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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Valencia And Murcia, Spain

Accommodation Types

Traditional Options

  • Hostels (Albergues)

    Budget-friendly, offering dormitories and private rooms. Popular with backpackers and solo travelers, they foster a social atmosphere.

  • Hotels (Hoteles)

    From 1-star budget to 5-star luxury, including international chains and independent boutiques. They present varying levels of service and amenities.

  • Apart-hotels (Apartahoteles)

    These combine apartment-style living with hotel services. A kitchen and living area feature, alongside amenities like reception and cleaning. This option suits longer stays or families.

  • Pensions/Guesthouses (Pensiones/Hostales)

    Smaller, family-run establishments, pensions often present more affordable rates than hotels, delivering a personal, local experience.

Unique & Specialty Options

  • Rural Houses (Casas Rurales)

    Traditional Spanish houses, often in the countryside or smaller villages. They present an authentic experience and a peaceful escape.

  • Villas & Fincas

    Private vacation homes, often with private pools, popular for families and groups, presenting privacy and ample space.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with unique design and personalized service, often occupying historic buildings for character and charm.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Numerous campsites (campings) along the coast and inland, offering pitches for tents, caravans, bungalows, and glamping options.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area along the Costa Blanca claims a distinct character, amenities, and atmosphere.

Alicante City

Pros
  • Barrio de la Santa Cruz: Picturesque, authentic, excellent for walking.
  • El Centro: Central, convenient for transport, dining, and shopping.
  • El Port: Upscale, close to Postiguet Beach, lively nightlife.
Cons
  • Barrio de la Santa Cruz: Hilly, noisy at night, limited vehicle access.
  • El Centro: Busy, lacks traditional charm.
  • El Port: Very touristy and expensive.

Benidorm

Pros
  • Beachfront locations, lively atmosphere, many amenities.
  • Poniente Beach Area: Relaxed atmosphere, modern facilities, good for families.
  • Old Town: Authentic character, good food, panoramic views.
Cons
  • Very touristy, often crowded, noisy.
  • Poniente Beach Area: Further from core nightlife.
  • Old Town: Hilly terrain.

Jávea & Dénia

Pros
  • Jávea Port: Authentic, excellent seafood.
  • Jávea Arenal: Family-friendly, good for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Dénia Port: Gateway to Balearic Islands, lively atmosphere.
  • Dénia Old Town: Rich in culture and history, good food scene.
Cons
  • Jávea Arenal: Can get crowded in summer.
  • Jávea Old Town: Quiet.
  • Dénia Las Marinas: Good beaches, but a bit remote.

Safety Considerations

General Safety

The Costa Blanca generally presents a safe environment. Vigilance against petty crime in crowded tourist zones is a standard precaution.

Nightlife Areas

Benidorm's nightlife areas, like any popular party destination, merit standard vigilance. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure the best accommodation at the right price.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August): Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular hotels or villas. Prices are highest.
  • Shoulder Season (April-June, Sep-Oct): Book 1-3 months in advance for selection and prices. Good balance of weather and availability.
  • Low Season (Nov-March): Often find good deals closer to travel dates. Popular places may still fill for holidays.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Important Considerations

Negotiation Customs
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common in established hotels.
  • It might be possible in small, independent guesthouses or hostels during the low season when demand is lower.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies
  • These vary by property. Always check terms before booking.
  • Many platforms feature free cancellation up to a certain date, allowing flexibility.
  • Prices for the same property can double or triple from low season to high season.

Helpful Tip

Review Check

Read recent reviews on multiple platforms. This presents a balanced view of the property.

Host Communication

For vacation rentals, choose hosts with high ratings and clear communication.

Direct Booking

Consider booking directly through hotel websites; they sometimes feature the best rates or loyalty perks.

Accommodation Recommendations

This guide outlines typical accommodation prices and characteristics in Costa Blanca. Prices vary greatly by season and booking time.

Budget & Mid-Range Picks

Budget Options

Hostel Ole in Alicante presents a central location and a lively atmosphere. Hotel Voramar in Benidorm delivers good value for its beachfront position.

  • Hostel dorm bed: €20 - €35 (Affordable, social)
  • Simple Guesthouse (Pensión): €40 - €70 (Affordable, often central)
Mid-Range Options

Hotel Spa Porta Maris by Melia in Alicante boasts a good location. RH Canfali in Benidorm Old Town presents excellent views. The Parador de Jávea provides scenic surroundings.

  • 3-star Hotel: €70 - €150 (Comfort, value)
  • Mid-range Apartment/Vacation Rental: €80 - €180 (Space, kitchen, suits families/groups)

Luxury & Unique Stays

Luxury Options

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa in Benidorm delivers unique luxury. Hospes Amérigo in Alicante presents a high-end design experience. Hotel SH Villa Gadea in Altea features beachfront luxury.

  • 4-5 star Hotel: €150 - €350+ (Premium service, prime location)
  • Private Villa with Pool: €200 - €500+ (Privacy, space, suits groups)
Unique Stays

Boutique Hotels in Altea Old Town are charming with unique designs. Rural Houses inland are authentic and peaceful.

  • Boutique Hotel (Altea Old Town): €120 - €250 (Charming, local feel)
  • Rural House (inland): €80 - €180 (Authentic, peaceful, nature access)

Traveler Type Recommendations

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many apartment complexes and villas cater to families. Areas like Benidorm's Poniente beach, Jávea's Arenal, or Orihuela Costa suit families well. Look for pools, kids' clubs, or self-catering facilities.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels in Alicante, like Hostel Urban Alicante, present a social atmosphere. Boutique hotels or guesthouses in Altea present a relaxed, charming experience for solo exploration.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals, including apartments and villas, suit extended stays. Many properties feature discounts for weekly or monthly bookings, rendering them cost-effective for longer visits.

Culturally Significant Properties

  • Hospes Amérigo (Alicante)

    Housed in a former Dominican Convent, this hotel delivers an unique historical ambiance and high-end design.

  • Hotel Swiss Moraira (Moraira)

    Features traditional architectural styles, offering a distinctive charm.

  • Altea Old Town Boutique Hotels

    Specific boutique hotels in Altea's old town often incorporate historical elements into their design, crafting unique experiences.

Affiliate Resources

Accommodation Booking

Find a wide range of hotels, apartments, and unique stays globally.

Alternative Stays

Explore house and pet sitting opportunities for a different experience.

Visual Insight

Hotel SHA Wellness Clinic Alfaz del Pi

A view of a luxurious hotel pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, demonstrating premium accommodation options.

Image Origin

Source: Wikimedia Commons. Demonstrates the quality and aesthetic of luxury stays in the region.

URL Reference

Image Source Link