WASA3

We were on a cycling holiday and the hotel catered for us well, with a huge lockup downstairs for the bikes. There are superb oil paintings of former cycling professionals on the walls, too. The hotel sits just beyond Altea, behind a shingle beach. We stayed half board, enjoyed the food, and found the service good. Drinks were very reasonably priced.

The food was a strong point, with plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was mostly continental: cereals, breads, cold meats and cheeses, salad, and seasonal fruit such as honeydew, kiwi, apple, and oranges. Hot options included bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, beans, and porridge, with the porridge type or flavour changing each day. They also made omelettes to order and served toasties. For pastries there were tarts, waffles, croissants, churros, and sponge cakes. Dinner changed daily and usually had salad and fruit, paella, a pasta station with sauce choices, pizza with vegetarian and meat options, another pasta dish like lasagna or cannelloni, meat such as steak or chicken, fish such as salmon or emperor fish, plus cooked meats or raw fish. Desserts included fruit, ice cream in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, lemon sorbet, yogurt, sponge cakes including chocolate and tiramisu, and things like French toast, custard, and tarts. The location worked well for getting around. It’s a 5-minute walk from the tram station, with Benidorm 15 minutes away by tram, and about 12 minutes on foot to the seafront bars and restaurants. Mercadona is a 20-minute walk, and the main church in Altea Old Town is about 28 minutes away. The room was a good size, with a lovely bathroom, enough closet space, a TV, minibar, and safe. Staff were pleasant and friendly. Most guests seemed to be Spanish cyclists, and the atmosphere was relaxed and polite.

Audrey was a real highlight. She brought great energy and was fun and friendly, especially during the evening entertainment with games, puzzles, darts, and karaoke. The rest of the staff were also helpful, kind, and attentive, including when cleaning the room. The rooms were bright, tidy, and clean. We loved the views, the beach, and the clean, decent-sized pool with plenty of seats and loungers. The buffet had lots of tasty choices. Everything was wonderful, and I can’t think of anything to improve. We were so happy we found this place and wish we didn’t have to leave. We’d love to come back.

The spa was amazing. It costs extra and has set times, which helps keep it peaceful. The hotel has a relaxed feel and a mix of guests, including retirees, cyclists, families, and people with babies and toddlers. They even had a cot ready for our baby without us asking. Antonio at reception was very helpful and stayed calm when we were stressed. A water fountain would be welcome, especially in the heat, and I agree with the feedback asking for one. The music around the pool was sometimes a bit loud. I think it’s good that drinks aren’t included, as people drink more consciously that way. The walk into town is fine, though you do walk beside a road; the cars weren’t going very fast. We loved our stay and hope to return.