Hotel Deloix Aqua Center

The Hotel Deloix Aqua Center has a futuristic profile with its angular white eaves stretching out sharply above plant-draped balconies. Its bright lobby has a sleek, open-layout lounge with eye-catching tube-wire chandeliers plus ample green and blue blocky furnishings. Another greenery feature includes an interior hallway with an atrium ceiling that's brimming with plants below. Guests are split evenly between couples and families, as children are well-catered for in the various indoor and outdoor water playgrounds.

Located on the edge of a part of Benidorm known as the New Town, Hotel Deloix Aqua Center is surrounded by residential buildings in a quiet neighborhood. It's not quite within walking distance of the waterfront boardwalk or the beach, though determined guests could make it to the eastern end of Levante Beach in just over 20 minutes on foot. It's about a 10-minute walk to central New Town restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as dozens of other hotels. The huge outdoor water park, Aqualandia is a 12-minute walk away. The mid-point of touristy Levante Beach is a 12-minute drive away, while the quieter Poniente Beach is a few minutes farther to the west. The nearest airport is in Alicante, a 45-minute drive away.

Though the inland hotel's 194 rooms lack ocean views, they each have private furnished balconies that are covered in flowers and draping greenery. Views are either of the mountain, city, or pool. The not-quite-contemporary decor is simple but cheerful, featuring tile floors, two-tone wood furnishings, and light-green accents. Single or double beds have handsome wooden headboards with bedside tables and individual reading lamps. Note that some twin beds are pushed together to make double beds -- a common occurrence in Spain. Other furnishings include simple desks and chairs, as well as sofa beds. However, the flat-screen TVs are dated and tiny, and there are no coffeemakers in the rooms. Wi-Fi is free and minibars come standard with water, beer, and soda, but there's a fee to use the in-room safes. The well-presented bathrooms have heated towel racks, bidets, and shower/tub combos. Wall-mounted hairdryers and basic toiletries are also provided.

Access to the outstanding features are the main reason that guests stay at the Hotel Deloix Aqua Center. The hotel has a large outdoor pool with a deck covered in loungers and umbrellas, all surrounded by garden walls lined with palm trees. There are a separate children's pool with interactive water features and a play area that incorporates several small waterslides. Next to it is a regular playground, and there's also an indoor kids' club with supervised activities and a colorful play area with a ball pit and slides. The club also has a pool table, basketball hoop, and foosball, with darts and other games available. On the rooftop, there's an adult-only pool (with a seasonal bar) next to a pair of tennis courts (accessible with a fee).The indoor aqua center has two more heated pools with currents and huge water jets. The bi-level space features two hot tubs. Along with its treatment rooms, the hotel's spa has beautifully tiled facilities that include a toning shower, hydrotherapy pool, an ice cabin, sauna, and Turkish bath, along with an aromatherapy relaxation room. A spacious, colorful fitness center has cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights, along with mats and floor space. The buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean and international dishes (along with a dedicated kids' menu), while the lobby bar has light snacks and cocktails, along with a sunny outdoor terrace. Breakfast isn't included in all room packages. Nightly entertainment includes live music, magic shows, and karaoke. The hotel's event space includes outdoor gardens and flexible meeting rooms with capacity for 500 people. W-Fi is free throughout the hotel.