Hotel Marconi

The hotel is celebrated for its prime beachfront location and a standout rooftop pool and sun terrace that offers stunning panoramic sea views, providing a serene escape from the bustling Benidorm beaches. Guests consistently commend the hotel's exceptional cleanliness and the remarkably friendly and helpful staff who contribute significantly to a positive stay. This establishment is particularly well-suited for couples and solo travelers seeking a tranquil base, as well as those who appreciate a more traditional Spanish atmosphere away from the louder nightlife, yet still within easy reach of attractions. Its position in the Old Town makes it an ideal choice for explorers keen to discover the local culture and dining scene. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a sea-view room to enjoy the beautiful vistas, and be aware that while the food caters to local tastes, there are abundant dining options nearby if you prefer variety.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's rooftop pool and sun terrace are consistently highlighted as a major draw, offering a peaceful retreat with fantastic sea views and ample loungers on an astro turf surface. While described as a small "splash pool" by some, it provides a refreshing alternative to the busy beach, though it may be chilly or emptied during off-peak seasons. Guests appreciate the convenience of an on-site bar with outdoor seating, serving good drinks. Wi-Fi is generally reported as good, fast, and reliable throughout the hotel, though a few older reviews mention it primarily in the lobby. Rooms are equipped with a safe within the wardrobe and a small TV, though it lacks English channels. A notable absence for many guests is a kettle or fridge in the rooms, and plug sockets can be limited. The air-conditioning is effective, and an elevator provides access to the rooftop.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, noting that rooms are spotless and cleaned daily, with fresh towels provided regularly. Room sizes vary, with some guests enjoying massive or large side rooms with balconies, while others found interior rooms to be surprisingly spacious or, conversely, small. Many rooms feature huge balconies with sea views, enhancing the stay. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, super comfy, or very nice, contributing to a restful night's sleep, even for those with back issues. Bathrooms are generally clean, with good showers and steaming hot water, though some note the absence of a bath. While most guests find the rooms quiet, some report thin walls leading to noise from adjoining rooms or slamming wardrobe doors, and occasional noisy plumbing.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining experience is mixed but generally leans positive, with many guests finding the buffet-style meals to be good and plentiful, offering variety and tasty options. The breakfast receives particular praise for its good selection including cooked items, cold meats, cereals, fruits, and pastries, though some guests found it adequate but not to their personal taste, and a few noted a lack of a full English breakfast. For lunch and dinner, the food is acknowledged to have a Spanish bias, catering primarily to the local clientele, which some guests appreciated as authentic. While some found the food to be excellent with a wide range of fish, poultry, vegan, and meat options, others described it as basic, bland, or not fantastic, suggesting it might not suit all palates. The restaurant can get busy, especially at peak times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated directly on the beachfront and offering stunning views of the sea. It is perfectly positioned in the Old Town of Benidorm, providing a quieter atmosphere compared to the new town, yet remains within an easy and short walk to the vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops of the Old Town. Guests appreciate its proximity to key attractions, including the harbour for boat trips and a diving school. The hotel's position also allows for pleasant strolls along the promenade to reach the newer parts of Benidorm, offering the "best of both worlds." While the road in front can be busy and noisy, the convenience of being just steps from the beach and central to exploration makes it highly desirable for most visitors. Public transport, such as a tram station, is also within walking distance.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming attitude and willingness to go out of their way to assist, from providing local event information to accommodating specific requests like storing and heating baby food. The reception staff are noted for their efficiency during quick check-ins and their ability to resolve issues, even arranging taxis promptly. Housekeeping is commended for being attentive and ensuring rooms are spotless daily, sometimes anticipating guest needs like providing extra blankets. While most staff are Spanish, many guests found them to be very approachable and accommodating, even with limited English, often finding someone who could translate. The bar staff and restaurant team are also singled out for their pleasant and attentive service, contributing to a positive overall experience.

Additional Information
The hotel primarily caters to an older Spanish clientele, which many guests found contributed to a quiet and respectful atmosphere, contrasting with noisier resorts. While some guests occasionally encountered instances of perceived rudeness or pushing from a few individuals, the majority appreciated the traditional Spanish ambiance. The hotel is described as a small, family-run establishment, contributing to its intimate and welcoming feel. Guests should be aware that while rooms are cleaned daily, some interior rooms may have limited views or natural light. The TVs in rooms offer only Spanish channels, so guests are advised to bring their own devices for entertainment. Despite some minor drawbacks, many guests consider the hotel to offer good value for money and express a strong desire to return due to its overall positive attributes.