Sol Costablanca by Meliá

Although the Sol Costablanca dates back as far back as the 1950s, a facelift has given the hotel's glass-and-metal facade a genuinely 21st-century look. Stepping inside, however, the mood shifts, with ill-coordinated green patterned carpets and marble columns instantly dating the property. A TV lounge featuring rows of floral patterned armchairs atop the same green carpet looks straight out of the '70s, contrasting sharply with an elegant and stylish back-lit bar area. With only six floors, it does makes a refreshing change from the high-rise hotel typical of the area. The saving grace is that most of the property -- including the restaurant and pool terrace -- overlooks the beach. As an adult-only (over age 16) property, the atmosphere is relaxed and mature, attracting couples of all ages; a no bachelor/bachelorette party policy also cuts out some of the more boisterous elements often found in the area. 

The hotel has a prime location overlooking Levante Beach and its semi-pedestrianized seafront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. A neighboring bar inevitably produces some noise, as does the occasional group of passing high-spirited vacationers, though most guests agree it's not a major problem. Benidorm's Old Town, with its cobbled streets and numerous eateries, bars, and nightspots, is a pleasant 10-minute walk along the seafront. The nearest airport, on the outskirts of Alicante, is a 45-minute drive away. Parking is available for a fee.

The hotel has 185 rooms, all of which are decorated in cheerful, though dated blues and white, with patterned carpets and old-fashioned wood furnishings. Glass doors slide open to furnished balconies, most with at least partial sea views (though rear views can be unattractive). Standard amenities include mini-fridges and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with few English-language channels), but no tea- and coffee-making facilities and old-fashioned safes (for a fee). Bathrooms are clean and functional, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hose hairdryers, and basic toiletries. While well-soundproofed from outside noise, reports suggest rooms can be prone to noise from other guests.

The hotel has a bright restaurant with windows that overlook the seafront walkway and the beach beyond. It serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus bed-and-breakfast and half- and full-board packages are available. The food, however, gets mixed reviews. A back-lit stone-effect bar introduces some style to otherwise quite dowdy interiors, and there's plenty of poolside seating for alfresco dining and drinks. The pool itself is small, plus there are frequent complaints of limited lounge chairs and guests throwing a towel on loungers early in the morning and then having them remain unoccupied for hours. However, the proximity of the beach means that many guests choose to rent chairs there instead. In the evening the hotel puts on poolside entertainment. There are no spa or gym facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.