As part of our recent stay in Spain we spent a weekend on the outskirts of Benidorm. We stayed at the Melia Villaitana, my full review can be found here and then at The Grand Luxor Hotel. We also visited Terra Mitica Theme Park, the Costa Blanca’s renowned theme park.
The Grand Luxor itself is just outside of the main Benidorm town that we all see of the telly and is split into two parts. It has a 4star side and the other side being home to the 5 Star suites. We were lucky enough to be staying in the 5 star suites.
Whilst the room for the night wasn’t the cheapest, I think we paid around £270,00 it did include dinner, breakfast and theme park entry for our family of two adults and two children, although I don’t believe the children are charged when under three and mine were two and three at the time… still I thought it good value. Especially for the standard we experienced.
So what was so good about The Grand Luxor Hotel?
Firstly on arrival our service was fantastic. Despite there being queues we weren’t faced with the same wait as we did at the Melia Villaitanna. As check in was at 4pm and it 10am our room wasn’t ready but Mr Tammy was somewhat poorly and asked if there was anyway our room would be available earlier. It was taken care of. We were given a room straight away, much to Mr Tammy’s relief.
Our room was very plus, very modern and very clean. We had our standard double and a sofa bed set up for the children. There was also a Nespresso machine with pods so I was happy. The best part was however the bathroom, or more importantly the bath. It was huge and complete with jet spa. I had a bath with both my children and there was plenty of room. It was the bath to end all baths.
The food at The Grand Luxor Hotel
Always important. The food was actually really good. The dinner on offer included fresh sushi, lobster, Chinese food, Spanish food, any food really. There is your usual buffet options and freshly cooked meats. There is plenty of choice for any member of the family and you would struggle not to find something you like. What is more, it tastes good too. The deserts were also pretty special. Too tempting for anyone. Not to mention three chocolate fountains of milk, white and strawberry flavoured chocolate with any number of treats waiting to be coated. One final thing, we ordered a house bottle of dry white, which turned out to be really nice and it was only €12.00. Absolute bargain in a 5* hotel.
The breakfast was equally as impressive with plenty of hot and cold choices for everyone. It’s a meal that would set you up for the day. Oh and they served cava. Mimosa anyone?
The staff at dinner, breakfast and in general were also fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always friendly and polite. I certainly couldn’t fault it.
There are also two really good sized pools which are great for the kids. Rumour has it one is heated, which is perfect in June.
What is not so good at The Grand Luxor Hotel?
To be honest there isn’t a lot I could moan about. If I were to find something it would be the time of the mini disco…10pm people. I mean that is crazy late for most children, except Spanish children. As Brits we are all tucked up in bed by 7. The Spanish haven’t even ate by then. It is not uncommon for them to eat at 9pm, if not later. Having a mini disco at 10pm is about right for the Spanish and guess what you’re in Spain. It is to be expected and I don’t really feel like I am allowed to moan about it. Also when it did start it was a really good one and the kids loved it. Well the 20 minutes I allowed them to stay up and enjoy.
Terra Mitica
As I said your stay at The Grand Luxor Hotel includes entry to Terra Mitica theme park. I was expecting it to be busy and hard work being a Saturday in June but it wasn’t. We barely queued for any rides. Not that I went on many seeing as I was flying solo with two children as Mr T nursed his food poisoning.
It is a good theme park with a decent amount of attractions. There wasn’t a great deal my tiny two year old could go on, save for two rides and the soft play in the kids area. He was happy though as it was a good soft play. My three year old could go on a lot more things there than she can at say Drayton Manor/Thomas land on our doorstep in the U.K. The average height requirement tended to be around the 90cm. She loved being able to go on the more adult rides and I would certainly like to return.
It is divided into different lands such as ancient Egypt, Greece etc and there is a lot of decor to fit theme. There are shows and dances on throughout the day at set times, which is handy for those who don’t use the rides as much. The food on site is what you would imagine from a Spanish theme park, Chorizo and cheese baguettes or hamburgers and chips.
There are a good dew thrill seeker rides for the brave ones and some water rides to keep you cool. All in all it’s a good day out on the Costa Blanca with the family and if you can extend it to a stay in The Grand Luxor I would certainly recommend.
During our stay in Benidorm we stayed both at The Grand Luxor and The Melia Villaitanna. Whilst the Melia was a beautiful hotel that in terms of size, grounds and ambiance knocks spots off The Grand Luxor for my money it would be The Grand Luxor every time. Food, entertainment, staff, service, drinks was far superior at The Grand Luxor.
