Archive for January, 2010
Perfect Beach Holidays in Spain
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca in Spain, offers great value for self catering Holidays and is the most popular type of Holiday with British visitors who make up over 60% of all guests in self catering apartments in the Spanish resort. Not a surprise when you consider that apartments start from just 7€ per person per night. Being the largest purpose built tourist resort in Spain has an added bonus in that the choice is second to none, when it comes to budget self catering Holidays. Not that many actually do “self cater” or course, given the range of eating establishments, where you can dine for much less than it costs to buy from local supermarkets. You are on Holiday after all and who wants to cook!
With over 75 purpose built Holiday apartment blocks to choose from, ranging from No Frills Budget accommodation ideal for Lads Group Stag Weekends, to Quality brand new self catering apartments ideal for couples, young families and Girls Hen weekends (Yes the Ladies prefer something a bit more special than the Lads!) Benidorm does offers it all.
For the latest Benidorm self catering Holiday offers, departing from regional UK airports we suggest that you look at our recommended travel partners. They are one of the largest online travel sites in the UK for independent travel and are of course ABTA members and sell both ATOL protected holidays or cheap build your own Holidays too. With updates several times daily you will be sure to find some of the best deals available for last minute and late self catering deals to Benidorm.
For todays best prices including flights and accommodation check the latest offers at Alpharooms Please click here and grab a deal.
A typical No Frills choice where somewhere to lay your hat and value are top of the list take a look at the Aquarium II Apartments, located in the famous Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm. Don´t expect much, but hey they are cheap as Chips! For the more demanding guests probably the best self catering Holiday apartments are the 3 star Don Jorgewhich offer brand new high end accommodation (Think Ikea Style Furnishings) with washing machines, full kitchens, coffee makers and all mod cons plus 24 hour reception, so no running around collecting the keys. You can also go Half Board or All Inclusive here too!
Benidorm also offers a big choice for Families with young children who look for fantastic value self catering holidays in Spain. One of the favourite with British families are the Levante Club Apartments which are just 5 minutes from the beach. The accommodation is simple, clean and overall a good choice with everything you need for all ages right on the doorstep.
If you have got this far then you may require some more information about Benidorm. If so we suggest you take a look at the mini-guide to the resort which is a good place to start if you are a Benidorm first timer! There is a great video to watch so that you can get to know the area. All you need to know from everyone´s favourite Benidorm Holiday guide. Go to the Benidorm Resort Guide.
January 29th, 2010
You have booked the Hotel and now the difficult choice of which restaurant to book for that romantic meal for two. Benidorm is not always the first choice for fine dining, however tucked away in the old town there are four must visit quality restaurants. We have made the choice easy for you by selecting the best choice for your Valentines lunch or dinner, from the best known top British (and French) restaurants in Benidorm. All of offer superb set menus during the Valentine week and on February 14th – The Big Day! You can also book online, by telephone or by SMS text.
Book – Esteban’s Restaurant
Carrer De La Purissima 4, Old Town, Benidorm. Tel 965 853 883 Text 615 453 866
Located just 25 meters from the Levante beach you will discover Esteban´s. A cosy small restaurant offering the very best of local and International cuisine with many unusual and experimental dishes. Ideal for couples who enjoy fine dining at a price which leaves you feeling very satisfied. This year they are also celebrating their first very successful year with a Weekend Feast of 4 Courses with Wine from February 12th to the 14th at just 15.50€ per person. Their standard set menu comes in at an amazing 13.95€ A top choice. Book online and see a sample menu on their website plus Trip Advisor reviews.
Book – Michaels Restaurant
Calle La Biga 15, Old town, Benidorm. Tel 966 801 346 Text 676 216 168
Michael the larger than life owner of Michael´s Restaurant is one of the Costa Blanca´s most well known British restaurateurs. Located in the center of the old town you will discover a large, quality dining restaurant, famous for incredible value and a range of over 100 dishes to choose from. There is a big feast of 5 courses available for Valentines week at just 17.95€ per person. A popular choice with Benidorm regulars. The standard menu offers a great set “Menu del Dia” of three courses for just 10.95€, Michael´s is also well known for the Early Bird 7.95€ Menu, for those who like to dine early or enjoy a very late lunch! Book online by telephone or SMS Text.
