Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: May 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : David Slater - Leeds (55, 60)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We just left the Aquarium ll last Wednesday after just over 2 weeks there. It was absolutely brilliant. Everybody was very helpful (including the pool woman). Rooms nice and clean, clean towels and bedding twice a week, handy location, lovely view (20th. Floor). We got far more than we expected for the money we paid. We were very pleased indeed and will definitely go again.
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: go2spain - July 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Fraser McFarlane - Falkirk (43,42,16,16)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having just returned from 2 weeks in these apartments I would not recommend them to anyone the rooms are small and unclean,they advertise having a bar/lounge we are still looking for it and the 24 hour front desk there was a cubby hole which I think the porter was meant to be in but never was. You got a maid a week after your arrival who only put in clean towels and nothing else and even then not enough, 2 hand, 2 bath for 4 guests only doing as she was told i suppose not criticising her personally.
They charged 2 euros per sunbed per day you were not allowed to take own drinks to pool not even bottles of water you had to buy it from hut on site which sold juice and ices, definitely a no no for us, lifts were garbage aswell waited forever on them sorry nothing good to say about apartments at all, but benidorm itself loved it Levi Griffine is a must see. Nelsons for food brill as was beaches cafe and staff very friendly made everyone feel welcome price right aswell.
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook, April 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Amanda Currie (28,48,72,48,8)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
I stayed in these apartments for two weeks and would not recommend them.
There was no pool and we had to go to another hotel and use there pool. It was very noisy at night as well with young people throwing fireworks over the balcony. The porter also was not very helpful as well as the reception staff who did not make you feel very welcome when you reported something. I reported that we had no hot water and they never sent anyone to us until our 9th day. We also reported all the noise to the rep and all she said was that it would get worse that night.
The resort however is very nice and the food was brilliant. If you are going i recommend you eat at a place called SPOOKS. The people who own it are very nice and are very pleasant
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: seguro - 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : May Gaffney - Scotland (Ayrshire)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Apartment was for myself, son and my parents. two beds, and a sofa with a pull out underneath it. The sofa was filthy and full of glitter obviously from the previous people. We had to put the table on the balcony to allow us to move in the apartment, the kitchen had an excellent fridge, the two ring hob was crap!! the balcony doors only locked on one side, as the lock fell out when we opened the otherside.
Ended up buying cheap fans at the market for the room and myself and son slept on the balcony for the first week. The second week we had two groups of complete a******s one above us and one below. They partied from 9am till 5am solid. One of the groups was chucked out. (Warning not children friendly).
The lifts are a nightmare, my dad walks with a stick and can't stand too long, oh my god..... how SLOW are these lifts. which i may add are also very tempramental. The pool was a joke. High season and it didn't open until 11am and closed prompt 8pm. Considering there is no aircon we were really champing at the bit to get a nice cold dip to cool us down. Sun beds two euros each they are rubbish. The pool was a decent size when we got to use it.
Elaine out rep was great but as for the rest of the staff in the office they need to learn some customer relation skills.
No where to go on check out day, chucked out prompt 10am, they then tease you telling you to wait until your apartment is checked before you get your deposit of £60 back. We were being picked up at 5pm in the evening, no bar, no seats, no waiting area.
The best bit of the holiday was the CATAMARAN where we went to the island of Tabarca and swam in the sea with the fishes. Had a lunch and sailed back.
Highly recommend MARIANOS take away food it was absolutely brilliant.
I know we only got what we paid for but I would not recommend these apartments to anybody.
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2005
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Elliot Cole
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
When I read the reviews on the apartments before I was going on holiday i was worried because some of them were not to good. On the way our flight was delayed which wasn't a good start to the holiday, when we arrived in alicante there was reps to give is us our keys which was good because it ment when we got to the apartments we could go straight to our room!All in the rooms were ok, the maids didn't show up very often so take plenty of towels and toilet roll or be prepared to buy it over there!the reception area is terrible it's basically only open when they feel like it and the people are not very helpful!Had a great view of Sol pelicanos's masive swimming pool which was great 2 look at!
The pool area was ok,it was a decent enough size only thing was it was flooded with spanish people as most appartments are peoples houses, some of them are quite rude!The man who does the pool bar is a great guy, doesnt speak a lot of english but very nice and friendly,the only bad thing about the pool is that you have 2 pay for the sun loungers which are really uncomfortable!
Benidorm is a great place for everyone!there is great restraunts, bars and clubs. i would recomend Chaplins, the scotsman and Lennons! Sticky Vicky is a must see!It's disgusting but is really an oppertunity you can't miss!
I would really go back to benidorm its gr8 but i dnt think i would b staying in these apartments again!
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: Seguro - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Fiona - Prestwick (38 @ 6)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartments were not to bad, the only thing is that you cant sleep as they have no air-conditioning and windows and sliding doors did not lock, so not handy if you have small children.
The lifts took so long to get to you that we ended up taking the stairs but we were on the 7th floor so not too many stairs. You have to pay each day for the sunbeds at the pool, Pool its self is nice and not to busy, but did not open till 11am.
The beach is lovely. We had a great day at the water park and Terra Mitica. Dont Know if i will visit Benidorm again but if i do i will not stay at the Acuarium II i will book a hotel.
The flight was great and on time, we went from Prestwick Airport.
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: May 2005
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : 18, 25
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well we booked this holiday before reading any reviews and got very worried once we had read them! From looking at the surrounding buildings on the outside , Acuarium 2 looked the worst!
However, we didn't experience any problems during our stay here. We always got a sun lounger without any problems (maybe this was because you had to pay to use them)and the balcony was a good size. We were about 15 floors high though so had to rely on the lifts that were hopeless, had to wait ages for one to come. Although spanish people also live here they seemed to keep themselves to themselves. The only real problem we had was the heat at night, the rooms have no air conditioning and the rooms are roasting at night. The accommodation is very basic.
I would reccommend the theme park and the water park which are both great, especially the theme park! There is also a bar across the road from the apartments called "Snooks" which serves a great breakfast!
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: Direct - April 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Stephanie Lawson - Liverpool (43, 39, 14, 12)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
These apartments are not too bad inside - you get what you pay for! However, we did not know that they are also homes to many spanish. We were told off in spanish by a rather large spanish woman who lived there. She barged her way into our lift screaming abuse and all we understood was "quattro" which we assumed meant that she was pointing out that there was room in the lift for her not just us 4. We had to wait in the bar opposite for quite a few hours until the office opened to give us our keys. When it finally did open we found all the staff unhelpful, surly and in no hurry.
The pool was not in use because of a "technical problem". No rep was available. The sun loungers were atrocious and lacking in number. We got used to it and spent most days on the beach (be warned, in easter the spanish have a cheek to invade the place!) Easter is also known in the area for having quite heavy sudden downpours.
On a positive note we got used to the apartment. We have been to Benidorm before and it is a fantastic resort for all ages and tastes. There are numerous bars, clubs, acts, restaurants, fabulous shopping and glorious beaches. The old town is definitely worth the visit for a traditional spanish tapas feel.
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: freedom - 2004 / 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Andrea Caulcott- Oldham( 37, 50 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Before going to the Aquarium 2 Apts. I must confess that I was rather concerned with some of the reviews already given.
Our flights were on time and after waiting about half an hour for our rent-a-car,we arrived there at about 1230 hours.
We went to the office underneath the Apts. to pick up the keys but we were told that the room wasn't ready. They were very polite and allowed us to store our luggage until 1400 hours.
We got the keys on the second time of asking and went to our room on the 11th floor. There are 3 lifts which seem to take forever sometimes.
The Apt.was adequate. There was a bedroom with 2 single beds, which were really comfortable,a living room with the usual basic furniture and a bathroom.The balcony overlooked the tennis court and also the pools of the Pelicanos and Ocas hotels.This was quite entertaining at night as you could hear the cabaret up to midnight when it stopped.
The main problem is the lack of cleaning. We didn't get our room cleaned once in a week or get any fresh towels or bedding. Luckily, I had taken extra following the advice on one of your reviews.
Benidorm itself is whatever you want it to be! We found an excellent place to eat called the Grand National, which is on the road to the beach. On average it cost us 15 euro's for ameal for 2 with wine. The food was good and plenty of it.Be prepared to wait, however as it is extremely popular.
The Wheeltappers is a good night out but beware of extras added on at the waterpark which I thought was very expensive.
On the whole we had a great holiday. The Apts. are basic but if you are like us and just want somewhere cheap to lay your head at the end of a busy day, then these are for you.I would also suggest that due to the lack of a reception, they would suit the more independant holidaymaker.
A final word about the pool, it was lovely and warm, but got a little crowded at times, especially at the weekend when the residants were around.
