Where to stay in Benidorm

The short answer: if it's your first time in Benidorm and you want to walk to the beach, restaurants and nightlife without relying on a car, the best area is the town centre by Levante Beach. Poniente is quieter and more family-oriented, the Old Town is the most authentic, and Rincón de Loix is the go-to choice for groups and long stays. Below, we compare all five areas and explain how to choose depending on who you're travelling with.

Benidorm's areas at a glance

Town centre / Levante Beach: ideal for first-timers, couples and short breaks. It's a lively area where everything is within walking distance, with Levante Beach just a few minutes away. Accommodation prices tend to be mid-range to high.

Poniente Beach: a good choice for families with children and anyone looking for a relaxing break. It has a quieter, more residential feel and a wide, calm beach. Prices are generally mid-range.

Old Town: perfect if you're into good food and local atmosphere. It's an authentic area with narrow streets and plenty of buzz, close to Mal Pas and Levante beaches. Prices are generally mid-range.

Rincón de Loix: recommended for groups, long stays and winter holidays. It's a very international area with lots of entertainment and budget-friendly accommodation, especially all-inclusive hotels.

La Cala / Sierra Helada: an alternative if you're travelling by car and want some peace and quiet. It's a more residential, secluded area near Cala de Finestrat. Accommodation prices vary.

Levante Beach and the town centre: the safest bet

Levante is the beach everyone pictures when they think of Benidorm: almost two kilometres of fine sand, facing east (so you get sunshine from first thing in the morning), and a seafront promenade lined with a huge variety of restaurants, terrace bars and shops.

Why does it work so well as a base?

• Everything's within walking distance. The beach, supermarkets, chemists, restaurants and local bus stops are all within a ten-minute walk. You won't need a car or taxi to get around day to day.
• Great connections. Buses to Terra Mítica, Aqualandia and Terra Natura leave from the centre, and the TRAM links Benidorm with Altea, Calpe, Dénia and Alicante.
• Sunshine and swimming almost all year round. Sheltered by the Sierra Helada, Benidorm's microclimate brings mild winters, making it a great option for off-season breaks.

Worth bearing in mind: this is the liveliest area at night. If peace and quiet is your top priority, look for a hotel one or two streets back from the seafront rather than right on the promenade, or ask for a room on a higher floor at the back of the building.

Poniente Beach: the family choice

Poniente is wider, with gentler waves and fewer crowds. Its redesigned promenade, famous for its flowing, wave-like curves, is one of the loveliest on the Costa Blanca for a stroll at sunset.

It's the natural choice if you're travelling with young children or older relatives: the beach slopes gently into the sea, there's more shade and more play areas, and the overall pace is much more relaxed. On the flip side, there are fewer places to eat and you'll be a little further from the heart of the action.

The Old Town: the Benidorm you won't see on postcards

Nestled between the two beaches, the Old Town has kept its narrow streets, the Mirador del Castillo – one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset – and a wealth of tapas bars: traditional counter bars, rice dishes and the catch of the day at very reasonable prices.

Staying here makes sense if your trip is all about eating well and exploring on foot, and you don't mind not being right on the seafront. Some of the streets are quite steep, which is worth considering if you have mobility issues.

Rincón de Loix: groups and long stays

At the far end of Levante Beach, Rincón de Loix is one of Benidorm's most international areas, with a wide choice of hotels. It's home to much of the town's British nightlife and plenty of all-inclusive hotels, and it's also a popular choice for long winter stays.

It's a good option for groups of friends and travellers on a tighter budget, though it's not the best choice if you're after peace and quiet or want to be near the Old Town.

How to choose based on your type of trip

• First time in Benidorm: the town centre / Levante Beach. You'll want to see everything, and from here it's all close by.
• Couples' getaway: the town centre or Old Town, ideally at a hotel with a pool and wellness area so you're not at the mercy of the weather.
• Families with children: Poniente, or the town centre if you'd rather have amenities close at hand and a pool at your hotel.
• Off-season or long stays: the town centre or Rincón de Loix, choosing a hotel with indoor facilities such as a gym, spa or lounges.
• Travelling without a car: the town centre, without a doubt. It's the best-connected area by local bus and TRAM.

Our recommendation: stay in the centre, just minutes from the beach

Hotel Los Álamos is at Calle Gerona 7, right in the heart of Benidorm and just a few minutes' walk from Levante Beach. It's a four-star hotel with a balcony in every room, a minibar, a safe and a TV with international channels.

What makes Los Álamos a great base for exploring Benidorm?

• Two outdoor pools and a large sun terrace.
• SENTIA wellness centre and gym – ideal for making the most of your stay outside beach season too.
• Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a pool bar.
• Beach towel and parasol service.
• 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
• Parking available for guests travelling by car.

Staying in the centre means you can head down to the beach in the morning, pop back to the hotel for lunch, have a siesta and go out for dinner in the Old Town without getting in the car all day.