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Where to Stay in Alicante

Where to Stay in Alicante

Alicante Valencia And Murcia, Spain Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Alicante’s lodging landscape caters to diverse preferences, comfort and convenience in various forms.

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Ideal for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a friendly vibe. Hostels offer shared rooms and private rooms.

  • Guesthouses/Pensiones

    Smaller, usually family-operated-independently-run places for a neighborhood vibe. They have private rooms, sometimes shared bathrooms.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Standard amenities, comfortable rooms, often with breakfast and Wi-Fi. A balance between expense and comfort.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Premium services, extensive facilities, excellent locations, spas, and fine dining.

Unique Local Options

  • Apartamentos Turísticos

    Fully equipped flats for short-term vacation rentals. More space, privacy, and kitchen facilities.

  • Casas Rurales

    Rural houses in the surrounding province, for a tranquil escape in natural settings.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available apartments, especially suitable for families or longer stays. Find them on Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo.

  • Camping

    Campsites just outside Alicante, offering caravan/motorhome sites or bungalows (e.g., Camping Alicante Imperium).

Neighborhood Guide

Each area of Alicante has a distinct character and advantages.

El Barrio Old Town

Highlights
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Near Santa Bárbara Castle, San Nicolás Co-cathedral
  • Many small plate bars and nightlife
  • Historic charm
Considerations
  • Can be noisy at night
  • Steep, uneven streets
  • Limited vehicle access
  • Pickpockets in crowded areas at night

Centro City Center

Highlights
  • Trade and administrative hub
  • Wide boulevards, modern shopping
  • Excellent public transport links
  • Central, convenient for first-time visitors
Considerations
  • Busy with traffic, especially peak hours
  • Less quiet charm than old town
  • Standard urban precautions in shopping areas

Ensanche-Diputación

Highlights
  • Near Postiguet Beach and Explanada
  • Upscale hotels, beachfront properties
  • Relaxed, resort-like feel
  • Ideal for families and beach proximity
Considerations
  • Can be additional things touristy
  • Slightly higher prices for accommodation
  • Very safe, well-lit area

Considerations

Proximity to Attractions and Transport

Centro and Ensanche offer excellent proximity to sights and transport. El Barrio suits historical sites and nightlife, though terrain can be challenging. Mercado has good transport and market access. San Blas involves a longer walk or bus ride.

How Loud it Is and the vibe

El Barrio can be lively and noisy at night due to bars. Ensanche is generally lively, specifically along the Explanada, but has a relaxed beach vibe. Residential areas like San Blas are typically quieter.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking reserves your preferred accommodation and better prices.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (June-August): Book several months in advance (3-6 months) for best selection and prices.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, Sep-Oct): Book 1-3 months ahead, especially for holidays or festivals.
  • Low Season (Nov-March): More flexibility, but booking a few weeks ahead for popular places is good.

Booking Considerations

  • Trusted Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb. Check hotel websites for exclusive deals.
  • Walk-in Rates: Negotiation is rare for established hotels; online booking often yields better prices.
  • Policies: Carefully review deposit and cancellation terms. Non-cancellable rates are less expensive but less flexible.
  • Price Fluctuations: Prices are pricier in peak summer and during important celebrations. Travel during shoulder or low seasons for discounts.

Additional Resources

More Booking Platforms
Local Stay Examples
  • Hostal La Lonja and Hostel Ole (Budget)
  • Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete S.XVII and Eurostars Centrum Alicante (Mid-range)
  • Hotel Hospes Amérigo and Meliá Alicante (Luxury)

Important Note

Festival Travel

During the Hogueras de San Juan festival (mid-June), book accommodation at least six months in advance. Prices increase and availability becomes limited.

Direct vs. Third-Party

While online platforms simplify booking, direct hotel websites sometimes possess better deals or cancellation policies.

Reading Reviews

Always check recent reviews to confirm amenities, location accuracy, and current guest experiences.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks in Alicante, categorized by budget and traveler type.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Hostal La Lonja

Clean, basic rooms offering good value. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms; communal access to a kitchen is available.

  • Type: Hostel/Guesthouse
  • Value: Excellent
  • Location: Just outside the immediate center, walkable
Eurostars Centrum Alicante

A modern hotel conveniently by the rail depot plus retail area. Ideal for transport links and city exploration.

  • Type: Mid-range Hotel
  • Value: Good balance of price and comfort
  • Location: Central, near train station

Luxury Options

Hotel Hospes Amérigo

A 5-star luxury hotel in a converted 19th-century Dominican convent. Features elegant design, a rooftop pool with castle views, and a spa.

  • Type: Luxury Hotel
  • Amenities: Rooftop pool, spa, fine dining
  • Location: Central, historic area
Meliá Alicante

A large beachfront hotel directly on Postiguet Beach. Many rooms offer sea views. It has extensive facilities and several pools.

  • Type: Luxury Hotel/Resort
  • Amenities: Beachfront access, several pools
  • Location: Postiguet Beach

Family-Friendly Choices

  • Apartments

    Vacation rentals from Vrbo or Booking.com are ideal. They offer more space, separate bedrooms, and kitchen facilities for meal preparation.

  • Meliá Alicante

    With direct access to the beach and swimming pools, this hotel is well-liked for families. Look for connecting rooms or dedicated family suites.

  • Self-Catering Advantage

    Apartment stays allow families to save on dining by preparing some meals themselves.

  • Amenities for Families

    Check for properties with kid-friendly amenities like areas enabling children to play or specific family services.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Hostel Ole (Solo)

    A social setting to meet other travelers. Centrally located for ease and a secure base.

  • Centrally Located Stays (Solo)

    Budget hotels or guesthouses near Plaza de los Luceros or Mercado for good transport links.

  • Vacation Rentals (Long-Stay)

    Ideal for extended visits. They offer comforts of home, including full kitchens and laundry, for a more integrated living experience.

  • Economical Long-Term

    Apartments can be less expensive than long-term hotel stays, especially for self-catering.

Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

Hotel Hospes Amérigo

Staying here is an experience in a meticulously restored Dominican Convent, blending historical architecture with modern luxury.

  • Original 19th-century architecture
  • Luxurious modern amenities
  • Immersive historical ambiance
  • Rooftop views of the fortress
Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete S.XVII

Located in an old palace, this hotel allows guests to stay within the metropolitan rich architectural heritage.

  • Converted 17th-century historic building
  • Charming, stylish interiors
  • Centrally located in the old town
  • A unique cultural stay

Travel Comfort Essentials

For Flights

Consider a Neck Pillow for comfort on flights to and from your accommodation.

Packing Light

Efficient packing can make travel smoother, especially if walking through old town's narrow streets.

Local Transport Cards

A transport card for public buses and trams can simplify navigating the city and reduce costs.