| |
|
John
|
10-05-2008 09:38 PM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Well after 2 weeks of trips, sun and beer I have returned home quite ready to do so along with another trip to benidorm chalked off the yearly list. Not because i dont like it..i love it, but because 2 weeks was enough for me.
This time we stayed at the Levante Lux apartments. I stayed there years ago when it was called Europa lux and realise why we never went back. The cheap price reflects the type of guests and their attitude.
My family used a private transfer I booked called Alicante airport transfers. They could not praise them enough and highly recommend them.
For those heading off to Benidorm and not sure about how much things are ive picked up a lot of leaflets along with a map of hotels etc to answer questions if i can.
We did 2 of the 'free trips' one to Guadalest and one to the Fonts both of which were very good (if you have the patience to sit through a 1hr 10min group sales pitch about apparent orthapedic beds, mattresses, pillows and the like. A set combining of a mattress, pillows and underlay will cost you around £1,199 as a bloke bought the set the idiot. If you are foolish enough to buy these things..they ship them to england for you. Still, i got a free glass of sparkling wine and orange juice. The trips saved me and my partner around £100-120 euros though for sitting through the pitch which was fine by me as the same trips were offered by the tour operator. I wouldnt have complained if id have paid as they were excellent.
We used Toscana Tours which is the biggest ..if anyone wants info on the trips they do i have the leaflet along with days they do them.
Terra Mitica
Hmm well not all its cracked up to be really. Im not a lover of roller coasters but the ones Kirsty went on said were poor and lacking of them too. If your expecting a low cost built version of ligh****er valley type you'll probably hit it on the head. Terra Mitica is open Thursdays,Fridays,Saturdays and Sundays 10am-8pm.
Normal price is 26 Euros an adult but a ticket valid from 3pm-8pm is 17 Euros. You can get a bus to Terra Mitica which i think is number 4 or you can get 21/22 and it costs 1.40 euros per adult each way. It takes around 30mins in good traffic. Buses run twice some hours and others its one per hour. Early morning buses do get very packed though.
Terra Natura/Aqua Natura
Nearly went to terra natura which is like a zoo but had no money left. Its open all year round and the price is around the same as Terra Mitica but you can combine Terra Natura with Aqua Natura which is the newest water park for around 29 Euros. Aqua natura doesnt open until the 16th of May though. To get there its the same bus as Terra Mitica.
Mundomar
Well this was my favourite. Parrot show, Dolphin show and a Sealion show were all at good times and plenty of seating. Food was quite expensive as to be expected but we didnt eat. For this year you can now swim with dolphins for 50 Euros for 30mins and also have pictures taken with them and the sealions. This was very popular and sometimes has to be prebooked to swim with them. It was great for kids and grown ups alike. As the hotel had a promotion on, we got tickets for 9 euros each instead of the near 20 euros it should have been and first choice wanted 28 euros. A taxi from the triangle cost us around 5 Euros each way. Its a long walk from there and would take around 30-45mins at a good pace.
Benidorm Island
I didnt realise trips went to the large rock out at sea, but they do!
You get a boat out from the old town harbour and sail over where you can either come back on the same boat or have a look on the island which has a bar/restaurant and some nice landscape. Also there is a glass bottomed boat(s) there you can go on to have a look at the fish below in clear water. This sails daily from 10am and boats depart hourly. Price is 12.50 euros for adult and 10 euros for children. They do depart from Rincon De Loix area but they have now closed there until June so the guy told me.
Desafio Medieval Night
We did this trip with the tour operator to save hassle which was 49.50 per adult and a child 2-12 was 35 euros. Not too bad, infact quite enjoyable. Food was a bit hit and miss but did the trick and the free sangria/beer/soft drinks were superb. A good show, but im not sure if i would do it again. It would be better done in a big group as you could have more of a laugh and are encouraged to participate shouting for your knight and such. Not too sure on how much it would be to book it with the company itself in Alfaz, but if you think around 40 euros you will probably be about right. A taxi at a guess would probably be around 10-15 euros but the number 10 bus to alfaz/albir/altea can take you near there for 1.40.
You can get the hop on hop off number 30 open top bus for 8 euros per person. This also takes you to Hotel Gran Bali where you can go to the top of this highest point in Europe for i think 5 Euros.
Dont's
Dont go near the potato man. He has a pea and 3 potato skins and hides it when you play with your own money. A big con as he gets his family and friends to pretend to play and they win...suprise suprise.
Dont have your photo taken with the guy with the monkey. Not only does the monkey pick your pockets, rumours have been rife about the way he treats it.
