MileHacker Logo
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 social atmosphere. Hostels offer dorms and private rooms.

  • Guesthouses/Pensiones

    Smaller, often family-run establishments for a local feel. They have private rooms, sometimes shared bathrooms.

  • Mid-range Hotels

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

  • Luxury Hotels

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

Unique Local Options

  • Apartamentos Turísticos

    Fully equipped apartments 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 spots 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 tapas 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
  • Commercial 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 more 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.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

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

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures 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 uncommon for established hotels; online booking often yields better prices.
  • Policies: Carefully review deposit and cancellation terms. Non-refundable rates are cheaper but less flexible.
  • Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher in peak summer and during major festivals. Travel during shoulder or low seasons for savings.

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 have 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 private bathrooms; communal kitchen access is available.

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

A modern hotel conveniently near the train station and commercial area. Ideal for transport links and city exploration.

  • Type: Mid-range Hotel
  • Value: Good balance of cost 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 multiple pools.

  • Type: Luxury Hotel/Resort
  • Amenities: Direct beach access, multiple 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 beach access and pools, this hotel is popular 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 play areas or specific family services.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Hostel Ole (Solo)

    A social environment to meet other travelers. Centrally located for convenience 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 more economical 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 castle
Hotel Boutique Alicante Palacete S.XVII

Located in a historic palace, this hotel allows guests to stay within the city’s 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 buses and trams can simplify city navigation and reduce costs.