Pierre & Vacances Residence Benidorm Levante

For travelers looking for a beachy apartment hotel with few extra frills, Pierre & Vacances Residence Benidorm Levante is a decent mid-range option. The 20-story high-rise packs in 98 one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus a rooftop pool, but little else. The hotel is mostly DIY -- there's no on-site restaurant or breakfast service, linens and towels are only changed every five days, and guests are expected to clean apartments prior to departure. Aside from the pool, there's little in the way of public spaces to invite mingling: The lobby is tasteful but generic, with a reception desk, some shelves with books and brochures, and a couple of cafe tables and faux-leather armchairs, but guests are likely to spend most of their time in their individual apartments. Tourists, often friend groups or families on multi-day stays, are the typical clientele.

The hotel is located on a busy street at the edge of the city of Benidorm, in an area filled with apartment buildings and hotels. The location isn't exceptional by any means, but it's quieter than more touristy areas, and it's still in walking distance to main attractions, including Levante Beach (11-minute walk) and old town, the main shopping area (15-minute walk). While there's not much commercial activity in the immediate neighborhood, guests can find bars, restaurants, and shops less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel, many of them on the way to the beach.

This all-apartment hotel has fairly clean but simple accommodations with little in the way of decor -- beige tiled floors, wood laminate furniture, and white stucco walls are standard. The one- and two-bedroom apartments have separate bedrooms, balconies, sitting areas with pull-out sofas, and roomy kitchenettes with tables and chairs. All apartments have electronic safes (though use of these cost extra), flat-screen TVs, and free WI-Fi, but some guests complain it's spotty. Kitchenettes are equipped with mini-fridges, sinks, burners, coffeemakers, dishes and pans, and microwaves. Bathrooms are simple with combo showers and tubs and basic toiletries (hairdryers are available on request). Towels and linens are only changed every five days, and guests are expected to clean apartments before leaving the hotel -- basic cleaning supplies are included.

The hotel has limited extra property features -- there's no restaurant, bar, or breakfast service on-site (though all rooms have kitchenettes for self-service), nor are there spa or fitness facilities. There is, however, a large rooftop terrace with a pool, including a sectioned off area for children, but loungers are extremely limited and some complain the pool is cold. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout and the lobby has a computer for guest use along with several vending machines. Extra fees are charged for cribs, on-site parking, and pets. The front desk is open 24 hours, and staff can arrange for laundry service or luggage storage. Guests note that a deposit is required to stay at the hotel.