Benidorm All-Inclusive Holidays: Resort Experts Share Their Spanish Sunshine Paradise Secrets

Known as the “Manhattan of Spain,” Benidorm combines stunning Mediterranean beaches with vibrant entertainment, year-round sunshine, and exceptional value. We’ve gathered insights from five Benidorm tourism experts to create the ultimate guide to all-inclusive holidays in this beloved Costa Blanca resort, complete with neighbourhood insights, transport tips, and a comprehensive hotel guide.

Neighbourhood Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Location

Antonio Martínez, a Benidorm tourism veteran with 25 years of experience, breaks down the resort’s main areas: “Benidorm offers distinct experiences depending on where you stay. Levante is lively and energetic, Poniente offers a more relaxed atmosphere, while the Old Town provides a taste of authentic Spanish charm.”

His recommendations by area:

• Levante Beach Area: “Ideal for those seeking vibrant nightlife, entertainment options, and a bustling beach scene – popular with British visitors looking for action-packed holidays”
• Poniente Beach Area: “Perfect for families and those preferring a slightly quieter atmosphere while still enjoying excellent facilities and beautiful beaches”
• Old Town (Casco Antiguo): “Great for experiencing authentic Spanish culture alongside your resort stay, with tapas bars, historic streets, and local charm”
• Rincon de Loix: “The heart of the ‘British Benidorm’ experience, with English pubs, familiar food options, and easy access to the lively Levante beach”

The Complete Benidorm Transport Guide

Elena Navarro, a local transport specialist, shares essential information for exploring the area:

Public Transport

• Local Buses: Connect all major areas (€1.50-€2 per journey)
• Tourist Buses: Hop-on-hop-off services (€20 day ticket)
• Tram: Connects to Alicante and coastal towns (€1.35-€5.75 depending on distance)
• Airport Transfers: Usually included in all-inclusive packages

Car Hire

• Economy: €25-40 per day
• Mid-range: €45-65 per day
• Luxury vehicles: €80+ per day

Taxi Approximate Costs

• Alicante Airport to Benidorm: €70-80
• Short trips within Benidorm: €6-10
• Benidorm to nearby attractions: €15-40
• Day tours: €180-240 for a full day

Transport Tips:

• Taxis should use meters; insist on this
• Consider purchasing a Benidorm tourist card for transport discounts
• The compact nature of Benidorm makes walking a viable option for many journeys
• Benidorm’s efficient bus network covers all major areas and attractions

All-Inclusive Hotels in Benidorm: The British Connection

David Wilson, a British expat and Benidorm hospitality consultant with 18 years of experience, explains why Benidorm’s all-inclusive hotels are so popular with British tourists:

“Benidorm has perfected the all-inclusive concept specifically for British visitors. The combination of familiar comforts, excellent value, and reliable sunshine creates an unbeatable package. Hotels here understand exactly what British guests want – from full English breakfasts to evening entertainment that feels like home, but with guaranteed sunshine.”

Why British Tourists Love Benidorm All-Inclusives:

• Home-From-Home Comfort: “Most all-inclusive resorts employ English-speaking staff and offer British favorites alongside Spanish cuisine”
• Exceptional Value: “The pound-to-euro exchange rate means British visitors get excellent value, with premium brand drinks included in many packages”
• Entertainment Focus: “Hotels offer entertainment programs designed with British tastes in mind – from quiz nights to tribute acts and familiar comedy”
• Year-Round Appeal: “With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Benidorm offers reliable weather when the UK is cold and rainy”
• Multi-Generational Appeal: “Resorts cater to families, couples, and seniors equally well, making it perfect for group holidays”

Comprehensive All-Inclusive Hotel Guide

Miguel Sánchez, a local hotel industry expert, provides a breakdown of Benidorm’s all-inclusive offerings:

Family-Friendly All-Inclusives (4-star)

• Typical Features: Kids’ clubs, splash parks, family rooms, early dining options, entertainment for all ages
• Popular Options: Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, Flamingo Oasis, Gran Hotel Bali
• British Appeal: Children’s menus featuring familiar foods, English-speaking animation teams, UK TV channels
• Price Range: €120-200 per night for a family of four (peak season)

Adult-Focused Hotels (4-star)

• Typical Features: Adult-only pools, sophisticated entertainment, premium drinks packages, spa facilities
• Popular Options: Sandos Monaco, Riudor Hotel, Hotel RH Royal
• British Appeal: Later breakfast service, quality evening entertainment, premium branded spirits
• Price Range: €90-160 per night for two adults (peak season)

