Benidorm's BEST Kept Secret? (Adults Only) INSIDe Meliá Costablanca!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of Benidorm's BEST Kept Secret? (Adults Only) INSIDe Meliá Costablanca! This is gonna be less of a polished, PR-approved review and more like spilling the tea with your best friend after a few too many Sangrias. Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions: The Arrival and the Buzz
So, you've heard whispers, right? "Benidorm… adults only… secret…" My ears perked up immediately. The Meliá Costablanca, itself, is a solid, well-established hotel, so having this boutique, adults-only "secret" within it, felt pretty intriguing. Getting there wasn't a problem (more on "Getting Around" later), the location's a treat. You're practically on the beach and close to the buzzing nightlife. Win-win. The check-in was surprisingly swift ("Contactless check-in/out" gets a thumbs up, especially these days), considering I landed looking like I'd wrestled a suitcase and lost. The lobby? Clean, stylish, and yes, they had "Air conditioning in public area". Thank the heavens. The place just hums with a certain… anticipation. It's almost like you can feel the good times waiting to happen.
Rooms: My Heaven (and slightly less heavenly bits)
Okay, let's be real. I stayed in a room with everything. Seriously, the list above? They pretty much nailed it. "Air conditioning" – check. "Free Wi-Fi" – double check (and it actually worked, miracle!). "Blackout curtains" – bless them, truly. Because a nap after a day of sun and Sangria is essential. They also had "Additional toilet" for extra convenience and a "Bathtub" I didn't get round to using because the beach was nearby. 2 rooms and you can go from 1 to 4 people? Perfect. Oh, and the "View"? Yeah, it was beautiful (I'm a sucker for a sea view, sue me!). The "Mini bar" was well-stocked, which is crucial. But and this is a small gripe; but the "Coffee/tea maker". it could be better. A proper French press would really elevate things. Still, the "Free bottled water" helped.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (and a sigh of relief)
Look, these days, safety is huge. And the Meliá Costablanca seems to genuinely care. "Anti-viral cleaning products" used? Check. "Daily disinfection in common areas"? Check. "Rooms sanitized between stays"? Check. I honestly wouldn't have minded a bit of a break down with the, "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" between people in the restaurant - sometimes, it felt a bit… crowded. Still, I felt secure. They have "First aid kit", "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and "Staff trained in safety protocol." The constant sanitizing was comforting. And let’s be honest, a little bit of paranoia is probably a good thing right now. The fact that they have a "Doctor/nurse on call" at your fingertips during your stay is so comforting.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Symphony (and a few minor off-notes)
Alright, let's talk food and drink. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a beast. Seriously, everything you could want, from "Western breakfast" to "Asian breakfast". The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was decent. The "A la carte in restaurant" wasn't bad, but I was there for the pool side bar! The "Poolside bar" was definitely the heart of the operation, the best part about being a guest, I felt like, being able to stroll from the pool for an order! The "Happy hour" was a must. And let's be honest, a decent "Salad in restaurant" is a godsend after all the tapas. There was a "Snack bar" you could run to. The hotel had a "Vegetarian restaurant" too. So, yeah, they nailed the options.
Things to Do (and how to relax): The Good Life
This is where the "BEST Kept Secret" really shines. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" is gorgeous, with "Pool with view". You can spend hours just lazing around. A towel on a sunbed is as good as a private jet. There's even a "Fitness center", but honestly, I was too busy napping and sipping cocktails. They've got a "Spa" with "Sauna" and "Steamroom". I indulged in a "Massage" - pure bliss. Seriously, the massage was so good, I almost forgot I was in Benidorm and not some zen oasis. This is what you need for a great time. Honestly I had one dream and I am not ashamed to say it - Body scrub and Body wrap!.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They’ve got pretty much everything you need. "Laundry service"? Check. "Concierge"? Check. "Luggage storage"? Check. The "Front desk [24-hour]"? Super helpful. The "Gift/souvenir shop" is handy. "Cash withdrawal"? Always appreciated. The fact that there are "Facilities for disabled guests" is a welcome detail.
Accessibility, Internet & Techy Stuff (the boring, but necessary bits)
The "Wheelchair accessible" aspect is important for some people. The available "Internet" services (including "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!") were reliable. "Internet access – wireless" was good too.
Getting Around: The Art of the Escape
Oh, this one's easy. "Airport transfer" is available (book it!). There is "Car park [free of charge]", but you're honestly better off with taxis or just walking. The central location means everything is within easy reach.
