Alicante accommodation: 7 tips for beautiful hotels right by the coast
Are you planning a weekend or a longer holiday and looking for accommodation in Alicante? I’ve prepared a list of 7 great hotels for you, located either right on the coastal promenade or just a few steps from the sea. Plus, the last two tips are luxury options if you really want to enjoy your stay in Alicante.
In the second part, I’ve written down tips for the main places I wouldn’t miss during a first or repeat visit to Alicante. And if you know you only want to head to Alicante for the weekend, be sure to read my previous guide to this Spanish city:
Alicante coastal accommodation
Even though I didn’t think so at first, Alicante has become one of those cities that won me over. A big part of that was definitely the beautiful sunny weather, the proximity to the sea, and of course, the scent of orange trees. However, the evening promenades and the views from the castle high above the coast also have a great atmosphere. At first glance, it might seem mainly like a gateway to the Costa Blanca, where many travelers only fly to reach other resorts.
But I recommend staying a day or two longer, and you’ll see that Alicante has more to offer. I’ve selected accommodation in Alicante for you in hotels that personally thrilled me and were on my shortlist. In the end, I chose a stay at Melia Alicante, right by the harbor, where a nice discount popped up for me at the last minute.
Hotel Almirante
Odyssey Rooms Alicante
A highly-rated modern hotel in the center, a short walk from Postiguet, the harbor, and the Explanada. You’ll have views of Santa Bárbara Castle and the sea from here. If you want to be close to Postiguet Beach and just a few minutes’ walk from the Explanada and the harbor, you’ll love this place.
Hotel Alicante Gran Sol, Affiliated by Meliá
For me, this hotel is one of the best compromises in the city center while still being close to the sea. It’s a tall building by the water with rooms offering beautiful views of the sea, the harbor, and the city. And Postiguet Beach is about 300 m away.
Hotel Castilla Alicante
This hotel isn’t as design-focused as the Almirante, but it tends to be more budget-friendly and is about 200 m from San Juan Beach. You can also look forward to an outdoor pool. It’s a suitable Alicante accommodation when you’re planning a stay near a long sandy beach and the tram that takes you to the center.
Albahía Hotel Alicante
A practical, budget-friendly choice with a sea view. The view is a real strength of this hotel, but keep in mind that the surroundings are less romantic than near Postiguet or San Juan beach. I would choose it mainly for the good price if you want to save money.
2 tips for luxury stays in Alicante
INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante Porta Maris
- Great location between Postiguet Beach and the marina,
- rooms with sea/marina views, terrace, spa, and pool.
- Choose Premium Sea View or sea view room
The Level at Meliá Alicante / Meliá Alicante
- Meliá Alicante stands in the most sought-after location between Postiguet Beach and the harbor.
- The Level is a quieter, premium adult-only option with views of the beach or marina.
- I recommend choosing these rooms: The Level Sea View / Premium Sea View / Junior Suite Sea View
Alicante accommodation map:
Not sure where to choose your accommodation in Alicante? This clear map below will help you find your dream stay. Enter your dates in the search field below and compare the best prices across major booking portals to find the best deals.
5 tips on what not to miss in Alicante
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer holiday in Alicante, here are five places I recommend visiting regardless:
1. Santa Bárbara Castle
- Santa Bárbara Castle is one of the most important monuments in the city
- It stands on Mount Benacantil above the sea and offers panoramic views of the city and the coast
Alicante Spain
2. Explanada de España
The Explanada is one of the city’s iconic symbols; the promenade runs along the harbor, lined with palm trees, with its typical wavy mosaic made of 6.6 million marble tiles. I recommend connecting the Explanada → harbor → Postiguet Beach
- It’s ideal for:
- evening walks,
- proximity to the harbor, restaurants, and the historic center,
- Casa Carbonell at the end of the promenade.
3. Barrio de Santa Cruz
Barrio de Santa Cruz is, for me, the most picturesque part of the city; it lies on the slopes of Monte Benacantil and consists of narrow steep streets, white houses, and ubiquitous floral decorations. If you’re looking for a place for nice photos, definitely head here. I recommend comfortable shoes and ideally combining the trip with a visit to the castle.
You might also be interested in:
- Malaga for a weekend: 13 tips on what to see in Malaga + accommodation
- Seville for the weekend: A 3-day itinerary + tips on where to stay
- Costa Brava: 9 best places you shouldn’t miss
- Tossa de Mar: 9 tips on what to see + where to stay
4. Harbor and waterfront
Alicante has several iconic places you should visit whether you’re heading here for a weekend or a longer holiday. Among them are the harbor and the waterfront. Together with the Explanada and Postiguet, they create the local atmosphere. Take short walks by the marina and visit the local restaurants and bars with views of the boats and the sea.
5. Historic center
In the historic city center, I recommend seeing the town hall, San Nicolás Cathedral, Santa María Basilica, and walking through the streets of the old town. The historic center is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. You can combine it with Barrio de Santa Cruz, for example.
More tips on which places not to miss in Alicante and the surrounding area can be found in the mentioned guide, Alicante for a Weekend.
Save my Alicante accommodation tips on Pinterest too, so you can easily find them next time:
