Hotel RH Corona del Mar

Hotel RH Corona del Mar's main entrance has a bright-blue roof and mirrored windows that look slightly out of place, before the entrance opens into a somewhat more timeless light-filled lobby. The space is covered in three shades of marble tiling, with a grid of squared columns and beams that give the otherwise airy chamber a busy feel. A lounge with a piano stretches out to one side along floor-to-ceiling windows that face toward the promenade. Guests tend to be British or Dutch couples, though families are not uncommon. 

The hotel is located at a three-way intersection, a block north of the promenade that runs along Poniente -- a long sandy beach that's more popular with locals than touristy Levante Beach. Casual cafes, bars, and shops are within walking distance along the promenade, and Old Town's dining and shopping are just across the street. Though generally quiet, this area offers easy driving access to New Town, a bustling neighborhood a 10-minute car ride away, where guests will find a wide array of nightlife options. The main bus station in Benidorm can be reached by car in about eight minutes. The nearest airport is in Alicante, a 45-minute drive away. The immediate area has a few odd neighbors on the surrounding narrow, walled streets; there's a small cemetery across the street next to a Burger King.

Most of the hotel's 129 rooms feature small furnished balconies, with the exception of some Standard Rooms that have king beds. Despite the plain blue carpets, the decor is generally modern with muted tones and wood accents. The presence of wallpaper (patterned with faded circles), as opposed to textured plaster walls, is notable for a hotel in Benidorm. Simple desks come with white chairs, and some rooms add a sitting area with a sofa bed. Flat-screen TVs and minibars are standard, along with electric tea kettles, but there are no coffeemakers. The bathrooms are not as up-to-date as the room decor, and the tiled shower/tub combos show their age. They do, however, have wall-mounted hairdryers, bidets, and basic toiletries. 

There's lots to do at RH Corona del Mar. The outdoor pool is isolated above the street, giving it a more private setting, though the sundeck's fake turf leaves something to be desired. A waterslide pours into the center of the pool, which has an integrated hot tub on one end and a separate kiddy pool on the other. There's a small heated indoor pool, along with a hot tub attached to the spa. Here, guests will also find a cramped fitness room overlooking the pool, along with a sauna and some massage treatment rooms. In the summer, the hotel hosts outdoor activities like water polo and petanque on the beach. There's also a small outdoor playground (though no dedicated kids' club). For dining, L’illa Restaurant serves buffet-style Mediterranean and international cuisine. Breakfast costs extra. The lounge bar has regular nightly entertainment and both have breezy outdoor terraces with covered seating.