At Esteban’s, we are always looking to develop our business by targeting untapped markets.  One that is in Benidorm in abundance, is the All lady groups or “Hen Parties”. Over the past couple of months we have had quite a few Hen parties at the restaurant, and, contrary to belief, they have behaved impeccably!  The headlines in the papers usually say these groups are uncontrollable and falling about drunk, giving the usual bad press to Benidorm in general.

Further from the truth it couldn’t be! The groups we have catered for have been well, behaved groups of young ladies who have come to the restaurant in the early evening and have wined and dined on our special bespoke menu which has been specifically created for the bride to be and her guests.  These parties are usually organised by the maid of honour, without the knowledge of the bride.  Steve Jones, Chef Patron, of Esteban’s Restaurant says, “ Once I have the relevant information from the client, including the budget and any dietary requirements, I then create a completely one off menu for the occasion”.  This usually includes wine selections included in the price too!  Then we get the order emailed to us usually a week in advance, giving us time to plan and prepare for the evening in question. “This part is very important for us and our guests”.  Steve, who comes from a very high profile banqueting environment says, “the success of every function is down to the planning, and knowing how to cater for numbers, efficiently”.  This is why a lot of all male and female parties are frowned upon and usually refused by many restaurants of Benidorm, simply because they don’t know how to handle them!  We feel it is very important to make them feel welcome and provide them with attentive service and a laugh or two along the way.  This really does break the ice and make them feel at home.  A few of the parties we have received recently, had every intention of moving on to the clubs after dinner, but stayed all night, using it as a cooling off night from the late night Discos in Benidorm.

We have also catered for all male Stag parties too, using the same process of asking for a pre-order on our bespoke menu.  The emphasis on an all male menu usually revolves around red meat and big steaks, rather that salmon and chicken favoured by Ladies Who Lunch.

Esteban´s is available for such parties six nights a week from Monday to Saturday.  The only request is the party has to be booked a few weeks in advance in order for us to accommodate our regular custoemrs, who are equally as important to us.  Reservations can be made through our website, as a first point of contact.

Another group we see often are local ladies lunch clubs, which are as numerous here in Benidorm as back in the UK.  Usually meeting once a month for lunch, to catch up with each other and enjoy good food and wine.  Please find a sample menu below for any occasion for such groups, which is just as a guide.  Other menus can be creatd according to budget, taste and with or without wine included in the price.

Ladies Luncheon Smaple Menu – Rotary Club

Leek & Potato Broth with Smoked Bacon

Caesar Salad with Ciabatta Croutons

Smoked Salmon with Caper Berries & Horseradish.

A Tian of Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil with baby shoots

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Fillet of Salmon with Asparagus & Orange Hollandaise

Breast of Chicken with Crab & Prawns with Seafood Sauce

Fillet of Lamb with Cous Cous, Moroccan Vegetable tagine.

Breast of Duckling with Drambuie & Cherries

Passionfruit Cheesecake

Raspberry Panna Cotta

Chocolate Fondant with warm cherries and ice cream

White chocolate & Raspberry velvet.

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coffee or tea

ooo

½ Bottle of quality Rioja per person

Esteban´s is located in Carrer De La Purissima 4 – Old Town – Levante – Benidorm 03501

Reservations Tel 965 853 883  Mob 615 453 866

Website www.realbenidorm.net/estebans

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

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.

We have done some bargain hunting for you and found some great little hotels in the middle of August not just under £300 but well under £200 for a week.  This does of course mean taking a chance on a two star hotel but then for those on a bit of a budget this option gives a week away for not very much.

Here are our top five choices for Summer late deal Hotels.

1. Hotel Camposol – 2 Star – Center of Benidorm Old Town

7 Nights in August from only £147 B&B

A popular choice for those looking for a small value holiday Hotel in Benidorm old town.  A friendly hotel where many of the staff have worked for years.  Yes the hotel is a little dated in places but hey the price in high Summer is excellent.  Stay here in August for just £147 per week Bed and Breakfast.  Mixed reviews but mostly very positive. Remember this is a traditional Spanish Hotel, the food will be local and as with many Spanish Hotels the food is served warm, not piping hot - This is the way it is preferred in Spain.  Hotel Camposol More information

