Hotel Presidente

Housed in a white, boxy seven-story building, the Presidente doesn’t quite stand out among the many other similar hotels around it. Inside, the property is similarly generic, but hallways are lined with large prints of traditional Spanish scenes -- such as bullfights and still life paintings -- that add some character. The lobby has a mix of old and new features that make it feel a little drab, a clue to the style throughout the hotel (though that doesn't seem to bother its many repeat customers). Blue and purple LED lights in the front desk area stand out against the older brown floors, while an ornate glass lamp clashes a little bit against the mirrored pillars and ceiling. Adjacent to the building is Surprise Attack, the hotel’s popular terrace, complete with sidewalk seating and a long drinks menu. It features 1940s-themed decor with aircraft structures, large pin up-style banners, and US Navy memorabilia. Although it may be a little to kitschy to some, the bar is always busy and the atmosphere is lively. Like most hotels in this area, expect to almost exclusively see U.K. residents on vacation here.

The hotel is located in the heart of the international nightlife scene in Benidorm. The street is lined with hopping bars and clubs mostly popular among British and German visitors, and nights can be a little loud. There are also many casual restaurants and cafes within three blocks of the hotel, and Avenida del Mediterraneo -- located two blocks from the Presidente -- is known for its varied shops. Levante Beach is just three blocks from the hotel, and Poniente Beach can be reached by car in about 15 minutes. The Old Town, known for having a somewhat more local feel than this area, is just a 15-minute walk away and offers dozens of small shops, restaurants, and bars. The nearest airport is located in Alicante, a 45-minute drive away.

The hotel has 291 rooms, all with furnished balconies overlooking either the pool or the street. Decor is dated throughout, with an abundance of faux burled wood paneling that covers headboards, closets, and desks. This is accented with thin red bedspreads with white flowers, and pale yellow walls. Laminate floors can be found in some units, but a few have old-fashioned terrazzo tile floors instead, furthering the already out-of-touch design schemes. Blocky, Symbolist-inspired landscape prints hang on the walls. Regardless, most people are in town to get boozy and beachy, so the decor doesn't seem to bother many of the hotel's repeat guests. 

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV (there’s a deposit for the remote control), an air-conditioning unit, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no coffeemakers, and a fee is required for use of safes and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are clean but unattractive, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and just a couple of small soap bars. Drop-tile ceilings, pink granite countertops, and linoleum surrounds all add to the outdated effect. It's worth noting that there have been complaints of noise at night from bars across the street, so light sleepers may want to request a higher floor or a pool-view room.

The hotel features one large outdoor pool ringed with loungers and umbrellas, and complete with a small whirlpool and a separate kiddy section. It is busiest during the summer months, but in the winter a glass structure encloses the area and the water is heated, which allows for year-round use of the pool. A small poolside bar offers drinks and snacks throughout the day. The hotel has two other bars, including an indoor one off the lobby, and a popular pin up-themed terrace that's open to non-guests as well. All three main meals are served at the buffet restaurant, which gets great reviews from guests for its quality and variety. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.