Climia Benidorm Plaza 4* Hotel

The food was good but basic, with things like roast chicken and chips, fish, and some vegetables. My eldest son mostly ate out. Some restaurant staff weren't friendly or helpful with the baby, and comments like “you're beautiful” when my 8-year-old daughter went to get food made her uncomfortable. The hotel itself was a good stay, mainly because of the location. I'd come to benidorm again, but not choose this hotel. We stayed five nights as a solo parent with three children, booked through easyjet holidays. The transfer with beni express went smoothly, and we got a nice welcome. We arrived late and had missed dinner; it would have been a kind gesture to offer a small sandwich, since we had to find somewhere to eat straight away. The New Year's Gala ball on the second day was very nice. Our second-floor room was too noisy because of the entertainment, so we moved to the 15th floor. That was quiet, but felt a bit too high and scary with little ones. Entertainment started around 8.45 and was all in Spanish, so we didn't really enjoy it. The soft play and pool were good, though there were no baby changing facilities and the changing rooms were freezing. Checkout was at 6.45 am, and again there was no packed breakfast offered, which was disappointing compared with other hotels. Overall, the food was good but basic.

Breakfast was the only meal included in my deal, and it was very good, with mostly Spanish choices. The room was a nice size and the 12th-floor views were great. Staff always smiled. Lots of Spanish guests were staying there, which made me think it must be a good hotel.

The Benidorm Plaza Hotel was a disappointing stay for me. It seems set up mostly for Spanish visitors: the entertainment is all in Spanish and doesn't feel inclusive of other nationalities. Breakfast was poor and often cold. Dinner doesn't begin until 8 pm, much too late if you're with children. When I asked about eating earlier, I was told Spanish people don't like to eat earlier. I also asked why the pool was covered and was told Spanish guests thought it was too cold. Neither answer felt very accommodating. At check-in, reception didn't tell us that everyone needs to buy a swimming hat to use the pool, even men with no hair. That should have been explained upfront. As a basic place to sleep, it's fine, but I wouldn't expect much else.

We love this hotel and have just come back from nine nights there. It's exceptionally clean, in a perfect spot for the old town, and the food is a decent standard. The reception team are excellent and help with everything, especially Miguel Angel. I hope we're lucky enough to go again.