El Faro

It's a bit dated, but very clean and in a quiet area right on the beach. We've been here four days, and the pool and bar still aren't open. We were first told they'd open on the 15th, then told 1st of June, which is disappointing. They advertise an outdoor pool, so I think the dates should be included in the listing. Still, it's lovely overall.

The reception guy was excellent and very helpful. The place is really quiet, close to the beach and some lovely restaurants, but it's about a 40-minute walk to the Old Town. Rooms are very basic, maid and towel service is only every four days, and you have to bring your own toilet paper. We were there in September and had the pool area to ourselves, with no fighting over sunbeds. If you like sunbathing all day, it's wonderful, and the most beautiful beach in Benidorm is just a two-minute walk away. Not for everyone, only if you want a very quiet time.

The apartment's a bit older, but clean. The location and views are the best in town. Four and a half stars would be just right.

The apartment was clean when we arrived, and the beds were comfortable. It's quiet and makes a good base, just two minutes from the beach. A few restaurants and shops are within a few hundred metres, all reasonably priced. The Old Town is a good 40-minute walk away, but the number 3 bus runs from the beach road to the old and new towns and the bus station. There are plenty of useful things in the apartment: a hob, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle, iron, small ironing board, washing machine, and a wall-mounted hairdryer. The lounge has air conditioning, there's a bath and shower, and the balcony is a decent size with a brush, mop, bucket, and clothes airer. Towels are changed every four days. The toilet kept running on our first day, but it was fixed by the time we got back later that day. We arrived late, after reception closed at 9 pm. Calling the number on the door got us instructions from a lady for the key safe on the outside wall, where we collected our room keycards. We finished check-in the next morning. There's a 200 euro deposit, so budget for it when you arrive. It's returned after the room is inspected at departure. The room safe costs 2 euro per day. The big tourist market in benidorm is on Wednesday and Sunday. We caught the bus to the new town, then walked the rest of the way. It's next to the hotel pueblo. There's also a Saturday market in la cala, finestrat, about a 25-minute walk away. Centro la marina shopping centre is worth a visit if the weather isn't clever. A taxi there cost 8 euro, and we caught the bus back outside the main entrance. On the beach road, turn left for coffee madness, with superb coffee, a good choice of breakfast dishes including eggs Benedict, and good milkshakes. About a 20-minute walk towards benidorm is the halfway house pub/restaurant. The food was superb, with lots of choice, decent-sized portions, and good cocktails and beer. We'd come back, as we have more places to explore and didn't have enough time.