Posts filed under 'Gay Benidorm'
Great news for customers of the very popular Benidorm Transfers company Resort Hoppa, they have not one but two great promotion code offers throughout the month of September saving up to 10% on travel to any destination anywhere including of course Benidorm and Albir Transfers.
TRAVEL in 2010 and grab a 5% discount off your next airport transfer. This promotion runs until Septemebr 30th and requires that you enter a code in the ” promo code ” box on the second page of the booking process.
TRAVEL in 2011 and grab a big 10% discount off your next airport tranfer. This promotion also runs until September 30th and is for any travel date for any destination in 2011. A good saving especially if you are booking a group transfer or taxis for stag and hen groups. But remember you have to book before the code expires on Sept 30th.
Book now to grab the special promo codes or compare the prices with the best transfer companies for Alicante Airport to Benidorm and Costa Blanca resort transfers. Plus book transfers to most destinations in Spain and worldwide too.
GET YOUR TRANSFER PROMO CODES – Click here now and book a cheap transfer!
Transfer News bought to you from www.realbenidormtransfers.com
September 1st, 2010
BAG A TOP QUALITY HAND LUGGAGE FLIGHT CASE WITH WHEELS
WILL LAST 10+ YEARS! Only 55 x 35 x 20cm Low Cost Airline Approved size
Trying to find decent quality carry on luggage suitable for the hand luggage restrictions imposed by Airlines is an easy task with most airlines, howver Ryanair restrict cabin baggage to 55cm x 40cm and only 20cm deep. This is a nightmare when looking for the right type of case to buy as most cabin suitable cases are 22cm to 25cm deep.
As a regular with low cost airlines I see the hastle that passengers get when going through the hand luggage check at the gate with Rynair and Easyjet. Ryanair especially are now very strict on the size of bags and will insist that your bag is put in the hold if it exceeds restrictions and that can cost you up to 40€ a time. The problem is that passengers with soft bags and ruck sacks that are within the size specs tend to overfill these to the point where the size expands way beyond the allowable dimensions. And as they say if it fits it goes, if does not then it does not. Of course this also has to be within the 10kgs weight restrictions, although this is not a huge probem as that is quite a generous amount.
The best carry on bags are therefore hard case designed light weight and those with a depth of just 20cm are few and far between. So we searched high and low and found the ideal quality hand luggage suitable cases are from Antler. These also happen to be excellent value too. We chose two, one for a weekend and one which is OK for a longer stay. Both are within all major airline size restrictions and comply with both Ryanair and Easyjet.
Antler Flyweight Small Hard-sided Trolley Case features
Meets major airline restrictions for carry on luggage.
Case shell constructed with ABS/polycarbonate composite absorbs impacts.
Two roller-glide wheels provide a smoother, quieter ride.
Locking trolley system with push button control and multi-height settings.
A built-in combination lock secures the central compartment.
Reverse-zip zippers practically disappear into the case for the tightest closure.
Wrap-around PVC buffers protect the case and zipper from side impacts.
The interior of the trolley case is fully lined to protect your contents.
Organised interior with mesh pockets and packing straps.
Grab handle foot studs stabilise the case and make lifting easier.
Dimpled exterior resists scratching and normal travel wear.
Moulded top and side handles make lifting the case easier.
Antler Guarantee 10 years against faulty workmanship or materials.
Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 20 cm; 18 x 13.5 x 8 inches
Weight: 2.6 kg
Volume: 29 litres
Colour Graphite Grey
Buy online with FREE UK delivery usually despatched the following day
Only £69.99 giving you top quality that will last for many many years.
Get you Carry on Flight Case Now - Click here
LUGGAGE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE – No more tears at the Airport! We can also highly recommend the Trunki Childrens Carry on Luggage for keeping the Kiddies Happy on long journeys. They will love you for buying them one of these! OK for all major airlines including Ryanair and EasyJet
They can pull it, sit on it and you can pull them along as it doubles as a Kiddies Trolly too! NO more tears at the aiport as they can carry all their favourite books and toys too! Take on board as hand luggage on all airlines. The perfect hand luggage bag for Children with Wheels.