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Acuarium II Apartments - Costa Blanca Benidorm
Operator and Date: Seguro - July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Paula, Robert (21,21)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We went to benidorm in July 2004. The resort itself was great, would definately go back but im not so sure i would stay here!
When we arrived we got the wrong keys and were locked out for 4 hours because they only have a part time office. The room itself was fine, no real complaints. The maids dont put in much of an appearance though so prepare to buy your own toilet paper and wash the towels they give you!
The building has 22 floors, we were on the 4th which was okay.
there are also only 3 small lifts and you can end up waiting ages on them.
Dont panic if your going here the place is okay and its in a good location.
Enjoy
P.S. Rooms BADLY need air conditioning!
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Alameda - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Accommodation only via Benidorm Spotlight - March 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Mark Dowling - Leicester (37,37,4 months)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
It's hard to give anything but a mixed review for the Alameda.
We stayed there for 2 weeks on full board, with a 4 month old baby, and our comments need to be taken in their context.
We found that:
- the rooms are large, comfortable and very well cleaned, if slightly dated in a few aspects;
- the staff were (mostly) very friendly and made an effort to please (apart from the waiters' obsession with laying up the tables for the next meal half-way through service on the previous one)
- the food was generally enjoyable, but not very hot (and this isn't unusual in Spain) although breakfast was relatively poor - awful soft Spanish "cornflakes", coldish bacon, long-life croissants ... and the wine is genuinely EUR2.50 a bottle which is the cheapest I've experienced in a hotel restaurant anywhere. The paella was excellent! Very restricted choice though, so bad news if you are fussy and absolutely hopeless if you are vegetarian (fortunately, neither affected us).
- the location is absolutely excellent - it's right in the centre of the old town, and we saw parades going outside the hotel which we could watch from our balcony, which was a nice bonus. It's literally <200 yds from the beach, too.
All in all, it's excellent value for money and I'd recommend it, but as long as the negatives expressed above are taken into account when working out whether it suits you.
We hired a car for the whole fortnight and parked it without any problem, about 10 mins walk from the hotel, free of charge on-street. Parking IS difficult, but it's not as bad as people might think if you persevere and identify a place you can always find parking: we parked in Carrer del Vent almost every day. Get a proper map with the one-way streets marked (available free from the Tourist Office).
Benidorm is what you'd expect - very large, quite busy (even out of season) and very good value because of all the competition between bars, restaurants, etc. Very clean, too!
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Alameda - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Independant - Christmas 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Marion andJohn (55,53)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel was extremely clean and the meals well cooked and tasty. There was not lots of choice but sufficient to find something that was liked on the buffet. This is a Spanish hotel therefore the food is typical Spanish and not for those who want home from home. It is situated in the old town and parking is a nightmare. We found that drinks were no dearer in the hotel than elsewhere. We paid 2.50 euros for a bottle of wine with our meal, very reasonable. The staff were friendly and helpful. This is a hotel that is worth a visit if you want to experience a Spanish atmosphere, besides being very good value for money.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: direct holidays - june 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : den & dunc (39, 42)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
My partner and i went to albir garden apartments for a week. The day after we arrived we went down to the pool.. After a few hours we went back to the apartment to find our door open. The maids were in next door apartment.. When we went into our apartment - nothing had been done but 150 euros and a £20 note were gone from my partners wallet inside his trousers which were lying on the bed. We went to see the manager who didn`t seem to do anything so we phoned our rep Richard who was very helpful then we went to the police for a report from them.
I will never recommend albir garden apartments to anyone and i would never go back there!!!!
Albir itself was lovely and was only a 10 minute drive to bustling Benidorm.. fab beach there too..
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Stuart Burns - Cumbernauld [37,35,15,13,2,38,37,7]
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
8 all in 4 adults 4 kids july 2006 for 14 days
will try and keep this basic as other reviews have already mentioned buses to benidorm and how much etc p.s its up to 1 euro now
Accomodation is basic ,we ate out every night so didnt use any of the kitchen equipment except for the fridge, recommend hiring the remote controle for the air con its 20 euro deposit but you get it back at the end of your stay, also you can hire a safety deposit box which is in the reception area, the complex itself is ideal,no building higher than 3 storeys great if you have young kids
The pool area is brilliant situated in the middle of the complex, no problems getting sun loungers there is more than ample by the poolside , 3 pools all in , the baby pool is a great size and about noon gets really warm
the other 2 pools are great also , 1 you can touch the bottom in if you are not a great swimmer and the other is very deep at certain bits just check out the markings on the pool edges, 2 x lifeguards on duty at all times, one of the life guards does characatures in the evening down at the beach after his shift at the pool they are really good and cheap
no inflatables allowed in the pools but you are allowed to take in floats which you can buy for 2 euros in the chinese shop at the bottom of the road on the way to the beach
entertainment in hotel was basic but really only caught the end of it each night as we were out everynight either in Albir/Altea/Benidorm
didnt eat in the hotel restaurant but it was busy everynight so the food must be ok
places to eat whilst out are The American Diner- left hand side of road on way to the beach, The Palmern - on the sea front
Hong Kong chinese - right hand side of the road to the beach [3 euros for a 3 course meal] kid you not
places to go- TERRA NATURRA is a must you can go round the animal attractions in the morning and hit the aqua park in the afternoon to cool down, for 10 euros you can even swim with the sharks or should i say snorkel- kids loved this
MUNDOMAR same idea although no waterpark but a great dolphin and sealion show
you can also get your pictures taken with them as well
went scuba diving 3hrs for 50 euros well worth it if you havent done it before
went with the owner Jose who took us out in the boat and dived with us
you can find his dive shop on the street next to the Kactus hotel down at the beach. its an experience not to be missed.
try a trip to ALTEA lovely beach there or you can walk along the front from albir to it its a great walk.
dont really have any complaints at all about the holiday,unlike other reviews all staff in hotel friendly, no problems getting served ,no problems with pool, all in all a great holiday and would go back with no hesitations
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Rose Humphries n Co 41, 40, 16, 13
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Albir is a lovely place and just far enough from Benidorm.
Albir Gardens was a pleasant resort, there were not many English there when we were. A lot of Spanish, which wasn't a problem, we were in Spain and it was nice to see that the Spanish people holiday at Albir Gardens. The resort was obviously being promoted to the Spanish whilst we were there and the timeshare operators got on our nerves a little, even though they didn't bother us directly, we felt at times as though we were on show as prospective buyers were shown around the complex. They were there most days all day and in the evenings would take over the inside bar area. They were very interesting to watch though, as my holiday progressed I got quite intriged with them. Beat the entertainment some nights!! sad ehe!
The resort staff were friendly enough, just a couple of reception staff who could do with some customer service training!! Our Rep in resort, Lorraine, was very knowledgeable about the area and very helpful. The Wild Wild West Night was a good night out and made a change.
The accomodation was fine, although we thought a little tight for 4 adults, but you don't go on holiday to stay in the apartment do you? The apartment did have air conditioning, we had to leave a 20euro deposit for a remote control for the air conditioning, which was returned when we handed back the remote on check out.
The pool area was lovely and there was always more sun loungers than people which was great as it meant you could go out in the morning and when you got back to the pool you could get a lounger no problem.
The entertainment was dissapointing, the staff were friendly enough but there was something missing and we weren't really encouraged to join in games during the day. There were professional acts including a parrot show, a comic/mime artist, someone taking off Michael Jackson and some singers but nothing special and the stage was too small. The entertainers themselves did cabaret nights but we just didn't get it!! perhaps it's the Spanish sense of humour!! However this said the guys playing the panpipes by the pool on Thursday mornings were lovely. More of this is needed.
There are some lovely restaurants in Albir and the Hong Kong chinese is a must, you can get a 3 course meal plus wine from 3 euros each!! We also enjoyed the home cooking of The Cavalier and the full English brekki and fish n chips just accross the road from the complex were great. We tried some Paella in a restaurant by the beach but felt we were ripped off, more pan than Paella!!
If the entertainment has bored you to tears then the walk to the beach is just right in the evenings, the shops are worth a look and the craft stalls too.
Near to the complex you have some good supermarkets where you can get anything you need if your self catering, as we were. Also a lovely bread shop, but be up early as she is not open all day.
