Escape to Paradise: Benidorm's Stunning Levante Beach Condo!
Escape to Paradise: Benidorm's Stunning Levante Beach Condo! – Or, My Very Own Fiesta of Fun (and Maybe a Little Panic)
Okay, look, let's be real, Benidorm. The name alone conjures up images of… well, let's just say experiences. And this "Escape to Paradise" condo on Levante Beach? Promises a lot. So, after a week spent sweating and swimming, sunburnt and slightly seasick, let's unpack this whole shebang. I'm talking honest-to-goodness, warts-and-all Benidorm report. This isn't some polished travel brochure; this is my Benidorm.
First, the Gist: Location, Location, Location!
Right, Levante Beach. It's a vibe. Think sun, sand, and… enough Brits to fill a small country. This condo? It's perched right there, practically on the action. Forget struggling with taxis or epic walks after a few sangrias. You're there. That's the biggest selling point. No contest.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Alright!)
Wheelchair Accessible: Didn't test this personally (thankfully, haven't needed to). But from what I could see, elevators are a go, and there seems to be decent access to the public areas. CHECK. But always double-check with the hotel itself and be very specific about your needs. Don’t just trust a generic review; get confirmation! That's my tip. Okay? Okay.
Accessibility [More broadly]: The elevator access helped a lot, but the overall accessibility of the town, particularly getting to the bars and restaurants up the coast, seemed… problematic. You’d need to check specific routes. This is not a smooth-sailing experience for all.
Internet: Techy Stuff (Thank God for Wi-Fi!)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the tech gods! Essential. Because, you know, Instagram. And keeping in touch with reality (or, at least, pretending to). Good. Very Good.
- Internet [Wireless] and [LAN]: I tested the Wi-Fi, and it was generally reliable. I didn't use the LAN because… well, who uses LAN cables anymore? I'm just grateful it's available. Sometimes I just want to watch a stream without any disturbances.
Things to Do (The "Relaxation" Bit - Or, My Attempts at Zen)
- Swimming pool [Outdoor]: Decent. Not Olympic standard, but clean and refreshing after a day battling the sun. The pool with a view? Meh. It's a pool. You can see stuff. It's pleasant, I guess.
- Spa/Sauna (and related): Now, this is where things got interesting. The spa…Okay, I confess, the spa seemed a tad… formal. Lots of polite whispering. I’m more of a "plonk yourself down with a beer" kind of relaxation person. But they do have a Steamroom. If you like a good sweat, you'll adore it. I think; I chickened out..
- Fitness center: Didn't go. See above (beer & lounging). Actually, the thought of the gym after my daily beach walks… I’d sooner wrestle a seagull.
- Massage: Now, a massage? YES, I did this! (I had some knots from my overzealous dancing at a Karaoke night). It was heavenly. Almost. But the masseuse kept trying to talk to me, which, frankly, detracted from the whole relaxing experience. "Which country are you from, sir?" "Do you like the aroma-therapies?" Just… shush, please! And it did work.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Important Stuff
- Cleanliness and safety: Absolutely crucial. Everything seemed spotless, which is a relief. Hygiene certification (very comforting these days), Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays. They are seriously doing what they can. I am happy I wasn't worried.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good. This seems a real priority.
- Hand sanitizer: It's everywhere. Like, everywhere. I’m starting to suspect a sinister plot to weaponize hand sanitizer.
- Cashless payment service: Definitely good to have.
- First aid kit & Doctor/nurse on call: All important.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun
- Restaurants, Bars, and the Poolside Bar: I'm not a big foodie, so the A la carte in the restaurant stuff was lost on me. But the Poolside bar was a winner. Perfect for a swift beer (or three).
- Breakfast [Buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Buffet. I'm a buffet person. Enough said. Also, I heard good things about the Asian restaurant. Might regret not trying it.
- Coffee shop and happy hour: Both present and correct.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Fantastic for those late-night snack attacks. And you'll have them. Trust me.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
- Air conditioning in public area & Available in all rooms: Blissful. Essential.
- Concierge & Doorman: Smooth, professional, helpful… all that good stuff.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always immaculate. Magic.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Again, good to see, though specific needs need checking.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Useful for those of us who pack, shall we say… enthusiastically.
- Luggage storage: Essential. Trust me, you’ll need it.
For the Kids: Family-Friendliness
- Babysitting service & Kids facilities: I didn't travel with children, but there seemed to be enough to keep them occupied. Family/child friendly is a definite tick.
- Kids meal: Great idea.
The Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (Maybe Not)
- Available in all rooms: This is the good stuff.
- Air conditioning: Praise the lord.
- Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Mini bar: All excellent.
- Safe box: Use it!
- Wi-Fi [free]: Still singing its praises.
- Window that opens: HUGE plus. Breathing fresh air is so important.
- The Seating Area: Comfortable. It makes you want to sit and think… Or to stare into space after a long day.
- **The Balcony/Terrace: **If you can, ask for one. Essential for evening sunsets, or mornings.
Getting Around: The Benidorm Shuffle
- Airport transfer: Consider it. After a long flight, it's worth it.
- Car park [on-site] & Valet parking: Don't drive; park and be done.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
The Overall Vibe
This isn't a luxury hotel in the purest sense. But it's a very comfortable, well-run place. If you're looking to be pampered beyond belief, perhaps look at other hotels.
But…
For the location, the cleanliness, the convenience, and the fact that you're just a stumble away from the beach and the razzmatazz of Benidorm, it's a winner. It's a solid base for a fantastic holiday.
The Quirks, The Annoyances, The Real Stuff
- The Elevator: The elevators got very slow during peak times. Seriously, if you're impatient, plan accordingly.
- The Noise: Benidorm is loud. You will hear things. Embrace it. Bring earplugs.
- The Prices: Benidorm’s got a reputation. Watch your spend.
My "Escape to Paradise" Verdict
It's definitely worth it. Book it. Escape to Paradise: Benidorm's Stunning Levante Beach Condo!
But wait, there's more… I'd rate the overall experience a solid 8/10. The Perfect Benidorm Holiday: Your Own Slice of Sun and Sangria!
Here's My Persuasive Offer to You:
Feeling the Benidorm Buzz? Ready to Dive into the Legend? Book Your Stay Now!
- Unbeatable Location: steps from the sizzling Levante Beach and all the wild antics that Benidorm has to offer.
- Convenience That Can't Be Beat: You're right in the middle of it all, but still have a calm place to come back to.
- Relaxation, Reimagined: Want to take it easy? Unwind with a massage. Or, at the very least, enjoy a well-deserved happy hour, or two.
- Peace of Mind: Spotless rooms, attentive staff, and all the safety measures you could ask for.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into the chaotic, sun-drenched, potentially-lobster-burned reality of a trip to Principado Mediterraneo 14-C, Levante Beach, Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain. Let's get messy, shall we?
The "We're Going to Spain!" Itinerary (or, The Art of Winging It)
Day 1: The Arrival. Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Delayed Flight.
Morning (and by "morning," I mean a frantic sprint to catch the Ryanair flight):
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Groan. Swear I'll never pack the night before again (spoiler: I will). Frantic search for passport. Found it. Victory! Commence the airport dash. Note to self: invest in noise-canceling headphones. The pre-dawn airport hustle is a symphony of stressed toddlers and bleary-eyed business travelers.
- 9:00 AM: Actual flight time. Delayed, naturally. Stare at a crying baby two rows ahead. Contemplate adopting a travel-sized bottle of gin for emergencies.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Finally, we're airborne! Breathe a sigh of relief. Feel the giddy excitement of being finally in the air!
Afternoon: Arrival and…Slight Panic:
- 2:00 PM: Touchdown in Alicante! Sun is beaming! Already feeling my skin getting a lovely tint. Stumble through the airport, fighting the urge to buy all the duty-free perfume.
- 3:00 PM: Taxi to the apartment in Benidorm. Driver tells us all about his ex-wife. I don't speak Spanish to save my life; I only understand the "mucha cerveza, mucho fiesta" part. This is going to be a ride.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Principado Mediterraneo 14-C. Apartment is… well, it's got a balcony. And a view. A GREAT VIEW! But… did someone say '80s decor? Floral everything, carpets you know haven't been hoovered since the Gulf War, and a kitchen that appears to have been designed to confuse the hell out of anyone who tries to make a sandwich.
- 4:30 PM: Attempt to unpack. Find a rogue pair of socks in my suitcase. Decide to embrace the chaos.
- 5:00 PM: First walk to the beach. Levante Beach. It's even more gorgeous than the pictures. The sand is HOT. The sea is a shimmering turquoise dream. The sheer number of people is…a lot. My brain does a little happy dance.
- 6:00 PM: Stroll down the promenade. Get accosted by a guy selling (rather aggressively) "genuine Gucci" handbags. Politely decline. Feel mildly insulted.
- 7:00 PM: Find a chiringuito (beach bar) and order sangria. Oh, the sangria! This is what life is all about. Watch the sunset. Think, "This is it. This is the life."
- 8:00 PM: Wander into the labyrinthine streets looking for tapas. My stomach growls. Get distracted by a shop selling ridiculously kitsch souvenirs. Accidentally buy a ceramic bull wearing a sombrero.
