Servigroup Venus

The family-friendly Servigroup Venus is housed in two pale yellow buildings sharing a large pool deck lined with trees and flowers. Both structures are connected by the lobby, a spacious, airy space with a colorful palette. The centerpiece in the reception area is a reproduction statue of "Venus de Milo," which stands under a huge central skylight. The effect is more quirky than classy, but it does add personality to the space. And decor is cheerful throughout, with a green accent wall by the front desk, and clusters of puffy yellow couches and armchairs placed around glass coffee tables. A group of classic navy blue chairs with beige flowers look a little out of place in the otherwise contemporary lobby, complete with LED lights in yellow, blue, and purple. Large windows let in lots of light and offer views of the street and the pool, which also has a small Greek-inspired bust atop a pillar. The rest of the common spaces have a similar generic contemporary style, including the restaurant, which has the hotel’s signature white plastic chairs with orange details, and cafe-style tables. Most guests at the Venus are older couples and families, and the vibe is lively but relaxing. There is entertainment by the pool in the summer months, and the bar can get a little loud when major sports events are shown on the large screen, but the overall atmosphere is mellow and pleasant, and nights are generally quiet.

The hotel is located on the corner of two busy streets in central Benidorm. Although it sits just a couple of blocks from the main nightlife strip, this part of the neighborhood is somewhat quieter than other more central areas. There are dozens of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops within an easy walk of the hotel, and the town’s popular outdoor market is just a three-minute walk away. The property is also less than a 10-minute walk from Levante Beach and its bustling boardwalk, lined with shops, bars, and cafes. Family-friendly attractions, such as Mundomar, the aquarium, and Terra Mitica theme park are all a 10- to 15-minute drive away. There is a bus stop a half a block away. Alicante Airport is a 45-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 366 rooms decorated in a generic and simple way, with basic off-white or blonde-wood furniture. But mauve bedspreads, pale-pink tile floors, and contemporary artwork give a bit more personality than some of the other Servigroup hotels. Room categories include single units with a full bed, and doubles that can fit up to three twin beds. Most have large windows that open onto small balconies equipped with two plastic chairs and a clothes rack, but Accessible Rooms lack outdoor spaces. Free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with dozens of local and international channels are all standard amenities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but there is a daily fee for use of in-room safes. Bathrooms were renovated in 2015 and feature large walk-in showers with either red or raspberry-pink tiles, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries in small sachets. Most bathrooms have frosted-glass doors, which may not provide enough privacy for some guests.

Features are as expected at the Servigroup Venus, which maintains the same lineup of family-friendly amenities the hotel chain is known for. The hotel has a large freeform pool lined with dozens of loungers and a few umbrellas. A low gate separates the main pool from the shallow kiddy section, and a small bar with outdoor seating offers cocktails and basic snacks, as well as a couple of foosball and ping-pong tables. There is a playground a little away from the main pool deck, complete with a slide, a couple of small swings, and rubber flooring. Breakfast buffet is included in all rates, and offers a wide array of hot, cold, and gluten-free options. The restaurant also serves buffet-style lunch and dinner in a spacious, airy dining room with orange decor and large windows overlooking the grounds. Family-friendly entertainment is available seasonally by the pool, and evening shows are offered at Dracma Cafe, a casual bar with outdoor seating, a small stage, and a projector for major sports events. The hotel also offers on-site parking for a fee, and a small salon with nail and hair services. Wi-Fi is free throughout.