Honest opinions of Benidorm

[buddahbelly]

Im looking to book a holiday in late October for myself dp and ds whois 6. we've looked at Tenerife as we've been before pre ds and think he would love it but for nearly half the money Benidorm hotels are coming up with much better reviews, more things for ds.

I dont know why though but the thought of Benidorm reminds me of Blackpool holidays as a child which I definitely dont want to do again. whats it actually like there?

I've never been but my DH is there just now and said he's surprised by how nice it is.

I really love it. The old town is beautiful.

DH went on a stag do to Benidorm (older group of men). He stayed near the old town and said it was a really nice place.

I went a couple of years ago and was really happily surprised. It's very very clean, the old part of town is much quieter and more traditional, there are some lovely restaurants too. We stayed in a hotel where the guests were mostly older and Spanish and it was really good. Friendly people and clean beach, lots to do nearby. It's honestly nothing like you see on TV (unless you want that and go looking for it!) I loved it.
Absolutely not like Blackpool, where I went a few months ago and thought it was horrible.

I imagine the weather will be why prices are so much cheaper on mainland Spain. I don’t know Benidorm itself and love visiting Andalusia at any time of year - but we tell guests at our villa that in October they’ll need a heated pool and a warm hoodie for evenings. Check temperatures - canaries will still be laying in the sun and swimming temperatures but Benidorm might not be.

We always find Benidrom to be quite pleasant... loads to do, cheap and cheerful! Yes it does have a Brits abroad feel to it but I quite like it.

Until 10pm. Then it turns into some weird depraved sex mad riotous crazy land. So be back in the hotel by then 😂 unless you're into that sort if thing...

The beach is lovely. I was impressed by how much the local authority takes care of it (when I was out in the evening there were machines cleaning the beach and sunbeds all being washed down).

Nightlife is the sleaziest I have ever experienced in my life but doubt you'll be looking for nightlife with a 6 year old.

However, you will be really risking it with the weather in late October. It could be pleasant or cold and raining. Canary Islands are a safer bet with the weather which is why it is more expensive.

We were there a couple of years ago, stayed in a hotel complex a little bit outside Benidorm.
We went into the old town a few times, and like previous posters, were surprised at how nice it was.
The hotel shuttle bus drove through the new town and did drop people off there, but we didn’t fancy it much...it did look closer to Blackpool.
Nothing wrong with that if that’s what you’re after, but we weren’t!

Just noticed you’re planning to go in October- definitely won’t be as warm as Tenerife, hence the price difference.

Ive never been. My family love it and want to pay for me dh and the kids to go.

Never. Id rather not have a holiday.

I just got back from benidorm 2 weeks ago with my husband and kids aged 6 and 1. The old town is much nicer than the new town and cleaner I thought. The beach is beautiful and kept very clean plus the water was so warm. My family live in Spain and said in October the beach water is still warm but the pools have cooled a lot. You definitely need a jumper for night. Benidorm has lots to do Mundomar is nice and they also have Terra natura and a few other places close by. The buses run very frequently which is great and the shops open late. It is quite difficult to see much Spanish culture in Benidorm and the nights are very busy so be careful what is around your hotel. We stayed at La Siesta Rincon which was lovely and quiet but other family stayed in hotel and couldn’t sleep due to the constant noise around. You do see a lot of groups drinking but at the times your most likely out with kids they are just enjoying themselves not bothering anyone. The streets get really busy which my oldest son found difficult but he does have autism however other kids seemed to be struggling a bit too with it.

The old town is beautiful. The strip can be very tacky but really it's where you pay attention :) yes you'll see plenty of lovely regular people but lots of stags , hens and some scumbags. It's what you make it. Great if you're looking for a 'mad night out' as the clubs stay open really late. Restaurants are lovely. I would just be wary of safety in Benidorm it's not like other Spanish places.

And Spain is no good to you late October usually, you might get away with early October if you're lucky. (The weather)

Would you not consider calpe? It's 45 mins away from Benidorm and actually closer to the airport. It's a lovely small city, no stags/hens. Plenty of lovely restaurants , bars, nightlife.

Sorry for multiple posts. Go to canaries/lanzarote as they are the only places the weather will be good late October :)

Thanks for all your opinions, I think im put off by the tv series if anything which I know isn't a good placebo judge any area.

For the weather alone ill pay the extra and go to the canaries, but Benidorm isn't off the list for a summer holiday some time. I just asked my dad and he again said he loved the old town area the new town he found tacky and wouldn't want to visit with a 6 year old.

hamandcheesebaguette your description made me spit out my tea!

I have been to Benidorm on a day trip while staying elsewhere in Alicante. The beach itself is very nice, but Benidorm is tacky and much worse than Blackpool. Its fish and chips and people drinking alcohol at breakfast time. Lots of people with tattoos who shout at their children. Its cheap for a reason OP!

We go to Benidorm quite often and one thing I will say is that a lot of Spanish people ranging from families up to the elderly go there on holiday as well.
It's not all young Brits on the piss.