The bus to Benidorm runs regularly from the stop outside the complex and it cost us one euro each to travel. Benidorm is okay with a lovely beach and lots of shops and bars. The Old Town in the evening with the street performers is worth seeing. However, I'm pleased we chose Albir Gardens rather than a hotel in Benidorm and despite all my moaning I probably would go back to Albir Gardens. :0)
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: direct - june 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : mark keehan 38 , 36 , 14. 11
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
rooms very basic but are in the process of updating as we speak,
food wide range good job coz it´s the same every day
reception a mixture of friendly and help ful and the you have attila the hun my god she was frightning
entertainment there are 7 or 8 entertainment staff but you would never guess you only saw one guy called steve doing everything from the mini disco to the daytime activities and then he would come back and do most of the scenes in the caberet.
albir is nice with a good mixture of spanish and international bars and cafes
we would definately go back here enjoy
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : the dingles (53 50 35 34 14 5)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
we went to benidorm end of sept,wouldnt advise anyone to go this time of year if your looking for hot beach weather,some days were quite hot but then others were cloudy and cold ,sat on beach shivering.
albir gardens was very nice pool clean but cold lovely surroundings entertainment was poor,very good if youre spanish and like opera where as we couldnt understand a word appartments were clean thats about all,hardly any utensills ,mini oven and grill didnt work,the ice boxes in fridge were that iced uo you couldnt close fridge , so you got up to a puddle on floor every morning,the two rings to cook on were rusty.no electric kettle just one you put on the ring to boil wich seemed to take forever,no toaster. benidorm itself was good plenty of shops to look in if you like shopping,and they were really cheap,food there was exellent but try to stick to english more value for money and the spanish waiters couldnt even break a smile.the yorkshire pride was the best place to eat,but if you want something a bit more special use the magic roundabout,its a little more expensive but its worth it.
we went to mundamar its like a wildlife park great dolphine show and you can have your photo taken with the dolphins and sealions.next to mundamar is aqualand what a waste of money cost a fortune to go in then they have the cheek to charge you for sitting on the sun beds, and for the big rings you need foor the rapids,wont be falling for that again.albir is about 3 mile from benidorm so its alittle quieter at night. it has its own little village with shops and bars verynice surroundings beach there was pebble.
would like to go back when weather is better but wouldnt stop at albir gardens again.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : nicky leicestershire (32,31,10,8)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
I stayed at this for 2 weeks in August 2005 with my Husband and our 2 children aged 10 and 8. The location of this hotel is fantastic.
The village of albir is lovely plenty of bars and restaurants and a few nik nak shops. The beach is pebbley but well worth a visit (even it is just to use the pedalos there) 10 euros for an hour fab. The hotel itself was packed and around the pool was so cramped with sunbeds it got a bit overpowering. The pools themselfs were brill we couldn't get the kids out. There is a lifeguard on duty which is a nice suprise but be warned no inflatables are allowed in the pool for safety reasons a bit of a bore i know.
We went self catering the apartment itself was big enough. When we arrived the frezzer was frosted up, 2 men turned up to deal with the problem they took the fridge into the bathroom and put the hot shower on it until it defrosted strange i know. Supposedly your room gets cleaned twice a week, towels changed twice and sheets once. However it didnt even seem to be cleaned, the sheets were changed at the end of the first week only. Towels were changed twice in the two weeks. The hotel were helpful i asked for 2 extra pillows i got them that night, i asked for some more towels as they took 8 away but only left 6 and they bought them up that night.
The entertainment in the day around the pool at and night was appalling really appalling. Can't say more than that really. Around the pool aswell doesnt seem to be that clean.There is no aircon in the room and it can get really hot so you have to sleep with your windows open but don't try this until after 12am as this is when the hotel entertainment stops. We hired a fan for the first week but it cost 18 euros a week. Just up the road you can by them for that price so if your going for 2 weeks buy one dont hire one.
The bus stop just outside the hotel is brill 90 cents whereever you go. The dubliner/regent outside the hotel is brill lovely food. We went on 2 trips one to terra natura which was fab definetly go there and to the medieval night just up the road to the hotel. We had a brill holiday but wouldn't go there again. But if your going you will have a good time.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours- July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Michael Stewart - Keith (39,38,14,12)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Albir Gardens had a lovely appearance and good, quick reception. Nice, clean apartments. I would request for one with air conditioning. Plenty room at the pool.Not much to do for our kids age group. Entertainment was mainly aimed at littler children.
Would recommened going to Altea, Terra Mitica but most of all the downhill mountain bike ride.Benidorm was very busy, shops all had the same things!
Food was great and would recommend going to the Chinese, a 2 minute walk away from the Apartments.
Very handy number 10 bus would take you to places for only 90 cent.
Also a downside was that no one would take travellers cheques from us not even reps.You could cash them at the apartments but there was commission.
Over all Albir was a nice, quiet place and would go back again to Albir Gardens Apartments.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Frank Hedges-Manchester(50,41,15,11)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Our holiday started with a great suprise when we pulled up outside Albir Gardens,what a setting.The pool area was huge and my two kids wasted no time in getting changed and headed for the pools.
The rooms were basic but clean,the staff helpful and polite.The entertainment on a night was ok but aimed at smaller children than ours but was still pleasent to watch.
The beach was a let down if you expected sand because it was made up of pebles.
Albir is a great very clean place,with lots of bars to relax in and unwind.
We ate out most of the time with lots to choose from.Some very good chinese or our favorite was the American Diner-tasty steaks and ribs.
Benidorm is just a bus ride away and worth the trip if you have not been before.Lots of shops and bars with some good entertainment on an evening.
We all had a fantastic holiday and have already booked for next year.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours oct 23 to 30th
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : m crow 57/51
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Third time at the Albir Gardens on half board basis (2 people) again we found this a great place to stay and enjoy our time in Albir. we dont like Benidorm so this ideal for us.
Food in hotel is generally very good and we could not fault the place at all.
We dont stay for the entertainment in the hotel preferring to visit the many local bars. But on the odd occasion we were there having a quick drink I found the entertainment adequate.
Also we stay clear of Irish and English bars preferring to drink in the Spanish bars which are cheaper and more friendly.Nebraska is a great local bar The only one decent english bar we found was run by Chris at the Oasis which is often home to the many British living in Albir.Chris is very helpful person .
One word of warning to people booking allocation on arrival,the tour operators are classing Albir as part of Benidorm.This is misleading as there is a massive difference between the two resorts. So please check this out before booking. We found some people happy to stay in Albir while others wanted to be in Benidorm.
TOUR OPERATORS MUST CLASS THESE TWO PLACES AS DIFFERENT RESORTS especially now as there is an added 4 new hotels that have been built in Albir.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos-sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Kerry o'malley party of 9 ages 12yrs to 43yrs
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived at complex after terrible few days at europa centre in benidorm.
Complex very nice,apaartments were lovely each block had 3 floors with 3 apartments on each floor.
we stayed in block E which were next to tennis courts and childrens play area.
Pool area waas great large sized pool fast food outlet and small bar.
Albir beach niceabout 20 mins walk past a nice little shopping area, a few nice cafes and souvenir shops. A lovely kebeb shop and also a nice icecream parlour, but pebble sand which sinks as you enter water Please take care with childrenas it is quite a sudden drop. Also quite sharp on your feet, so much so we all bought a pair of sandal or deck shoes to protect us.
Benidorm is about 25-30 mins away on bus which was only 85cents each or taxi was 7-8 euros each.
Entertainment was mostly held by spanish staff who were more interested in letting spanish holiday-makers enjoy themselves more than the rest.
Opposite the complex is a good sized supermarket, reasonably priced, A small pub with a excellent karaoke guy, relly good fun, apart from the miserable bar staff.
The restaurant in the Albir gardens was alright' clean and tidy but the choice of food wasnt up to that much,especially for children.
We would recommend the complex to people who like a large complex and with younger children as the reps have quite a large itinery of kids entertainment, just not as much going for teenagers, although we had three in our patry 12-13-14yrs they did make quite a few friends whom htey still keep in touch with.
Plus we all came home with brilliant tans.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Alby Wright/Helena hutchings
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
First a comment on Albir Gardens Aparthotel,we booked a one bed apartment which was clean generally but kitchen equipment was tatty with a rusty fridge.
At about 9am the noise round the pool started....just like hi-de-hi. the speaker system was turned up full blast and that coupled with the number of people and shortage of sunbeds and shades meant we went out to the local beaches for some peace.
in the evening the entertainment begun at 8:30...my god the noise levels where such that permanent hearing damage must have been caused to those in close proximity especially the children.on returning at night the music and entertainment finally stopped at midnight in line with Spanish laws...this was then exchanged for the noise and drunken shouting of all those still seated around outside the bar and complemented by the drunken revellers coming back from the Irish bar across the road....finally at about 2am people dispersed but then the hotel staff got stuck in to tidying up around the pool and bar areas dragging the plastic furniture around on the paving untill 3:30 am. finally once we got to sleep we would be woken by the automatic sprinkler system hissing loudly..
to sum up we would say Albir itself is ok with lots of places to eat and drink with a nice beech albeit stoney....Albir Gardens Hotel is dreadful with unhelpful staff and noise levels to drive you insane..if you love being amongst drunks who smoke non stop around all public areas and shout and scream all night long then this is the place for you...as for us ..Never Again.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Brian,Trish and Clare - Glasgow (35,31,16 months)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Albir Gardens is a large complex we stayed in block K.The apartment was tried and in need of a lick of paint there was dampness in the toilet although it was clean and the maids where in every 2 days to clean and change the towels. The apartment was small and but when we booked it we where told that it could sleep four people. If four people stayed in the apartment then there would be no room to move.
