Alicante's Hidden Gem: Eurostars Portico's Unbeatable Luxury!

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Alicante's Hidden Gem: Eurostars Portico's Unbeatable Luxury!

Alicante's Hidden Gem: Eurostars Portico - My Honest, Messy, and Occasionally Raving Review!

Okay, folks, let's talk Alicante. Sun-drenched beaches, tapas galore, and – brace yourselves – the Eurostars Portico! Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place… it's got a vibe. And I'm here to give you the real, unfiltered truth, warts and all. Because let's be honest, travel isn't perfect. It's messy, it's chaotic, and sometimes, it's downright hilarious.

First Impressions (and the Elevator Fiasco – more on that later):

From the moment you step inside, you get that "something special" feeling. The lobby is stylish, with modern art and a serious commitment to… well, looking good. And while I'm not exactly sure how accessible it is right away, the elevator is definitely a point of interest. Getting a room on a high floor you can't move around is the first step to some real luxury, right? I'm not sure anymore! But the people where nice -- that really helps.

Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (But They Try!):

Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. I’m looking at accessibility first, because… well, my friend (hi, Sarah!) needs to know. The website suggests wheelchair accessibility throughout, but this is where the "but" kicks in. Elevators are everywhere, which is great, but navigating some of the tight corners and sudden changes in floor level might be tricky. I'd strongly recommend checking the specific room arrangement with the hotel before booking. Regarding on-site accessible restaurants/lounges, I didn't spot a specific labeling, either. This is an area Eurostars could really improve on, perhaps with clear signage and better accessibility information online. Now it's my turn: I'd say the Wheelchair accessible promise is a good thing, especially when it comes to the entrance and common areas. Don’t expect perfection, but they're trying. Which counts for a lot, right?

Internet – Because We Need it, Don't We? (And Thank Goodness for Free Wi-Fi!)

Let’s be real. We're addicted to the internet. Thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a lifesaver! I checked out this Internet access via Internet [LAN] to see how it went. It was fast enough for streaming and video calls – essential for, you know, researching the best tapas bars. The Internet services are decent – streaming without buffering is a win in my book. I could also easily work from my room, using their Laptop workspace. Wi-Fi in public areas was strong, too, perfect for a quick Insta-scroll while waiting for my sangria. Phew!

Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Oh, Yes, Please!:

Alright, this is where the Eurostars Portico truly shines. Let's dive right into the ways to relax:

  • Swimming pool [outdoor]: Absolutely gorgeous! The Pool with view is what Instagram dreams are made of. The staff is super nice with the Poolside bar, making it a perfect spot for a cocktail and some sun.
  • Spa/sauna: Okay, so I indulged. I’m not used to this sort of this, but the Sauna helped me unwind.
  • Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I'm not going to lie here. I thought about going. It's there, and it looks great. However, all this talk about relaxation, I opted for more sleep, more eating, and less exercise.
  • Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage : Again, I didn't get one of these, since my body scrub experience usually consists of sand at the beach! But I will tell you, this would probably be amazing.
  • Steamroom: More of a sweaty workout – I did that once… never again.
  • Foot bath: I'm not judging, I'm a fan.

Cleanliness and Safety – They Take It Seriously (Thank Goodness!)

This is another big win for the Eurostars Portico. They're clearly taking the whole "pandemic precautions" seriously, which is incredibly reassuring.

  • Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
  • Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
  • Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Like, basically a hand sanitizer river flowing through the lobby.
  • Hygiene certification: They’ve got the badge.
  • Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely a plus.
  • Staff trained in safety protocol: They know their stuff.
  • Safe dining setup: All the right steps.
  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed, which is good.
  • First aid kit: Essential.
  • Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good to know!
  • Individually-wrapped food options: Great for peace of mind.

I even noticed Professional-grade sanitizing services being utilized, it's all in place.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Still Recovering (In a Good Way!)

Okay, where do I even begin? The Breakfast [buffet] is a masterpiece. The Asian breakfast was more extensive than I thought it would be. I had a Western breakfast everyday though. The A la carte in restaurant is the best, with some Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant options to choose from.