Book – Paneils Restaurant
Calle de Palma 12, Old Town, Benidorm. Tel 965 850 585 Text 626 322 624
Just off the pedestrian street in the center of Benidorm old town shopping quarter, you will find Paneils Restaurant, which has been established for six years. Afirm favourite with with a good following from not just visitors but also local residents. Offering a smart restaurant with an “Art Deco” twist. During the Valentine´s week dine on a fine menu of 4 courses with Cava and Canapes for just 14.95€ per person. Paneils are also pleased to announce that they are now open 7 days a week. And for the Winter / Spring season are offering a Sunday Roast Lunch from 3pm. Well known for great hospitality and their popular “Curry Feasts” Book online, by telephone or by text.
Book – The Vagabond French Restaurant
Carrer De La Palma 17, Old Town, Benidorm. Tel or Text 636 146 985
Benidorm´s only authentic French restaurant established since 2007 and the chosen eatery for those in the know on the Costa Blanca. Owner and Chef Frederic has for many years operated restaurants in places as diverse as New York, Glasgow and of course France. Customers can enjoy great French cooking at it´s best from the set menu of three course for just 13.95€. Book early for Valentine´s Day in this small and cosy restaurant in Benidorm old town. Check out their website for a sample menu and latest customer reviews from Trip Advisor.
So there you have it the very best of fine dining in Benidorm, enjoy your Romantic meal for two and do remember to book early as all the above restaurants are popular and fill up quick especially on Valentine´s day. If you have still not booked a Hotel for the night check our recommended Romantic Spanish Hotels.
For more information about dining out in Benidorm to suit any pocket visit the Benidorm Restaurant Guide.
Why not write a Benidorm restaurant review in the comments section below and let your favourite restaurant know that you Love them as much as your significant other!
January 28th, 2010
Stricter enforcement of local Licensing regulations has come into place in Benidorm this year. For many years unsuspecting buyers have been paying good money for bars for sale that do not have a licence to trade ( Licencia De Apertura ). Often told by unscrupulous and unregulated agents that “You do not need to bother with a Licence in Benidorm” and that ” it is not a problem”. Well think again very carefully before parting with a deposit or signing a rental contract on the promise that your new bar in Benidorm does not require a Licence and that the town hall turn a blind eye to such matters.
Many years ago this was to some extent a reality, but today you will be closed down if you operate illegally in Spain. It may not happen overnight but it will happen eventually. Only this month the local Police have closed down several bars in the Levante area of Benidorm who were either trading without a licence and / or did not have planning permission for terraces.
The process for applying for the correct Licence is a simple process when done correctly. However if you are closed down you will find that you need architects plans to confirm that the premises are as per the plans held by the town hall. If not then you could be required to carry out costly work to bring the premises up to standard or to put the premises back to how they were before any un-approved alterations were made prior to being granted a new opening Licence. Those bars operating with no licence who also have a closed in terrace are likely to have to demolish it, apply for planning, then rebuild at great expense if approved. Of course you may not get a licence approved at all, unlikely, as most are approved provided you follow the legal requirements and planning regulations. Many bars in Benidorm have been around a long time and in the days before the council were concerned about planning a high number of these were altered without any approval. These are the locals that need careful checking today and this can only be done by properly qualified professionals who are independent of sellers, landlords and agents.
The good news is that are plenty of bars for sale in Benidorm that are all above board with the correct licences in place. A simple change of name is all that is required together with any improvements that may need to be made, to comply with any new licensing regulations. It is not as scary as you may think, but doing it right is the key to success and a stress free buying process.