July 3rd, 2010
THIS OFFER HAS EXPIRED – Click here for latest Benidorm Transfers offers
The lovely people at Resothoppa are offering a 5% discount promotion code to use on ANY transfer for ANY date on ANY destinations including Benidorm Coach Transfers, Taxis and Group Bookings. A good saving for those booking group minibus transfers from Alicante airport to Benidorm. All you have to do is to book anytime up to August 31st 2010 and use the special discount voucher promotion code. Plus with a Summer Sale also, on selected dates Benidorm transfers are available from as little as £6.75
Resort Hoppa are the preferred transfer company operating the Alicante airport to Benidorm route and usually first choice with British visitors to the resort. To get your exclusive promotion code simply click on the Frog! and Hop on! where you can then book through our Benidorm Transfers comparison site.
GRAB THE RESORTHOPPA PROMOTION CODE FROM www.realbenidormtransfers.com
July 2nd, 2010
Quiet Holiday In Spain
It is said by many, that Benidorm offers only lively holidays in Spain, where sleep is a luxury and early to bed, early to rise is impossible. Stay in the Rincon de Loix and this may well be the case in the high season months of July and August. However Benidorm offers a much more sedate Holiday for those who prefer their sleep and long for miles of clean white sand and the warm blue waters of the Mediteranean.
The Poniente Playa has for many years been seen as the poor relation to the famous Levante Playa and many have never heard of the area toward the far side of Benidorm known as Cala Poniente. Here you will find more than enough space to relax, unwind and enjoy a beach and sea holiday in Spain that is second to none. Even in high season you will not get sand kicked in your face, but instead find room to roam on 2kms of stunning well kept beach.
This is the place to meet the locals where only a few of the hoards of British Package Tourists ever venture. You will find an atmosphere of calm enjoyment, safe warm swimming and scattering of rainbow stripes from the wind breaks set up by the more discerning visitors, who like to be private in a space of their own. This is an Oasis for early to rise folks who head for the beach after a local breakfast in the many Spanish cafeterias found in the streets behind the Poniente and along the stunning curves of the new promenade and board walk found at beach level.
Following the tradition of the Poniente people, lunch is a slow affair taken around mid-afternoon when the beach all but empties and the restaurants take on a life of their own, where ” Menu del Dia ” is the thing to do. A refreshing Salad to start, perhaps followed by Tuna Steak with chunky bread and a tangy lemon rice pudding to follow, all washed down with some very quaffable local Wine. Two hours and only 11 euro lighter it is time to head back to the beach to sleep off lunch until it is time to think about tonight! Maybe a fine meal in one of ten excellent restaurants or a stroll into the old town, or perhaps take the scenic lifts 186 meters to the top of the Gran Bali hotel.
The Poniente Playa in Benidorm really does offer peace and quiet every day of very year and is the perfect place to do nothing and do it slowly. There are several options for accommodation with every budget catered for from simple self catering apartments to 4 star old world charm beach hotels. Seek out a different style of Benidorm holiday and go Poniente!
Recommended Self Catering Apartments
Paraiso Florida (New complete in 2009) offers modern stylish apartments for couples just 50 meters from the beach in Cala Poniente.
El Faro Apartments offer a budget choice with simple clean apartments again just 50 meters from the beach.
Recommended Hotels
4 Star Hotel Delfin is directly on the beach and is a charming old world style hotel ideal for older couples who enjoy the best of Spanish hospitality and locally produced cuisine.
4 Star Hotel Gran Bali just 500 meters from the Poniente and the tallest hotel in Europe. Large modern stylish rooms and more facilities than most hotels including a shopping mall!
For more information visit the Poniente Playa Guide
June 15th, 2010
Here are the best last minute Holidays to Benidorm, Spain. Grab a late deal bargain holiday offer in Benidorm leaving in the next 8 weeks. Prices correct at time we published – subject to availability or course.
