Poseidon Resort

Benidorm is known for its many hotels that cater to groups of young tourists from all over Europe eager to party, but the Poseidon Resort has more of a Spanish atmosphere, and such family-friendly amenities as a kids' club. Food and entertainment has a definite Spanish accent. Overall, it’s a casual and relaxed atmosphere where guests are frequently seen reading or playing card games. The spacious lobbies of the two buildings have are elegant, with cream-colored marble floors, lots of quality sofas and armchairs, and banks of windows that create bright and airy environments. The Poseidon Palace lobby is exceptionally nice, with a two-story marble archway and a large skylight over a huge wood table framed by red and blue sofas, along with an impressive display of colorful modern art in the lobby.

This resort is centrally located, with restaurants and bars almost right outside the door in either direction, and a pharmacy about three minutes away on foot. It’s a seven-minute walk to Levante Beach, and about a five-minute walk to the heart of Old Town. The Church of San Jaime and the Balcón del Mediterraneoon, at the southwest end of Levante Beach, are 13 minutes away on foot. Aqualandia (water park) and Mundomar (marine animal park) are a 13-minute drive away, and the Terra Mitica amusement park is about a 20-minute drive from the resort. Alicante Airport is about a 45-minute drive, or about one hour away via public transportation (there's a bus stop nearby).

The 466 rooms in the two separate buildings are decorated differently, but they share light-wood floors and white walls. The matching espresso-colored wood furniture and drapes make the Poseidon Palace rooms seem darker but more sophisticated than the Poseidon rooms, which have salmon-colored drapes and matching wood furniture in a blond finish. The rooms in both buildings are pleasant, despite their somewhat dated decor. Splashes of color come from the solid blue (Poseidon) and orange-and-brown striped (Poseidon Palace) bedspreads. Rooms include desks, chairs, and ample storage. Both buildings feature balconies overlooking the pools and surrounding buildings, and some balconies have distant ocean views. Bathrooms in both buildings feature the same motif, with lovely tan marble walls and shower/tub combos with clear glass half-doors. The wall-mounted, Corian-style vanities are made to resemble marble and are a bit small. All have magnifying mirrors and bidets. Flat-screen TVs, toiletries, and free Wi-Fi are standard amenities. Safes and mini-fridges come with fees.

Guests staying at this complex can use the facilities in either building. Each has a large, buffet-style restaurant that serves breakfast (not included in standard rates), lunch, and dinner. The hotel offers an all-inclusive option for three meals a day and drinks. Each building also has a spacious bar with a stage and dance floor. Nightly entertainment, such as dancers, magicians, and ballroom dancing is offered (and popular with local residents). There are two roomy outdoor pools surrounded by a landscaped area with loungers, an outdoor bar, and a couple of covered cabanas. There's also a kiddy pool as well as a kids' club with supervised activities. The indoor pool is heated and has an adjacent whirlpool, but it’s closed in the summer. The fitness center is small and free to guests, but it's limited to weight-training machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex, which has meeting space and some computer stations with Internet access for guests' use. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available. On-site private parking is available for a fee, and free parking is available in the surrounding area, but it’s hard to come by in high season. Smoking is permitted only in outdoor designated areas, and on room balconies.