The best hotels in Alicante: eight places to stay, city and coast

A former convent with a rooftop pool

Hospes Amérigo occupies a former Dominican convent in the centre, a few blocks from the Explanada and the old town. Rooms are modern, in stone, wood and pale tones, and on the roof there is a pool looking up to the castle.

First-timers can book it with confidence, putting you in the middle of the city with a spa, a good restaurant and a roof terrace. It is a strong pick for couples and anyone who wants a stylish hotel. The rooftop pool is small and fills up in the afternoon, so go early. The surrounding streets are lively, but the rooms are well insulated.

A mansion at the end of the Explanada

Hotel Casa Alberola stands in an old mansion at the end of the Explanada, looking over the marina and the palms. The interior is elegant and contemporary, with pale colours, high ceilings and details from the original building.

This is our design pick and a good base if you want the marina, the old town and the shopping streets close by. It appeals to couples and lovers of historic hotels with modern comforts. There is no pool, but Postiguet beach is a stroll along the promenade.

A quirky little hotel

Hotel Les Monges Palace sits in the old town, in an old building with rooms full of antiques, art and curiosities. Some rooms have a whirlpool bath or Japanese styling, and no two are the same.

It gets our vote as the value pick, putting you in the heart of the old town in a hotel with real personality for very little. It is well suited to couples and anyone who likes the unusual. Rooms are small and there are hardly any public spaces, but the location and atmosphere make up for it.

Right by the beach and marina

Meliá Alicante stands between Postiguet beach and the marina, with sea views from many rooms. It is a big hotel with a pool, terraces and a short walk to the old town.

It is a good fit for families and anyone who wants beach and city in one, without buses or taxis. The location is hard to beat. The building is large and not especially pretty, and in summer the pool and beach are busy.

Out on the harbour pier

Hotel Spa Porta Maris sits out on the pier in the harbour, surrounded by water on three sides and looking back at the city, the castle and the beach. There is a spa and a pool.

It works best for travellers who want to stay on the water, with the marina and restaurants outside and the old town ten minutes away. It works well for couples and short breaks. The interior is plain, so it is the view you are paying for. Ask for a room facing the city and castle, at their best in the evening.

Pools and a playground at San Juan

Hotel Port Alicante City & Beach is at Playa de San Juan, the long sandy beach north of the city, with two outdoor pools, a children's pool, a playground and a garden. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a sauna.

It is made for families who want beach, pool and room for the children, with the tram into Alicante whenever you want to see the city. It also works for longer winter stays. It is a modern, practical hotel rather than a place with charm, and breakfast costs extra on some rates. In the evening the promenade fills with people out for a stroll and an ice cream.

Thai gardens in the hills above Benidorm

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa sits in the hills above Benidorm, with tropical gardens, several pools and Asian-style buildings. The spa is large, and the views stretch over the coast and mountains.

It takes our family pick, because the pools and gardens give plenty of space and something for every age. It also suits couples who want a resort holiday with a spa. It is not on the beach, so you will need a car or the hotel shuttle to swim in the sea.

By the sea in Altea

SH Villa Gadea stands by the sea in Altea, built like a Mediterranean village, with a spa and a pool facing the water. The white old town of Altea, with its blue-domed church, rises on the hill behind.

It earns our romantic pick, offering peace, sea views and one of the prettiest small towns on the Costa Blanca right next door. It is ideal for couples. The beach is pebbly, and Alicante is around 45 minutes away.