Budget-Friendly Options (3-star)

• Typical Features: Basic but comfortable rooms, central locations, good food variety, pool facilities
• Popular Options: Hotel Benilux Park, Hotel Servigroup Venus, Hotel Jaime I
• British Appeal: Exceptional value, familiar food options, friendly service
• Price Range: €70-110 per night for two adults (peak season)

Premium All-Inclusive (4/5-star)

• Typical Features: Higher quality dining, branded drinks, superior rooms, exclusive facilities
• Popular Options: Melia Benidorm, Hotel RH Victoria, Asia Gardens Hotel
• British Appeal: Higher-end experience while maintaining British-friendly atmosphere
• Price Range: €180-300+ per night for two adults (peak season)

All-Inclusive Plus/Premium Packages

Miguel notes: “Many hotels now offer tiered all-inclusive packages, with ‘Premium’ or ‘Plus’ options including branded spirits, à la carte restaurant access, room upgrades, and exclusive facilities for a supplement of €20-40 per person per day. These are particularly popular with British guests looking for enhanced quality while maintaining budget predictability.”

All-Inclusive Hotel Tips for British Visitors

David Wilson offers specific advice for British tourists:

• Book hotels in Rincon de Loix or eastern Levante for the most “British” experience
• Consider half-board in Old Town hotels if you want to experience local restaurants
• Look for hotels with heated pools if visiting November-April
• Check entertainment programs – many hotels now publish these online in advance
• Request high floors for better views and less noise from entertainment areas

Price Guide: Seasonal Variations

Anna López, a Benidorm pricing specialist, provides a breakdown of typical costs:

Peak Season (June-September)

• Budget 3-star All-Inclusive: €80-120 per night for two people
• Mid-range 4-star All-Inclusive: €120-200 per night for two people
• Premium 4/5-star All-Inclusive: €200-350+ per night for two people

Shoulder Season (April-May, October)

• Budget 3-star All-Inclusive: €60-90 per night for two people
• Mid-range 4-star All-Inclusive: €90-150 per night for two people
• Premium 4/5-star All-Inclusive: €150-250 per night for two people

Low Season (November-March, excluding Christmas/New Year)

• Budget 3-star All-Inclusive: €50-70 per night for two people
• Mid-range 4-star All-Inclusive: €70-110 per night for two people
• Premium 4/5-star All-Inclusive: €110-200 per night for two people

“Winter sun packages represent exceptional value,” notes Anna. “Many British visitors, especially seniors, book extended stays of 2-4 weeks during winter months, with prices as low as €40-60 per night all-inclusive in 3-star properties.”

Local Restaurant and Activity Price Guide

Traditional Restaurants (if venturing outside your all-inclusive)

• Local lunch: €10-20 per person
• British-style pub meal: €12-25 per person
• Mid-range dinner with drinks: €25-40 per person
• High-end restaurant: €50-80+ per person

Activities and Excursions

• Benidorm Island boat trip: €15-25
• Terra Mítica theme park: €30-45
• Aqualandia water park: €30-40
• Mundomar animal park: €25-35
• Algar Waterfalls excursion: €35-50
• Guadalest village tour: €30-45
• Benidorm Palace show: €35-65 including dinner

Hidden Culinary Treasures of Benidorm

Chef Javier Ruiz, a Benidorm culinary expert, shares his insights: “While all-inclusive resorts offer excellent variety, don’t miss the opportunity to sample authentic Spanish cuisine. Many hotels now incorporate local specialties like paella, fresh seafood, and tapas into their buffets.”

His recommended local restaurants for a night away from your all-inclusive:

• Amigos Restaurant & Roof Terrace (Levante): British favorites with Spanish influences
• La Cava Aragonesa (Old Town): Outstanding tapas in a traditional setting
• Restaurante Ulia (Poniente): Exceptional seafood with Mediterranean views

Cultural Experiences and Entertainment

Dr. Carmen Blasco, a specialist in Costa Blanca tourism, emphasizes Benidorm’s entertainment options: “Benidorm offers world-class entertainment, from spectacular production shows to intimate live music venues. Most all-inclusive hotels provide varied nightly entertainment, but the resort’s famous venues are worth exploring too.”