Dont for gods sake accept a scratch card to 'win a free gift'. I had a massive row with one infront of the indoor market which involved a fight, a bruised arm and a police cell for 4 hours. I did this to defend the british from being ripped off, after all..someones got to take a stand!
This is a time share no matter what they tell you and you will end up like a lot of other gullible people now complaining because they have paid thousands of pounds for something practically useless with no way to really cancel. They told us it was a 'festival' scratchcard as it was starting. Haha, they really didnt expect me saying after I didnt win ''Now get one from the back of the pack so she can win for sure'' Then came the abuse.
Watch where you get your money changed. If in doubt, go to Sheila's in the indoor market in the new end (Rincon De Loix) as she is the original lady and the rate is still the same no matter what you want to change. Some only give a good rate if its over £500-600 but dont tell you and dont do refunds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benidorm market is on a Sunday and Wednesday and is open from around 10am. Dont go in the afternoon as its impossible to see any stalls due to the amount of people and the pickpockets are absolutely rife. If your going..go for about 10am. If you get a taxi, tell the taxi driver to drop you off at the Evamar apartments and its right infront of you. I counted 17 rows of stalls and at best, it passes on 1hr or more.
Nightlife
For the young ones, the 'British Square' is the place to go for the disco pubs offering 2 4 1 drinks from 8-9pm until 8am.
Touts will hand you leaflets and tell you whats on for the different bars you pass by. Please dont be rude to them and acknowledge you have heard them..also take a leaflet.
These people work damn hard for very little money so a little bit of politeness goes a long way even if you dont want to go in.
Most of the show bars are expensive drinks wise, but there are some good tribute and other acts going. Sticky Vicky is probably the oldest and she does a hell of a lot of bars. Im still amazed even though ive seen her before. If your not seeing Vicky Leyton, then its not the real one. Demaria Leyton is her younger daughter but the tricks are the same apart from her doing some balancing before hand. Not really worth the wait in my opinion. Dont believe what you hear about Sexy Barbara being Sticky Vickys daughter as it was a rumour still doing the rounds from years ago started by a MyTravel rep. They hate each other as Sexy Barbara stole Sticky Vickys name.
If you have young kids, go to Panchos for 9pm and see 'Captain Britain'. This guy is a right laugh and a good friend of mine. He does party games from 9pm-11pm and drinks are cheap. Happy hour is from 8pm-10pm.
Eating and drinking
If you look around during the day, most bars have the local lager (Estrella Levante) at 1 Euro a pint. Its not bad at all for a euro and gives you an excuse to drink more whilst saving money. Food is hit and miss. We've had good meals and bad ones. Marianos is excellent for a spit roast chicken and chips. You can find the two restaurants in the Rincon De Loix area, one is just down from Sol Pelicanos/Ocas (Next door to the Piccadilly bar) and one is on the beach front.
John and Josephs is good value for money too, but the menu gets a little boring after a while. The Gallowgate (next door but 1 to Iceland) is great value for money too and serves great grub. Our favourite though was Yorkshire Pride 2, not only because they are from Castleford (My home town) but their chips were proper homemade ones and fantastic.
We had a sneak round some hotels to see their facilities, and even spent a day using the Sol Pelicanos pool as it was absolutely amazing. Nobody knew we wernt staying there as it was that big. Our favourites had to be Sol Pelicanos and Villa De Benidorm. I didnt like the Calypso as its a smoke free hotel...so out of it for me. We stood out as all the guests there were 60-70 so had to leave rather quickly. The one thing that let Villa de benidorm down was the fact the rooms dont have balconies. They just have sliding windows. This hotel is an All Inclusive one.
I think that just about sums it up I hope ive provided you with a better insight.
If you have any questions post a message and ill try to answer them. If i cant..im sure someone else will help, like Ron!
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
Rondetto
|
10-05-2008 10:21 PM
|
Joined: 11 Feb 2006
Posts: 2640
My Profile
| You've pretty well covered everything I've done there very well John.
I agree with everything you've wrote.
Apart from the fact that we stop in 4* star hotels when we visit Benidorm, of which some I recommend more than others, it's an excelent review.
|
My Latest Review: Apr 2008 Diplomatic Hotel, Benidorm (10/10)
|
|
gem_ov_oldham
|
05-06-2008 10:54 PM
|
Joined: 05 Jun 2008
Posts: 4
| wow youve said it all
haha we go into different hotels for the pools lol
we stayed at vacanza last time and terralta the times before but hey youve scared me im going to the levante lux for 2 week on tuesday .....is it that bad...???? anyhting i should kno please tell me
|
My Latest Review: Jun 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (7/10)
|
|
John
|
06-06-2008 10:43 AM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Its not that bad, its just the clientele who were there at the time appealed to the tracksuit wearing chav market due to the incredibly cheap price who make a hell of a lot of noise, take over the pool area and are just plainly rude and abusive. Even steve the rep agreed with me.