The number one rule is to use a Lawyer (Abogado) together with a Gestoria, both of who must be independent of the seller and landlord. You should also be aware that a Gestoria is not a lawyer, you need both. Despite the fact that they are quite able to do all the paperwork and apply for Licences for you, they are not there to advice you legally but simply to do the paperwork on your behalf, for which your signature makes you solely responsible in all official dealings. There is no obligation to employ a lawyer, but it would be foolish to allow anyone other than a lawyer to complete contracts and licensing applications. Lawyers have a duty to explain the pros and cons of what you are signing and work in favour of you the client. Your lawyer is obliged to ensure that you fully understand the legal implications of any document you are signing. A Gestoria is not obliged to do this other than to make you aware of what you are signing.
The best advice is to ask to see the Licencia de Apertura long before you make a firm offer on a bar for sale in Benidorm and if in doubt pop along to the Town Hall. Go to the 4th floor where you will find the Licencing department and ask! They are very helpful and most speak English making it even easier. It is public knowledge and they have to tell you if a business you are buying has a licence or not. You may find that an application is pending in which case you need your Lawyer to check if this is likely to be approved. If there is no record of any Licence or current application then the bar is trading illegally.
For an agent who works to a fare code of practice visit one of the following websites. www.benidormtotalsales.com or www.spainbusinessguide.com where you will find free help and answers to any questions you may have concerning buying a bar for sale in Benidorm. For legal assistance visit the British local law firm at www.expresslegalcafe.com who are English legal advisers with associates who are Spanish Lawyers. Never chance it to luck, do some homework and be informed before you commit and before you pay any deposit upfront on a bar for sale in Benidorm. About the Author
January 27th, 2010
1 British pound = 1.154 Euros (21st Jan)
Great news for those booking (Eurozone) Holidays and Hotels in Spain, the British Pound has hit a three month high against the Euro with one Euro being worth 87p today. This is great news if you are booking a Hotel in Benidorm or the Costa Blanca where Hotels are already heavily discounted. With more Euro for your GB Pound there are now even bigger savings if you book with online booking wesbsites who buy hotel rooms in Euro.
Real Benidorm offer 250 Hotels and Holiday Apartments in Benidorm, 400 Costa Blanca Hotels and over 8,000 Hotels in Spain. ALL Spanish Hotels are priced against the Euro by their travel partners who DO drop the price on a daily basis if the Euro rate improves against the GBP (Not all travel companies will do this!)
Of course the situation may change as quickly so the best advice is book now especially if you are making a large purchase or booking a luxury Hotel in Spain where savings will be quite substantial. As the price you pay is set on the day you buy, you can also take advantage of paying just a 20% deposit with the balance 12 weeks before travel. The price you pay will then be set at today’s Euro rate. CHECK EXCHANGE RATE TODAY
For Holidays or Hotels in Benidorm and across Spain go to Real Benidorm Holidays
January 21st, 2010
Your journey from Alicante airport to your hotel, apartment or villa when you arrive needn’t be as difficult as you think. There are a host of options to choose from including a shared shuttle coach, public express Bus from ALSA or booking a private taxi. Disabled passengers click here for Wheelchair Adapted Benidorm Transfers
Transfer time to Benidorm is 45 minutes plus of course waiting time for passengers on other flights and drop of points along the way. Average journey times in total are around 90 minutes depending on where your drop offf point is and how many flights are arriving at the same time. Private transfers to Benidorm offer the best choice as you do not need to wait for other passengers and can be in your Hotel within an hour of collecting your luggage.
If you book a holiday where transfers aren’t included, you needn’t be worried about where to go when you arrive at Alicante. There are lots of companies offering competitive rates on coaches and taxis to get you safely to your Costa Blanca holiday accommodation. The problem of course is which transfer provider do I choose? We have looked at each of the popular choices available on the Alicante to Benidorm run and compared prices for you.