Popular Entertainment Options with British Visitors:

• Benidorm Palace: Vegas-style dinner shows
• Morgan’s Tavern: Live music and comedy
• Sticky Vicky’s Magic Show: Legendary adult entertainment
• Sinatra’s Bar: Classic live performances
• Jokers Bar: Comedy and cabaret

Expert Tips for All-Inclusive Hotel Selection in Benidorm

• Look for properties with recently renovated rooms (many Benidorm hotels have undergone significant upgrades in recent years)
• Check the all-inclusive hours – some budget options restrict free drinks to meal times only
• Consider the hotel’s location in relation to nightlife (either for proximity or distance, depending on your preference)
• Verify air conditioning quality for summer visits – essential in Benidorm’s hot summers
• Check Wi-Fi coverage in rooms, as older properties may only offer free Wi-Fi in common areas

Hidden Gems Near Popular Resort Areas

Levante Beach Area

• Tiki Beach Bar: Iconic beachfront venue with live music
• Levante Mirador: Panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay
• Mal Pas Beach: Small, quieter cove between Levante and Poniente

Poniente Beach Area

• La Cala: Scenic cove at the western end of Poniente beach
• Parque de Elche: Palm-lined park perfect for a peaceful stroll
• Poniente Viewpoint: Stunning coastal views worth the climb

Old Town

• Tapas Alley: Traditional Spanish dining experience
• Balcón del Mediterráneo: Spectacular Mediterranean viewpoint
• Plaza de la Constitución: Charming square with historic church

Cultural Notes and Local Customs

• Spanish mealtimes are later than British ones, though all-inclusive hotels accommodate British preferences
• Siestas are still observed by some local businesses, with afternoon closures between 2-5pm
• Topless sunbathing is common and accepted on Benidorm’s beaches
• Despite its British influence, greeting locals in basic Spanish is always appreciated
• Local fiestas bring spectacular parades and celebrations throughout the year

Seasonal Considerations for Benidorm

• Peak Season (June-September): Hot temperatures, lively atmosphere, all attractions open
• Shoulder Season (April-May, October): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, good deals
• Winter Season (November-March): Mild temperatures (15-20°C), quieter atmosphere, mature crowd
• Fiesta Season: November (Patron Saint Festival) and June (Hogueras) feature spectacular celebrations

Making the Most of Your All-Inclusive Package in Benidorm

According to Antonio Martínez, “The best approach is to use your all-inclusive package as a value base, while still experiencing what makes Benidorm special. Don’t miss the beautiful Old Town, stunning beaches, and natural beauty surrounding the resort.”

Money-Saving Tips for Benidorm Holidays

• Travel during October or May for ideal weather and lower rates
• Book excursions through online platforms rather than hotel desks
• Look for all-inclusive packages that include airport transfers
• Consider hotels slightly back from the beachfront for better value
• Watch for free upgrade offers during quieter periods

Tipping Guide: The Essentials

While tipping is less extensive in Spain than in some countries, here are the basics:

• Hotel staff: €1-2 per day for housekeeping is appreciated but not expected
• Restaurant service (outside your all-inclusive): 5-10% for good service
• Taxi drivers: Rounding up the fare is sufficient
• Tour guides: €5-10 for a half-day tour

Planning Your Perfect Benidorm Holiday

David Wilson provides this final advice: “Benidorm offers a uniquely British-friendly experience in a Spanish setting. The resort has spent decades perfecting its all-inclusive offerings specifically for UK visitors, creating a home-from-home with guaranteed sunshine. The best experiences combine the comfort of your all-inclusive resort with some exploration of the authentic Spanish culture and beautiful Costa Blanca landscape.”

Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Benidorm

1. Enjoy the stunning views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo in the Old Town
2. Experience Benidorm’s famous nightlife, even if just for one evening
3. Take a boat trip to Benidorm Island for snorkeling and views of the skyline
4. Visit the traditional Spanish village of Guadalest in the mountains
5. Stroll along both the Levante and Poniente promenades to appreciate the beautiful beaches

Whether you’re looking for cheap all-inclusive holidays, a lively party atmosphere, or a serene adults-only retreat, Benidorm has something for everyone. With a wide range of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, your next all-inclusive holiday to this Costa Blanca gem can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you like.

Note: All expert recommendations and prices are based on 2025 rates and professional experience in Benidorm tourism and hospitality. Contact specific travel agents for current offerings and availability. Prices may vary by season and availability