Servigroup Rialto

Located in a quiet residential area, the Rialto draws more couples and families than partiers. It is just a short walk from bars, clubs and shops, but the atmosphere here is relaxed and friendly, and nights are mostly quiet. The hotel is housed in an older, boxy, white building blending in with all the other similar structures in Benidorm, with a spacious pool deck in the front, and balconies lining the facade. The lack of greenery makes the outdoor areas feel a little sterile, but there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and the pool is clean and big enough for laps. 

Large windows and accent walls in the chain’s corporate orange hues make common spaces inviting and cheerful. But from the colorful vinyl chairs in the lounge bar to the basic wooden furniture in the restaurant, everything here is more functional than stylish. A couple of areas have a somewhat fresher, more updated feel, including one of the dining rooms in the restaurant, complete with dark laminate floors, and white round lamps hanging from wooden ceilings. While there is nothing particularly exceptional about the property, the Rialto has plenty of repeat guests who keep coming back for its overall value, cleanliness, and relaxing atmosphere.

The Rialto is located on the corner of two one-way streets in Rincon de Loix, a quiet residential area home to apartment buildings, a few hotels, and a couple of casual cafes. This location is convenient for those looking to stay within easy walking distance of the many bars, clubs, and restaurants in New Town, but away from its hustle and bustle at night. There is a popular indoor market selling everything from cheap T-shirts to shoes and beach gear just a block away, and many more shops can be found a five-minute walk from the hotel along Avenida del Mediterraneo. Levante Beach, a long stretch of sandy coastline, can be found a three-minute walk away. Old Town, which has a stronger local feel and a mellower vibe, is a 10-minute drive away, and there is a bus stop a couple of blocks from the hotel. The Rialto is a 50-minute drive from Alicante Airport. 

The Rialto has 133 guest rooms, all with large sliding windows opening onto balconies furnished with plastic chairs and a table. Rooms are clean and well-maintained, but decor is generic and dated throughout, especially the plain wooden furniture with blue panels, and the thin bedspreads with blue and yellow stripes. Yellow curtains with blue flowers, and peach-colored accent walls are cute touches, yet everything here is more functional than stylish or up-to-date. In-room amenities are a notch above other mid-range hotels in the area, and include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with dozens of international channels. However, safes are an extra fee (common in Benidorm), and central air-conditioning is only available seasonally. Bathrooms are standard for a three-pearl hotel, and feature shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a few basic toiletries.

Features at the Servigroup Rialto fit the bill for a mid-range hotel in the area, and while there's nothing surprising, they're  solid overall. The hotel has one restaurant, serving a quality buffet for all three meals. Food generally gets good reviews, and while the spread isn’t huge, there is always fish, meat, fresh salads, pasta, rice dishes, and vegetarian options for lunch and dinner. A varied breakfast buffet offering a wide array of hot, cold and gluten-free options is included in all rates. The pool is narrow but long enough for laps, and has a kiddy section separated by a gate. There are plenty of loungers and a few umbrellas on the deck, and a small bar offers drinks, a few snacks, and poolside seating seasonally. The hotel also features a playground with a slide and swings, a pool table, on-site parking (for a fee), and seasonal evening entertainment.