Fernando is a nice guy and will help you a lot behind reception.
You can also go all inclusive for 9 euros a day, ask at reception for that.
Also they do the mundomar tickets cheaper than First Choice's tour...ignore the rep trying to talk you out of it as he wants to make more sales.
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
r00ssyb0y
|
06-06-2008 01:23 PM
|
Joined: 17 Apr 2008
Posts: 14
My Profile
| Hi John,
Is their enough to do in Benidorm for 2 weeks or would you recommend just a week?
Cheers
Ross
|
My Latest Review: May 2008 Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship (10/10)
|
|
John
|
06-06-2008 02:42 PM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Theres a lot to do if your willing to try things. The old town can take you the best part of a day. With benidorm you either love it or hate it. Horses for courses.
If you havent been id recommend a week or 4 days as a taster.
If your not bothered about waiting, do the free trips like we did. All it takes is sitting through a presentation about how good these extortionate blankets and mattresses are.
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
r00ssyb0y
|
06-06-2008 03:27 PM
|
Joined: 17 Apr 2008
Posts: 14
My Profile
| hi John,
thanks for that! I've typically gone for cruise holidays in recent years but fancied a land based holiday for October time and benidorm sprung to mind.
cheers
Ross :-)
|
My Latest Review: May 2008 Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship (10/10)
|
|
gem_ov_oldham
|
06-06-2008 09:51 PM
|
Joined: 05 Jun 2008
Posts: 4
| cheers john
il be out all day and in bed for 1 so hopefully i wont be havin contact with allthe chavs lol
ohhhh am so excited for tuesday
last time we went we went to terra natura but didnt go in the waterpark they hav mare nostrum....did u go in?
|
My Latest Review: Jun 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (7/10)
|
|
dizzy31m
|
04-07-2008 09:55 PM
|
Joined: 04 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
| hi, just wondered if its the norm to have to go to other hotels for apartment keys. i have booked a first holiday for myself n my partner n my son for a fortnite in benidorm. we will be staying at the acuarium 2 apartments but have been informed that keys have to be picked up at the alpha apartments, as we have no idea where either place is and cannot find any routes from acuarium to the alpha i wondered if you could kindly supply a brief outline of where to go, thank you very much, luv lizzy
|
|
|
John
|
04-07-2008 10:03 PM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Dizzy, hello. This can sometimes be the case as the apartments are unmanned at most times or indeed the apartments are mainly residential. Aquarium 2 is a nice choice with a fairly good location, not too far from the outdoor market held on a wed and sun. All you do is walk outside and head down the main street and you are there if you didnt already know. If you know parts of benidorm, acuarium 2 is a little bit further down that the DialPrix supermarket and near the british 'Iceland' supermarket too.
If you are not familiar with benidorm, i do have a map available that i can send to you for free. Or if you know where your being dropped off, i can try give you directions from there.
Im not too sure on the Alpha apartments, but i will email a friend of mine to try find you a more exact location along with directions from the aquarium. This may take a couple of days, but i hold out hope for a same day reply on the email. Just keep checking back :)
If anyone would like a good 3D map of some hotels and some apartments in benidorm i do have a few copies laying around i could send out to you, just email me your address to flightlevel@hotmail.co.uk with the subject title HW benidorm map and ill pop one in the post. As far as i know i have about 5, but ill keep updating this as copies leave.
Estimated copies remaining - 5
Cheers
John
HW Moderator
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
John
|
09-07-2008 11:03 AM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Dizzy as promised my friend has got back in touch with me.
It looks like its quite a walk probably around 20-30mins as a rough guide depending on how fast and is probably easier to get a taxi, especially when laden with cases and bags.
I have created a map for you below, with the street address so hopefully it will be easier. Id say its probably around 3-5 euros for a taxi each way
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9947/benimapde1.jpg
All the best
John
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
rothergal
|
10-07-2008 06:42 PM
|
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
| goin to benidotm in aug 08 is it cheaper to get theme park tickets before i go or is there alot of offers when u get there?ta
does anyone know what the HB foods like at the deloix hotel just that im vegitarian ??
|
|
|
John
|
10-07-2008 08:59 PM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Hiya, Terra mitica promotional staff are normally across the road from the burger king in the Rincon De Loix area and theres not much of a saving to be had..they do give out flyers though.