2. Hotel Mayna – 2 Star – Center of Benidorm Old Town

7 Nights in August from only £187 B&B

Very close to the heart of Benidorm old town and a short stroll to plenty of bars and restaurants a week in August at the Hotel Mayna will not break the bank.  Guests should expect simple accommodation and the chance to mix with our lovely Spanish hosts.  Dining is buffet style and a Bed and Breakfast option is ideal here being so close to so many café bars and restaurants where you can dine for under a tenner. Hotel Mayna More Information

3. Hotel Los Alamos – 3 Star – Benidorm Centro/Levante

7 Nights in August from only £189 B&B

The Hotel Los Alamos is in the center of town just a short walk to the beach. A value three star hotel where a 7 night stay in August will set you back just £189 breakfast included.  You will find comfy rooms and very friendly staff with all you need for a cheap week in Benidorm. Not luxury but the price is great for a 3 star hotel in the middle of August.  Close to old town pubs and a stroll to the Levante Playa. Hotel Los Alamos More Information

4. Hotel Perla – 2 Star – Seconds From ” The Sqaure” & Disco Bars – Levante Playa (our top selling budget hotel)

7 Nights in August from £189 B&B

This is our top selling 2 star hotel in Benidorm and offers a modern hotel with a good pool, snack bar and great breakfast.  Good reviews and right in the center of all the nightlife in Benidorm Playa Levante.  In August expect some noise as you will be in the heart of  the young and lively crowd. Fantastic value in August from only £189 per week.  Hotel Perla More Information

5. Hotel Calas Marina – 3 star – La Cala Finestrat (Poniente)

7 Nights in August from £189 FULL BOARD Wow!

In a quiet area 500m from the beaches at La Cala Finestrat and Cala Poniente. This hotel will suit those who prefer to be away from the center of Benidorm.  This is also fantastic value for 7 nights in August at only £189 full board giving you Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meal.  This is a very Spansih Hotel and as such dining will cater very much for local tastes, buy hey what a price for the Summer!  There are Buses into central Benidorm every 10 minutes or so until Midnight and an hourly night bus in August back from Benidorm, Park Elche by the harbour.  Going local is the appeal here. Hotel Calas Marina More Information

We hope we have found a cheap hotel in Benidorm for you in the peak season in August. These are the best available deals in August online. As long as you expect and realise that these are of course a budget choice you will have a great time in lovely Benidorm, when most people are paying twice as much!

You may also like to look at the Top 30 Best Selling Hotels in Benidorm.

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 July 31st 2010 and use the special discount voucher promotion code.

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

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

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

Great news that once again all 3 beaches in Benidorm have been awarded Blue Flag status and are now able to proudly fly the Blue Flag on the Levante Playa,  Poniente Playa and Mal Pas Beach in 2010.  Benidorm joins over 500 beaches and 84 ports in Spain that meet all the requirements for the clean beach award.

Last year the famous Levante beach lost the Blue Flag status following water tests which prevented the beach from ticking all the boxes.  Although the quality and services remained excellent it was a blow for the holiday resort to not gain the Blue Flag due to a few minor failures in 2009.   It is great to see everything is back to normal for the 2010 Summer season with all 3 Kms of beach once again offering the guarantee of best services, best quality and once again ticking all the boxes in this valuable award for Spanish holiday resorts.

Visit Benidorm Beaches

Despite July and August being the high Summer season in Spain when Holidays are usually far from cheap, Benidorm this Summer has some great deals.  The biggest tourist resort in Spain remains competitive with 7 nights in a self catering apartment in mid August starting from just  £85.26 per person for the no frills Evamar based on 4 adults sharing a 1 bedroom apartment.  This is 20% cheaper than 2  years ago,  making Benidorm fantastic value during the peak season when flights to Alicante are high.  Even All Inclusive for 4 adults sharing an apartment at the Luxmar in August costs from just £177.18 per person.

The Costa Blanca really is the best value for a last minute Summer Holiday in Spain especially for those booking with independent discounted booking sites.  And for those departing in the next 8 weeks there are great late deals for Holidays from companies like Jet2 Holidays. 7 Nights including transfers and 22kg of luggage start from just £205 for last minute June holidays.

To grab a great deal and check out the best offers available online from popular UK based travel companies vist Real Benidorm where the independent traveller will find plenty of offers and deals for a cheap Holiday in Spain this Summer.

Real Benidorm The Local Travel Guide Since 2005 www.realbenidorm.net

Why not Join Real Benidorm on Facebook for holiday updates and ideas.

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

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