New – ALSO SEE GREAT DEALS ON BENIDORM HOTELS IN AUGUST – 7 NIGHTS UNDER £200 Click here
July 9th – Depart East Midlands – 7 Nights Self Catering staying at the Picasso Apartments £286.40 pp based on 2 sharing a 1 bed apartment. Includes Transfers, Luggage and Priority Boarding.
July 17th – Depart Liverpool – 7 Nights Half Board staying at the 3* Prince Park Hotel £382.07 pp based on 2 sharing a twin room . Includes Transfers, Luggage and Priority Boarding.
July 27th – Depart Edinburgh – 7 Nights Self Catering staying at the Aquarium II Apartments £354.22 pp based on 2 sharing a no frills studio . Includes Luggage.
August 7th – Depart Bristol – 7 Nights Half Board staying at the 3* Hotel Bristol Park £429.75 pp based on 2 sharing a twin room . Includes Transfers and Luggage.
August 12th – Depart Gatwick – 7 Nights B&B staying at the Hotel Perla £402.22 pp based on 2 sharing a twin room . Includes Transfers and Luggage
August 17th – Depart Gatwick - 7 Nights Half Board staying at the Camposol Hotel £304.50 pp based on 2 sharing a twin room.
Book These And More Bargains Here all these great late deals and 1000´s more cheap last minute holidays to Benidorm in July, August and September.
If you just want a last minute Hotel in Benidorm – Book Hotels Here Now
June 11th, 2010
The Real Benidorm Holiday Guide in Spain celebrates 5 years online this month. Offering an insiders view of the Costa Blanca resort, written by people who actually live in Benidorm and supporting local British businesses. The popularity of the guide which has been enjoyed by 1.5 million visitors since 2005 is down to keeping information up to date and relevant to visitors needs. It may not always appear so at a glance, but the guide is updated and worked on every day of the year.
With a long relationship with one of the top UK based hotel and apartment booking companies, visitors will find some of the most competitive room rates available online with 100´s of exclusive prices which should be some of the best value Benidorm hotel offers. Bookings made through the website are handled directly with our ABTA member travel partners who have been in business for over 10 years. This gives customers the back up of secure and safe bookings, from a well known brand with the clout to negotiate great room rates.
Real Benidorm offers visitors hotel and apartment information pages with bigger photos, many with videos and better descriptions that do not contain the usual travel company spin. If a hotel is up a hill we say so! If an apartment is a no frills budget choice we say so! A refreshing approach, which is possible due to the fact that we have no single company or hotel owners calling the shots. Real Benidorm is a truly independent travel guide which takes very seriously the needs of visitors to Benidorm. The biggest choice in one place for Holidays, Hotels and cheap transfers.
We are passionate about Benidorm and even more passionate about bringing new people to the resort and dispelling the myth that Benidorm is just a cheap holiday destination for a certain kind of tourist. If you think Benidorm is just cheap and cheerful take a look at the lovely Villaitana Golf and Spa Resort.
Because we live here, we know the appeal of this much misunderstood jewel of Spain is far more widespread than many people realise. Over the past few years the Costa Blanca has attracted a much more discerning customer and Benidorm is rising to challenge with better quality hotels, better facilities and shouting from the roof tops just how great the resort is for everyone. Millions or Euro have been spent recently and Millions have been ear marked by hotel chains and the local town council for future development plans.
Real Benidorm will continue to help visitors make an informed choice when deciding which area to stay and which hotel or self catering choice will best suit their needs. A favourite travel guide for many for five years. We look forward to the next five years. A big thank you to every single visitor for choosing us again and again, making us everyone´s favourite Benidorm holiday guide.
