Hotel Benidorm Plaza

With its soaring 15-story tower, toy-town architecture, and eye-catching mix of pastel tones with vibrant purples and blues, the Hotel Benidorm Plaza is certainly easy to spot. The quirky and colorful (some might say garish) color scheme continues in the reception area and through most of the hotel. This includes distinctly '80s-style satin pink columns and geometric shapes -- with the welcome addition of more calming sea and sky themes. Built in the sixties, the property was totally renovated at the end of the millennium, and more recently given this cheerful makeover in 2011, though the results don't look convincing. While this resort-style hotel lacks much in the way of gardens, a bright sun terrace is dotted with a few plants and palms, and includes a covered swimming pool, a popular feature for travelers looking to escape to the Mediterranean in the off season. Guests are a mix of largely Spanish and British couples at the more mature end of the spectrum, with just a few families with kids over the school breaks. 

The hotel is located in the center of Benidorm, surrounded by other hotels, offices, and high-rise blocks. While set apart from much of the resort's buzzing nightspots, there are still plenty of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. The more charming old town is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel. The property is also a five- to 10-minute stroll from the long stretch of sand at Levante Beach. The beach also has a seafront promenade lined with eateries, ice-cream parlors, and souvenir shops. Poniente Beach is just over a 10-minute walk away, as is the small Mal Pas Beach and its headland cliff with superb sea views. The nearest airport is on the outskirts of Alicante, a 45-minute drive away.

The hotel has 228 rooms and suites, many of which look -- at least -- fresh and bright. These rooms include light wood-laminate floors and furnishings that combine with muted tones and splashes of color. Older rooms are more colorful, though feel quite dated in comparison -- expect sea-foam green wall panels in wavy patterns and cherry-veneer wood furniture, like headboards with moon-and-stars cutouts. Most rooms open to balconies with plastic seating and glimpses of the sea between buildings; top-floor rooms have better sea vistas. Tiled bathrooms are clean and relatively modern, with wall-mounted hose hairdryers, a basic selection of toiletries, and shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Other amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs (with few English-language channels), and free and reliable Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges and safes are available for a fee, and there are no electric kettles. 

There are a decent number of features on offer at this hotel, though some are better than others. A buffet breakfast offers a wide choice of both hot and cold dishes dishes, served in the hotel's colorful restaurant. Half- and full-board options are also available, though the lunch and dinner buffets have received mixed reviews. A large and equally colorful bar provides evening entertainment, while a pool bar serves drinks on the sun terrace. The swimming pool is covered, which means that it can be used all year round (though it doesn't have much of a view). An outdoor splash pool and a covered playground keep kids entertained, while health facilities include a bright, roomy gym, saunas, and an old-school whirlpool tub. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and it's worth noting that minimum stays are required for much of the year, particularly in high season.