We where supplied with a cot for my daughter which had tape round the top of it and she promptly climbed out of it as the sides where not high enough so she slept with us for the week as we could not take the chance of her falling on to the floor. The pool was large and clean but the water was freezing we could only take my daughter in for 10 mins before her lips went purple.There is also a soft play area for small children that was good.
Albir itself is a great place with a pebble beach the beachfront was spotless and the are loads of places to eat. A big word of warning if you are taking small children is the fact no places apart from 2 restaurants that we tried had high chairs for children they where a Chinese restaurant near the beach and a restaurant called Brisa del Mar (highchair available) owned by Lorna and Darren a must visit if you like your food absolutely superb and great friendly staff it is on the street called c/ruperto chapi. Another good place for breakfast was about a 5-min walk from Albir Gardens in between the paper shop and a shop that sells bathrooms it was the best by far for your breakfast.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Carol Cassidy London 29 ,42 ,1,
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Apartments are very small and we did not find them to be maintained very well. We were there for one week and the Maid left clen towels once and that was all she done. nice pool area, Albir as a resort is nice and relaxing I would reccomend eating at the Mirage restaurant the best there by far.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Budget Travel - August 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Adele - Ireland (18)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Going 2 benidorm was my 1st holiday abroad and i cldnt have wished 4 a better holiday! stayin in albir gardens was fantastic, all the staff were reali nice and the room was gr8! me and 3 friends stayed in an apartment which over looked the pool.
Albir is a family resort but it was so much fun for 1's of my age especially at nite when the entertainment came on ... was gr8 music 2 get readi 2 when ur just bout 2 hit benidorms nite life! If ne1's heading 2 benidorm i suggest say in Albir u won't regret it everything u need is at ur hand and its about 10mins from the centre itself!
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Alan Peters - Scotland (50,42,15,12)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Although Albir Gardens looked the part it did not live upto expectations.
The pool was large and looked clean but did hear so many people feeling ill and the pool was the blame.Although we had no problems.
The rooms were small and not well maintained.The entertainment was good for the kids although heavily in spanish which did not make sense as biggest ratio of people spoke english,made up of welsh,scotts and Irish.
The bar staff were not very quick(looked understaffed to me).
Only one guy,Paublo the tall waiter was a really nice guy and did seem to do the most work out of the lot of them but yet still managed to make you feel welcome.
Albir it's self is a fantastic place made up of all nationalities and a strong british expat community so to me says something about the place!!.
Eating out was an experiance though,ever got the feeling you are walking down rip off ally,Watch the prices because they do vary from pub to pub.
One place we would recomend and we stumbled on it by chance was The American Diner.Not only great value food and plenty of it-the hosts been family run are welcoming and great with all the kids.
Their Ribs are to die for,But get there early as only a small place and had to turn people away!!.
All in all i would bring my family back to Albir but look at not stopping at Albir Gardens!!
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Falcon - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Andrea Robertson
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from Albir Garden, and we had a great time. Firstly you should hire a fan or two as there is no air-con. Try the Dubliner across the road for your meals as the food is great. The chinese is also very good and cheap. The pool does not allow inflatables in the poolwhich was a little dissapointing,and if you want a sun lounger you have to get up very early to get your spot by the pool.
The entertainment was great for kids and there was shows for adults too.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - july 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : ashley harrop - manchester
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
first of all i would like to explain that albir is brilliant. it is a great place to relax and you get easy and quick access to benidorm by the number 10 bus which also travels through benidorm old town, alfaz and altea.
the accomadation entertainment i would not recommend but the bars accross the road i definately would, ye olde and the regents bar are the best! Phil the owner of the regents bar is a great laugh and paula and ant are the best, love ya you guys! ill be back there as soon as i can because it is a great place to be and meet new ppl!
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : george clyde 48 42 14 10
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned back from Albir Gardens after a 2 week holiday and it was brillant. The hotel was large with 2 large swimming pools (with life guard)and baby pool,it was kept very clean and all the staff in the hotel were very friendly.
Albir itself is not very big but has a lovely pebbled beach, but it is handy to get the No 10 bus just outside the hotel and go into Benidorm 85 cents each and 20 mins on the bus.
Just across from the hotel is the Regent cafe and the food is great, real home cooking, try the chicken curry or the home made steak pie there fantastic and fairly cheap.
We really enjoyed our holiday in Albir Gardens and would most certainly go back again.
Go and enjoy, it,s brill.
P.S the enterment in the hotel can be good but not all the time so go to Benidorm for the night out 6 euros back to the hotel by taxi.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sue Evans - Bristol (33,34,8,5,1)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just come back from 2 brilliant weeks at Albir Gardens (approx 6km outside of Benidorm). After reading comments on this site from last year I was slightly apprehensive of upkeep of appartments, however our appartment which overlooked the pool was very clean indeed. The cleaner changed towels every 3 days, the towels were brand new so spent most of the holiday covered in fluff! also bedding changed 3 times in 2 weeks. Complex very well maintained by staff, always cutting grass, trimming hedges etc.
Pool area brilliant for all ages, it has 2 main pools and a section for toddlers. There are plenty of sun loungers but could do with more sun parasols (got annoyed with people who would reserve their loungers and parasols with towels and then not return until lunch time when those parasols could have been used by other families with young children). Evenining entertainment must have changed from last year as childrens mini disco every night from 8pm until 8.30pm and then entertainment until midnight mainly in English. Noise from entertainment loud so don't expect to sleep until midnight but that really didn't bother us.
Beach about 15 - 20 minutes away which the kids found quite hard in the heat, but there is a bus stop right outside the appartments which will take you there. Beach is all pebbles and very clean. Kids loved throwing pebbles into sea and not once asked to go to a sandy beach. I do recommend you but cheap beach shoes so you don't hurt your feet.
From the same bus stop (but the opposite side of road) you can also get the bus to Benidorm really cheaply. The bus into Benidorm (number 10) is the one to catch to Aqualandia and Mundomar (so don't book through the reps). If you don't want to catch the bus there is also a taxi rank outside the hotel, or for a samll charge the hotel will ring taxi which arrives within minutes. We got taxi to mundomar and Aqualandia, the journey took between 5 - 10 minutes and only cost 6 euros, much nicer than waiting for a bus in the heat.
Lots of supermarkets stocking British brands of food, so brilliant for my 3 fussy kids. Lots of places to eat including a McDonalds (nicely air conditioned). Good restaurant just outside the complex call Regents Bar which is English, very reasonably priced and extensive menu.
Would definately recommend Albir Gardens for those like us who don't like the high rise concrete jungle of Benidorm (only 6 hotels in Albir, Albir also has a hight restriction so none very tall).
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Peter, Annie & Kelly Watson (8)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
We booked to go to Albir Gardens after a well travelled neighbour recommended it to us - we were not disappointed! The first few days the weather was very nice and having no air-conditioning was not an issue. As the week progressed the temperature reached 30 degrees and the apartment at night was sticky and it was hard to sleep. The apartment was also very small and although there was only 2 adults and an 8 year old - it was still cramped.
Albir Gardens is a lovely complex - well maintained and my daughter loved the large pool area. The entertainment was good particularly for children and was mostly all in English. My husband enjoyed the rockgroup that played midweek. We went to Terra Mitica on an overcast day and decided that it would have been difficult to track around on a hot day. At £46 for the day it was a bit expensive - not as good as Port Aventura in Salou but well worth a visit.
We ate out most evenings and the best meal I had was in the Indian Restaurant on the road down to the beach. My daughter would disagree - she enjoyed the McDonalds just 10 mins walk from the complex. The supermarket across the street is handy, although the one further down the street is cheaper and has a lot more variety.
All in all a very good holiday - We would recommend it and hope to return again in the not to distant future. Regards - The Watsons
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - May 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Darren,Fiona,Morgan,Lucy Nisbet - Kilmarnock (31,30,8,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was the second year running we booked a holiday abroad through My Travel, and it will probably be the last!! We had a 3 hour flight delay at Glasgow Airport, which is no good when you have 2 young kids bored to tears!! When we got to the resort, we knew it was NOT in Benidorm so that was OK, but to get into the town on that number 10 bus was tricky!!
It was ALWAYS busy and the bus drivers were pretty reckless at times, but it was cheap at 85cents each.
