Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Benidorm

The upscale Villa del Mar is an unusual-for-the-area all-inclusive in the sense that it is a stylish boutique hotel that doesn’t offer entertainment or activities during the day (a rarity in Benidorm), making it a more relaxing option than other livelier beachfront properties. Its 108 rooms have cute beachy decor in white and blue hues and come with solid amenities such as flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Some units face the back of the hotel, but many have panoramic waterfront vistas, whirlpools by the windows, and hydromassage showers. There is a spa, a small pool, a basic gym, and a Mediterranean restaurant, but the highlight is the rooftop deck, offering lounge chairs, a bar, and wonderful sea views.

Marconfort Essence is a renovated adult-only resort offering a variety of packages with different details. Its all-inclusive rates include a room with a kitchen; all-day, buffet-style dining in the main restaurants; free Wi-Fi; free bike rentals; and use of the two pools and whirlpool for free, plus free yoga, Pilates, and tai chi classes. The package includes water, soda, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a welcome cocktail in the lobby bar, and free happy hour drinks. Additional alcohol and premium liquor is an extra fee. Room service costs extra, and laundry service is also available for a fee.

The Sandos Monaco Beach Hotel & Spa is an upper-middle-range, adult-only property with a central location between Old and New Towns, and a five-minute walk from the beach. Rooms at this all-inclusive are clean and sunny, and have nice bathrooms, furnished balconies, and free Wi-Fi. But decor is a little plain and dated, and non-premium guests should expect to pay for use of safes and mini-fridges. With a bar, a whirlpool, and lots of loungers, the pool deck is a pleasant sunny spot, though the pool itself is smallish and gets several hours of shade a day. A soothing spa provides a great hydrotherapy area (for a fee). The restaurant serves a varied buffet for all meals, but food gets mixed reviews.

The upper-middle-range Marconfort Benidorm draws families, couples, and groups of friends with spacious suites and lots of on-site activities. All units feature bedrooms with two twin beds, living areas with two sofa beds, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Hotel highlights include a large pool, several bars, a well-equipped fitness center, and a small spa. The location within walking distance of the beach and nightlife is a plus, but guests have complained of weak drinks and sub-par entertainment for adults. Those traveling with kids may want to note that although the property caters mostly to families, there is no full kids’ club.

Sol Pelicanos Ocas is a massive family-friendly resort near the beach. The 794 mid-range rooms are hit or miss depending on where they are located: units in the Ocas section have been renovated and feature contemporary decor, while those in the Pelicanos are drab and in urgent need of a facelift. Known for its huge lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar (drinks here aren't included in the most basic all-inclusive package), the resort also offers an additional four pools, a kids’ club, and multiple dining options (although food gets mixed reviews).

The mid-range Melia Benidorm is one of the larger hotels around, with a full range of features like a kids' club, indoor pool, spa, and a gorgeous outdoor pool surrounded by garden grounds. Its 526 rooms are more contemporary than much of the competition, and upper floors glimpse the Mediterranean from their balconies. The all-inclusive buffet restaurant and bars have a vast amount of seating, much of which is on breezy outdoor terraces. Levante Beach, along with all the touristy dining and nightlife around it are within walking distance.

The adult-only Levante Club & Spa may not be as chock-full of amenities as some other all-inclusive resorts, but it does offer an array of things to do on-site, including three bars and a buffet restaurant under the all-inclusive rates. The pool is a pleasant spot for a quiet morning in the sun, with loungers, a handful of parasols, and a nice snack bar; just be aware of the morning dash to secure a lounger for the day. The hotel offers two indoor bars, including a nightclub with nightly shows and a lobby bar with a piano and floor-to-ceiling windows. The cheapest all-inclusive plan includes mediocre beverage offerings, so expect to pay more for better booze.