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 |  | Travel Reviews : Benidorm |
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| | | | Review by visitor
Benidorm attracts five million visitors each year and its hardly surprising considering whats on offer..! Back in the 60s Benidorm was just a small fishing port centered on a domed church next to Plaza del Castillo, known today as Placa del Castell. The same old church remains, but literally hundreds of bars, restaurants and hotels now surround it... the tallest hotel being the Hotel Bali, standing at 186 meters.
Benidorm is split into 2 parts by a rocky promontory: to the Nort is Playa Levante -a 2km long beach of golden sand with restricted traffic access along the promenade and the livelier of the resorts two main beaches. To the south of the old town is Playa Poniente, which is 3km in length, also has golden sand but is narrower with far fewer hotels and a road separating them from the beach. A towering offshore fountain adds to the "big resort" spectacle.
Old Benidorm lives on in the narrow streets near the castle, where English-owned pubs and bars have long been part of the scenery. But for a taste of Benidorm at its most cutting edge head for the nightclubs, discos, pubs and cafes spreading out to the East of the Levante beach, not forgetting the major attractions focused in the Rincon de Loix.
Once in Beniform, you should visit that mysterious rock looming offshore, popularly known as Peacock Island because of the birds there. The 10-minute boat ride from the port gives you splendid views of Benidorms skyline. The waters around the island are a marine reserve and you can journey beneath the waves in the Aquascope for a mesmerizing look at the schools of fish. Afterwards, visit the bar o the peacock aviary or hike the island trails. Boats return to Benidorm roughly every hour.
If you like water sports, youve come to the right place. During high season the Cable Ski operates at the Rincon de Loix. And there are many opportunities to hire boats, jet-skis or have a diving course.
Benidorm offers plenty of choice for mini golf fans as well. The Old Soldiers Museum -complete with 2,000 figures- is also worth a look.
Benidorm's secret five-star side
Ah, Benidorm - the cheerfully vulgar part of the Costas peopled with British chavs displaying plentiful tattoos, large beer bellies and bald heads - and that's only the women.
But now after 30 years, this mecca for cheap package holiday deals has decided to broaden its market and venture into more sophisticated terrain.
Did you ever think you'd find a luxurious five star hotel in Benidorm that's immaculately designed in lovely grounds? Nope, me neither. But visit the Westin and Sheraton hotels and you'll be pleasantly surprised. They're next to each other and have only just opened their doors. Both resorts are tranquil, spacious and beautiful - with a Moorish influence and an air of Spanish imperialism. One can imagine caballeros riding in on their horses and saddling up.
The Westin has 227 rooms, 139 of which are Grand De Luxe - and quite wonderful they are too. Each is the size of a flat, with a terrace to view the scenery, lounge chairs, a dining table and a shady area to sit if it becomes too hot. The Sheraton's reception area is awesome, housed in a church building with a nice bar to pop into before going up the palatial stairs to check in.
The pools for both hotels look splendid, snaking around the brightly painted buildings with bridges overhanging them.
Both hotels will appeal to golfers as they overlook acres of superbly maintained courses. The putting greens are very well kept and attractive. And in six months time, a new spa will have been built to increase one's pleasure.
But enough of the classy culture. Let's get back to what Benidorm is famous for - the overcrowded beaches, the British pubs and the 20-something girls who are there to party.
Obviously the beachgoers are packed like sardines together where all the hotels are situated, but go further up to the residential area and the beach is far less crowded. The sea water is warm and inviting.
A host of British pubs with the St George's flag and Union Jacks are in attendance catering for all those Brits missing EastEnders. I had a toasted cheese and ham sandwich in one and the corpulent lady who served me charmingly called me "sweetheart" in a thick Yorkshire accent whenever I asked for anything.
But it's not all British pubs. In the old town area are a good selection of tapas bars and right by the Mayor's office overlooking a park is an upmarket restaurant called Taita. The food here is glorious. The highlight from a selection of delicious dishes was the succulent duck. Dinner is 35 euros per person.
Right round the corner is a smart and trendy bar called Svatelli. The proprietor makes some amazing cocktails right by the entrance. Expertly done and highly delectable.
The show to see is the Benidorm Palace's theatrical extravaganza Passion - running until October. Tickets are 25 euros, which includes one drink. It's a cross between Riverdance, The Folie Bergeres and Raymond's Revuebar. There are 52 participants, mainly dancers, who perform fast-moving Spanish numbers with enthusiastic abandon. A few circus type acts, such as a homoerotic turn from three men in gold underpants performing strange body contortions, give the show a bit of variety.
In the second half, all the female dancers are topless, which impresses the two small boys in the front row who gleefully film them with their camera phones. "Ding dong!" as Leslie Phillips would say.
Further displays of talented moves come from six leggy dancers who open the Dolphin show at the Aqualandia Water Park. They do a dextrous Esther Williams-type routine in the water before the dolphins appear. Said sea animals jump through hoops, pull a child in a tugboat and dive in formation.
When watching this 45-minute show, be sure to sit in the middle of the seating area - it gives you the best view of virtually the whole of Benidorm. To the right you can see the intelligently-spaced high rise buildings, to the left the uncluttered land. It's an impressive sight.
It's easy to see why British families have been coming here year in and year out. The hotels know how to keep the children amused.
