Hotel Almirante (Alicante, Spain)

“A great location” is how many guests label this hotel. To be completely honest, however, this is the only accommodation in Alicante with direct access to the San Juan beach (the longest in the Costa Blanca area). A ten-minute drive separates you from the centre of Alicante; but if you left your car at home, the tram station, just 100m away, will serve you just as well.

Aside from being so close to the beach, the hotel has its own private and large outdoor pool. Guests can come with their pets and the garden is ideal to have a great time outdoor with your furry friend. Whether you decide to eat at the hotel's restaurant or try the numerous small restaurants, pizzerias or even the McDonald's nearby, indulging in the best culinary treats outside the hotel won't be a problem either.

Among the many other positive things that guests recall about the property is the friendly and highly professional staff. They greet tourists with a contagious smile, answer all questions, and are always eager to help and please.

You mostly get what you pay for, yet the idea of accommodating couples in huge rooms and crowding more than three people in considerably smaller rooms sometimes doesn't make much sense. Also, the hotel brags with its large and private balconies, but not all rooms include one. Another inconvenience would be the lack of a fridge in some rooms, which can only be obtained if you pay an extra fee.

The breakfast buffet, as some guests reported, could use a little more variety; otherwise the food is quite tasty. Also, after about a week of eating for lunch or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, you might feel the need to try something new as well. Just bear in mind that you can upgrade your meal plan even after your arrival or simply pay upfront whenever you want to eat there.

Aside from the menu, guests notice how the bar facilities are not open until too late at night or how many restaurants in the area close early in the evening. Since not all rooms have a fridge or a kettle, doing your homework in advance and deciding where (and when) you would like to eat and drink is advisable.