We were on a H/B basis and we were staying in the main Hotel building. The room was basic with a fridge,t.v,cooker, and plenty of cupboard space, and a small balcony which was fine. The food was good with a wide selection of hot and cold things, salads, cold cuts of meat and fresh fruit and ice-cream, which the kids enjoyed!
The evening entertainment was quite good some nights and there was bingo and quizzes every night. We had a laugh with the compere, who reminded my husband of the comedy character "Jerry St Clair" from Phoenix Nights!!
The swimming pool area was great for sunbathing, but water was very cold!! There was always plenty of sun loungers and there was 2 bar/snack places outside too.
The resort was very nice and quiet which we preferred, as Benidorm can be noisy! We walked to nearby Altea along the coastroad which was lovely, the beach though is pebbly so you need to go to Benidorm to enjoy the beaches!!
We DEFINITELY recommend a visit to Terra Mitica theme park!! We had a 2 day pass and we thoroughly enjoyed it, there's something for everyone!!!
All in all, it was a good holiday but we wouldn't travel with My Travel again!!
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours (My Travel) - May 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Phil & Mel (34, 29)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Albir Gardens were very suited to our needs and we found the apartment to be clean, well equipped and very spacious for 2 sharing. We had maid service twice in the week that we were there which we feel was adequate. We had read reports of people experiencing problems with ants, we had a few on our balcony one day which we managed to get rid of ourselves with a bucket of water! Other than that we had no complaints whatsoever with the apartment.
We had heard that there are cats lingering around the apartment complex and that you are advised not to feed them. Although we did see a few during our stay, they were never a problem.
The complex has a lovely pool area which doesn't allow inflatable's on the pool. The children's pool is separate to the adult pool although that is usually only used by the small toddlers. The only problem we experienced with the pool area was the lack of supervision of children, meaning that children are running about by the pool side and kicking footballs about. The children's rep left a lot to be desired also, we witnessed her telling the kids to follow her as she ran around the poolside! We were staying on a self catering basis and never actually used the hotel restaurant so cannot comment on the food although the restaurant did look very inviting.
The resort of Albir was a little quieter than we were expecting, although it was a nice peaceful atmosphere and a good base for exploring the surrounding resorts. The beach is a pebble beach but very picturesque with very clear turquoise waters and a lovely promenade front. The beach is a good 20 minute walk from the apartments although there are bars and restaurants along the way. However, the shops are very few and far between here.
One of the best restaurants to visit is the Hong Kong Chinese which is located between a 'Steak House' and a 'Pizzeria' on the road which leads to the beach. We had 2 three course meals and 6 beers for a total of 13 Euros (around £8). Look out for the set meals as these are very good value for money, the food is great and you receive a fast and friendly service. We saw many people returning to eat there night after night! Opposite this restaurant is a side road leading off the main road, down this road you will find 'Bar Caspers'. This is a British bar run by 'Billy' a Scotsman who has recently re-located from Benidorm. We stumbled across this bar one day and paid a visit every day after that (mainly so that my husband could take the bar owners dog for walkies)! A lovely bar with modern décor and a very warm and friendly welcome. We found a lot of the local ex-pats visiting this bar on a daily basis also.
Benidorm is about 30 minutes away by bus and the number 10 stops right outside the hotel at a cost of 85 cents. The busses can get quite crowded so be prepared to spend the entire journey standing! The last bus leaves the hotel at 10:25pm although you can get a taxi for around 7 Euros. Benidorm has a bit of everything to suit all tastes and we managed to find a couple of cheap bars with special offers on drinks, i.e. 2-for-1 on selected beers and local spirits. It may be advisable to pay the extra for certain spirits as some of the local vodka's weren't brilliant. Anyone looking for the Benidorm nightlife is advised to visit 'the square' where the more lively bars can be found. There are also a lot of cabaret bars although we didn't actually visit any of these. There is a better selection of bars and restaurants in Benidorm and also the beaches are better. The shops were a little disappointing selling mainly cheap clothes and hardly any of the usual souvenirs.
All in all an enjoyable holiday with the choice of a relaxing holiday in Albir, or a more lively holiday in Benidorm. The number of very happy ex-pats out there gives you the impression of a friendly relaxed resort. We would stay in the Albir Gardens again in the future!
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - May 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sue, Bill, Sophie Brewster - Devon (53, 45, 13)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just been to albir gardens, for the third time. Everyone is friendly and want to help.
The hotel normally comprimises of ederly people, or familys, and very few young adults.
There is restaurants across the street, i recomend 'ye olde pub', the food is cheap and delicous. The dubliner is good for entertainment, but many times we have seen fights break out.
The staff are friendly, the cleaners are very good, and the reception staff are helpful.
the entertainment was good, aimed at children which kept them busy, some of it was also in spainish, but what do you expect, german? All in all 10 out of 10
overall this hotel suited us, we plan to go back next year, and hopefully many more times.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2004 / 5
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Sandra Lake(46,40,14,10)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Albir gardens we have to say was the worst complex we had the misfortune to stop at.Room was in a poor state,yet another couple we talked to showed us theirs and what a differance,alot better.
We tried to change but was told no rooms available.
Now worst over,Albir it's self is a fantastic place,great to relax and enjoy with a freindly atmosphere.Even though we were self catering we did eat out most of the time.Some good chinese food places about,so take your pick.we were dragged by the kids to a place called The American Diner and actually found it a really great place to eat-fantastic steaks.A few visits there over our hols.
Albir has a few shops filled with the usual tourist wares.Some great bars to sit out and enjoy a cool drink.
The beach although clean is a pebble beach which put us off abit.The kids loved the clear sea.
Benidorm was only a short bus ride away and worth a visit.
Albir was the making of a great holliday and will be seeing us again next year,just not at albir gardens.
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Albir Gardens - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2004 / 5
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Jane Hollings - Derby (40,41,10,6)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Worked hard all year,like many others so when we arrived at Albir Gardens it,s great Landscaping and fantastic setting was a sight for sore eyes.
We wasted no time in leaving our room,which was bright and clean to discover Albir Gardens and what it had to offer.First was the very large swimming pool which kept my two boys happy(including dad).
The staff although busy worked hard at keeping you happy and were great with the kids.
To venture out further into Albir itself was very pleasent with a great sense of relaxation.The beach was abit disopionting to others we talked too because it been a peble beach but we found it to be very clean with crystal clean waters.A few days spent there.
Eating out we cannot say much because been self catering,thats what we did.On some occasions we did eat out at a place another guest recomended to us and that was The American Diner,tucked into a side street but well worth the effort to locate.My Husband loved the Ribs and a child proof menu.
Benidorm was not too far away and could be reached by the bus(Fantastic sandy beach).Nice to visit Benidorm but nice to leave it behind to return to somewhere to relax.
A great relaxing holiday had by all.
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Alhambra Apartments - Benidorm
Operator and Date: internet-may 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : harry griffiths(51) julie(49)mike(29) hayley(23)corey(1)kia(3months)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
the apartments were large but were damp.it seems we were the first to
use the room this year. they are opposite the rio park.the reason i
chose them was Thomson Holidays
s flight only bookings drop everyone off at the
rio park so theres no humping suitcases anywhere. the office to collect
the keys are just around the corner(www gestaltur.com. Their apartments
are cheap and very easy to book.
The resort has everything with a pint of lager starting at 60 cents.beautiful breakfast at stanley Park for 2 euro.cabaret bars are more expensive(3euros a pint) but entertainment is free.Benidorm has everything,but be careful using cash machines.
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Hotel Almalia - Benidorm
Operator and Date: 2004 / 5
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : bob lincoln
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
great time beaches brilliantly clean, and entertainment great try and catch oliver from sky tv you can take the kids hes the best in benidorm and clean not like all the other foul mouthed so called comedians he's definatley a star of the future..watch out for him in blackpool this summer as well dont forget the name
''OLIVER'' 7 times we took the family and friends to see him also terry joyce comedy impressionist he was excellent as well and they are both geordies thanks lads you made our holiday your the best xxxx
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Alpha Apartments - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : boyes-cleveland(37,35,14)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
HI, WE STAYED HERE FOR 2 WEEKS.we had the maid once during our stay.the rooms were ok but nowt flash.air conditioning was 9 euros per night,but it didnt work so we had to leave windows open,locals going past till 5am then the binmen and road sweepers started.the staff were nice but i wouldnt go in these again.
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Alpha Apartments - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel October 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Sandra and Carol Bristol (54 and 58)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Although these apartments are quite well sized and in a quiet area but not too far from all the amenities, what really disappointed us was that after paying a high price for this self catering holiday we had to empty rubbish bins ourselves, had no bed linen change in the week that we were there and only one towel change. I'm afraid that the price you pay does not reflect the standard that you would expect.