- 9:00 PM: Find a tapas bar that looks promising. Order everything. Eat until I can barely move. Swear to myself that I will, absolutely, under no circumstances, ever eat again. (Spoiler alert: I eat again, of course.)
- 10:00PM: Stumble back to the apartment, feeling full, happy, and slightly sunburnt. Pass out the instant my head hits the pillow.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and a Near-Disaster Involving a Lobster)
Morning:
- 9:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Head throbbing slightly from the Sangria. Greet the day with a giant bottle of water and a grimace.
- 10:00 AM: Beach time! This is what we came for! Slather on sunscreen (lesson learned: apply liberally and often). Deploy the beach towel. Soak up the sun. People-watch. Observe the bizarre mating rituals of the sunbathers.
- 12:00 PM: Decide to try the "snorkelling." Discover that I am, in fact, terrible at snorkelling. Swallow a lot of seawater. Nearly drown (okay, maybe an exaggeration, but it felt dramatic). Retrieve myself and dry off.
Afternoon: Lobster Frenzy:
- 1:00 PM: Lunch- a very late lunch, and a VERY important one. Decide to indulge in a bit of the local fare. The restaurant is bustling, it's crowded, sweaty, and the air smells of salty air and garlic. I see it. I have to have it.
- 1:30 PM: Lobster time! I order langosta a la plancha. Freshly grilled lobster, dripping with garlic butter. It looks glorious. A waiter arrives, his eyes twinkle, and places it on the table.
- 2:00 PM: I MANAGE TO DROP IT. Right on my face. The butter. The garlic! The shame! It's an awful, messy, delightful failure! I almost want to cry. I want to laugh. I am overwhelmed.
- 2:10 PM: The waiter, bless his heart, sees the look of utter devastation on my face. He swoops in with a cloth. I attempt to salvage the meal. I have a fork and a stubborn spirit.
- 3:00 PM: Success. I eat the lobster. It is the most delicious, imperfect, gloriously messy lobster I have ever tasted. I feel like I've earned it. I get a little teary-eyed. Then I eat some more.
- 4:00 PM: Stroll back to the beach with a newfound sense of resilience.
Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Find a pub and attempt to watch the football match. Realize I don't understand the rules but appreciate the enthusiastic shouting.
- 8:00 PM: Find a good restaurant and savor a hearty dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Watch the street performers doing their thing. Buy a "hand-painted" portrait (that bears only a vague resemblance to me).
- 10:00 PM: Head back to the apartment, full of food, a bit merry, and already dreaming about the next day.
Day 3…and onwards:
- Day 3: Day trip to Guadalest. The castle is picturesque. The drive is terrifying. The tiny craft shops are a treasure trove of kitsch.
- Day 4: Benidorm Old Town exploration- more tapas, more sangria, more quirky encounters. A chance to buy more souvenirs.
- Day 5: Beach day. More beach. Swimming. More sun. More people-watching.
- Day 6 - Departure:
- 7:00 AM: Pack. Attempt to cram everything back into the suitcase. Fail. Accept defeat.
- 8:00 AM: One last balcony coffee. Soak in the view. Feel a pang of sadness.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Say goodbye to the apartment, the sun, the sea, and the chaos.
- 12:00 PM: Touchdown in the airport.
Random Observations (and Emotional Reactions):
- The Spanish people are ridiculously friendly, even if you can't speak a word of Spanish. Their smiles are genuine. Their patience is legendary.
- The food is incredible. Honestly, I'd eat cardboard if it came with a side of paella.
- I'm probably ten pounds heavier. Worth it.
- I am never going back to work. I'm staying here forever.
- (Later, after a week of Benidorm) maybe this won't work out.
- I love this place. I hate this place. I love it so much more than I hate it.
- My skin is the color of a ripe tomato.
- I need another sangria. Immediately.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a chaotic, imperfect, wonderfully messy adventure. It wasn't always pretty. I got sunburned. I ate too much. I might have even considered starting a family in Benidorm. But it was exactly what I needed. I laughed, I cried (mostly from laughing), and I made some memories that I'll probably embarrass myself with for years to come. Would I do it again? Hell yeah. Just give me a giant bottle of sunscreen and a lobster bib, and let's go.
Escape to Paradise: HOTEL BLACK & WHITE, Visakhapatnam's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Benidorm's Stunning Levante Beach Condo FAQs - Because Let's Be Honest, You Need This.
Okay, So... Is This Place Actually Paradise? Like, *Really*?
