Sandos Benidorm Suites

Set on the northern edge of Benidorm, the Marconfort is popular with families and couples looking to spend some relaxing days in the sun, and like many of the resorts in the area, there are a lot of British tourists. The vibe overall is quiet and laid-back, and although there is evening entertainment, most guests choose to go out and explore the bars in New Town. Rooms underwent top-to-bottom renovations in 2014, and now feature modern decor and amenities. However, some decor elements in common spaces are a tad uninspired and dated, such as the lobby floors and the main restaurant as a whole. The lobby is bright but generic, with cream-colored tiled floors and walls and brown wicker furniture with white upholstering. The aquamarine, green, and yellow lampshades in the main reception area are refreshing details, and the entrance -- shaded by a wooden ceiling with a lantern -- is cute. The hotel claims to have a music theme throughout, but doesn't quite deliver on the promise. There are just a few drawings of guitars in primary colors and the word "rock" pasted on the wall above the front desk, plus a large mural poster with a '50s-style microphone, and a double bass in one corner. 

The hotel is located on the northern edge of Benidorm, adjacent to a vast space with nothing but an outdoor parking lot and bushes. This neighborhood is a good base for beach-goers and those looking to explore Benidorm’s nightlife and dining scenes, as it's eight blocks from the long, sandy Levante Beach, and a 15-minute walk from bars and cafes in the New Town. The Old Town and the main bus station in Benidorm are each a 10-minute drive away, and the nearest airport -- located in Alicante -- can be reached in about 45 minutes.

The hotel has 200 suites, each featuring a bedroom with two twin beds and a living area with two sofa beds. All units were renovated in mid-2014 and feature stylish, contemporary decor with laminate floors, wooden furniture in different brown hues, grey couches with yellow and aquamarine pillows, and white walls that add brightness. The bedrooms and living quarters are separated by frosted glass sliding doors, while floor-to-ceiling windows open onto large terraces, each with a table, four chairs, and a clothes rack. Mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and electric kettles with free tea and coffee come standard. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on swiveling panels so that they can be watched from either the bedroom or the living room. Note that there are fees to use the in-room safes, and there have been some complaints of poor soundproofing.

Although there is no full kids’ club, children are kept busy during the day with poolside entertainment, a kids' pool, and a playground. The main pool is large and rectangular and lined with lounge chairs and parasols. There's also a poolside snack bar serving fast food and drinks throughout the day. The restaurant offers a decent buffet service for all three main meals, and there are three different bars on-site. The fitness center features cardio and strength-training machines and a Finnish sauna in a small room off the lobby. Adjacent to the gym is the spa, which offers an array of treatments and salon services. Parking and airport transfers are available for extra fees, while Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel free of charge.