  • Restaurants: Plural! Which is good news for the Coffee/tea in restaurant lovers.
  • Coffee shop is perfect for getting your work done.
  • Bar: The perfect place for some Happy hour.
  • Snack bar: Oh yes, and of course the Poolside bar
  • Room service [24-hour]: Perfect if you are one of the people who loves eating in hotels.
  • Desserts in restaurant: Get ready.
  • Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, this has it all.

Services and Conveniences – They’ve Thought of Everything (Almost!)

The Eurostars Portico offers a comprehensive array of services.

  • Air conditioning in public area: Essential in Alicante.
  • Audio-visual equipment for special events: For those corporate retreats.
  • Business facilities are present.
  • Cash withdrawal - Easy peasy.
  • Concierge - Super helpful.
  • Contactless check-in/out - Quick and safe.
  • Currency exchange is available.
  • Daily housekeeping - Your room is in good hands.
  • Doorman - Provides a touch of class.
  • Elevator - (See above comments!)
  • Facilities for disabled guests - (Again, a bit more clarity needed.)
  • Food delivery - Perfect for a quick snack.
  • Gift/souvenir shop - Because everyone needs a souvenir.
  • Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events.
  • Ironing service, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning: Because wrinkles are the enemy.
  • Luggage storage - Essential.
  • Meetings - If that's your thing.
  • On-site event hosting - For those special occasions.

Regarding more complex services, such as Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Contactless check-in/out, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting these were all spot on.

For the Kids – Family-Friendly Fun!

Babysitting service and Family/child friendly – great if you're traveling with little ones. I'm kind of the opposite.

Getting Around – Easy Peasy!

Airport transfer can be provided. Car park [free of charge], Bicycle parking, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station are all very helpful. They have Taxi service and Valet parking.

Available in All Rooms – The Essentials (and Some Extras!)

Let's break down the nitty-gritty of the room.

  • Air conditioning - Absolutely essential in Alicante.
  • Alarm clock - The bane of my existence, but there.
  • Bathrobes and Slippers: Nice touch!
  • Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub - Luxury!
  • Blackout curtains - Sleep like a baby (or at least, attempt to).
  • Closet - Enough space for all your clothes.
  • Coffee/tea maker and Complimentary tea - Caffeine fix sorted!
  • Daily housekeeping - Makes everything tidy.
  • Desk and Laptop workspace: Perfect for those who need to work.
  • Extra long bed - For the taller among us
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Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Alicante, Spain, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be something. Let's call it "Operation Tango & Tapas, Then Tears of Joy (Maybe)."

Hotel: Eurostars Portico Alicante (Praying this isn't a total dumpster fire, though the reviews… well, let's just say they're a mixed bag. Fingers crossed for a clean bed, people!)

Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic

  • 12:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC). Expecting sunshine, getting… well, Alicante. Immediately lose my phone in the whirlwind. Panic sets in. My inner monologue sounds something like, "Right. You planned this. You did this. Now, find your phone, you colossal idiot. And hope the luggage doesn't end up in Iceland."
  • 12:30 PM: Find phone in the depths of my backpack… and, the luggage is present! Success! Hop on the C6 bus to the city center. It's crowded, smelly, and I'm pretty sure the guy next to me is judging my backpack. Whatever, I'm a tourist, I own it.
  • 1:30 PM: Arrive at Eurostars Portico Alicante. Check-in is… slow. The receptionist seems utterly unimpressed by my existence. I attempt to make small talk, but she gives me a look that suggests I’m interrupting her life-changing novel-writing session.
  • 2:00 PM: Room! It's… clean. Relief washes over me like a wave. It's not a palace, but there's a bed, a bathroom, and a view that, if I squint really hard, might resemble the sea. Time for a celebratory nap.
  • 4:00 PM: Nap was magnificent. Fueled by caffeine (from my own, sad, instant coffee) and a newfound zest for life, I venture out.
  • 5:00 PM Wandering to La Explanada de España. Is she a beautiful promenade or is she an endless conga line of tourists? Either way the views are spectacular! I feel some serious joy.
  • 7:00 PM: Wandering into a tapas bar nearby. The best tapas I've ever eaten, no wait, the only tapas I've ever eaten. So far, so good.