For the Kids? (Nope, and that's the point!)
Nope, this is a strict "Adults Only" hotel. And let’s be honest, that’s half the charm. No screaming kids running around the pool. Bliss.
Bottom Line: Should You Book?
ABSOLUTELY.
Benidorm's BEST Kept Secret? INSIDe Meliá Costablanca delivers. The adults-only vibe, the fantastic location, the well-equipped rooms, and the focus on relaxation all add up to a truly enjoyable experience. It's not perfect (no place is!), but the good far outweighs the minor flaws. If you're looking for a bit of grown-up fun, a place to recharge, or somewhere to escape the chaos of everyday life, book it. You won't regret it.
Here's my pitch - the "Book it Now" Offer:
Escape the Ordinary: Your Adult Oasis in Benidorm Awaits!
Tired of the same old holidays? Craving relaxation, fun, and a little bit of luxury, away from the pitter-patter of tiny feet? Then look no further. Benidorm's BEST Kept Secret? INSIDe Meliá Costablanca is calling your name!
- Indulge in the adults-only atmosphere, where peace and quiet are the order of the day.
- Sip cocktails by the stunning pool with a view, and soak up the Spanish sun.
- Pamper yourself in the spa with a rejuvenating massage.
- Explore the vibrant Benidorm nightlife, just steps from your door.
- Enjoy the comforts of well-appointed rooms with sea views and all the amenities you could wish for.
- Imagine waking up to a breakfast buffet and spending your days doing absolutely nothing!
Book your stay at Benidorm's BEST Kept Secret? INSIDe Meliá Costablanca now and get [mention a specific offer - e.g., a free bottle of wine on arrival, a discount on spa treatments, free breakfast]. Don't miss out – this secret won't stay hidden forever! Click here [link] to book your unforgettable escape.
P.S. - Pack your sunscreen, your sense of humor, and a willingness to let loose. You’re in for a treat!
Egerton Arms Carden: Your UK Pub Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Benidorm, baby, and INNSiDE by Meliá Costablanca – Adults Recommended – so we're aiming for messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious. Prepare for the whirlwind!
Trip Title: Benidorm: Sun, Sangria, and Questionable Life Choices (Probably Mine)
Accommodation: INNSiDE by Meliá Costablanca (aka, the supposed haven of cool adults. Let's see if I fit in, or if I spend the whole time feeling like a slightly-too-old, slightly-too-loud, tourist dinosaur.)
Duration: 5 Days (or, realistically, until my liver waves the white flag)
Day 1: Arrival - The Shock of the Orange Tan (and the Unexpected Laundry Duty)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Ugh, the flight. Let's just say I'm not built for cramped airplane seats. Land in Alicante. The air hits you like a warm, citrus-scented brick. I'm already sweating. Taxi to the hotel. My first impression? Shiny! Modern! And inexplicably, quiet. This "adults only" thing might be my undoing. Check in. Struggle with the key card. Classic.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Actual goal: find the balcony and the sunshine. Find myself on the balcony and try to feel as good as the pictures. Fail. This is when I realize I packed… mostly black clothes. In Spain. Facepalm. Immediately consider a shopping spree. Also, the room… it's clean. Almost too clean. Where's the tell-tale clutter of a lived-in existence? I need to mess this room up a little. Right?
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch! Gotta fuel up for the day. Scoping out places nearby… stumble upon a tiny tapas bar, "Casa Manolo." It looks genuine (and thankfully, not too polished!). I end up ordering way too much food. The olives are green and salty, the jamón melts in my mouth, and the waiter, bless him, barely speaks a word of English. We communicate mostly with hand gestures and grunts of appreciation. This is going to be amazing!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): SUN! Beach time! Find a spot, and then the sun. The first dip in the Mediterranean is pure bliss. The water is the perfect temperature, and suddenly everything is right with the world. I am immediately mesmerized by a very tan, very oiled-up older gentleman who seems to be attempting to read Proust. It is both deeply confusing and oddly inspiring.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Laundry. Yep. The horrors of black clothing in blazing sun! The hotel's laundry service is hideously expensive, so I find myself attempting to hand-wash a mountain of undies in the bathroom sink. Let the games begin. After a disastrous attempt at hanging them from the balcony (they almost blew off), I hang them in the bathroom. This adds a layer of realism to the sleek, sterile hotel.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Poolside drinks. Time to embrace the adult-ness of the hotel. The cocktails are strong. I meet a couple, and we end up talking for ages about the futility of social media. They've been coming to Benidorm for 15 years. Fifteen years! I might need to get my life together.