All prices shown were correct at the time of publishing and are based on the cost for one passenger for a one way transfer from Alicante airport to Benidorm centre arriving on April 2nd 2010 (Easter week). NOTE: Return transfers can be cheaper each way depending on time of arrival and number of passengers in your party. Fares may fluctuate with GBP to Euro exchange rate. Here are the results of our survey in no particular order: (Prices updated Feb 2010)
Shuttle Direct Trading since 2002 one of the leading airport transfer providers in Mediterranean resorts with over 1,300 destinations from 44 aiports in the region. Providing very reliable transfers from Alicante to Benidorm including shared coach shuttles and private transfers for families and groups.
Price Check (2/4/2010) One Way from £8 If this is your preferred choice you can Book Here
Resort Hoppa ( This Company Offers Wheelchair Adapted Euro-Taxi Transfers) Founded in 2004 and are the largest supplier of resort transfers in the popular European holiday resorts market. They operate transfers using locally based coach and taxi companies or as agents for such companies. Supply shared coach transfers, taxis, wheelchair adapted Euro Taxis and mini-bus or coach for groups of up to 55. They are Silver Winners of the “British Travel Awards – Best Holiday Transfer Company” in 2008. They offer a free mobile text service to re-confirm return transfers from Benidorm to the airport. Very popular with British passengers. Prices have recently dropped!
Price Check (2/4/2010) One Way from £8.80 If this is your preferred choice you can Book Here
Holiday Taxis Set up in 2002 they were one of the pioneers in airport to resort transfers. They operate as agents for locally based Alicante and Benidorm coach and taxi companies. Supply shared airport shuttle coaches, taxis, wheelchair adapted transfers and mini-bus or coach for groups of up to 55. They are Winners of the “British Travel Awards – Best Holiday Transfer Company” in 2009.
Price Check (2/4/2010) One Way from £12 If this is your preferred choice you can Book Here
Real Benidorm Transfers Locally operated Benidorm independent transfer booking website, supplying transfers directly via a UK travel partner. Acting as an introducer for transfer services supplied through Alpharooms a well known brand who have been in business since 1990 and are major players in the UK online travel market. Supply shared coach transfers, taxis and mini-bus or coaches for group travel of up to 50 passengers.
Price Check (2/4/2010) One Way from £7.85 If this is your preferred choice you can Book Here
Benidorm Express Bus Operated by ALSA now part of National Express they operate 13 services per day every day from Alicante airport to Benidorm Bus Station and Avenida Europa in the center of the Levante resort. This is a reliable service but only drops at two stops so you need to add the cost of a taxi to your Hotel. Ideal transfer option if you can walk to your accommodation.
Price Check (2/4/2010) One Way £8 If this is your preferred choice you can check the latest times from Alicante airport or Benidorm if you Click here
Note: Depending on which type of credit or debit card you use to book there may be a booking fee of up to £3.00
January 20th, 2010
This weeks focus is on the lovely Hotel Mar Blau in Benidorm old town. Regarded as one of the best 2 star Hotels in Benidorm. This according to previous guests who review the small sea front Hotel as either good or excellent in 97% of reviews. Located directly opposite Park Elx (Known locally as Dove Park) overlooking the Poniente Playa and the Harbour. This is an ideal location for those who prefer to stay well away from the Levante and Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm. Just 200 meters from the center of the old town where the best local Pubs and Spanish Tapas Bars are found along with great restaurants and of course cheap shopping.
The Mar Blau is a small (54 Rooms) friendly welll run Hotel with attentive Staff, many of whom have been employed at the Hotel for many years. Rooms are modest as one would expect from a 2 star Hotel, but the service, location and rather good food are what sets this Hotel above the rest in the budget category of value Hotels in Benidorm.
Guests should expect typical Spanish style accommodation and public areas. Dine on local cuisine with plenty of fresh salads, fish and authentic Spanish dishes in the restaurant which overlooks the beach. What not to expect here is British style dining, which is a good thing depending on your tastes and willingness to experiment when in Spain.