Visit Our Website www.realbenidorm.net
Just a Transfer? Go to www.realbenidormtransfers.com
May 14th, 2010
Your British law firm, the Express Legal Café, has opened offices on the Costa Blanca for legal advice for matters of English law and Spanish law, from a team of Lawyers, which include both a Spanish Abogado and a qualified English Solicitor. Based in La Nucia on the main CV70 road directly opposite Super La Nucia international supermarket. Offering not just legal solutions but, total living solutions for British and English speaking residents along the Costa Blanca, who have problems dealing with local bureaucracy.
With a team of well known local professionals who speak your language the Express Legal Café are your approachable and friendly English law firm. You are invited to pop in for a chat about any legal or Spanish bureaucracy issues over a cup of coffee in a relaxed environment. All matters of English law are dealt with by a qualified English Solicitor here in Spain who also works closely with associate local Costa Blanca Spanish Lawyers, for matters of Spanish law and cross border issues.
The Friendly Costa Blanca British Law Firm
The Express Legal team specialise in the complicated issues that face British clients on the Costa Blanca. Help is at hand for issues affecting anyone relocating to Spain and those who are aready resident here, especially elderly retired clients who they understand have very specific needs when dealing with Spanish language barriers. With a sound local knowledge at town hall level clients can be assured of fast solutions to local bureaucracy issues when it is often vital to have assistance in your language.
Every Saturday Express Legal offer a unique drop in service where clients may simply pop in, enjoy a coffee and talk to a consultant about any issues that may concern them. This is an ideal opportunity to seek help with those small matters of life in Spain or to arrange solutions for ongoing problems that may need further legal advice including express English Wills from just 49€
Express Legal Café - Problems Solved!
If you are looking for friendly plain speaking lawyers on the Costa Blanca give Express Legal a call to arrange a free consultation for efficient and timely solutions to any legal matter from affidavits to wills and business transfers to property sales and purchase. Covering the North Costa Blanca region and surrounding areas from Alicante to Benidorm and Albir to Denia. Express Legal Café, More than just a coffee, total living solutions in Spain!
Opening hours Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
Saturday Drop In Service 10am to 1pm
Express Legal Cafe
Urb. Buena Vista, Local 3 (opposite Super La Nucia Supermarket)
Rotonda 4
Crtra. CV70 Benidorm – La Nucia
03530 La Nucia, Costa Blanca, Alicante
Telephone (0034) 966 874 548 and also 966 874 555
Website www.expresslegalcafe.com
April 11th, 2010
Cast your minds back 20 years, to the new craze that was sweeping Britain and holiday destinations like Benidorm, dining out! Going along to the local for a beer to discover that food was now being offered in Benidorm bars and at your local. Chicken and chips, scampi, fisherman’s platter, served in a basket with chips. I remember chewing on paper serviette which had stuck to my chips in the bottom of the plastic basket, mmmmmm! This was the start of a new dining revolution, called eating out.
Over the years trends have certainly moved on very quickly and no more so than in the many Benidorm restaurants and pubs. Along came the Levante steakhouses, which at the time was like haute cuisine. Back in the UK used to look forward to popping down to the local beefeater inn, on a Sunday evening, for deep fried mushrooms with garlic dip, then a rump steak, with peppercorn sauce, with 1 peppercorn in it, which, incidentally had been made in a factory unit down the road, and supplied in individual bags, which could be warmed in hot water. This was garnished with half an over grilled tomato and watercress that had wilted on the warm plate. Oh, don’t forget the tinned mushrooms too.
Then the pizza and pasta revolution came in along with KFC, and the burger chains which sprang up all over Benidorm to feed the 4 million plus tourists who visit our resort every year. Some people love it, but, I am certainly not sure. I find most of these retail offerings are not particularly good to eat, and the temperature of the food, certainly could, and no doubt, should be hotter! My favourite trend then came in. Chinese and Indian restaurants and the take away were appearing on the high street and across Benidorm too! What a fantastic concept it was. Out for a good booze up at Café Benidorm then stop off for special fried rice or a Kebab on the way back to the hotel!
