This Costa Blancan port city can provide a lively city break, be a jumping-off point to explore quaint Valencian villages or provide a base to travel to the resorts along the coast. Its public beaches are great for those of all ages, providing safe, warm bathing waters and lots of beachside amenities. The harbour is a hub for food and drink outlets, with some excellent tapas bars and authentic seafood restaurants. And with flights into Alicante airport operating frequently from across the UK, getting there is a doddle. Here are some of the hotels we recommend if you’re staying in the city.
Hospes Amérigo
Encouraging guests to ‘find, feel and belong’, the Hospes group transforms historic buildings into luxury hotels, using an avant-garde style. This one is an ex-Salesian convent, now a minimalist affair displaying modern Mediterranean decor. A highlight is the roof terrace (with food service), which proffers views of Santa Barbara castle that are especially dramatic when lit by night. It’s family and dog-friendly with an in-house Bodyna Spa, using Cinq Mondes products, an indoor-outdoor pool and a terrace-solarium. Guests can also enjoy a meal at Fondillion, tapas at the bar – and don’t miss Sunday brunch with jazz at the Bistró Amérigo.
Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton
Walking distance from the railway station, a couple of nice beaches and beside the port, Casa Alberola Alicante is found within a pretty neo-classical building with wrought-iron balconies. Inside, the decor is modern – in keeping with the Hilton style – but with hints of art deco style. Catering to adults only, rooms here come with crisp white bedding, padded velvet headboards and parquet floors – some have freestanding bathtubs and sea views too. Its restaurant, Blacky, serves Mediterranean-meets-Chilean cuisine and there’s a buzzing bar for a post-dinner drink.