Servigroup Diplomatic

Of the nine Servigroup properties in Benidorm, the Diplomatic is one of the more modern-looking from outside. The hotel has a dark glass facade, and it's only six-stories tall, which makes it stand out among the other older, taller buildings around it. A shiny metal awning marks the entrance of the hotel, located a few steps down from the street level, and revolving glass doors lead to a long, bright lobby. Though not particularly stylish or upscale, the reception area is appealing, with off-white and pink marble floors, a few plants, and a round front desk. There are a couple of seating areas with rust-colored couches and a few chairs in animal print placed around small glass tables. The overall feel is generic, but a wall fountain with blue mosaic tiles, and a dark exposed stone wall add some style. The rest of the property has a similar generic feel, but colorful touches in the restaurant and the bars, and strategically placed LED lights lend common spaces a somewhat more updated feel. 

The hotel is located on a one-way street lined with shops, bars, and casual restaurants. This area is between the more local Old Town, and the New Town, which caters mostly to international visitors. There are dozens of dining and shopping options within a few blocks, and the main nightlife strip can be reached in about a 15-minute walk. The hotel is also just a five-minute walk from Levante Beach, and there is an even longer stretch of sand less than a 15-minute walk away. Family-friendly attractions, including Terra Mitica, the aquarium, and Mundomar, are all less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. There is a bus stop a one-minute walk away, on Avenida de Europa. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Alicante Airport.

The hotel has 252 rooms, all decorated with classic wooden furniture, off-white tile floors, and an orange-and-white color scheme. Though the striped tan-and-tangerine bedspreads and generic furniture make for a somewhat dated '70s look, rooms are clean and spacious, and have large windows opening onto balconies furnished with plastic chairs and a table. Amenities are on par with other upper-middle-range hotels in Benidorm, and include flat-screen TVs with dozens of local and international channels, mini-fridges, seasonal air-conditioning, and hairdryers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but there is a daily fee for use of in-room safes. The hotel has a few Superior Rooms, which have a couple of more contemporary touches, such as stylish black pendant lamps, laminate floors, and contemporary artwork on walls. These units also have a small seating area with a couch and a coffee table. Bathrooms vary between rooms -- while some have been renovated and feature slate-gray tiles; round, vessel sinks on gray counters; and newer taps, others are a little basic, with standard shower/tub combos, and fixtures that are in need of an update. 

Servigroup Diplomatic has the features you'd expect from an upper-middle-range property in the area, and they're all dependably good. The hotel has four pools, including two for adults and two for kids. They’re all small, and one of them gets shade several hours a day, but their decks are spacious and have dozens of loungers and umbrellas, and the atmosphere is quiet. There is a playground located off the main pool area, and a bar complete with a few tables and chairs serves drinks and snacks throughout the day. There are two other bars on-site, including a spacious one with a glass wall overlooking a tropical garden with a waterfall. Main meals are served at the hotel’s buffet restaurant, which gets good reviews. The free breakfast spread is particularly varied, with hot and cold options, as well as a gluten-free section. The spa has grotto-inspired decor and a relaxing vibe, with large windows overlooking the grounds, and massage rooms. It features a sauna, a whirlpool, a small heated pool, and a steam bath, but there is a fee for use of the facilities, and some guests have complained that there are no designated changing rooms. The fitness center has four cardio and strength-training machines, as well as large windows that let in lots of light. The hotel also features two meeting rooms and indoor parking (for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.