I was in Benidorm on 24th December and the crane was actually being erected - yes on Christmas Eve. I thought once that was up nothing would then happen for months, if not years, which is not unusual here in the least. 

 

Directly in front of the Ocas & Sol Pelicanos hotels

But lo and behold, as I drove down the Avd Mediterraneo yesterday I was shocked at the progress - shocked as in delighted that indeed work was underway. There was an army of workmen, clad in their obligatory hard hats and reflective jackets with a procession of cement lorries delivering yet another fresh batch of concrete.

This first stage certainly looks like it will be complete fairly quickly, looking at the rate which they are working at. Once the shell is up it will need to dry before the cladding for the corporate facade is put up - which will be the same as the other two casinos they have in Alicante and La Zenia, then the internal works will begin.

I think that it will certainly be good for Benidorm, giving it another string to its bow of things on offer in the resort. It will definitely make it very appealing to the Russian and Chinese visitors, who are both avid gamblers and hopefully attract them to come to Benidorm rather than other Spanish resorts such as Marbella and Barcelona.

Entry is very strict and photo ID is required, generally a passport, details of which are recorded - and absolutely no under 18´s are allowed. The planned completion is July so it looks like it will be ready for the summer season. It will also offer employment to locals which is always a positive thing - I am sure they will be advertising soon.

Film crew outside Luckys last Spring

There is already a bingo hall at the other end of the Avd Mediterraneo on the Plaza Triangular and Luckys on the Calle Gambo - part of the hotel Marina complex, where there is a multitude of slot machines and an electronic roulette table. Coming up in the current series of Benidorm, which is on every Thursday night at 9pm on ITV they filmed a scene there... so look out for it. In last nights episode they featured the Rich Bitch Show Bar in the Old Town - it´s great that they are showing places around the resort, which in turn always makes visitors want to visit them.