Hotel Bonalba Alicante

Nice and great

My husband and I booked a short child free break here. The overall stay was okay, definitely wouldn’t rate it a 4*, more of a 3. The hotel is remote which we weren’t worried about as we planned to stay by the pool the whole time but it’s something to keep in mind when booking. The check in process or anytime needing to go to reception was pretty painful, I’m not sure if their software is outdated but the amount of time it takes to do anything is pretty absurd. Also when checking in we weren’t given any information about anything such as food times, where the restaurants were it was something we had to learn as we went. Overall the staff were lovely, there were a few that seemed a little grumpy but never took it personally. The space in the room was fantastic, yes it’s a little outdated but it was clean and nice and the balcony we had overlooking the front of the hotel had the most beautiful views! We probably wouldn’t return but only due to usually being on holiday with our children and there isn’t enough to occupy them

We visited this hotel as two friends with our 16 year old boys for a long weekend from England. We decided despite some of the negative reviews that we would give it a go. Whilst this hotel has many great things going for it, I cannot see how this hotel can be of a 4 star standard. We arrived at the hotel during the late evening. The check in queue was fairly long with one person on the reception desk. We queued for approx 45 minutes. When we reached the front of the queue and began our check in process, we were then interrupted and stopped whilst the receptionist decided to assist the person who had just stepped in behind us with a room key that didn’t work (4th time it had happened apparently). We considered this rude after having queued for such a long time that our check in was then stopped. After check in, we tried to log onto the WiFi but couldn’t as the error message said that the user limit was at capacity. This remained the case for our whole stay. We found the hotel and area to be clean. Our rooms were clean and we had no concerns there. The pool area was nice, also clean and we didn’t have any issues with finding a sunbed at any time of day. Bar staff very friendly, efficient and service was good here. We used reception to order us a taxi into Alicante one evening. We asked the man on reception if he knew how much it would cost for a taxi as he said “I don’t know, I just order them”. Checkout day today. Massive queues once again, no key drop off point. Currently trying to get a taxi to the airport. Asked Guest Services if they could order us a taxi, the answer was no, it has to be done at reception. Attempted to order an Uber but no luck so currently getting ready to get in a 20+ deep queue. Surely better processes can be implemented here?!

Last minute 4 night break with my friend. Hotel looked amazing on the photos, but there were mixed reviews. Check in was OK, the ladies spoke some english and were polite. At first the room looked OK. It was late in the evening when we arrived, but the next morning, in daylight, we noted how outdated it was, the carpets quite old, could have done with a deep clean, or better still, replaced with more appropriate flooring. The chairs on the balcony were old and stained, with cigarette burns. They all appear to be the same. Lots of stuff definitely needs fixing and replacing especially with this being a 4 star hotel! The hotel offers a shuttle service to various local areas and we used it to go to el compello beach. A big thank you to Miguel the driver, he was a true gentleman. Bar staff were hit and miss. Oskar was OK. He always had a smile despite being run off his feet. They bar staff were under a lot of pressure most nights. They need more staff as it gets busy at the cafe/bar, and other times especially with all inclusive guests, and when the only pool bar only open at certain times of day. Also needs people to clean up around the pool area throughout the day..picking up rubbish and empty drink cups etc. The amount of wasps and ants around the pool area wasn't good. The sunbeds, tables and grounds around the pool areas were obviously not washed down or powerwashed regularly as they were sticky and dirty from the spilt drink cups left lay about from day to day. With ants crawling around them. Even in the pool! I agree with other reviews regarding the food, breakfast was probably the best of the food they provide. Fresh omlettes and lots of fresh fruit. Evening meal wasn't the best. Not much variety and cold. Most of the hospitality team were friendly and polite. In the evening despite the pool closing and no lifeguard from 8.30pm guests still used it at nights into the early hours some evening. Small children running around with parents sat at tables or on sunbeds chatting and drinking. We did report to the reception and they did go and speak to the parents on one occasion..but this seems to be something thats happening every night. Nothing to prevent access to the pool area when its closed! The bar staff didn't see it to be their job and there weren't any security or any other staff taking any responsibility for health and safety around the pool area at night. Very worrying that guests are using the pool after hours having drank alcohol! The hotel is a bit out of the way..definitely wouldnt stay again for obvious reasons, and that there is no transport nearby, leaving guests quite isolated, with taxis or the shuttle service being quite costly. The hotel really does need to be better managed, Staff work very hard. But there need to be more of them if they are to provide a 4 star service during high season and busy times. The reception and other communal areas are up to date and clean. But the rooms dont meet the same standards. The bad point