Yep the cheesy end of Benidorm is all still there lol. But the Spanish plan to get rid of it and move Benidorm more up market since Brexit. So it might be one of the last few years of it. They want the more wealthy Dutch and Norwegians instead!
"Hi, we’re out late August, we haven’t been for a while. Are the bars to go to still around English Square /Cafe Benidorm area, thanks"
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"Yep the cheesy end of Benidorm is all still there lol. But the Spanish plan to get rid of it and move Benidorm more up market since Brexit. So it might be one of the last few years of it. They want the more wealthy Dutch and Norwegians instead! Hi, we’re out late August, we haven’t been for a while. Are the bars to go to still around English Square /Cafe Benidorm area, thanks"
Benidorm has been "moving upmarket" for years. It just never seems to get there.
Admittedly there a few nicer hotels and some decent restaurants in the old town but, apart from a bit of tweaking around the edges, the Square and area hasn't changed much in years. And I don't see it happening any time soon.
There are just not enough wealthy Dutch and Norwegians to replace the British in Benidorm. The total population of Norway is less than Yorkshire and besides, Norwegians abroad don't exactly have a reputation for being genteel (or sober)
Generally the Dutch take very different holidays (per capita I think they are Europe's biggest campers) and while some would be attracted to 2 weeks in a tower block hotel toasting on the beach all day then hitting the bars at night out of a population of under 18 million I don't think there would be many.
I suppose they could go for the German market but Mallorca has that pretty much cornered. Apart from the language and music Arenal (the Germans call it Balaman) isn't much different to the Levante end of Benidorm anyway. So that would just be change for changes sake.
The one area where Benidorm has made inroads over the last few years is with the Spanish market.
Problem there is that the older ones are all tucked up in bed before midnight and the younger ones can party with the best. So again change for changes sake (but with less money over the counter)
For years Benidorm has been likened to Blackpool and on this the two are no different.
Both town halls blather on about going up market and cleaning up the town Etc. Etc. But nothing ever happens.
The simple reason is both know which side their bread is buttered.
I would just mention that I first went to Benidorm in 1969 have visited scores of times since and even lived and worked there for a while.
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Well as a current resident of the area who has also watched the changes over the years, i can assure you there's a bigger push now for change than ever before from the locals and the authorities. And my reference to Norwegians was an analogy, i perhaps should have said Scandinavias etc... Benidorm was once one of the chic'est resorts in Europe, many belive it can return to that. There is an arrogance by many English people who deludedly think spain can't do without them. The Spanish are very happy to prove them wrong.
Anyway that's enough of that, back to sexy time! Heehee!
"Yep the cheesy end of Benidorm is all still there lol. But the Spanish plan to get rid of it and move Benidorm more up market since Brexit. So it might be one of the last few years of it. They want the more wealthy Dutch and Norwegians instead! Hi, we’re out late August, we haven’t been for a while. Are the bars to go to still around English Square /Cafe Benidorm area, thanks
Benidorm has been "moving upmarket" for years. It just never seems to get there.
Admittedly there a few nicer hotels and some decent restaurants in the old town but, apart from a bit of tweaking around the edges, the Square and area hasn't changed much in years. And I don't see it happening any time soon.
There are just not enough wealthy Dutch and Norwegians to replace the British in Benidorm. The total population of Norway is less than Yorkshire and besides, Norwegians abroad don't exactly have a reputation for being genteel (or sober)
Generally the Dutch take very different holidays (per capita I think they are Europe's biggest campers) and while some would be attracted to 2 weeks in a tower block hotel toasting on the beach all day then hitting the bars at night out of a population of under 18 million I don't think there would be many.
I suppose they could go for the German market but Mallorca has that pretty much cornered. Apart from the language and music Arenal (the Germans call it Balaman) isn't much different to the Levante end of Benidorm anyway. So that would just be change for changes sake.
The one area where Benidorm has made inroads over the last few years is with the Spanish market.
Problem there is that the older ones are all tucked up in bed before midnight and the younger ones can party with the best. So again change for changes sake (but with less money over the counter)
For years Benidorm has been likened to Blackpool and on this the two are no different.
Both town halls blather on about going up market and cleaning up the town Etc. Etc. But nothing ever happens.
The simple reason is both know which side their bread is buttered.
I would just mention that I first went to Benidorm in 1969 have visited scores of times since and even lived and worked there for a while.
"
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Interesting comments. We love Benidorm and booked flights and accommodation yesterday for a short break later this year. When we tell people who have never been they are often surprised, imagining it is all downmarket and British. We stay in the old town and have stayed west of there in the past and it is beautiful. Great beach, restaurants, bars and nightlife. I imagine it will be a long process taking the whole of Benidorm upmarket as there are just so many hotel rooms to fill. As you say, that will be the direction of travel. It is not just Scandinavians and other Western Europeans who can fill those rooms though. Russian tourists and those from other Eastern Block countries now have plenty of money and a desire for the sun. On a recent family holiday to Alicante, we were surprised at how many French tourists there were.
