Hotel Brisa

Hotel Brisa is a low-key upper-middle-range beach hotel with a striking white exterior and only seven floors, both factors that make it stand out from the beige high-rises that surround it. Guests have to climb a small flight of stairs before entering into a simple lobby, which has a dark-wood front desk and an elevator leading up to the rooms, but not much in terms of seating beyond a couple of chairs. While the lobby itself isn't that well suited to lounging, there is a cafe with a large patio full of seating options just beyond it for guests who want to linger. Note that the hotel has a policy against allowing groups of the same gender to stay at the hotel, presumably to deter British stag and hen (aka bachelor and bachelorette) parties from staying here. Instead, the property prefers to host families and couples looking for a low-key but pleasant place to stay, without parties. 

The prices here are competitive given the beachfront location; Hotel Agir is often around the same price, but it's not right on the beach and its standard rooms are simpler in style.

Hotel Brisa is located in the Spanish city of Benidorm, a former fishing village turned resort city full of high-rise hotels and a steady stream of beach vacationers from elsewhere in Europe. The beachfront hotel is located on the eastern end of Avenida Madrid, the coastal road that runs along Playa de Levante on the Mediterranean Sea. It's a 20-minute drive to Casa Museo de Benidorm, while Platja de Ponent is a 15-minute drive east of the hotel (or a 35-minute walk). The Balcon del Mediterraneo -- with lovely sea views -- and the adjacent Plaza Santa Ana are a 20-minute drive away. Further afield, La Cruz de Benidorm (or Benidorm Cross) is a lovely hilltop with a cross and excellent views of the city -- the journey takes about 12 minutes by car, plus a short walk up a hill. Factor in about 50 minutes by car to get to the Alicante Airport or railway station; there's also a bus between the city and the airport that runs about once an hour during the daytime. 

Rooms and suites are bright and pleasant, with vivid-blue accent walls, slate-gray flooring, and modern stark-white furniture, walls, and bedclothes contrasted by black bed runners and cushions. Amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes, plus furnished balconies with glass doors, some with views right out onto the beach. Bathrooms are simple but chic, with walk-in showers, heated towel racks, and vessel sinks; hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. Note that there have been complaints of thin walls.

Features at the Brisa are so-so, and include a small outdoor pool with lots of direct sun and a dozen or so lounge chairs for sunning, some with parasols. There's also a bar and cafe as well as a proper sit-down restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and both buffet and a la carte options available. Half-board rates are an option. Other amenities include a bright fitness center with weight-training and cardio equipment (namely a couple of treadmills, an exercise bike, a stair stepper, and a cross-training weight machine). Guests also benefit from direct access to the beach, though it can get crowded at times. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.