Sitting a stones throw from the Levante beach, the old Hotel Dalmatas – very popular with the Brits, is undergoing a major renovation. In fact, the entire building has been virtually gutted, leaving just the walls but is now well on its way. It is on schedule to re-open on June 24 and will be renamed the Port Benidorm Hotel.

I went on site today and spoke with the owner – Antonio Mayor, who is also the President of HOSBEC, the Hoteliers Association so well in tune with the needs of holidaymakers. There are currently over 150 workmen on site in addition to subcontractors working off site on furniture and fittings.

The hotel closed at the end of the summer season last year and the crane went up almost immediately. The renovation works are costing several million euros and will see everything brand new – all rooms will have the latest air conditioning units, soundproofing, Hi-Tec televisions, minibars and most important – free Wi-Fi.

There are 270 rooms spread across 18 floors, with 5 family rooms per floor.
The hotel restaurant – on the first floor and currently an empty shell, will have floor to ceiling glass panels and on the roof terrace - the 19 floor not 19th hole, there will be a fitness area, where you will be able to practice yoga and Tai-Chi with the beautiful Levante beach as a back drop.

The swimming pool is also being re-done and will be semi indoors, with sliding glass doors plus a wellness centre with spa type facilities. The hotel will not be accepting large raucous party groups – aiming instead for the family orientated market.

This hotel is part of the Port Hoteles group, which has four others in Benidorm – Port Fiesta Park, Port Mar Blau (adult only overlooking the Poniente beach), Port Vista Oro – on Calle Ruzafa opposite Crystal Park and also just undergone a major re-furb and Port Fleming in addition to one in Calpe and another in Denia.