What is in no doubt is the return rate of previous guests of which there are many! Of course this is not a luxury Hotel but in these times when everyone is feeling the pinch the Mar Blau represents very good value for money in a really great location by the sea. Stay for 7 nights from just 179€ Half Board in May in a Sea View room and this for a beach front Hotel! TO TIP Book early for a sea view room as there only 24 available, always full high season.
Hotel details reviews and Check Availabilty Book Here
January 17th, 2010
As couples in love get ready for the big romantic weekend of the year, Valentine´s Day, significant others will be searching for the ideal romantic weekend break. Spain offers an ideal destination for lovers with some great Hotels on the Costa Blanca for the perfect weekend retreat. Being only 2 hours away from most european airports, getting here is easy and makes for a perfect gift for Valentine´s Day which this year falls on a Sunday making it a must book weekend away.
Help is at hand with making the choice for a great Hotel for romantic Spanish breaks. Here you will find our top five recommended Hotels to suit every pocket from five star luxury to more modest but quality Hotels…..
Our Top Choice – 5 Star – Hotel Amerigo – Alicante old town
Five star luxury in a converted Dominican convent in the heart of Alicante old town and just a short stroll to the beach, marina and of course shopping galore (for Her or Him indoors!). A stunning building of great architectural merit, lovingly restored into a haven of peace for those who want relaxation and pampering. Offering very stylish elegant accommodation yet modern and contemporary. Choose from luxury rooms all with every comfort expected of an establishment of this class. Also an ideal location being just a 15 minute taxi ride from Alicante airport. Stay from an amazing €106 per person for two nights including breakfast for the Valentine weekend. For more details and availability Book here.
Barcelo Asia Gardens Resort – 5 Star Hotel – Benidorm Costa Blanca
Set amongst 370,000m2 of tropical gardens this truly is an oasis of peace and tranquility just 3kms from the center of the lively resort of Benidorm. Possibly the finest new Hotel in the region offering stunning architecture and landscaped gardens with a choice of lagoon pools. Guests can expect all the comfort and services expected of hotel from the Barcelo group. A perfect choice for a romantic weekend in Spain for couples who wish to be alone and enjoy a few days of relaxed luxury in an oasis retreat. Stay from €182 per person for two nights including breakfast for the Valentine weekend. For more details and availability Book Here.
Benidorm Palace Show and Stay – De Loix Aqua Center – 4 Star Benidorm Hotel
For those looking for a more modest romantic weekend with the possibility to take in the most famous show on the Costa Blanca the De Loix Aqua Center is a great choice. Located almost opposite the famous Benidorm Palace where you can enjoy a great night out with a 5 course Champagne dinner and stunning show for under €50 per person or just the show from €27.
Facilites at the De Loix Hotel offer modern comfortable rooms, excellent facilities and great service in a 4 star quality Hotel. A bright and spacious Hotel set well back from the ” lively ” area of Benidorm in the Rincon de Loix. Offering great value for a weekend break on the Costa Blanca. Stay from just €63 per person for 2 nights half board for the Valentine weekend. For more details and availability Book here.
Best Western – Hotel Victoria – 4 Star Hotel Benidorm Levante
Located between the lovely old town of Benidorm and the Levante Playa the Victoria Hotel from the Best Western group offers a great location for couples who enjoy a quality hotel close to all the action that is Benidorm. Offering good quality rooms in a medium size Hotel very popular with couples and regular visitors to Benidorm. A good choice for a weekend break and great value too! Go B&B here and enjoy the great restaurants in the old town for romantic dining. Stay from €90 per person for three nights (Minimum stay) including breakfast. For details and availability Book here.
El Rodat Luxury Boutique Hotel – Javea – 4 Star+
For a luxurious and truly memorable romantic break in Spain the El Rodat is one of the finest boutique Hotels in the Costa Blanca region. Offering great service, top facilites and stunning rooms in a Valencian style home form home with a location ideal for discovering the area. Just 4kms from the center of Javea and with a beach only a hop away. The wine growing region and mountain or country walks are close by making this ideal for couples who want to get out and about. We really like this Hotel, simply lovely for lovers who want to be pampered! Stay from just €206 per person for a three night break (Minumum Stay) over Valentine´s weekend. For details and availability (Be Quick!) Book here.