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Dinner somewhere I've booked online that looks very "Instagram friendly." Then I end up getting lost, wandering around the maze of narrow streets, and finding a karaoke bar. I'll admit it. I am no longer on the "Instagram friendly" path. The karaoke is, to put it mildly, enthusiastic. The sangria flows. The night gets blurry. I have no regrets.
Day 2: Exploring Benidorm - History, Heights, and the Perils of Paella
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Head to the old town. The contrast between the sparkling skyscrapers and the charming, winding streets is jarring. It's chaotic and beautiful and full of hidden squares. I climb up to the Balcón del Mediterráneo for the views. Absolutely worth it. The sea stretches out forever. This is the "postcard" Benidorm. I'm starting to get it now.
- Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The infamous paella. Finding a restaurant recommended online… and it's packed. The paella? Overcooked and a little bland. Lesson learned: Don't trust every online review. I finish the meal, wishing I'd just had more tapas.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wander around some shops. I resist the urge to buy a hideous souvenir. I fail. I buy a ceramic bull. I have no idea where I'll put it, but I had to have it. I decide I'm going to be that person, that annoying tourist, that buys the weirdest things.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Relax by the pool, recover from the paella, and watch the sunset from the hotel's rooftop bar.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Eat dinner at a restaurant with live music. After two bottles of wine, I hit the dance floor. It's hilarious. I'm sure the other people think so too – especially when I nearly fall over trying to do the tango.
Day 3: Day Trip – Mountains, Myths, and Maybe a Bit Too Much Sun
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): A planned tour to Guadalest, a beautiful mountain village.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Guadalest is gorgeous. But the tour guide is droning. I wish to abandon the group and go wandering…
- Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): A great tapas place. The tour guide is wrong.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More mountains and museums.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sunbath and relax by the pool.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner and drink.
Day 4: Delving Deeper - Beach Vibes and Questionable Shopping (Again)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Another beach day. I try to see if I can improve on my tan. I fail. I read a book. I feel slightly less like a tourist. I start to blend in… slightly.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Tapas at a little place near the beach. The waiter recognizes me. Friendly. Relaxing.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More shopping. More impulse buys. Another ceramic something. At this point I'm starting to embrace my status as the eccentric tourist.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Rooftop bar again. Watching the sunset. Reflecting on life. Realizing I've spent most of the day in a bathing suit.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Get a little dressed up. Maybe try to act like a sophisticated adult. Then, off to another karaoke bar. Because, you know…
Day 5: Departure - The Melancholy of the Mediterranean
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Final breakfast. Try to savor the last of the coffee. Pack. The laundry is (mostly) dry.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last walk along the beach. The air has a different feel. Time passes very quickly. Feel melancholy.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check out. Taxi to the airport. Already planning my return.
- Departure (2:00 PM onwards): Flight home. Feeling tired, sun-kissed, and slightly hungover. Reflecting on the trip. Benidorm: it wasn't perfect, but it was real. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. And I will definitely be back.
Important Notes/Stream-of-Consciousness Ramblings:
- Sangria is your friend. Seriously. Embrace it.
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases. Even if you butcher them. The locals appreciate the effort.
- **Sunscreen. Seriously.
Benidorm's... Secret? The Melia Costablanca's Adult-Only Bit! (Spoiler Alert: I've Been!)
Okay, spill the beans! What's this "Adults Only" thing actually *mean* at the Meliá Costablanca? Is it just a fancy way of saying "no screaming kids in cocktail hour?"
Alright, deep breath... It *mostly* means no tiny humans running amok. (Thank the heavens!) Think peaceful poolside sunbathing, actual conversations at dinner without the "Can I have more chicken nuggets?" interruptions, and lobby bars that don't resemble a daycare center at 8 PM. But honestly? It's more than that. It's the vibe. It's the collective sigh of relief you hear as you step through the automatic doors. It's people actually *relaxing* and not constantly wrangling children. I remember one time, there was this couple, they had been married for 20 years, and as soon as they stepped on the hotel grounds, it was like some weight had been lifted. They started holding hands! It was... well, it was beautiful, and I felt a little jealous they didn't have to run after anyone.
Is the food decent? Because holiday food is often... well, let's just say "variable."