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Alpha Apartments - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Aspro Discounts) Aspro - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Katy Lomax - Blackburn (18,18,18,18,18,18,18,18,18,17)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
There was 10 (all girls) of us who went to benidorm, , this year and all of us thouroughly enjoyed our stay. Although we are all young, we did stay in the apartmants a lot during the day(to top up our tans). The pool area is quite small but even at busy periods(when a group of 20 lads arrive) there is enough room for everyone.
The apartments are ran well by the staff and if young lads are too noisy then they are evicted!
The rooms are very spacious and are kept clean by the cleaners about twice a week with clean towels and bedding given.
These apartments are located in an excellent place as they are very near to all amenities, including all clubs pubs and bars/restaurants.
They are very basic but if you don't spend too much time in your apartments then i would reccomend these apartments to you!
We would all go back if we were given the opportunity!
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Alpha Apartments - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel june 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : 24, 23, 22
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
the apartments are of good quality and are very clean with all the things you need when on a self catering holiday (including a full oven) although in our room the air conditioning was unavailable and the tv was broken. which did not really affect our holiday was it wasn't hot enough for the airconditioning.
be prepared for a 60 euro or £40 deposit upon arival.
the pool although small is in good condition and the staff are helpful.
the hotel is close to the busy night life but far enough away to linit the noise. the beach is around 15 mins walk away.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: late deals (thompsons) april 2007
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Jan & Dave Kelly St Helens ( 55 ,58
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just got back from a weeks full board at the Ambassador Playa 1 and are going back as soon as we can (after reading some of the reviews on here we were a bit worried but we can honestly say there were no faults at all)
The rooms are small but have everything you need (the weather wasnt great while we were there but there was heating in the rooms)the food was very nice with a good selection and unlike most hotels you are not forced to buy a drink with your meals if you do not want one.The rooms were cleaned and towels changed every day and the maid did not knock at the crack of dawn as they usually do, and what can I say about the night life( there is something for every one "The Western Bar " next door to the hotel is a lively night & "Morgans Tavern"(that was used as neptunes bar in the TV program Benidorm)is across the road & has artists on every night "Valentines" is also across the road & has artists on every night up the other end of the street there some big bars with music & artists "Gigalo,Steptoes,Chaplins,Jokers etc & "Red Dog Bar" that has line dancing all night there is a bar called "Buddies" that has bingo all night "The Queen Vic" is a nice friendly bar for watching sports they have 6 televisions all tuned a different sport. The bars are just to many to name so just follow the crowds
Benidorm is what you want it to be everything is there for you make the most of it
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
Direct March 2007
Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Rebecca Reynolds (38,39,63,66)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Second time at this hotel, lots of times in Benidorm. Came here with mum & dad this time. Something for everyone, hotel and resort. Can't fault either.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
dec 2006
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : bob bain newcastle 60, 59,
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just come back from Spain and found this holiday very good but the hotel needs some work done to keep holiday makers happy.
The food was very good, bedrooms okay but unless you like ballroom dancing do not expect to stay in your hotel for entertain ment. Every night you have bingo and then dancing.Both bars and entertainment rooms are very cold, the reason is the dance floors are just a right of way and the doors are open all the time to the eliments. Just across the road is some good entertainment, also the black chicken pub is very cheap for beer [ 1euro a pint]
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: siguro - Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : linda 35,stewart 37, kids 12 & 9
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
just returned from a week at this hotel,we went on october school holiday week so the kids wouldnt miss school, the hotel was clean and bright,staff friendly and speak good english.
what dissapointed us was that we pay over the odds for the school holiday week yet the water parks are closed so we had 2 dissapointed children to try and amuse, the weather was temperamental so if you have children i would try and avoid october, come in may the parks are all open then & the weather is better.
im convinced that our 2 were the only children in the hotel as it is mostly elderly who used this hotel when we were there, the food was a bit bland and repetative especially the sweets, theres the mr whippy ice cream but only the one flavour so even the kids got bored with it after a few days, the restuarant was clean but i wouldnt recommend people to bring their children they do not cater for children at all apart from chips and ice cream, our two usually love half board but this year they werent impressed, also beware if you are family of 4 and book a twin room, you will be given 2 rooms each with 2 single beds, not nesseseraly next door to each other, this might not suit family with really young children to be separated
the actual resort was good, we went to the western saloon bar and further along towards the market theres trampolines which had amusements and a crazy golf course, they sell cheep food & drink and pass a few hours, the market was busy and had the usual stalls nothing really striking, more people returned without buying anything. if you happen to be above main entrance of hotel please buy earplugs as the black chicken & john & josephs are open till 5 am
we would return to benadorm but not to this hotel, it had a good central location but not ideal for families and remember water parks close end september.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: alpha rooms sept 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Sue, Paul Roberts- Liverpool.
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is the best hotel we have been to in benidorm[we have tried lots of others]The food is always really good, with plenty of choice. The maids do a very good job, clean towels and bed linen every day. All of the hotel is spotlessly clean. The night life is right on the door step, western saloon and morgans tavern, well worth a visit.Pool area is large with plenty of sun beds.Waiters are really polite, and go out of their way to be friendly.Weather was good,the lovely promenade and beach are only a short walk away.the old town is worth a visit, some great tapas bars,and some good english bars.
we are returning to Ambassidor Playa in August 2007. cant wait.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Travel City Direct (XL Airways) Aug 26th 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Lyndsey Wears and Dean High (22,29) Durham
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Ambassador Playa is a really nice hotel for being a 3*. The first time we went down to the restaurant i was a bit unsure, it was in the basement of the hotel so i was thinking there will be no windows or views and very dark, but it wasnt, there were a few windows when you first walk in so there is natural light coming in. The food was fairly good, I am a very picky eater and i found somthing every night, if there wasnt anything i liked on the hot plates there was always fresh salad on every night which was nice. Try the Chicken Tikka Curry it was lovley.
The hotel is situated in the middle of everything, It is in the better half of new Benidorm When you come out of the hotel and turn Right you will start walking to all the night clubs in the Sqaure its starts to get a bit dirty when you get nearer to the square, but still good night out for the younger ones, When you turn left out of the hotel you will walk to all the shops, you can get really good bargins. The market is really good too its on a Sunday and a Wednesday. Morgan Tavern is just over the road from the Ambassador go and see Chrissy Rock she is so funny, Soul Family are good too. Go to the Piccadilly sports Bar or The Black Chicken only 1Euro a pint!!
The beach was only 5 minutes away,It is a really nice beach but be aware of the flying parasols, when the wind picks up they just fly away and hit others on the beach which wasnt a pretty sight some people really hurt themselves. The sunbeds are 4Euros per person and extra if you want the parasol.
Went to Terra Mitica which was quite good. There wasnt as many rides as i thought there would be, the water rapids where the best. Terra Mitica is 33 euros in but most hotels give you a 10euro discount if you book through them. We had discount vouches 10euro discount plus meal deals and drinks deals, we got them in piccadilly bar. We got the bus there for 1euro each. Would have preferred to have gone to Terra Natura though.
Overall a really good holiday!!
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Hotel Ambassador Playa 1 - Benidorm
Operator and Date: seguro july 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : janet clark glasgow 42, 44 and8
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
what a fantastic hotel. The food was lovely and the staff were great if you cannot eat the food in this hotel then you must be really,really fussy there is something to suit everyone.the location is first class and i would recommend it to anyone.while staying in benidorm you have to go to see pete loaf (meat loaf) he is fantastic, also fransisco jackson his show is first class you can catch him in tthe morgan tavern or uk caberet bar.
there is so muchj to do in benidorm we are returning next year wich will be our 5th year in a row.if you are thinking of booking this hoetl do not hesitate it is one of the best i have been in.happy holidays
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook july 06
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : lee mcnulty 31,29,11,11
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel was nice but the biggest let down was the food it was similar everyday. The resort is fantastic, With something for everyone including kids, Excellent beaches. The hotel staff were quite good and the maids FANTASTIC everyday our rooms got cleaned with new towels also.
Going back to benidorm next year love it but wouldnt return to this hotel.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook-july 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Lee Mcnulty-burnley (31,29,11,11)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Ambassador playa hotel is a very nice hotel overall, but the menu in the restaurant lets it down drastically it is very repetitive food wise. The enertainment at night could be better but isnt the worse we have seen and try and get a better singer when waiting for the acts to come on, when we went 1 of the 2 pools was closed for about 3-4 days and the pool that was open was way to small for the 2 hotels(ambassador 1 and 2).