Alright, look. Paradise? Subjective, innit? My mate Dave, he'd call a Greggs a slice of heaven. Me? I was skeptical. Benidorm? Known for... well, let's just say "vibrant nightlife." But, *this* condo… It's got potential. The view? Unbelievable. Seriously, you wake up to that sunrise creeping over the Med, and you actually forget for a second you’re in Benidorm. You know, before the karaoke from the bar below kicks in. (More on that later…)
What's the Deal With the Location? Beach, Beach, Beach, Right?
Levante Beach? Yep. Right there. You practically roll out of bed and onto the sand. (Don't actually try that, you'll end up in a bush.) It's glorious. The sea! The sun! The... other tourists. Look, it's busy. Let's be real. You'll be dodging inflatable flamingos and blokes in Speedos. But the accessibility? Top notch. Five minutes, you can be building a sandcastle… or, you know, nursing a hangover. Which, let's be honest, is an equally valid use of the beach.
The Condo Itself...Is It Swanky or Budget-Friendly?
Swanky? Nah. It’s not *dirty*. It's functional. Clean. The kitchen’s got everything you need to, you know, make beans on toast. (Essential holiday cuisine). The balcony? HUGE. Perfect for sunset cocktails. (Bring your own because the drinks downstairs are... well, you'll see). It's comfy. It's practical. It's not a five-star resort. But honestly? After a day of sun, sea, and… let’s call it "cultural immersion" (aka dodging stag dos) you don't really *need* swanky. You need a bed. And a cold beer. And this condo provides both.
Alright, Spill the Tea: What's the Karaoke Situation Like?
Oh, the karaoke. *Deep sigh*. Okay. So, the bar *directly* below the condo… Yep. Karaoke. Every. Single. Night. Now, I love a bit of a sing-song as much as the next person, but this… This is an experience. Remember that time you tried to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" after a few too many sherbets? Yeah. Multiply that by a hundred. Then add the ear-splitting, off-key screeching of a thousand holidaymakers. And it vibrates UP through the floor – right through your bones, your teeth. It’s relentless. Consider earplugs. Seriously. Invest. But… and here’s the weird bit… after a few days, you kind of get used to it. It’s like, the soundtrack to your holiday. You’ll find yourself strangely humming along, at 3 AM. You've been warned.
Is There Air Conditioning? Because That Spanish Sun…
Yes! Thank the gods. Air Con? Absolutely. Essential. Imagine trying to sleep after a day of sunbathing and sangria. Without air con? A living hell. The air con worked perfectly. It was a sanctuary. I could actually *sleep*. My sleep is sacred, I swear. And, bonus points: when the Karaoke downstairs was at its worst, I could crank the air con and make some white noise. Genius. Pure genius.
Anything I Should Know About the Neighbours?
The neighbours… Well, there were a couple of Irish blokes, eternally tanned and drinking cider. You'll probably meet them on the beach. They were alright. Sound lads. Then there was… *shudders*… a family of squirrels that frequented the balcony. They were relentless. Little furry bandits. They wanted your breakfast cereal, every morning. Seriously, it was a full-on heist operation. I'd suggest keeping the balcony door closed, unless you *like* being stalked by tiny, beady-eyed, fluffy criminals.
Is it Family-Friendly?
Um... yes. And no. The condo itself? Perfectly fine for families. Safe, clean, practical. But Benidorm as a whole? That really depends on your family. There's plenty to keep kids entertained, but be prepared for... well, let's just say the entertainment options are *varied*. And can get a bit loud, and lively, shall we say. So, yes, you *can*, absolutely. But go in with your eyes open. Maybe bring some noise-cancelling headphones for the kids. And yourself.
Any Tips for Making the Most of My Stay?
* **Earplugs**. Seriously, I can't stress this enough. * **Learn a few basic Spanish phrases**. The locals are lovely, and appreciate the effort, even if you butcher it completely, like I did. "Cerveza, por favor!" (beer, please!) is a good start. * **Embrace the chaos**. Benidorm isn't for the faint of heart. Just go with it. * **Explore**. Get off the strip and check out the old town. It's charming. And quieter. A lot quieter. * **Don't be afraid to be a tourist**. Get that ridiculously oversized hat, get on a boat trip – embrace it! * **And the most important thing?** Relax. Have fun. And try not to get too involved in the karaoke. Unless you want to. Then by all means, belt it out! Just... maybe not "My Way.”
Would You Go Back?
You know what? Despite the ear-splitting karaoke and the squirrel mafia, yeah. I would. The view alone is worth it. The location is amazing. It's easy. It's fun. It's Benidorm at its, well, Benidorm-y best. Just... pack those earplugs.
