Magic Aqua Rock Gardens

The hotel’s cavelike entrance is just the first taste of what is to come once inside. Fake rock walls complete with stalactites and stalagmites, lush gardens, artificial waterfalls, and life-size animal statues make this hotel feel more like a theme park than a beach resort. The lobby has textured walls designed to look like rock, African artifacts such as wooden masks hanging from walls, a bamboo front desk, low lighting, and several seating clusters in dark brown hues. The Africa-inspired decor, which continues in rooms in a more subtle way, may be a little overdone and even tacky to some, but kids seem to love it. 

As one of the most family-friendly properties in Benidorm, the Magic Aqua Rock Gardens is loud and busy, with dozens of kids running around screaming in delight after sliding down the looping waterslides. The entire hotel is designed to keep the little ones entertained and some guests complain that activities for adults are lacking.

The hotel is located on a steep hill on the eastern end of the long Levante Beach, a 10-minute drive from the Old Town. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and casual cafes within a few blocks, and there are lots of shops selling beach gear and other basic items in the immediate vicinity. New Town -- an area full of English pubs and restaurants -- is a 10- to 15-minute walk away. The main bus station in Benidorm can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, and the nearest airport -- located in Alicante -- is a 50-minute drive away.

The hotel has 254 bright rooms either overlooking either the pool area or the street. Laminate floors, large windows and a combination of dark and bright orange colors make spaces appear stylish and contemporary, while zebra prints on bed runners and pillows, textured headboards meant to look like animal fur, mosquito nets, black-and-white photos, and ceiling fans are all nods at the hotel’s African theme. All but Promo Rooms have two queen beds and seating areas with a double sofa beds (Promo Rooms are smaller and only have a double bed). Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are clean and appealing, with shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Junior Suites have one or two balconies and separate living areas with sofa beds. Safes are available, but incur a daily or weekly fee.

Magic Aqua Rock Gardens has an impressive water park complete with two huge looping slides and a kids' area with smaller slides and a few water features. The hotel also offers a large pool for all ages with a swim-up bar, a jetted area with underwater lounge chairs, a huge TV screen, and dozens of lounge chairs and parasols. The kids’ club offers multiple activities throughout the day as well as entertainment for the youngest guests at night. The restaurant serves a varied international buffet with a focus on traditional Spanish cuisine, and the pool bar sells snacks and drinks in between meals. Those looking to stay active during their vacation can get a full workout at the fitness center, which is equipped with cardio and strength-training machines. The adult-only rooftop lounge has a bar, a whirlpool, and Bali beds, and offers a quiet respite from the loud and busy pool deck below. There is also a small business center with computer games, off-site parking (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi throughout.