Being a Benidorm regular for 25 years or so, the hotel Centro Mar was just what we were looking for. Situated in the heart of the Old Town, a few minutes stroll from the Levante Beach, the hotel was ideal for our needs. Essentially, we were looking for somewhere clean and comfortable to crash and that was what we got. It's a small hotel and facilities available reflect that. We were on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner, not that we made it to many breakfasts!). The food was fine. Being a small hotel, I wasn't expecting the large selection usually available at the larger hotels but the choice and quality was fine. The friend I was with is a fussy eater and even he never went hungry or had cause to complain about the quality. Very friendly and helpful staff. The rooms reflect the hotel. Small, comfortable, clean if basic. For those who need a fix of UK TV, the tv did offer BBC1 and 2. Note that not all rooms are front facing or have a sea view. If that's important, ask for a room on the 5th or 6th floors. Note also that the hotel is on an incline so that might be an issue for those with walking difficulties. It's on part of the very narrow old town street network that leads up to the Church so take that into account when booking a transfer - a coach will not be able to drop you off outside the hotel. A minibus might, a taxi definitely does. As for the Church - well worth a trip inside - it's only 50 meters or so away at the top of the hill. It has both clock and bell towers. The clock chimes every 15 minutes from 9.00am until 2.00pm when there's a break until 5.00pm, presumably for siesta time. The last chime is at 10.00pm. I don't know if those times change according to season - we stayed late September / early October. The bells ring out to call the faithful to pray before each mass - one mass per weekday, 3 or 4 on a Saturday or Sunday. Both chimes and bells are loud so bear in mind.

Lack of balcony furniture. Although narrow, a couple of chairs and a small table would have fitted and been a useful addition. Note that I do not consider this hotel suitable for those travelling with young children. It just does not have the facilities for such families but for adults used to the resort and not looking for 4 or 5 star pampering, this is a great base.

Lovely little gem of a hotel. Tucked away (up a sight incline) in a little street within Old Town and close to the Balcony or the top end of Levante beach. The staff were all lovely, we were glad to meet Luis who was really cheerful and helpful. The rooftop bar and pool was a welcome bonus with great views over the town; but it would benefit from some shades (for the fair skinned people). Our room was a good size, with air conditioning and a small mini fridge. We had a side view - on the 6th floor but overlooking a stairwell then the edge of town. The cleaners came in everyday and kept the room spotless. We opted for half board. You can select lunch (1pm -3pm) or evening meal (8pm - 10pm). We had a lovely meal on the Saturday when there were quite a few people eating with a reasonable choice for a small hotel. You can also select a bottle of wine - red, rose or white, and a bottle of water with your meal. I enjoyed the salad bar every night however, on Sunday there was hardly anyone eating, so the main food got a little cold. The next night it was just us eating so they asked us to select from the menu and arranged what time we would arrive. We really appreciate the effort and helpfulness. Breakfast was a mixed bag for me - we only made it once (too many late nights). There was a reasonable choice, but I found the egg dish had cooled. If the heater section could be improved this would make the meals much better. Overall the half board is good value for money, the staff are lovely, the restaurant is really clean but it does have a limited menu as it has such a variable number of guests to serve. Also people order half board then just eat elsewhere but don't let the hotel know - when it's such a small restaurant this means they might be hanging around waiting for guests to arrive until almost 10pm. For location this hotel is in a perfect place if you like Old Town and want to wander between the three beach areas.

A kettle in the room would be a bonus and better heaters for the food.

We have been a few times to Centro Mar and staff are always helpful and friendly. The hotel is in a great location only a few minutes to beach and bars at night. The views from the pool area are spectacular. We will be back next year.

There are no fridges in the room. If they charged the same as for the safes they would make their money back in no time. Its not the same having to go down to the vending machine to get cool water because after a few hours without a fridge it is warm. Also the pool bar doesn't open till 12 noon and as there is no other bar you can't get a coffee till then.

We wanted to be centrally located and use the hotel for the resting period whilst exploring around. For the price paid it was very good value for money. very centrally located in the old town amidst all the bars shops and tapas joints The whole place was extremely clean and well kept and maintained. The staff were all very friendly , understanding and helpful. ( especially at reception) The room (twin) with balcony was simple, but clean. Housekeeping passed by daily. The pool was clean and though the area was small it was never overcrowded and the staff tending it were all great too. The view from the pool area is spectacular. Breakfast was good too, though was always the same multiple choice. we were only on bb so don’t know about the other meals. Though it smelt very good whenever we passed by the restaurant. The distance to the beach was minimal as just down the street and round the corner. Wifi worked without problems and so did the silent air conditioning.

Being in the centre of the old town it was not quiet. From outside one could hear the partying going on all night and the rubbish vans passed by daily and nightly. The historical church in the vicinity rung its bells hourly too. So not the really the hotels fault but the area. We did spend a good part of the night out too. However the rooms had thin walls.

We have stayed at the Centro Mar before, it's perfectly placed smack bang in the middle of the Old Town. It's a fabulous hotel, not too big, sits in a side street, just off Tapas Alley, which leads to the lovely piazza that overlooks both Levante and Pontiente beach. The staff at the hotel are very friendly, nothing it too much trouble,. Our stay was B&B. they serve a lovely buffet breakfast with the a great selection. There's a roof top pool too, which is great when it's 30 degrees!!

On this occasion, we had a young couple in the next room, who were quite noisy, but they too were on holiday, so live and let live

location is perfect, the beach and tapas alley are within 30 seconds of the hotel. The church bells every 15 minutes remind you of the historic end of benidorm. The hotel is clean and good staff and the swimming pool has a perfect view of both end and the quayside. full recommend to anyone wanting a few days away without it costing a fortune.

the breakfast wasnt great, the tea was also not idea so the start was a challenge - the coffee machine is not great with portions. The staff more than make up for it as does the location and pool - so for he money we couldnt really be too upset.

We loved the location, near the church and LGBT bars , the staff were very helpful and friendly, we had a great view from our room . You need to choose the 5th or 6th floor for a room with a view . The pool area was lovely and our room was basic but clean . The breakfast buffet was good .

No kettle or tea/coffee making facilities in the room and no fridge . There was a TV and it looked like there was Netflix but no instructions on how to use this , so we didn’t bother .

* Staff are very friendly, nothing is too much trouble. * Rooms are spacious, clean & well maintained. * Bedding & towels are spotless. * Beautiful pool, bar, toilet area well maintained.

* Wish there was a mirror & light over the table area in the room. Would make doing your hair & makeup a lot easier. * Would like tea & coffee making facilities to be standard rather than paying for it. * Is it possible for more English speaking TV channels?

Amazing location for the old town and access to the beach. Pool area was great and clean and no problem getting a sunbed which I thought may be an issue with it being a small pool All the staff were super friendly Maid service quick and efficient

The bar area didn’t have a constant member of staff had to ring for service- however they were quick to come There wasn’t a fridge in the room We didn’t have an area to dry swimwear/towel, but saying that I didn’t pay for a room with a balcony

Centro Mar is a great hotel, tucked away just behind El Castillo in Benidorm’s old town. The only thing better than the location is the pool with its panoramic views, and the only thing better than the pool is the staff who could not be friendlier or more helpful. Best kept secret? It has a car park, five minutes walk away.

With this location you sacrifice accessibility - DON’T try to drive to this hotel.