My career was certainly changing with these trends too. Even people coming to restaurants wanted food with the ethnic influences. When I moved to the Millennium Stadium as the Executive Chef, retail food was certainly looking for the ethnic and middle eastern touch, as opposed to the Pie, pasty and sausage roll diet, the punters had been used too – especially in Holiday hot spots like Benidorm. One thing I had to realise was that, whatever we did, it had to be available to 74,000 people, during a 15 minute window at half time. The idea we came up with was, wait for it, a Chicken Balti Pie!
Now, I am living here in Benidorm, Spain, and with all the experience of the last 20 years behind me, it’s back to creating dishes with a twist. To me, it’s very important to take a quality ingredient, be it a Tuna steak, breast of chicken or a fillet steak, cook it as quickly and as simply as possible, well seasoned, then plate with some nice quirky leaves or shoots for garnish. What we are using at the moment at Esteban´s restaurant are continental leaves like Rocket, Frissee, Oak Leaf and Lollo Rosso. These are readily available at the Benidorm markets and supermarkets, and are a step up from the iceberg lettuce, tomato wedge and lemon wedge, which used to be the standard garnish for everything. They are a so much fresher taste to the bog standard lettuce, and certainly enhance the appearance and taste of any dish. We are also using fresh herb oils, balsamic syrup and different shoots, like pea shoots, alfalfa sprouts, baby basil sprigs and garlic sprouts giving our dishes that special unique Esteban´s touch! Certainly different to the chopped curly parsley of the old days! All these ingredients are great to use and readily available to the professional chef in Benidorm and house cook too. Try a few of the above leaves and dressings with supper tonight, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how fresh and zingy everything becomes.
Next time you do a salad for dinner, put a simple dressing over it before you serve. It will certainly lift the salad. Dressings are so easy to make. Take an empty washed out Jam jar. Squirt some honey in, a teaspoon of grain mustard, squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper, then some extra virgin olive oil. Put the lid on, shake really well, pour over the salad, toss, then serve. Any dressing can be kept in the jar, in the fridge. When it’s finished, wash the jar and keep for the next dressing.
So there you have it a little history of dining trends and how thing have changed over the past 20 years or so both back home and in Benidorm. It has taken a little longer for fresh ideas to reach the kitchens of Benidorm pubs, cafe´s and restaurants, but if you ask around great food is out there in holiday Benidorm. Seek and you shall find and enjoy good food.
Author – Steve Jones – Creative Chef – Estebans Restaurant Benidorm
To book a table at Estebans in Benidorm and to see this seasons menu please visit their website at www.realbenidorm.net/estebans
March 3rd, 2010
The Don Juan Boutique Hostal in Benidorm celebrated 10 great years on February 20th with a Champagne party for friends and regulars in the central old town venue. The gem that is the Don Juan offers what is without any doubt the smartest accommodation and quality service in Benidorm old town. An ideal location for those who want to be in the center of Benidorm and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this lively and bustling part of the Spanish resort. Only seconds from the many gay bars found in this part of town the don Juan is very much THE place to stay for those looking for a gay friendly welcome.
Philip Garnett the larger than life owner of the Don Juan can be proud indeed that the business has gone from strength to strength over the past 10 years. His dedication to customer service and dedication to his team, of staff are the two top reasons why the Don Juan has remained on the ” top list ” of unique small accommodation venues in Benidorm. This together with regular refurbishment schedules and what are without doubt the cleanest rooms in town, will ensure that this favourite little Costa Blanca Spanish Boutique Hostal enjoys another successful 10 years.
We are reliable informed that despite difficult trading conditions in Benidorm for most small businesses, the Don Juan has excellent advanced bookings for the 2010 season. With this in mind we should remind future guests that they should book as early as possible to secure a reservation. There are just 8 rooms available of which only 2 are singles. Guests will find that each room is unique in design and offers a calming and relaxed space to rest on your next Benidorm holiday or weekend break in Spain. All rooms come with air-conditioning, a mini-fridge and flat screen TV as standard and of course en-suite Shower with WC plus a top daily maid service.
