Choosing where to stay in Alicante means balancing three factors: proximity to the Old Town’s tapas bars and sights, access to the beach, and your noise tolerance. The city covers a relatively small area, and even the furthest recommended neighbourhood sits only a 15-minute walk or €7 taxi ride from the centre. Here’s a breakdown by area with specific hotel recommendations for every budget.
Where to Stay in Alicante: El Barrio (Old Town)
Staying in the Old Town puts you within stumbling distance of Alicante’s best tapas bars and 5 minutes on foot from both the Explanada and Playa del Postiguet. The streets are pedestrian-only and the architecture dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. The main drawback is noise: weekend revellers keep streets like Calle de las Setas and Calle Mayor busy until 2:00 AM. Book rooms facing interior courtyards or bring earplugs. Street noise drops significantly on upper floors. Check out our Alicante weather by month for more details. Parking is difficult, most Old Town hotels lack their own garage and direct you to the San Cristobal public parking (€15/day) 400 metres away.
Suggested Hotels in El Barrio (Old Town)
Hospes Amerigo
Alicante’s only five-star hotel occupies a converted 19th-century Dominican convent with views of the cathedral and Santa Barbara Castle from its rooftop spa and pool. The 81 rooms blend original stone walls and beamed ceilings with modern design furniture. Best for couples and luxury travellers who want a central base with full hotel services. Check out our best time to visit Alicante for more details. Check rates and availability
Eurostars Lucentum
A modern four-star on Avenida de Alfonso X El Sabio, right on the edge of the Old Town and the Centro shopping district. The 169 rooms are bright and functional with city views from upper floors, and the Mercado Central is a 3-minute walk. Underground parking available (€14/day). Best for travellers who want to walk everywhere without paying Old Town boutique prices. Check out our things to do in Alicante for more details. Check rates and availability
Pension San Nicolas
A clean, family-run guesthouse on a quiet side street 50 metres from the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The 12 rooms are basic but well-maintained with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. No elevator, the building has 3 floors with stairs only. Best for solo travellers and couples who plan to spend their days exploring, not in the room. Check out our Alicante events and festivals for more details. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Alicante: Waterfront and Explanada
The strip between the Explanada de Espana and the marina offers the most convenient access to both the beach and the Old Town. Hotels here tend to be larger, with sea-view rooms, swimming pools, and on-site parking. The Explanada itself is lively during the day and early evening but quietens down after midnight, making this area quieter for sleeping than the Old Town. You’re paying a premium for the postcode and the views. Check out our best neighborhoods in Alicante for more details. Sea-facing rooms cost 30-40% more than city-facing rooms at the same hotel.
Suggested Hotels near the Waterfront
Melia Alicante
A four-star beachfront hotel between the marina and Playa del Postiguet, with a large outdoor pool and a terrace restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. The 545 rooms are spread across two buildings, with the The Level section offering upgraded rooms and lounge access. Underground parking (€18/day). Best for beach-focused travellers who want a full-service resort experience with a 5-minute walk to the Old Town. Check out our Alicante travel tips and FAQ for more details. Check rates and availability
Hotel Spa Porta Maris
A four-star hotel at the eastern end of the marina with a thalassotherapy spa and rooms offering floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea. The rooftop terrace has a small pool and sun loungers. It’s tucked away from street noise yet only 8 minutes on foot from the Old Town. Best for couples wanting a spa hotel with sea views and good access to both Postiguet beach and the city centre. Check rates and availability
ibis budget Alicante
A no-frills chain hotel 3km from the city centre, roughly halfway between the airport and the Old Town. The 127 rooms are compact with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Free parking and a 24-hour reception make it practical for late arrivals or early flights. Bus line C-6 to the centre (€1.45, 15 minutes, every 15-20 minutes) stops 200 metres away. Best for travellers with a rental car who prioritise price and parking over a central location. Check rates and availability