Oh, the food! Look, I’m a foodie, or at least, I *think* I am. I’ve definitely had better (Michelin-starred, of course!), and I’ve *absolutely* had worse (that mystery meat stew in a roadside cafe near Toledo… shudder). But for a buffet-style hotel, the Meliá Costablanca actually does a pretty good job. The breakfast spread is solid – a good range of pastries (I MAY have eaten several croissants a day), fresh fruit, and they usually have someone knocking out omelets to order. Dinner is also usually decent. There's a different themed night every night, but again, don't expect miracles. I do remember a particularly good paella night… and a slightly less successful "international cuisine" night that ventured dangerously close to what I call "beige food central." One time, I even had a terrible meal: the chef had definitely misplaced his heart. It was a disaster. But overall, for the price, it’s absolutely fine. Just… pace yourself. You're on holiday, not a competitive eating contest.
What’s the pool situation like? Because pictures can be very misleading.
The pool... ah, the pool. Okay, the pool is *good*. Clean, good temperature, and with enough sunbeds (usually!). Now, I have to be honest - if you're trying to grab a prime sunbed at 9 AM you might be disappointed. There are *those* people, you know the ones, with the towels deployed before the sun even thinks about rising. But if you’re reasonable and don’t mind a slightly less-photogenic spot, you’ll be fine. And the best part? No dive-bombing children! It's all very civilized... until someone decides to have one too many Sangrias. That's when the fun *really* starts. It made me realize most people are actually just goofballs waiting to be set free. And, yes, I *may* have been part of said silliness at one point... (cough cough) involving a pool noodle and a particularly assertive inflatable flamingo.
Tell me about the entertainment! Is it all just… cheesy tribute bands?
Okay, the entertainment… right… it's Benidorm. Expect the cheese. Embrace the cheese. Love. the. Cheese. There will be tribute bands. Sometimes they're amazing. Sometimes... not so much. I've seen a truly remarkable ABBA tribute act that had the whole place on its feet, singing at the top of their lungs. And I've also witnessed… let’s just say, a "Frank Sinatra" performance that sounded more like a man gargling gravel. But that's part of the charm, isn't it? You’re not there for high culture; you're there for a laugh, maybe a little dancing, and plenty of cocktails. Look at it as an opportunity to laugh *at* things, not *with* things. It's all just a bit of fun. And hey, even the bad ones become legendary stories to tell later, right? I remember one act that the audience booed so loudly they simply walked off stage. Oh, the hilarious memories!
The location? Is it a death march to the beach?
Nope! The Meliá Costablanca has a prime spot. Right on the beach! That's the golden ticket, really. You stroll out of the hotel, cross a *very* small street, and BAM! You're on Levante Beach. Beautiful. The beach is a bit of a lottery, mind you. Sometimes it's pristine, sometimes it's a bit windswept (and you’ll be eating half the sand…), but the location is a major plus. You can easily pop back to the hotel for a drink, a bathroom break, or because you forgot your sun cream (been there, done that, looked like a lobster). I went for a walk once, early in the morning, and it was heaven. The air was fresh, the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, and the beach was practically empty. Pure bliss. Plus, everything else is within walking distance too: bars, shops, the whole shebang. You’re in the thick of it without actually feeling *overwhelmed*, somehow.
What kind of people go there? Are we talking exclusively stag-dos disguised as civilized couples?
No, definitely not! The clientele is actually surprisingly varied. You get couples celebrating anniversaries, groups of friends on a weekend getaway, solo travelers looking for a bit of peace and quiet (like me!), and even the occasional family with older, more independent children. Okay, there might be the odd hen or stag do but they usually stick to themselves. It's a good mix, all looking for a bit of R&R. I remember chatting to this absolutely lovely couple from Yorkshire. They'd been coming to the hotel for *years*. They genuinely loved it. We ended up having several meals together and a few late-night chats in the bar. That's the kind of atmosphere the hotel fosters: relaxed, friendly, and surprisingly diverse. And that's something I found very pleasing indeed.
So, is the Meliá Costablanca really Benidorm's "best kept secret?"
Well, secret? Maybe not *that* secret anymore, considering I'm spilling the beans here! But… yeah, I'd say it’s a pretty good pick. It's not perfect. Nothing in life is. But for location, value, the adult-only vibe, and the overall experience, it's a solid choice. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in Benidorm, where you can actually hear yourself think, and maybe, just maybe, enjoy a cocktail without the constant sound of tiny humans yelling, then definitely consider it. Just… don’t hog all the sunbeds. And for the love of all that is holy, bring your own insect repellent. You'll thank me later.
Sleep Stop Guide