Not stayed anything other than self catering in benidorm, but i presume there will be a vegetarian option and id be very suprised if there isnt something to your taste.
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
Rondetto
|
11-07-2008 02:46 PM
|
Joined: 11 Feb 2006
Posts: 2640
My Profile
| Most Half Board is superb now. They have a buffet at meals which mean you can help yourself to whatever you fancy.
We stay in 4 star hotels, and I have never had a bad one.
|
My Latest Review: Apr 2008 Diplomatic Hotel, Benidorm (10/10)
|
|
anglo
|
14-07-2008 01:40 PM
|
Joined: 14 Jul 2008
Posts: 2
| hi jhon, ive been reading your reviews on benidorm and found it very interesting as ive booked a hoilday to benidorm ive never been b4 so im quite excieted and nervouers ive alway's been to turkey its like a second home to me, but where i go there isnt a lot for children to do so that's why i choose benidorm lots of people reconmended it to me, so could you pls tell me what's best to do with kids places to eat safely, places to vist and what to watch out for! also if u've any info on aqaurium ll hotel in benidorm as ive been reading the lastest reviews about it most have been very good other's not so good, im travelling with my mum, friend and two children aged 4 an 5.
i just hope the hotel isnt as bad as some say it is for the kids sake! any info will be gladly welcomed
thank you tracey
|
|
|
John
|
14-07-2008 01:57 PM
|
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
My Profile
| Hiya tracey. Benidorm is a place you either like or dislike but its great for kids.
There are a lot of caberet bars and acts to see on a night, some will ask you to remove children before they come on though..like sticky vicky etc but a large majority are family friendly. Your kids will enjoy Pancho's which has a nightly kids disco and party games from 9pm-11pm with selected drinks 241 until 10pm.
Some of my favourites in the new town are John and Josephs, Rose and Crown pub, and the Gallowgate (just up the road from where you are staying). Not to mention my favourite - Mariano's chicken takeaway. I've eaten in quite a few, and a particular one that brings back terrible memories was Wendy Woo's chinese. Infact hygiene standards were so poor my uncle was in hospital for a week with gastrointeritis. Depending on what you fancy, theres plenty of choice to suit every palate.
Theres a lot of things to do..id definately recommend Mundomar, but if they like waterparks too theres a choice of either Aqua Natura or Aqualandia. Id give the themepark Terra Mitica a miss as the queues are gobsmacking and there arent a whole lot of rides for younger guests. I'd give the free tours a miss while your kids are so young as they will probably get restless sitting through the presentation on these blankets. I'd go to the market one day either a wed or a sun but get there early..around 8:30am as if you go later you cant look at anything as its very very busy. Be sure to watch your valuables too as there are a lot of pickpockets around.
Watch out for several things, mainly the Mundomar man who comes round the streets with extremely long fake legs on a motorbike. Music is playing loud so you can tell when he's coming.
On a more serious note there are a lot of beggars, please do not get involved with them as they are all part of a mafia type gang. The rose sellers are the same too, if they offer to give you one for free still say no as they want paying. You will come across a man with a small monkey, keep the kids away from him and the monkey as not only may it pick your pockets, theres a strong rumour out there that he abuses this monkey and encourages him to continue doing what he does.
DONT accept any scratchcards for anything, its a timeshare no matter what they tell you and they really pressure you to part with a lot of cash for something useless. You dont get owt for nowt.
Havent stayed at the Aquarium II but dont forget to pick your keys up from the Alpha apartments, theres a map i did on a previous post.
Think that about covers it.
|
My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
|
|
anglo
|
15-07-2008 08:01 PM
|
Joined: 14 Jul 2008
Posts: 2
| hi, thanks for all the info: and what to watch out for its put my mind at rest hopefully we're all have agood hoilday, wiil write a post when bk thanks again
tracey
|
|
|
hairandnails
|
16-07-2008 07:44 PM
|
Joined: 16 Jul 2008
Posts: 2
| Hi yes you have got Benidorm right but failed to mention Benidorms best kept secret La Cala a wonderful place to stay and if you want noise drunks and partying you can get into benidorm 1.20 euro on the bus or about 8 euro for a taxi Oh silly me it is not a secret now want a fab apartment put Finestrat apartments in google you cannot go wrong went to Benidorm 6 times a year for years but never been since i found La Cala
|
|
|
A guide of Benidorm
