Port Benidorm

We'd never been to Benidorm before but we wanted a cheap mini break in the sun, so booked a 5 night stay at the resort via Tui, half board and it cost £1133.32.

Straightup, for us, the hotel is situated at the 'wrong' end of Levante beach as we much preferred the Old Town, and the bars further along front. I suspect this is why the hotel cost was so reasonable, and its proximity to the stereotypical Benidorm bars and 'Brit street' and shouldn't refelect on the hotel itself.

Port Benidorm has been recently refurbished, and if we are honest, its probably the nicest we've ever stayed in (certainly in Spain) within this price bracket. The room itself was modern and the shower facilities excellent. The airconditioning was also superb and kept the room at a perfect temperature.

We were on the ninth floor so if you dont like heights, probably best not to venture onto the balcony. The hotel adjacent is going thtough a major revamp but we had no noise issues.

The week we were there seemed quiet, and we had no issues getting a sunbed poolside, although getting an umberella was a little trickier. Towels are available for a refundable €10 deposit.

I see a few reviews on here moaning about the food ? We had halfboard and breakfast was busier than dinner but it never felt overcrowded. Fresh eggs, omeletes etc were all prepared to order in the morning and at dinner a chef cooked fresh meats and fish. There were always a large selection of other hot dishes, always a Paella offering, as well as salads, cold meats, cheeses, pastries and deserts. What we liked was the staff were constantly replenishing the large serving dishes.

Some othe reviews mentioned unfriendly staff. The majority of staff we encountered were the exact opposite. There were a couple who did seem unhappy in their work, but if Im honest, sometimes the clientele didnt seem the most polite so its understandable really. And we noticed no bias to our fellow Spanish guests.

If Port Benidorm customer service read this, we did have one minor moan. Nowhere near enough coffee machines in the morning and the lines to get a hot drink could be quiet long. Why not just have jugs of plain coffee as well, should you not want a Latte or Cappacino. Or hot water should you want a tea ? Just a suggestion.

Lastly, as stated above, we paid TUI £1133.32, which works out at £226.46 a night (including our airfair), so for us, exceptional value. And to the reviews complaining about not being able to check in at 10.30 ??? Most Hotels in the UK wont allow check-in before 14.00, so why should it be different here ?

In summary, a terrific hotel, which, unfortunately we won't be returning to, through no fault of Port Benidorm itself.

This end of Benidorm is everything you've seen on the TV. The mobility scooters are everywhere, and I know not every disability is visable, but I'd question whether some are just used as a cheap mode of transport. And lastly, some of the T shirts on sale for the British market, crikey, what the Spanish must think of us....families have to pass them on the way to the beach. But again, this shouldn't reflect on this lovely hotel itself.

The start not great. Requested low floor and was put on 10th. Main bar Christina and the older man were lovely. Others not much of a smile. poolbar staff nice and friendly. No place to charge scooters so not disabled friendly. Smokers get a small area of 4 chairs that are dirty and in an area that has no light of an evening. There is a lovely big outdoor terrace area that can accommodate smokers. Was even told to go and sit outside hotel and smoke. Sure that looks worse. Did request speaking to manager about this matter. But no he was never around. SUPPOSEDLY. The food at restaurant was not hot but pool bar food was. I have to ask why. If these issues were addressed it would make a holiday even more enjoyable as the hotel is perfectly located for the beach and local bars and restaurants. The grand national for breakfast is a must and a great steak of an evening. So come on port Benidorm make us all feel welcome.