Hotel RH Victoria

In a resort crowded with high-rise blocks, the gleaming white tower of the 19-story RH Hotel Victoria certainly stands out as one of the more attractive. Stepping inside, the lobby is decked out like the interior of a cruise ship, with golden columns, warm wood paneling, and clusters of ocean-blue couches. The room's centerpiece is a symmetrical glass-and-steel staircase that sweeps up toward a domed southern hemisphere of a globe affixed to the ceiling. The nautical theme continues in the hotel's restaurant and cafe, which features a spiral staircase and a conical skylight. Completed in 2015, the small sun terrace and pools attract guests comprising mostly vacationing couples. Despite its size, the pool area is a nice enough spot to lounge and soak up the sun -- until it's shaded by the hotel and other surrounding tall buildings, that is.

The RH Hotel Victoria is located in the center of Benidorm, surrounded mostly by other high-rise buildings and a handful of shops and restaurants. One of the resort's main pedestrianized shopping streets, Calle Gambo, is just a few minutes' walk away. The more picturesque Old Town -- full of eateries, bars, and nightlife -- is five to 10 minutes on foot. It's also within easy walking distance of Benidorm's sandy beaches, as Levante Beach is around seven minutes away and Poniente Beach is 10 minutes. The nearest airport, Alicante–Elche Airport, is on the outskirts of Alicante, a 45-minute drive away.

The hotel has 133 rooms, all of which were renovated in 2014 and finished in a mixture of wood floors and furnishings, dated purple or red bed linens, and DSW-style retro chairs. The largest options are four-person Superior Rooms with sofas, and Junior Suites with lounge areas consisting of sofa beds. Though even Single Rooms are fairly spacious, equipped with glass doors that slide open to furnished balconies -- upper-floor rooms have superb views, some of the sea. 

Each room has a wooden desk that holds a tray with coffee- and tea-making facilities. The mini-fridges are tucked into wooden cabinets atop which sit 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a good selection of English-speaking channels). Reliable and fast Wi-Fi is free of charge -- which is generally uncommon. Bathrooms with blue and yellow tiling are in need of an update, but all come with wall-mounted hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and simple toiletries. 

The hotel's bright, maritime-themed restaurant serves a plentiful buffet breakfast of cooked and continental items (including sparkling wine) that's always included in the rate. Half- and full-board rates that include buffet-style lunch and dinner are also available, and food quality is generally good. There's also a casual cafe with a coffee bar. The main bar has loads of small tables and chairs, a stage for evening entertainment, and a comfy terrace. 

Completed in 2015, the sun deck looks suitably new, though it's small for this type of hotel, with small pools to match. The area is also prone to shadows from neighboring buildings and the hotel itself. Getting a lounger can sometimes be an issue. There are a separate whirlpool tub and children's section; kids also have a seasonal mini-club and playground. A poolside bar is open during summer months.

Back inside, there's a fairly dated but spacious fitness center with cardio and weight machines. This area also features a sauna and rooms for massage treatments. A bicycle room where guests can leave their bikes or have them repaired is also on-site. While the hotel doesn't see many business travelers, there are three meeting spaces available for up to 140 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.