Tropic Relax Hotel

The reception staff were friendly and helpful, and the location worked well for La Cala Beach. Buses 2 and 3 run frequently into Benidorm. Beyond that, we found this a very basic, cheap hotel, run mainly for Spanish guests. We’re British and found that no one spoke English. The entertainment was poor and all in Spanish. There wasn’t enough storage for a family, though space was fine for the two of us. At the rear, the view was of mountains and what looked like sewage drains. Mosquitoes and flies were everywhere around the pool, outside dining area and bar doors, and we got bitten badly. We saw no disinfectant cleaning around the bar, pool or main seating area. A long drainage system runs behind the hotel and seemed to be a haven for insects. The hotel needs to keep that area clean. We couldn’t sit outside by the pool or doors because of the mosquitoes. The food was horrible, including a disgusting breakfast. The bacon wasn’t cooked enough, the sausages were the usual rubbery cocktail kind, and there was only one toaster, with queues every morning. The bread needed two passes through it, so they should add another toaster. The bar lady was pleasant, though she didn’t know cocktails very well. Cleaners left our patio doors open, changed towels but not sheets, and washed the room floor only once during our eight-day holiday. The rooms were modern, but the bar entertainment and reception areas were old and dated, and the bar chairs were uncomfortable. The entertainment was bad enough that we went across the road for more bad entertainment. If you’re fine with basic facilities, poor food and entertainment, and constant bites, go ahead. We know we won’t return.

The hotel is in a quiet location with easy access to Benidorm, and a lovely bay and beach with ice-cold beer, drinks and plenty of cafés are within a 10-minute walk. We had a good week in late September. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with a balcony, and was cleaned every day. Reception staff were friendly and helpful. It’s mainly set up for Spanish and European guests, as you can tell from the entertainment and some of the meals. A free bottle of wine with lunch and dinner was a nice touch. We’d definitely stay here again.

The rooms were airy and beautiful, with balconies and some lovely mountain views. The corridors were bright and clean, the beds comfortable and the shower had great pressure. The hotel was much better than I expected. That said, if you’re English, you might want to stay elsewhere. It mainly caters to Spanish guests, the entertainment is all in Spanish, and staff speak very little English, though they were friendly. Breakfast was dull, so my wife and I ate out most mornings. The pool stays shaded and never gets warm, and there are no kettles in the rooms, which I found odd. We were on the seventh, top floor, and could still hear the entertainment over the TV after 11:30pm. I wasn’t pleased.

We all enjoyed the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner, though meals are served at set times and there aren’t snacks between them. That didn’t bother us. The hotel has mainly Spanish guests, so the restaurant food reflects that. It’s in a perfect spot, just a few minutes from lovely bars, restaurants, the beach and shops. It isn’t central to Benidorm town, but it’s not far by bus or taxi. We had four nights away with the girls and all thought the hotel was much better than we expected. The photos don’t do it justice. The rooms and corridors look like they’ve recently been done up and are modern and spotless. The pool and restaurant were nicer than expected too, and there’s a lovely shaded chill-out area that looks new. The staff are all lovely. We’ll definitely book again.