Hotel Magic Fenicia

As far as cleanliness goes, Hotel Magic Fenicia is well-maintained. However, most of the common areas make it clear that the property hasn’t seen any type of aesthetic renovation in years. The lobby looks frozen in time with tan checkered floor tiles and tired sofa upholstery. Hallways are dreary with odd and rather unsightly cobblestone-patterned interior stairwells. Younger adults and occasionally children can be seen lounging on the pleasant rooftop terrace, but the hotel mostly draws older adults. Retirees love to gather in the lounges to play cards or dominos. Overall, this is a straightforward, functional hotel, but travelers looking for more of a modern and lively scene won’t find it here.

Tucked in a narrow alley, less than five minutes on foot from the shops and restaurants of Benidorm’s old town and Poniente Beach, the hotel is well-situated for tourists who want to explore and relax. However, the nightlife in the new town area is a 20- to 30-minute walk away, and the more crowded Levante Beach is 15 minutes away by car. Other attractions require a car for easiest access. The scenic Balcon del Mediterraneo stone garden is four minutes away by car. Mundomar animal park is an 18-minute drive away. Alicante Airport is a 45-minute drive away; the hotel does provide transfers for fees.

Available in Single, Double, and Family varieties, rooms are large and bright, with sunny yellow walls and calming ocean-themed paintings above the beds. Unlike the common areas, they’ve been refurbished, but their new iterations have eliminated the former balconies in favor of increased indoor space (Family Rooms do have small terraces.) Several rooms still come with lovely partial sea views, but others face neighboring buildings' brick walls. However, furniture looks generic and upholstery shows signs of wear and tear. Guests also complain about thin walls and a notable shortage of electrical sockets.All rooms are air-conditioned in the summertime. Other amenities include TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes that have daily fees for use. Tea-and coffee-making equipment and mini-fridges are provided. Family Rooms have separate living rooms with sofa beds and desks, and bedrooms with additional tube-style TVs.Light gray tiled bathrooms are in need of better maintenance. Guests have complained of issues ranging from rusty fixtures to threadbare towels to sewage odors. Toiletries are provided, but hairdryers must be borrowed from the reception.

Features are hit-or-miss. A large, but dated-looking, buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean specialties along with international items for breakfast (included with rates), lunch, and dinner. Special dietary requirements are accommodated easily. However, the quality of the food varies and the offerings get repetitive. The dining area can also get crowded quickly. A piano bar is available, and comes with a pleasant outdoor balcony area. Entertainment options are limited, and mostly cater to older guests instead of families. Options include an old billiards table, ballroom dancing events, and live music performances. A few arcade machines are available for children, and kid-friendly activities are organized by the staff during the summer. Additionally, there is a children’s pool with slides on the rooftop, which has a solarium area. Adults can use the larger indoor pool in the basement, which also features a hot tub and a neglected-looking, minimally-equipped gym. For amenities better suited to younger adults, guests have access to the facilities at the sister Magic properties around town. Free shuttle buses are provided. Two computers are available for public use. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free.