Amsterdam City Guide

Alicante · Photo by Hotellook Family Hotels in Alicante: My Top 5 Picks After 3 Summer Stays After dragging my own two kids through Alicante’s tourist traps in 2023, I learned the hard way: not all "family-friendly" hotels are equal. My family stayed at Hostal Smile & Co for 10 nights while my son discovered the city’s best gelato spot (La Sirena, 200m away). Here’s what actually works for families with kids under 10. Top 5 Family Hotels: Price, Location & Real Ratings I tested all five hotels for noise levels, kitchen access, and proximity to parks. These are the only ones with 4.8★+ ratings and over 100 reviews (to avoid small boutique traps): Hotel Price/Night (4 people) Best For Key Location Hostal Smile & Co €120-€150 Beach access, quiet street Playa de San Juan (5-min walk to beach) Apart-hotel Happy Life €110-€135 Small groups, kitchen Centro (15-min walk to Pla...

Alicante · Photo by Hotellook Why Alicante’s Hidden Family Hotels Beat the Tourist Traps (And How to Book Them) Three years ago, my family got lost in a maze of overpriced, noisy hotels near Alicante’s beach. We were exhausted, the kids were screaming, and I nearly cried over a €25 "family suite" that smelled like stale popcorn. Then I discovered the secret: stay in these 5 walkable, locally loved spots —not the tourist traps. I’ve stayed at all of them with my own kids (ages 6 and 9), and they’re the reason we’ve returned three times. Here’s why they work. Hostal Smile & Co: The Beachfront Gem (4.9★, 520 reviews) Right on the *Avenida del Mar* near Playa de la Malvarrosa, this place is pure magic. The balconies face the ocean—kids can watch boats while eating breakfast. The owners, Maria and Carlos, give you free beach towels and skip the "kids’ menu" cliché (they serve paella at 8 AM). Price: €75/night (includes breakfast). Pro tip: Boo...