This is our 3rd holiday in benidorm and my family and i love it something for everyone thats why we are returning nxt year with a big group of us fantastic holiday but wouldnt return to this hotel unless it changed to self catering apartments. If you book wih thomas cook make sure you go to the rep night fantastic very enjoyable.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: XL Airways June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Karen Longstaff Newcastle (47 48 49 50)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday through xl airways on the internet got a real bargain.The flights were spot on and there was a taxi waiting to take us to hotel which was much faster than on the buses Arrived at hotel and it was lovely.
Everywhere is spotlessly clean rooms were average but again spotless. The location of the hotel is great everything is near five minutes to the beach and just seconds from all bars shops and eating places. The food is fantastic with a great selection and variety we even got beef and yorkshire puddings one night The pool area is lovely with two pools although we used the beach more often.There is entertainment on every night as well but again we didnt stay in the hotel on a night theres too much to do everywhere else.I suppose the entertainment is good if you are older or have young children. I would recommend going to see Meat Loaf he is really good we went twice he was that good hes on in Gigolos bar near to hotel.
This was the best hotel i have been in and ive been to Benidorm 5 times i would highly recommend it to any one
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays-May 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Jenny Hughes - (64,61,59.51)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have been to benidorm 3 times before.It is a very lively place and not for the faint hearted.the Ambassador Hotel was very clean.Food was very good, although a bit of a push and shove early evening.dont go for 6.30pm you will be fine.only complaint we had was the noise of revellers coming home in the very early hours.But geat entertainment watching from your balcony as they tried to keep upright.we got our sleep on the very nice beach next day. Entertainment is superb and there is something for everyone.Flight times 2 hours.What more could you want? Its great for a quick week away,but would not choose it for my main holiday.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thompson May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Rebecca Reynolds - Oldham (37,38)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Fourth trip to Benidorm Easy going resort very much Blackpool in the sun.
Hotel on arrival reception packed with Spanish holiday makers (it was a spanish bank holiday weekend) However we managed to check in within 15 mins. Hotel and rooms very clean. Room small but adequate would be a squash for 3. Dining room crowded particulary first night due to spanish holiday we soon got to grips with system. Food very good (probably the best we've had in benidorm hotels) something for every one. Good size pool area the covered pool gets lovely and warm.
Would recommend hotel and resort.
Thompson were chaotic regarding return flight. I have had similar problems with them before. Late to airport 150 people in three slow moving queues. We were then given special needs seating on plane WHY??? there were plenty of spare seats on plane. After several elderly & infirm people had struggled by and somebody was about to carry a severely disabled lady past us we suggested to the stewardess that we should move seats. This was accepted (spanish airport staff and the disabled lady's family were understandably very unhappy about the situation) Why the stewardess was the last person on the aircraft to interpret and deal with this situation I have no idea.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- April 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Ann and Ian Punton (56, 54)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The resort has something to offer all age groups. There are some excellent restaurants - good Chinese on seafront past McDonald's at the end of Levante Beach. Main course selected by yourself and cooked to taste.
The hotel overall was very disappointing. The bedrooms were clean and the public rooms were nice but it was very noisey both inside and outside the hotel till sometimes 5 am. The Dining Room was cramped for space which meant you had to jostle for food. It was also stuffy and warm. The food left a lot to be desired with eveything over cooked and very little choice apart from one Gala Evening. The veg was cooked to mush and instant potatoes were used a lot.
The entertainment was good and there was plenty to do around the hotel if you chose to join in. However, having stayed in four different hotels in Benidorm over the years this has to be the worst one ever. Not recommended to those who like decent food and some sleep before 5 am.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: October 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : A Hughes (61, 60, 35, 35, 7, 4)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
A lot of building work going on at the moment. Pile driving at rear of hotel starting @ 7.30 am each morning, also general building work to torra mar apartment block at rear.
If staying at this hotel during the remainder of 2005 insist on a room at the front of the hotel (or book somewhere else)
Hotel itself good in all respects except for the usual rock hard beds & pillows!
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice-october 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : jackie&wayne thomas (44&42)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Been to benidorm twice before though not at this hotel. the hotel is right in the heart of the commercial centre, right by all bars and entertainment, which you cannot fault at all. the hotel is well maintained and very clean , with 2 drinks areas & an outside pool bar.the food is no worse or better than any 3 star hotel in spain,nor is the entertainment on offer. benidorm has somthing to offer everyone, from lively bars to quiet bars, so there is something to please everyone. food is cheap if eating out, and there are plenty of 1 euro pints to be had.some of the clubs entertainment is dated, but still enjoyable after the drink. weather was superb.
will go back to benidorm in a couple of years, and would not mind if i stayed in the same hotel.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Independantly booked Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Nigel Harris - South Wales (52,53,57,61
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Booked independantly via BMI Baby and FindSpainrooms, transfers via Shuttledirect. Arrived at Alicante on schedule at around 11:40 pm, transfers waiting for us got us to the Ambassodor in 30 minutes. Check in was troublefree where we were presented with a packed meal box because we had missed evening meal.
We found the ambassodor excellent on all counts - restaurant, pools, reception, rooms, even the security guy. Favourite bars were Black Chicken (full of atmosphere and very cheap beer), Western Saloon (good music and reasonable acts, drinks not too pricey), Carriages Caberet bar (good all round entertainment although compere a bit sleazy)and many others too numerous to mention. John and Josephs bar was a good stop off point in the early hours for something to eat and a drink before crossing the road to the hotel. We all thoroughly enjoyed our 10 days in Benidorm and will definitly returning.
This is the third time for me in Benidorm and I don't think it will ever change - at least I hope not!
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thompson - AUG 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : JAN/JOHN 53/64
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Thanx for reading this post, learn from it please>>>>>>From outside both hotels look great, the foyers look great, the landings look great.
The rooms are shabby (broken furniture, rusty bath) they badly need renovation. the two pools are small and dangerous for kids no where to hold on to, the exit steps are not secure, there are no Life belts/guards>Kids pool is OK. The resturant was run very efficiently, lacking English cusine, beakfast fried eggs occasionally, Tea/Coffee by machine.
The hotel caters more for their Spanish/Portugese guest, who are most ignorant and spoilt many peoples holidays, parking themselves in front of poolside loungers. Other than that hotel staff were most curtious and friendly. Entertainment, daytime was OK bit 1990's, needs livening up especially for the kids, Evening was also OK, there again 1990's. Bar and snacks were a rip off dearer than adjacent hotels, upto 50% in some cases, for an instant Glass of milk in resturant(1.45Euro)a Carton was (0.85) in supermarket. Thank God for John & Joseph opposite Ambassador1, full breakfast (1 Euro) before 12noon & the Bar opposite Ambassador 2. Location was excellent right on top for clubs and bars, beach 5 mins McDonald/Burger King 10 min.
Sorry for the GLOOM.>>>Oh a bit more>> at the rear of both hotels they are modernising apartment/hotel noise and dust in all non-pool view rooms. SORRY. Other than that had a great time, met some great people. If ya are reading this HI to you all.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: quick rooms aug 05
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : c harris staines- 28,26,4,2
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
we booked our holiday lastminute and being school holidays we dident have much choice in accomidation.
we usually stay in 4 or 5 star hotels and dicided to take a chance on the 3 star ambassidor this time.after arriving late we got to our cramped room with a noisy old air conditioning unit and fell asleep,the next morning we went to reception and they explained, larger rooms were pool/sea view and were at a 12 euro suppliment per night we payed up and got a much bigger, better decoraited room.well worth paying.
In summer the hotel entertainment is around the pool in the evening ideal to sit on the balcony and relax.The staff are all freindly and good with children.the resturant gets very busy,but buffet food is fresh,hot and plentiful and all areas are cleaned regulary.pools and surrounding areas were washed every morning.Booking lastminute and having no transfers we payed 60euro one way in a taxi and found out that a bus a few streets over charged 6euro each direct to the airport four times a day ask at hotel reception for a timetable.
We had a great time and would definatley go back to this hotel again.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: July 2005
Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Carrick (19,20)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed here in july 2005 and it was a brilliant hotel.The rooms could do with being modernised.The food in the hotel was very nice and there was quite a selection,there was also themed nights eg mexican night,spanish night which was also great.
The staff at the hotel were very polite and helpful the entertainment wasnt up to much but we went out every night so didnt mind.The hotel id in an excellent location right in the centre of everything,theres a really nice restaurnat over the road ( john & josephs) it was very cheap.The room was cleaned every day.i would definately go bacj to this hotel!!!!!!
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Hotel Ambassador - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : COLIN CHADWICK 39,45,39,51,38
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
stayed there in july2005,we had a great time in benidorm,the hotel was great, the food was great,the beer round benidorm was super!!!we will be back again next year......only one complaint about the hotel, the singer .....to loud!!!
