Where to Stay in Alicante: Best Areas and Their Highly-Rated Hotels

When it comes to hotels and other accommodations, Alicante keeps things simple, you've got tons of options and can find pretty much any type of place to stay you're looking for.
If you're staying in Alicante proper rather than somewhere in the surrounding area, most people like to be right in the heart of things: the old town, the newer downtown area, near the beach, or around the harbor. All these neighborhoods are fantastic in terms of location and amenities, and getting around, whether on foot or by public transport, to other parts of the city and beyond is super easy.

Alicante used to be known for its budget-friendly accommodations, but these days prices are pretty much on par with places like Barcelona or Málaga. You're looking at around 80 euros per night for two people during summer season at a well-equipped, well-maintained hotel or apartment in a prime location.
If you time your trip for early or late in the year, or visit Alicante between November and May, you can usually snag a place right in the center for less than what you'd pay during the summer months.

Prices and Room Availability

Unless you're planning to visit Alicante between June and late October, you'll find accommodation at great prices with plenty of options to choose from.
Alicante transforms into a different city during winter compared to midsummer, and in the colder months, you can even stay at a five-star hotel without breaking the bank. The quieter shoulder seasons, April, early May, and early October before the autumn holidays kick in, also offer reasonable prices, though it's smart to book your room well in advance.

Outside peak travel times, you can snag a double room in Alicante starting from just €30-40. During winter, four or five-star hotels with pools and spa facilities go for around €80-120. From November through April, you'll find good quality hotel rooms right in the heart of Alicante or nearby for €30-50, and honestly, there's no need to pay more for a standard room.

From early June through early October, prices climb and can easily double compared to winter rates. Even during summer, weekends tend to be busier and pricier than weekdays. If you can avoid holiday periods like Easter week and the October autumn break, you'll save quite a bit compared to peak holiday travelers.
While room rates do spike in midsummer, Alicante doesn't get as fully booked as Benidorm and other Costa Blanca hotspots. That said, if you're heading there in peak summer, it's wise to book your hotel several months ahead. During the less busy beach season, booking three to four weeks in advance should do the trick, though you can usually find rooms at shorter notice if you're not too picky about getting the best value for money.

Alicante has everything from small boutique hotels to massive chains, and with such competitive pricing, there's really no reason for anyone to rough it in a hostel. You'll find plenty of rooms both downtown and in the outskirts, with huge hotels boasting hundreds of rooms scattered throughout the modern center and port area.

The old town, which is quite compact in Alicante, mostly features small, intimate accommodations. If you've got your heart set on staying there, book early no matter what time of year you're visiting. Keep in mind that many small hotels don't accept reservations too far in advance. If you're the type who likes to plan six months ahead, you're better off with a larger hotel that can handle long-term bookings.

Air Conditioning and Heating

Alicante's summer season runs from early May through October, and it gets seriously hot, even the nights stay tropically warm. So yeah, you'll definitely want a place with AC if you're visiting during summer.
Winter, from early December to early March, isn't exactly freezing, you probably won't need heating even at night. But if you're someone who feels the cold easily (you know who you are!), it's worth checking if your accommodation has heating for those cooler winter months.

Best Areas to Stay in Alicante

When it comes to picking where to stay in Alicante, you've got three main winners: the old town (El Barrio), the newer part of downtown (Centro), and the beachfront side of the marina area (Marina).
That said, there are plenty of other spots around Alicante worth considering, especially if you don't mind a bit of a commute to the center or if you can snag a place just outside downtown but right next to a tram stop.
One big reason to stay outside the city center? If you're planning to spend your vacation hitting the golf course or tennis courts, you'll need to look elsewhere, downtown hotels typically don't come with those kinds of sports facilities.

Old Town – Great Vibes Right Next to the Best Restaurants and Nightlife

El Barrio is Alicante's tiny, triangular old town, a car-free zone that's just a short walk from all the important spots, and it really comes alive during the winter months.
Outside of those sweltering summer evenings, this is actually a pretty peaceful area where you can find affordable places to stay. But come June through September, the evenings here get lively with plenty of action and noise.

From here, it's an easy stroll to the beach, the airport bus stop, the harbor, and the newer parts of downtown. There's an underground tram station nearby that'll take you to day trip destinations, and you can even get to the train station in just a few minutes.

What makes the old town special are those charming little alleyways where you can grab a bite, enjoy a coffee, or hang out in the evening. You'll find some traditional sights worth checking out, decent shopping options, and the main shopping streets of the newer downtown area are just around the corner.
Staying in the old town means you get to soak up Alicante's old-world charm, and El Barrio is a fantastic area to base yourself, especially for couples and solo adventurers. Just a heads up though: parking is a nightmare here, so if you're planning to drive, you might want to look elsewhere.

Where to Stay in the Old Town

Next, we’ll highlight some well-located and popular places to stay in Old Town Alicante, followed by other districts. Each one reflects the situation at the time of writing, whether it's about value, comfort, or simply the overall feel. As with anything in travel, things can change. A place might be updated with a renovation, or its charm may shift over time. We advise you to learn more about each property and check the latest reviews and up-to-date details before you book, just to make sure everything still matches what you're looking for.

The New City Center, Convenient and Versatile Area for Hotels

Centro, or the newer part of downtown, sits right between the train station, the old town, and the harbor area. It's a sprawling district with lots of different neighborhoods, including some charming alleyways that still have that old-world feel.

Federico Soto acts as a kind of dividing line for the area, between this tree-lined boulevard and the main drag known as Rambla (Rambla Méndez Núñez), you'll find a much nicer atmosphere than in the parts closer to the train station.
If you stay right near the Rambla, it's pretty much like staying in the old town itself. For the most convenient location possible, close to the beach and the airport bus stop, the area around Rambla and the streets nearest the harbor are your best bet for hotels.

Stay in Centro's most convenient spots and you'll automatically have access to tons of different restaurants, the city center beach, the harbor atmosphere, major sights, and the best shopping areas. From the best parts, it's also not far to the train station, about a 15-minute walk.

Hotels Worth Considering in the New City Center

The Marina District, Grand Hotels and Seaside Vibes

Alicante's sprawling harbor areas are fantastic spots to hang out pretty much any time of day or night. The Marina, right next to the sandy beach, is one of those places you'll find yourself coming back to again and again during your vacation. It's where cruises depart from, where you'll find tons of bars, restaurants and cafés, and it's just a short walk from all the other key parts of the city.

The old town is super close, and the nicest parts of the modern city center are also within easy reach. Getting here from the airport couldn't be simpler, the airport bus drops you off right in front of the Marina.
In many ways, this is the perfect neighborhood for hotels catering to large groups and families with kids of all ages.

Hotel Pick in the Marina Area

Other Areas, Great for Activities and Summer Tranquility

Areas outside the center with easy access to downtown Alicante are worth considering, especially during peak summer or if you're into activities like golf or tennis. If you're staying outside the center, just make sure the transport connections are solid. Hotels in these areas tend to be better equipped than their downtown counterparts, almost always featuring extras like swimming pools and gyms.

If beach time is on your agenda, check that you won't have to trek too far to reach the sand. Keep in mind that staying outside the center means you probably won't be wandering through the old town and central areas every single day.

Hotel and Accommodation Tips Outside Downtown