Best Place to Stay in Benidorm: Barceló Beach Hotel Review

Planning a trip to Benidorm but desperate to experience the city's authentic Spanish charm rather than the infamous strip? You're in the right place, this guide will share a hot tip for the best beachfront hotel in Benidorm where you can base yourself right next to the Old Town and some of the city's best restaurants. Despite being just a short walk from Benidorm's strip, you could easily forget it is there and instead spend your days exploring the beaches, hiking to viewpoints and enjoying the city's more local and adventurous side.

If you're stuck trying to find the best place to stay in Benidorm where you won't be woken up by drunks in the night – and a hotel that still feels like a treat for your holiday – I've found a perfect spot. I visited Benidorm for a short 3-day trip to soak up the sunshine, delicious local eats and get active while exploring the Spanish city. It was my first time visiting Benidorm but I was so impressed after everything I had heard (and seen on TV). Benidorm is actually such a surprising and underrated city break if you want to get away for a few days and enjoy some tapas in the sun.

Looking for the best place to stay in Benidorm, Spain? Here's everything you need to know:

If you're planning a visit to Benidorm, I recommend checking out my guides to the 20 Best Things To Do in Benidorm (Adventure Guide) and my Benidorm Food Guide for the best tips to enjoy an authentic visit to Benidorm and avoid the tackier areas. Trust me, the strip side of Benidorm is so not my scene – I even popped along there with my travel buddies to check it out and see if it lived up to its reputation. Well, within less than 10 minutes I had every reason to leave.

But let me assure you that there is so much more to Benidorm and I was actually so surprised by the city. I proved that you can easily go to this part of Spain and experience only the "real Benidorm" and not the trashier side. If you prefer this side of the city, that's totally up to you, but I'm always trying to be conscious of the longevity of this type of tourism, I urge you to try doing the same.

What is the best area to stay in Benidorm?

It can be so difficult to know which area is best to stay in when you visit Benidorm but you will probably want to base yourself around either popular Levante Beach or the quieter Poniente Beach. Levante Beach is the busier waterfront where you'll find lots of bars, restaurants and hotels lining the beachfront. Poniente Beach stretches west from the Old Town, so both beaches offer just a short walk to the heart of the "real" Benidorm.

While the main part of the city is full of high rise buildings and a surprising mix of architecture, it can give a rather clinical feel. But, when you wander along the promenade towards Benidorm Old Town, also known as Casco Antiguo, you suddenly discover another world of cobbled streets and winding alleyways that make up this historic quarter. Here, you'll find the real locals filling the streets eating at family-run tapas restaurants and drinking sangria once night falls. Start your mornings with a wander through the the beautiful blue and white stones of Plaça del Castell at sunrise for a truly magical start to the day, just a stone's through from the best place to stay in Benidorm.

The Best Place to Stay in Benidorm: Barceló Benidorm Beach (Adults Only)

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Benidorm that combines style, location, comfort, and calm – Barceló Benidorm Beach completely won me over. 

This 4-star, adults-only hotel sits right on the beachfront promenade, just steps from Levante Beach and only a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. For me, it was the perfect balance. I could wander to my favourite tapas spots in the evening, explore Casco Antiguo during the day, and still retreat back to a peaceful, beautifully designed hotel at night. Despite being close to the infamous Strip, it was surprisingly quiet, with no late-night noise, no rowdy crowds, just restful sleep and sea air.

Instagrammable interiors and stylish design

One of the first things I noticed was just how gorgeous this hotel is. From the moment you walk in, everything feels modern, fresh, and effortlessly chic. Think bright pops of colour, retro vibes and and stylish little details that make every corner feel Instagram-worthy.

My room was a Deluxe Side Sea View, it was bright, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, with partial sea views and a lovely sense of space. Prices started from around £94 per night, which I thought was incredible for the quality and location. If you can, I’d highly recommend upgrading to a Superior Sea View room (from around £104 per night) for full ocean views, waking up to the Mediterranean really is something special.

Rooftop pool, panoramic ocean views and laid-back luxury

One of my favourite features of this hotel is the rooftop. Up on the top floor, you’ll find the B-Heaven rooftop bar and pool, complete with loungers and sweeping views over Benidorm’s skyline and the sea. It’s the perfect spot for sunset drinks, a relaxed afternoon swim, or simply soaking up the sunshine in peace.

As one of the most stylish adult only hotels in Benidorm, it really delivers on that relaxed, grown-up atmosphere. No loud pool games, no crowds, just calm, comfort, and great service.

Breakfast, dining and location perfection

Breakfast here deserves a special mention. Each morning, I was greeted with a generous buffet featuring fresh fruit, pastries, local cheeses, hot dishes, and plenty of healthy options too. Whether you’re heading out hiking, e-biking, beach-walking, or exploring the Old Town, it’s the perfect way to start the day. 

The hotel also has several dining options, including Mediterranean-focused restaurants and a lovely lobby bar for pre-dinner drinks. That said, one of the biggest perks is how close you are to some of the best restaurants in Benidorm including Tapas Alley and my favourite foodie spots are all within easy walking distance.

Why this is the best place to stay in Benidorm:

For me, Barceló Benidorm Beach ticks every box:

• Prime beachfront location
• Walking distance to Old Town
• Stylish, Instagrammable design
• Adults-only tranquillity
• Rooftop pool and bar
• Excellent breakfast
• Great value for money

If you’re searching for Benidorm beach hotels that feel modern, calm, and "just for grown ups", without being cut off from the heart of the city, this is the one I’d recommend again and again. It’s proof that you really can experience the “real” Benidorm while staying somewhere that feels luxurious and peaceful on a budget.