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) JMC June-July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Joanne (22), Brad (25)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading some of the reviews from this site I was a bit worried about the quality of this hotel although on arrival I soon found there was nothing to worry about.
Our room was on the 6th floor of the Ambassador II, on this floor all of the rooms had been re-decorated and were quite pleasant (other rooms in the hotel were a bit dingy and didn't all have fridges) we had a new tv and a fridge in our room (which wasn't locked when we arrived so we didn't pay for it the whole time we were there). The air con is on during June (some brochures say July-Sept) The covered pool had the facility for the enclosure around it to be openedand was open for the whole 2 weeks we were there.
There was a good variety of food which I couldn't fault cooked breakfast, cereals, salads, pasta, rice, hot foods (different each day), sunday lunches, puddings - all self service. Every single memeber of staff always had a smile on their face.
If you get the chance I highly recommend the Jeep Safari which our rep's offered us in the welcome pack, it was amazing the water fall is a must its freezing cold but well worth it! Also Terra Mitch has some great water rides! We found a nice Tex Mex restaurant just up one of the side streets from the beach.
However I won't be returning to Benidorm I didn't think much of the nightlife far to many caberets with the same people just in different places, all of them indoor. The bars along the beach were better 'The Beach Terrace' was a canny bar other than that none of the others made a lasting impression.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: Internet - May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Karen Smith Leicester (25,35,38,39,63,67.)):
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just arrived home from a 5 day stay at the Hotel Ambassador Playa.
The hotel is very clean, there are two blocks old and new we stayed in the new block. The rooms are fairly small but they have got plenty of storage space. The traffic used to wake us up in the morning but we like to get up early anyway.We never went to bed before 4.30 a.m so when a party of four came home at 6.am on the morning we were leaving and where really rowdy and noisy after I had asked them politely if they could keep the noise down they said no,they where on holiday !! The next morning we gave them a wake up call at 8.am and once every half hour until we left at 11.30 a.m. Maybe these people will be a lot quieter when they come home in future. When we got in at night we made as little noise as possible.
The hotel is situated in a fantastic position right near all the night life and right near the beach. One night we went to the Benidorm Palace to a show it was really good, 25 euros for the show and a free first drink, 40 euros for dinner and a show the food looked quite nice but we had half board in the hotel, incidently, in the hotel they start packing the food away at 9p.m prompt so it's a good idea to get there half hour before 9.pm. Nobody had complaints about the food there was something for everybody's taste.
We walked to old Benidorm along the prom the shops are a lot nicer there. There is a lovely cove between old and new benidorm we sunbathed there one day. The sea was quite cold but the tempratures were great 23 -26 degrees. it was a bit deceiving because there is a light breeze.
One day we where walking along and we saw some blokes with a crowd round doing some tricks people where handing 50 Euros over to them, the next minute this English women started chasing this bloke saying he has just pinched £25 of me as she was getting some money out, this caused a bit of commotion and all these blokes scarpered, then loads of women in the street looked at their bags and said their zips had been opened and they had'nt felt a thing, so beware don't carry loads of money around with you, get a safety deposit box there in every room at the Ambassador.
There is a spar on the ground floor of the hotel and you get 30 0/0 off it well worth a treat it's not expensive cheaper than back home.We would all recommend this hotel to anybody the outside pool is a bit small but the indoor one was great. This holiday was booked independantly e.m.a easyjet flight which was delayed for 3 hours a mini bus to pick us up from the airpot and take us back to the airport at the end of our stay wild boar travel (off the internet) and 4 nights bbem for £177.00 which we all agree was a bargain.
Have a great time and dont expect any early nights
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
Direct - April 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Peter & Wendy Stone (62, 60)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from our one week holiday at the Ambassador Playa II. This is the second time we have been to this hotel and the food was definitely not as good as last year.
The rooms were very clean,towels changed every day, cleaning staff and staff in the bar very friendly, dining room staff not so friendly and reception staff, some OK, some couldn't seem to be bothered. We were on the 10th floor with a pool view. There are three lifts in this part of the hotel and one of them always seemed to be breaking down but the maintenance staff soon had them working again. No problem with noise from bars or building work at the back of the hotel although some people with rooms at the back of the hotel told us it was very noisy and dusty. Pool view only cost us £21 extra for the week.
Benidorm as usual was great, plenty of entertainment for everyone, whether you like it loud or quiet. The hotel's position is great, near bars, shops and only 5 mins walk from the beach, which is very clean. Reasonable prices in most bars especially Presley's which has happy hour all night and good entertainment. We thought Wheeltappers were a bit pricey and you had to sit in rows. (We felt we were back at school)
Last year we had an early return flight and the restaurant was open for cereals and drinks but not this year. You needed to book a packed meal before 8pm on the night before you came home. We hve been to Bedidorm many times and enjoy it every time.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
March 05
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Sue, Gareth 52 49
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We read your reviews prior to going into this hotel but they were so mixed we fifnt really know what to expect.
Thomson Holidays
's themselves werent really that good as a rep saw us all on
to the bus at the airport and left us in the capable hands of the driver
whose command of the english language wasnt much good. After being
dumped at the wrong entrance to the hotel we booked in.
The hotel itself was marvellous. It was spotlessly clean and the bedrooms were cleaned every day while we were there.
The restaurant food was varied and plentiful and there was something to suit most people. The staff werent over friendly finding it difficult to raise even a smile.
The evening entertainment was DIRE except if you liked old time dancing and a very out of tune singer so most of our evening entertainment was away from the hotel.. try John and Josephs bar over the road the spanish beer is cheap and they make a mean tequila sunrise
Overall a pleasant holiday and Id definitely recommend the Ambassador to anyone
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Robin (67,67,46,36,12,6)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Food:
Having paid for half board the food was our main concern having read other reviews of this hotel. The dining room is situated in the basement and is air conditioned so it is nice and cool. There are curtains up around the walls to give the illusion of windows but it is lacking in natural light and has a very oppressive atmosphere. It is not somewhere that you would want to stay for any length of time. The food is ok not brilliant but ok and there is a wide selection and you could have as much as you wanted. It was very busy at times but the staff coped very well and always had a smile and a laugh with the kids.
Rooms:
We were on the second floor at the back of the hotel overlooking a building site (hotel behind being completely refurbished, underground car park and new swimming pool). This could be very noisy at times and made the balcony a bit dusty. When pointed out to the Direct rep they said that Direct only have rooms at the back of the hotel so no opportunity to be moved. They didn't inform us of this before we arrived . To be honest it wasn't too bad and it was something to watch while sat on the balcony.
The rooms and public areas of the hotel were very clean and all looked fairly new. All rooms have air conditioning TV and Safe. Air con is free but old and noisy you couldn't have it on all night otherwise you couldn't sleep. Rooms above the second floor in Playa 2 all seemed to have newer air con units so they might not be as bad. Deposit has to be left for safe key and TV remote.
Pool:
The pools were a bit old and were in need of refurbishment which is happening in October 2005. If you want a sunbed aroound the pool ignore the no reserving sunbeds notice (everyone else does) and get down at about 9am and join the queue. A better bet is to pay 10 Euros each and use the pool at the Pelicanos.
Overall:
For the price we paid the holiday was good and there is plenty to do in benidorm. Aqualandia and Terra Mitica are definatly worth a visit.
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Hotel Ambassador Playa - Benidorm
Operator and Date: self travel - 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Jean Phipps-Whitstable (63,54,18,18)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We thought that the Ambassador playa hotel was good value, the rooms were clean, mind you the towells could do with replacements as they were getting thin, The food was good and varied, the entertainment was not too bad the Michael Jackson lookalike was very good he was called Ben Jackson, There are so many bars to choose from like Steptoes which had a very funny comic on called Danny Downing, although the drinks were dear, but you have to pay for entertainment, there was also a bar where there was a tribute to Freddie Mercury his name was Moff and he was very good. Mundomar was excellent watching the dolphins and the water park was also good. Benidorm has everything for everybody.
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Hotel Ambassador - Benidorm
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - October 2004
Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Tim & Marilyn Whitehead - Oldham (60 & 62)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found the Ambassador to be rather like the curate's egg: good in parts. The food is good, and the restaurant area managed most capably by the maitre D. Our room was kept spotless by the maid - the cleanest we have ever had in a hotel. Two requests to reception staff were dealt with immediately and efficiently.
We spent a month there, and a during a long holiday you need comfortable seating, either in the room or the hotel lounge. This was where things fell down. The lounge had a small number of bucket seats, in a designated smoking area, with a TV blaring at all times. As quiet-loving non-smokers this did not suit us. The Ambassador is actually two buildings, joined by an open walkway - and this gives rise to the biggest irritation of all. The door giving entry to Ambassador II produced an unwelcome draught every time it was opened - and you wouldn't believe