Riviera Hotel

Riviera Hotel details

“Close to the beach and just a short walk from the heart of Benidorm’s gay district, the recently-revamped Riviera Hotel scores points for location.”

This gay-friendly hotel has recently been treated to a facelift, which has seen its status glide into 4-star territory. A spacious pool scene takes the spotlight outside. Smart yellow and black parasols dot the water’s edge and there’s a poolside bar that serves up everything from coffees to cocktails.

But what really sets this place apart is its location. The property is just a ten-minute walk from Levante Beach – Benidorm’s prime stretch of sand. And when you want to hit the gay playground, the Old Town is less than a twenty-minute stroll away. The centre of the gay district, it’s woven with friendly bars and restaurants, so hopping from place to place is easy. For lazy afternoons in the sun, Casa Don Juan is a must. Or try out Company Bar and its terrace. For a touch of gloss and glamour come nightfall, meanwhile, head for the area’s sassiest show bar, Rich Bitch. Jordan Rivers, your hostess for the evening, is something of an institution in these parts – she’s even strutted her stuff in the popular ITV series, ‘Benidorm’.

Back at the hotel, the bedrooms are modern and bright without being too try-hard. Think fuss-free wooden fittings, crisp white walls and big, comfy beds. What’s more, each room comes with its own balcony or terrace – a great spot for sunset-watching. Extras like air-conditioning, mini-fridges and satellite TVs are all part of the package.

Lastly, the hotel restaurant does a great line in help-yourself Continental breakfasts and big buffet dinners. Expect a mix of international dishes and Spanish favourites, with regular theme nights highlighting flavours from around the world.