Albir Garden Resort

Interior design isn't this resort's main selling point, which isn't of concern for guests since most of the action takes place outside at the massive water park and the activity-packed pools. But the property is generally well-maintained, and it has pleasant and airy public spaces. The grounds are lush and attractive, with palm trees and flowering shrubs, though the grass is a bit patchy in places. Modern orange sofas and chairs fill the pleasant and bright lobby, though people don't tend to linger here. The buffet restaurant gets busy during peak hours, but the space handles crowds to prevent long lines. The resort is distinctly family-oriented, with a fun and playful vibe, and it also draws a fair number of couples. 

Albir Garden Resort is located in L'Alfas del Pi off the major N-332 road. The Albir Beach and Paseo de Las Estrellas promenade isn't close -- its about 20 minutes away on foot -- but only a five-minute drive. Shops, restaurants, and bars are all within a short stroll of the resort. 

As for sights, it's an eight-minute drive to Serra Gelada Natural Park, and MundoMar animal park, Aqualandia (Spain's largest water park), and Benidorm Palace nightclub and entertainment venue is a 10-minute drive. Benidorm, with . attractions like Levante Beach, Terra Mitica theme park, and Caste Viewpoint is also roughly 10 minutes by car. Expect about a 45-minute drive to Alicante Airport. 

The apartment-style units at Albir Garden Resort are situated in exterior-corridor buildings without elevators. They're generally well-maintained and have contemporary decor. Standard units have cheery striped bedding, bright orange drapes, cobalt-blue sofas, and upgraded units are sleek and more sophisticated, with neutral tones and bold accent colors. All come with air-conditioning, living rooms with sofa beds, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and balconies, some of which offer pool views. But there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi, and units lack coffeemakers, kettles, and safes. Many have apartments that have kitchens with stovetops, microwaves, and small refrigerators, but some past guests have complained that they're aren't well-equipped. Bathrooms are streamline and they contain walk-in showers with removable showerheads, pedestal sinks, and hairdryers, but toiletries are a bit skimpy. Guests should note that some double beds are two singles pushed together. 

Albir Garden Resort features an outstanding array of facilities. Its top feature is a Polynesian-themed water park with 16 colorful water slides (some 30 feet high) and a huge splash bucket. The resort also has two freeform outdoor swimming pools, a children's pool, a heated seasonal indoor pool and hot tub, steam room, dry and wet saunas, and massages (for a fee). 

For dining, the buffet restaurant serves an ample hot breakfast spread for a fee, and Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner, with pool-facing outdoor dining in summer. All-inclusive plans are available. 

The animation program is mostly geared for kids and includes music, dancing, karaoke, parrot and snake shows, a mini club, pool activities, and games, and there's a playground. The adjacent sports club offers several soccer fields, a running track, and gymnasium; it's open for guests and also hosts international sports teams for training. There's also a fitness center and a beach volleyball court. Other amenities include a lounge bar and cafe with a pool-view terrace and game area that has billiards and darts, plus a beauty salon and free on-site parking. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have elevators.