanwhile, the El Moralet Cafeteria serves a delicious selection of tapas and snacks, accompanied with soft piano melodies looking out onto the grand terrace.
As you’re on holidays, why not go ahead and treat yourself to a snazzy cocktail in the seasonal Palapa Bar and L’illa Bar?
4. Don Pancho
For the entertainment…
Located on the Avenida del Mediterraneo in the centre of Benidorm’s commercial and entertainment district, the upscale 4-star Hotel Don Pancho is the perfect setting for a modern stay.
Refurbished in 2016 with a lush tropical garden entrance, the hotel is a 2 minute walk from Levante Beach on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests can also easily visit the Old Town, promenade, shops, bars and restaurants nearby.
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Without a doubt, the best thing about the Don Pancho hotel is its unrivalled facilities. The Lobby Bar, with its peaceful atmosphere and board game area, is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxed evening. Meanwhile, the Pool Bar, located in the Chill Out area, is the perfect environment for a refreshing drink or a casual meal.
The deluxe Chill Out terrace is the stage for shows during summer nights, located around the outdoor heated pool with built-in benches so guests can sunbathe in the cool water. Similarly, the Dance Lounge offers a stylish atmosphere for live music and magic shows.
Other amenities at the Don Pancho include a casino, tennis courts, salon/barbershop, boutique lobby shops, bowling green, massage booth and gym.
3. Mediterraneo Benidorm
For families…
Set among 12,000 sq m of landscaped gardens, the all-inclusive 4-star Hotel Mediterráneo is located on the edge of the Sierra Helada in a popular, exclusive residential area of Benidorm.
Ideally situated in the Rincón de Loix region, the Hotel Mediterráneo is very much dedicated to family holidays at just a 10 minutes’ walk from the Aqualandia water park and 2.1 km from Platja de Llevant beach.
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The 176 colourful rooms are spacious, clean and air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies.
The hotel provides a free breakfast buffet for guests, and a buffet-style dinner in a casual Mediterranean-style restaurant. Other amenities include a bar, outdoor pool, playground, bocce pitch and table tennis.
There are seasonal water activities and kids’ entertainment, in addition to a gym and a spa area with an indoor heated pool, whirlpool and sauna.
2. Madeira Centro
For the best views…
The Madeira Centro is a 4-star hotel at the edge of the triangular plaza of Plaza de la Hispanidad in the heart of Benidorm town, an easy walk from Levante beach and L’Aigüera Park.
The Madeira Centro is true to its name; centrally located, the bus stop and taxi rank are right at the doorstep, ensuring that all the best parts of Benidorm are within reach.
As well as being a stone’s throw away from the beach, shops and restaurants, this modern hotel is is 3.4 km from Aqualandia water park and 3.5 km from Mundomar sea-life park.
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The Madeira promises guests a relaxing stay in Benidorm, with guestrooms overlooking the bay below and the surrounding mountains. While all rooms guarantee a view, requesting a room on one of the top floors may be worth your while if you want the best scenery!
If you fancy getting your blood pumping or even just treating yourself, pay a visit to the Fitness Zone; there’s a gym, pool, Turkish bath and hair salon.
Food and drink is served at the Fuchal buffet restaurant, Belvedere Restaurant, Porto de Moniz cafeteria and Ribeira Brava Lounge, while the twentieth-floor Piano Bar is open on weekends, so you can watch the sunset over the Benidorm skyline from the outdoor terrace
1. RH Royal
For couples…
The RH Royal is a modern hotel exclusively designed for adults, and conveniently situated in the heart of Benidorm, so it’s perfect for that romantic break you’ve been dreaming about.
Sitting peacefully in a residential area near the historical centre of Benidorm, this all-inclusive hotel is a 3-minute walk from Parque de l’Aigüera and a 6-minute walk from Levante Beach, as well as being close to the Old Town and vibrant shopping district.
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The airy and stylish rooms with colourful accents at the RH Royal come with large open balconies, perfect for you and your significant other unwinding in the evening with a glass of Spanish wine.
There’s a reason Mediterranean cuisine is loved the world over, so enjoy some authentic fare prepared by professional chefs in the buffet restaurant’s open kitchen, while the modern and comfortable lounge bar/salon is a perfect place to relax with your favourite drink.
Make the most of the kids-free spacious pool area with sun beds, solarium and outdoor Jacuzzi during the summer months. At night, chill out in the expansive terrace area and take in the shows, dances and entertainment.
Can’t resist the temptation of Spanish sun, sea and sand? Check out our top 5 family water parks in Spain!
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