A typical example is the four star Mediterraneo which organises loads of activities for its guests. The little ones are never bored as each evening three performers get the kids to sing and dance to old favourites such as "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" - the very same songs you were singing along to 30 years ago with your parents when you were visiting here.
Avoid the buffet breakfast in the morning, though. The milk that comes out of the machine for your tea is a horrible foamy substance and the grapefruit juice looks questionable and has no taste whatsoever. Good sausages, however.
One doubts many of the hotels have been modernised over the past three decades. Benidorm still seems buoyantly stuck in the '70s in many respects - and there's nothing wrong with that.
* Prices at the five star Westin hotel start from 175 euros for Grand Deluxe King Room (separate bedroom and lounge) with breakfast. The Golf getaway package until the end of July is 250 euros per day which includes a stay in the Grand Deluxe Room, breakfast and two rounds of golf. Minimum two day stay. British Airways has daily flights to Alicante from Gatwick.
* Feeling inspired? Book a holiday
Travel Guide: Benidorm
Plenty for all ages
I think Benidorm is one of the best places in the world for a holiday.
I have been four times now and can't get enough of the place. I have been with family and with friends - it's a place that really caters for everyone of all ages. My gran loved it as much as my 18 year old cousin.
People say it is Blackpool with sun. Well, it can be if that's what you want from a holiday but I think a lot of places could be like that, like Tenerife.
It has everything people want from a holiday - amazing beach, lots of shops, great night life for all ages and it's only a couple hours on a plane from the UK.
What more do you want.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
Great for party animals
I have just recently come back from Benidorm and it was amazing.
The food was great and all the people are friendly. If you are young and want to party, then you know where to come.
My best place of all was Churchills pub. The bar staff were friendly and helpful in every way. There was also a lovely barman called Stuart.
I am going back in September and I can't wait.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
The ultimate family resort
This is the ultimate resort for the whole family. There is something for everyone from the beautiful beaches by day to the vibrant night life.
Terra Mittica is an excellent day out for the whole family.
There are restaurants and bars in abundance and if you are looking for something quieter choose one of the many hotels or apartments in the old town where you have all the benefits of the resort but in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The local people are incredibly friendly and English is widely spoken.
In all a wonderful location which you will return to time and again..
Travel Guide: Benidorm
Superb food in Benidorm
Excellent holiday June in Benidorm. My wife and I can thoroughly recommend the Hotel Victoria. First class service, superb food, immaculate standard and within easy reach of all amenities.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
Plenty of choice
In November 2000 my husband and I booked a seven-night HB holiday to Benidorm. We had never previously been there and were rather dubious, as Benidorm seems to have a reputation for noise, loud discos, mob trouble etc. We stayed in a hotel named The Gala Placidia.
We had an excellent holiday. The beaches are wonderful, there is plenty of night life and day life but you can also be quiet if you wish. We would recommend it to anyone. We would also like to thank Teletext as that is where we booked. We had wonderful flights from Birmingham International Airport and we were able to also get great flight times. Very many thanks to you all. we are just in the process of booking holiday number two this year as the cost is cheaper than with the travel agents, we can afford another holiday.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
Has everything for you
We have been to Benidorm for the last three years. The best way to visit Benidorm is to firstly get a good hotel. We recommend The Diplomatic, the food is very good but it is not for the younger end.
Benidorm has changed over the years, the old town is all paved and safe to walk or shop. There are good shops there, and cafes, and the beaches are cleaned every night.
I also recommend The Lemon Express with free-flowing champagne and, for a good night out, The Benidorm Palace with its great dancers and laser show.
Try it - it's got everything for you in Benidorm.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
Family resort
My family and I have been to Benidorm several times and keep coming back. The beaches are superb, especially for children.
There is so much to do, you will never get bored. This is our fifth time here as a family.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
More than just a clubber's paradise
An absolutely fab resort. Yourr overall view makes it sound like a young people's paradise full of only night clubs. This is most untrue.
There is plenty for everyone, loads of cabaret of the best quality, family discos and yes, nightclubs. There is plenty for the kids, including a wonderful beach and the largest theme park in Europe.
There are great markets and shops galore, lovely day trips and loads of sunshine.
Travel Guide: Benidorm
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| | Available rental properties in Benidorm |
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| |  | | Maria Amelia, Alfas del Pi, Near Benidorm
Detached villa with 3 bedrooms and private pool on the Spanish Costa Blanca near to Albir and Altea. Family groups only.
|  | | Font Rotja apartment
Brand new luxury apartment in Albir.Air conditioning and swimming pool for adults and children.Only ten minutes' walk to the beach.
|  | | BENIDORM CENTRIC APARTMENT UP TO 7 PEOPLE
REALLY CLOSE TO THE BEACH AND ALL AMMENITIES
|  | | Villa Marina Apartment no 504
Superb beach front duplex apartment, new in 2004 with spectacular views overlooking the bay. Sip a nice glass of wine on the balcony as you listen to the surf lapping over the shore. Sheer joy
|  | | Benidorm 3 Bed Superior Villa.
Beautifull
Villa, Quiet location 12-15mins Benidorm, Communal pool, Fantastic Views, Roof terrace, Patio, Barbeque. 3 Beds, 2 Bathroom.
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Holiday Rentals in Benidorm |
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