Benidorm ...my idea of actual hell

[sallyohh]

I can't think of anything worse than going to Benidorm.
I go on holiday to have a relaxing holiday away from normal day to day life.
My friend has just gone and every night is just drunken Brit's dancing to sweet Caroline drinking cheap alcohol.
Am I alone in this? I'm only 32 but this is just my idea of hell.

Emperor get over your Sandals issue that was over Thirteen Years ago and times have changed thank goodness, people really get on my tits who try and change a lighthearted topic into something else.

It's kinda like Blackpool. Many people shudder at the thought. But having been with young children, so not on 'the strip' at night- they had a brilliant time. The amusements, with 2p drop machines, the rides, the beach. Would have rather topped myself than go through house, but realised that it actually had a fair amount to offer for families.

Sandals allows gay couples now. Apparently it used to not due to Jamaican law. I'm still a bit about them though.

The clubbing/bars/busy beaches aspect of Benidorm would be my idea of hell. However, we went to Albufeira (which has a similar reputation with a strip, bars etc) in November a few years ago and it was lovely. Very pretty old town, a few decent restaurants still open, quiet and warm without the searing heat of summer.

Are you saying you don’t want to see fat women with tatoos at the beach icantpo? Thanks for that. Seems it’s not just the OP with her judgy pants on today!

You say it’s a trivial thread. I say it’s a snobby and sanctimonious thread op.

I had a cracking night out in Benidorm once and would happily go back.

I also try to keep an open mind on places I haven’t been.

No judge pants I LOVE BENIDORM and everyone who visits there, I am a bit porky with Tattoos though.

Now I’m thinking of a few days there out of season. Thanks, OP.

I went with a boyfriend thirty years ago as it was the cheapest package deal we could get. It was pretty grim, especially as we ended up in a club 18 30 hotel. The water park was good though. I wouldn’t go back, while the old town is indeed pretty nice, there are so many nicer places to go. But its cheap and cheerful I guess, and different strokes etc..

Benidorm is lovely in winter a totally different atmosphere

"Idea of hell" is a bit strong.

I'd sooner a week in Benidorm than a week in Afghanistan or the middle of the desert, or in a prison etc.

But for first world holiday hell.

Yes.

We have a place on La Gomera, which is a tiny Canary Island and very "untouristed" and Spanish.

To get there we fly to Tenerife South and then get the ferry over from Los Christianos.

And after our two hours in Tenerife South and LC I am always VERY pleased to leave the "Brits abroad" vibe behind me as we sail away!!!!

If I'm abroad I like to feel abroad.

But I totally see some people want all the "comforts" of home (which I guess includes copious beer and a full English) but a pool and the sun. It makes me embarrassed though what the locals must think of Brits....

"I'm a bit porky with tattoos though".... I'm creasing

I don't think it's anything like Blackpool at all. But I concede that I haven't been to Blackpool for 20 years.

Levante beach is impressive if it isn't too busy - it probably would be hell in mid summer particularly because it is so open and south facing the heat would be very intense. One of my lasting memories will be on a cloudy day with air temperature of 22 and sea 20 we had it almost to ourselves with Spanish pensioners tutting about how our DC must be cold . Just hilarious, they've clearly never been to Skeggy........

Ha ha ... I'd never been and thought I'd hate it .. went for a weekend for DP brothers birthday! Loved it

pox Going back repeatedly to the same place is my idea of holiday hell as to me there is whole world of different places to explore. I also really really don't get the Canaries at all, mainland Spain for me is far more Spanish. But each to his or her own.......

@Ucantpo1ishaturd yup big loud 'brummies' looking for a fight

I’ve never been to Benidorm. I’ve had colleagues who loved it and said it had nice areas like the old town and there are beautiful beaches and lots for children to do. I’ve watched the TV too.

The thing is, despite having talked about it quite extensively and watched the show, I can’t imagine having the sort of in depth knowledge the OP has. That makes me suspect that although the OP is implying the sort of people who would go there are common little oiks, the OP must be the sort of person who goes there.....because surely she must have been there if she knows this much!

I’ve been to Benidorm. It’s not exactly picturesque but actually I was pleasantly surprised. Where we stayed was mostly French and Spanish and the beaches were lovely. We had some truly fabulous food there too, really authentic and great value.

Missing the point, but can a company really say “mixed couples only”?

Is that even legal?

*tea
*
Surely "Spanish" isn't one thing?

That's like saying rural Norfolk is less English than London?

To me if everyone is speaking Spanish, most restaurants are selling Spanish foods, there are big celebrations on the traditional Spanish holidays, and you're in Spain, then it's Spanish?

I get wanting to see the world, we do that too. But if we want a week in the sun relaxing then no need to go somewhere new and feel like I'm wasting the trip a bit by not exploring.

More likely there is no friend and the OP wanted to vent about how much she despises Benidorm

I think the OP just wanted to cause a rammy and actually couldn’t care less about Benidorm.

For some reason we popped in for a few hours a couple of years ago when on a holiday in a much more upmarket resort. I was pleasantly surprised as it was very different to the tacky Spanish resorts I remember from my youth. There seemed to be an awful strip a few streets back from the promenade but if you avoid that, it was much better than my expectations.

Yeah, ‘more spanish’ confused me a bit too. I’ve lived in Madrid, Valencia and Seville and all were very different. All Spanish though.

Okay it started with a small Canary Island being described as 'Spanish' with implying that Benidorm isn't just because there are a few English bars.

I don't really do relaxing in the sun and get cabin fever on Islands which is why I suspect I also don't get going to the same place all the time. But we're all different.

She just wanted to shit on the Canary Islands like OP wanted to shit on Benidorm and those who visit it I imagine.

People like different stuff. Is it that hard to grasp?

I really don't like the Canaries pox. Not a value judgment and I have been to all 4 of the largest ones so have given them a fair trial! I'm sure where you go is beautiful but I'd go up the wall.