Day 2: Castle Crush & Culinary Chaos

  • 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (hopefully, it's not just toast and sadness). I'm expecting a continental spread. I'm prepared to be disappointed.
  • 10:00 AM: Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Up we go! The climb is… let's just say my legs are getting a workout. The views from the top? Worth every single aching muscle. Alicante stretches out before me, shimmering under the Mediterranean sun. I swear I could see France from up there! This is a moment I'll remember forever.
  • 12:00 PM: Descend the castle. My knees are screaming. Find the nearest shady spot and collapse. Reflect on the glory of the fortress.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch - Attempt to find a paella restaurant. Stumble upon a place that claims to serve authentic paella. I am filled with doubts. Wait, is that… a microwave I see? Heart sinks. Order the paella anyway.
  • 2:00 PM: Paella. It's… edible. Let's be honest. I have had better, I feel betrayed, but the view is good.
  • 3:00 PM: Stroll through the Barrio de Santa Cruz. This is where the real Alicante magic seems to be. Whitewashed houses, flowers spilling from every balcony, tiny winding streets… it's a kaleidoscope of charm. Get hopelessly lost. Get happily found. Stumble upon a hidden courtyard where an old man is playing the guitar. A moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. A tear might have rolled down my cheek.
  • 6:00 PM: Ice Cream! Find a gelateria. I order pistachio. It's heaven.
  • 8:00 PM: Tapas round two, at a different place! This time, I'm prepared. I order everything on the menu, and I'm not ashamed.
  • 10:00 PM: Return to Hotel for sleep.

Day 3: Beach Bliss & Departure Dread

  • 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I am getting used to it, and it's not terrible.
  • 10:00 AM: Playa del Postiguet. Take some sun with its golden sand and sparkling water. I had some regrets, it's crowded… but beautiful. I walk through the waves.
  • 1:00 PM: More tapas!
  • 3:00 PM: Packing, sadly. Reality bites. Already dreading the return to everyday life.
  • 4:00 PM: Try to find a last souvenir. Stressful.
  • 5:00 PM: Drop off luggage at hotel and wander back around.
  • 6:00 PM: Last tapas. Embrace the bittersweet joy.
  • 8:00 PM: Head back to the airport. Saying goodbye to Spain.
  • 10:00 PM: Flight home.

Notes & Imperfections:

  • Language: My Spanish is non-existent. I intend to rely heavily on hand gestures and the kindness of strangers. Pray for me.
  • Lostness: Expect to get lost. Embrace it.
  • Food: Probably going to overeat. Just warning you.
  • Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect extreme highs and lows. I'm a human, after all.
  • The Unexpected: Be prepared for the unexpected. That's where the real adventure lies. Like that time in Italy when… oh, never mind.
  • Remember: To breathe, to laugh, to enjoy the moments. And to remember to charge my phone.
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun.

Okay, here goes nothing! Wish me luck. I'm pretty sure I'll need it.

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Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante: The Lux You Didn't Know You Needed (Probably) - An Absolutely Honest FAQ

Okay, Okay, So What's the Big Deal About Eurostars Portico Anyway? It Just Looks... Nice.

Alright, listen up, because I'm about to tell you something. "Nice" is a crime against the Portico. It's like calling Picasso okay-ish. This place... this place *gets* it. Imagine stumbling out of the Alicante airport, utterly wrecked from travel, and BAM: pure, unadulterated elegance slaps you in the face. Seriously, the lobby alone made my jaw drop. Think marble, massive chandeliers, and an air that smells vaguely of expensive cologne and hope. You're instantly on your way to a week where you're probably going to drink too much wine and think about wearing silk robes all day.

Here’s the thing. It's not just about the decor. It’s the *feeling*. It’s curated luxury. The staff are fantastic, like, *actually* fantastic. They're trained to anticipate what you want before you even know you want it. (And yes, I asked them if they secretly have mind-reading technology. They didn't deny it. Wink.)

Look, I was skeptical. Luxury hotels are often pretentious and clunky. But Portico? It’s like the cool older sibling of the Alicante hotel scene, whispers sweet nothings about relaxation in your ear, and then delivers it ten-fold.

The Rooms – Are They Actually Worth the Hype? Or Just Another Bland Box?