Enjoy your next romantic weekend break in Spain, for more Hotels across the Costa Blanca and all over Spain go to Real Benidorm where you can also book flights, a hire car , transfers and even book show tickets for the Benidorm Palace. If you are looking for a great restaurant see our recommended Romantic Restaurants in Benidorm.
January 16th, 2010
Jan 14th 2010 Benidorm Weather Wow!
Every now and again you are in the right place at the right time to witness mother nature at her best! The weather in Benidorm (today) has been wild with big gusts of wind. Shot is taken looking over La Cala Bay near Benidorm. Just before the sun started to set (15 minutes ago) I was lucky to get this shot of an amazing cloud formation, looks windy up there! For a larger image Click Here to open in a new window.
No changes, No additional colouring simply as it was. Wow! Thought it was interesting enough to share this with all those I Love Benidorm folks out their. Of course the good news is that the weather is changing and the temperature rising over the next few days.
Get the latest forecast for the week ahead at Benidorm Weather.
January 14th, 2010
Get Your Free Bar Website Today
As almost all small bar owners in Spain know, everyone is after them to spend on advertising and marketing. Making good use of hard earned cash in the current economic crisis is essential and money well spent will reap benefits. However money handed over to just anyone may as well be flushed away unless you can measure the results.
A FREE website sounds to good to be true! Well think again as the people at Mad Cow who operate the Real Benidorm Guide are offering ALL bars in Albir, Altea, Benidorm, Calpe and Cala Finestrat a free web page in the popular local guide. This offer runs until May 31st 2010 and does exactly as it says! A great way to get some vital online advertising and free marketing with no commitment or contract.
Small bar owners can welcome this great marketing opportunity to get a one page website with Photos and write up about their venue. This comes with important links to their business in the main guide from appropriate pages. The trial will run for an entire year with no obligation to continue. A true no catch free marketing dream for every bar owner in the area.
For more details and to find out how to claim your free website call Dave on 966 889 713 (Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm) or go to MadCow web marketing for more information. Get your website today Click here
January 14th, 2010
Anfora Building Demolition Begins January 2010
After a long 30 year legal battle with the owners of the Anfora building located on the beach front in La Cala Finestrat, at last the eyesore is to be demolished. Work commenced on the block of apartments way back in the 1960´s but has been one of the longest running legal battles between the owners and Finestrat Town Hall along the Costa Blanca coast. Originally permission was granted in 1963 to construct the building but it was never completed and it has taken almost 47 years to finally see the demise of this eysore. Today or course, permission would not be granted in an area of natural shoreline which fortunately now comes under laws that protected costal land.
The slow process of demolishing the building began on December 17th and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2010 at a cost of almost €500,000 mostly funded by Finestrat council. The first phase will be slow due to other buildings being so close, therefore the Anfora will be demolished by hand down to the first two floors when the heavy machinery will be able to move in and complete the clearing job.
Once complete the area will be incorparated into the shoreline and become a public area with a green space for the enjoyment of everyone and will be for entertainment use and recreation. Plans are also being considered to extend the breakwater which protects the sand on the beach during storm tides and to perhaps even extend the area of beach.
Having taken 30 years to resolve, this is great news for visitors, residents and local small business owners such as Molly Malones Irish Bar who are located next door. Everyone has had to suffer this derelict half completed construction in what is otherwise a very pretty beach for far too long! Once works are finished this will change forever the image of Cala de Finestrat. One hopes this will attract more tourists to the area in a time when the economy is suffering and the town hall is strapped for cash. Welcoming news indeed for everyone but especially for those of us who live in the bay.
For more information about accommodation and local businesses visit the guide to La Cala Finestrat
January 14th, 2010
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