Benimar Apartments

Beyond a maroon sign that reads Benimar Apartments, there’s little to distinguish the average golden brick building from any other in the area. The overall aesthetic is one of a typical apartment building inside and out with nine floors divided into three one-bedroom apartments on each floor. Though there’s a small reception area with blue chairs and tiled floor, it’s not regularly staffed and many guests have to collect their keys at the nearby Hotel Poseidon Palace or wait for a housekeeper or porter to arrive. The only public spaces are the reception area (where Wi-Fi is strongest) and the small rooftop terrace. The owners focus on maintaining a homey and residential vibe (bachelor and bachelorette parties are denied) making it perfect for couples, families, and low-key groups of friends. 

Benimar Apartments sits in a residential area above Benidorm, about a 10-minute walk from the beach and the old city center. There are restaurants and grocery stores just one street over and a park is a six-minute walk away. Though the hotel's not in the mix of things, it’s not too difficult to reach restaurants or shops on foot. However, travelers should remember that it’s an uphill walk back to the property. For those with a car, there are quite a few adventure parks in the area. Terra Natura is a nine-minute drive away; Terra Mitica takes 15 minutes to reach by car; and Mundomar is a 13-minute drive away. It’s a 45-minute drive to Alicante Airport. 

The 27 apartments at Benimar Apartments are clean, but small. Expect a simple decor of dated laminate blond wooden furniture and tiled floors. Blue couches, curtains, and padding on the chairs add some color to the rooms, while floral art pieces break up the plain white walls. Overall, it looks quite old-fashioned, especially in the bedrooms, where guests note that the beds are firm. Guests can relax in the living rooms and prepare meals in the kitchenettes, equipped with four-burner stovetops, sinks, kettles, microwaves, mini-fridges, and toasters. Flat-screen TVs, free (spotty) Wi-Fi, and washers are available in all rooms, too. Dryers aren't provided, but they're rarely available in Spain. Only the bedrooms have air-conditioning and only in high season. Bathrooms have a homey vibe with cream tiles. They’re outfitted with shower/tub combos but lack toiletries and hairdryers. Spacious balconies are furnished with plastic chairs and tables. Housekeeping only comes once per week to clean and change towels and bed linens, though guests can request additional service for an extra fee. 

Since these are self-sufficient apartments, there’s not much offered beyond accommodations. There is a small rooftop pool with a children’s section and loungers for laying out in the sun. All apartments have free Wi-Fi but there’s varying reports on the quality of the signal. A small selection of books to borrow are available in the lobby. There’s limited parking on-site, but most guests will have to use street parking.