Casa Don Juan – Santa Faz 28, 03501, Benidorm, Spain – Tel +34 966 809 165
Secure a room at the Don Juan today with just a 10% deposit. Book online here
For more information about Benidorm Hotels and Holidays visit the Real Benidorm Hotel Guide
February 22nd, 2010
As Benidorm and most of the Spanish Costas saw a huge drop in visitor numbers in 2009 expectations for 2010 looked bleak for local Benidorm Hoteliers and hard hit small businesses, who feed the tourist industry in the resort. However, a surge in bookings during January have all but put this worry to bed. Local Hotel owners have succeeded where many other resorts have failed, mainly due to their early and timely price reductions, which once again put Benidorm at the top of the best value destinations in Spain. Benidorm offers both cheap holidays and high end holidays that are cheaper! Indeed comparing room rates with those of two years ago a huge number of Hotels and Self Catering Apartments in Benidorm are cheaper now than back in 2008.
Bookings for Valentines weekend were reported to be 55% up on last year, according to Travel Republic and even more amazing Benidorm is above destinations like Paris and Rome in the romantic booking stakes. A sure sign that those who are booking, are making ” affordable ” and ” value ” top of their list of requirements. There is also a sign that higher end toursits who previously gave Benidorm a wide birth are now looking at the resort with fresh eyes. Yes, Benidorm really does cater for everyone from budget self catering to those who prefer a bit of luxury, but at simply very affordable prices. In years to come Benidorm is set to have a changed image of quality and top services for even the most demanding of visitors. This is already true today, it is just getting the message across that will take time.
With massive investment in the Spanish resort over the past three years from both the Benidorm Council and local hoteliers, those lookers who have not visited Benidorm previously will be in for a great holiday experience if they turn into Booker’s. Facilities and services are much improved and continue to improve. This makes the Costa Blanca resort see the beginning of the end of the idea that many saw Benidorm as a cheap and tacky destination.
Yes, Benidorm does cater for bargain hunters and the Levante Playa resort will always be the place for sun, sea and cheaper holidays. However, Benidorm is a city of two halves and the old quarter, Poniente Playa and Cala Finestrat already cater for those with higher expectations and bigger budgets. Many newcomers are not aware that Benidorm offers high end luxury accommodation and exceptional facilities as expected of the more demanding of tourist. There are now three 5 star hotels. A huge and stunning resort complex set in over 370,000m2 of tropical gardens with lagoon pools, the Barcelo Asia Gardens and a brand new exclusive Boutique Hotel, the Villa Veneciaset on the headland in the old quarter overlooking the Mediterranean with just 26 luxurious rooms. Set in superb grounds you will also find the Gran Hotel Villaitana a luxury Golf and Wellness village style resort. With new investment in 4 star hotels such as the new Monaco Spa Hotelfrom the Sandos Group, Benidorm is in for a great 2010 and very bright future, as more people discover the hidden gem that is the Costa Blanca, the gateway to the historic Land of Valencia.
Are you one of those who are looking but not sure if you should book? Go ahead, grab a cheap flight to Alicante and book a 4 star hotel or splash out and treat yourself to a few nights in a 5 star. For a first visit to Benidorm perhaps stay in one of the old town hotels where you will get a real taste of Spain and can enjoy the very best of Spanish food and local Wines in the many restaurantsin the old quarter. Best time to try Benidorm for a long weekend is from March to June when the weather is warm, the sun is out and there is plenty of room on the 4kms of sandy beaches. The most misunderstood Costa Blanca resort will welcome you and if like the many regulars of which there are millions! You too may find that there simply is nowhere else that feels like and becomes home, again and again.
With over 250 Hotels and self catering apartment complexes whatever your budget, whatever your perfect holiday is , Benidorm will have something for you and at a price that will leave you smiling.
Check live availability and room rates for all Benidorm accommodation, grab a last minute cheap flight and grab a hire car from Alicante airport from everyone´s favourite independent guide to Benidorm. www.realbenidorm.net
About The Author
February 11th, 2010
Previous Posts