Oh, honey, the rooms. Let me tell you. I'm a sucker for a good hotel room. The Portico's rooms are *magnificent*. Think spacious, with huge windows that actually *let in light* (a revelation, given some depressing hotel experiences I've had). The beds? Cloud-like. I swear, I sank into that mattress the first night and didn’t emerge for a solid 12 hours. It was a full-on rebirth. The bathroom? Gleaming marble, powerful rainfall shower, and all those teeny, expensive toiletries that make you feel like a movie star (even though you’re probably just trying to not look like a travel-worn zombie after a long flight).

I had a junior suite, which I highly recommend! It had a little balcony overlooking the city, and I may or may not have spent an embarrassing amount of time just sitting there, sipping coffee, and pretending I was James Bond (shaken, not stirred, obviously). And the air conditioning? *Glorious*. Absolute perfection. Seriously, the room was so good that the first day I felt like, "Welp, I'm never leaving. I'm going to become a permanent resident of room 407!"

I had a slight snafu, admittedly. The TV remote decided to go on strike the first evening. I, being a complete Luddite, I couldn’t figure it out. BUT (and this is where the service shines), one quick call, and a charming young man was there within minutes, fixing it and apologizing profusely (it wasn’t even a big deal!). That's the kind of experience you pay for - and trust me, it's worth it.

Let's Talk Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Did it Live Up To The Luxury Vibe?

Okay, breakfast. The most important meal, right? And Portico *delivers*. Breakfast is a buffet, yes, but a *glorious* buffet. Freshly squeezed orange juice (Alicante oranges are legendary, by the way), mountains of pastries, local cheeses, cured meats… I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. They have the usual suspects - eggs, bacon, etc., but it’s all prepared with a level of care that you don’t always see. The fresh fruit station was a revelation. The coffee was strong, the service impeccable. And I’m not even a big breakfast person, but I found myself *craving* that buffet every morning.

Lunch and dinner are a bit more… variable, in my (humble) opinion. The hotel’s restaurant is good. It's very *polished*, you know? But sometimes I would prefer a bit more… zing! But don't get me wrong, it was good, just not *quite* as memorable as the rest of the experience. Honestly, the small imperfections are what made it feel human. I was more than pleased with the grilled octopus!

And you definitely MUST try the room service, at least once. Because eating tapas in your robe while watching the sunset from your balcony? That's the dream, people. The absolute dream.

What About the Location? Is it Actually Convenient for Exploring Alicante?

Location, location, location! The Portico scores big here. It's right in the heart of Alicante, close to everything you want to see. You can walk to the beach (just a few minutes!), and the shops, restaurants, and bars are literally on your doorstep. The historic center is a short stroll away, and the Santa Bárbara Castle is easily accessible. This means you can drink too much cava, stumble back to your hotel, and not have to worry about getting a taxi. A major bonus!

I remember one day, it was scorching hot, and I was feeling lazy. I asked the concierge for a recommendation of a good paella restaurant nearby. He not only gave me a great rec (which was amazing, by the way), but he also called to make a reservation for me. They also have great recommendations for excursions and tours nearby! Seriously, they are pros.

Any Downsides? Be Honest!

Okay, okay, here's where I get real. Nothing is perfect, even the Portico (shocking, I know). It *is* pricey. Luxury has a cost, right? Just be prepared to open your wallet. But honestly? Worth it, if you ask me.

Also, the hotel's swimming pool is small. Actually, I would say it is *very* small. I didn't really use it, because it looked more like a fancy bathtub than something for actual swimming. Fine if you just want to dip in for a little bit, but if you're a swimmer, you'll be disappointed.

But seriously, those are the only gripes I can think of. And those are such, small things!

What's the Vibe Like? Is it Just for Rich Old People? (No Offense!)

Haha, no offense taken! And thankfully, no, it's not just for stuffy old farts. The Portico attracts a mix of people. I saw couples, families, friends, and some people (like me) who clearly just needed a luxurious escape! The vibe is chic, definitely, but also relaxed. It doesn’t feel pretentious, or cliquey. You’re made to feel welcome. You're encouraged to sit back, unwind, and indulge. The staff are incredibly friendly and approachable. They've struck a perfect balance of attentiveness and privacy. It's a place to see and be seen, but in a way that's actually *pleasant*. It's a place where I didn't feel judged for ordering room service and watching bad TV in my PJs. (It was my holiday, after all!)

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Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain

Eurostars Portico Alicante Alicante Spain