"Well as a current resident of the area who has also watched the changes over the years, i can assure you there's a bigger push now for change than ever before from the locals and the authorities. And my reference to Norwegians was an analogy, i perhaps should have said Scandinavias etc... Benidorm was once one of the chic'est resorts in Europe, many belive it can return to that. There is an arrogance by many English people who deludedly think spain can't do without them. The Spanish are very happy to prove them wrong.
Anyway that's enough of that, back to sexy time! Heehee!
"
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I'm afraid I'm one of those "snobs" who had never been to Mainland Spain, nor Majorca or Menorca. I went to Ibiza in my youth. In June I went to Alhama de Granada & absolutely loved it & I'm in Benidorm in October for a friends 50th(its ok its not a stag do there are 4 females & 4 males) The main problem Benidorm has is the TV programme of the same name & the endless stream of programmes on british tv just showing boozed up brits abroad |
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By *webMan
over a year ago
doncaster/Benidorm |
Ive been going to Benidorm for 50 years and seen a big change i tend to stay away from the strip i enjoy the old town i meet up with my Spanish friends eat tapas and watch the world go by. |
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"I'm afraid I'm one of those "snobs" who had never been to Mainland Spain, nor Majorca or Menorca. I went to Ibiza in my youth. In June I went to Alhama de Granada & absolutely loved it & I'm in Benidorm in October for a friends 50th(its ok its not a stag do there are 4 females & 4 males) The main problem Benidorm has is the TV programme of the same name & the endless stream of programmes on british tv just showing boozed up brits abroad"
We were there (only for a day) a week ago and unfortunately there's plenty of boozed up Brits there, actually it's a bit embarrassing. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The first time I took my gf to Benidorm she was embarrassed to tell anyone where she was going.
Needless to say she had the time of her life and can’t wait to get back, and she told everyone where she’d been and what a fantastic time she’d had on our return   |
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"Well as a current resident of the area who has also watched the changes over the years, i can assure you there's a bigger push now for change than ever before from the locals and the authorities. And my reference to Norwegians was an analogy, i perhaps should have said Scandinavias etc... Benidorm was once one of the chic'est resorts in Europe, many belive it can return to that. There is an arrogance by many English people who deludedly think spain can't do without them. The Spanish are very happy to prove them wrong.
Anyway that's enough of that, back to sexy time! Heehee!
"
Yes I can remember the days of Benidorm being "chic" but that was a very long time ago and the place has changed way beyond recognition, if only in size.
I can remember when Levante promenade had more private houses than hotels and the old Les Dunes was about the biggest (long before they knocked it down to build the towers that now stand there)
Back then C. Girona had more empty plots than buildings, the Square hadn't even been thought of, and people would ask "who the hell wants to stay in the Hotel Pueblo, in the middle of nowhere and up a dirt track?"
But Benidorm can never go back to that, if only for the fact of its size and having to (whether it likes it or not) appeal to the mass market. The mass market just doesn't do "chic".
Also remember Benidorm is one of only a very few resorts on mainland Spain that is year round. Most of the others close for the winter. It's the Brit's that keep Benidorm going through the off season.
The Spanish may come in droves during July and August but apart from the pensioners (who spend very little anyway) and weekenders for Terramitica and the disco's, that is about it for the winter months.
Of course Benidorm could survive without the British market but survival would be as much as it could hope for. |
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I grew up in Benidorm and had family that use to live there. Nothing fills me with more joy but to know I’m heading back there, so many good memories. Looking to head back there this September.
For those of you already out there, I hope the weather is lovely and you all are safe and well.
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By *elly72Woman
over a year ago
glasgow |
"Yep the cheesy end of Benidorm is all still there lol. But the Spanish plan to get rid of it and move Benidorm more up market since Brexit. So it might be one of the last few years of it. They want the more wealthy Dutch and Norwegians instead! Hi, we’re out late August, we haven’t been for a while. Are the bars to go to still around English Square /Cafe Benidorm area, thanks"
Just because other people are “wealthy” doesn’t mean they’ll spend that money that’s how they have it |
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"Another spot on reply from _otlovefun42 here. "
Just to add another memory or two from the early 70's.
What is now the top half of the square (going inland from Hotel Orange) was a dirt road and the location of Benidorm market (Wednesday's if I remember correctly) There were no buildings at all up there after the Orange.
Calle Lepanto was the last paved road and even that was almost empty of any buildings. Hotels Orange, Perla, and Presidente were pretty much all that stood there. And they were quite new.
We stayed in the Pelicanos the first year it opened (it was called Hotel Catalonia back then) and the Ocas next door was only half built.
Also in those days the clientele was around 50/50 British and German with a smattering of Dutch and Scandinavians. The Spanish tourist market didn't even exist.
From the late 70's and through most of the 80's Benidorm went through a bit of a slump. The Canary's were developing and the Greek islands (among other places) were opening up to mass tourism. Through that time the Germans pretty much deserted the place, and it was the British who eventually picked up the slack and kept it going. Hence we have the Benidorm we all know today.
It will always keep changing but to try and go back to the days of chic would be the ultimate shot in the foot.
Benidorm is a party resort and my message to the town hall would be: Appreciate what you've got, it might be a bit messy from time to time, but it really is the golden goose.
Fifty plus years of growth can be lost in the blink of an eye, and it could take another fifty to get it back. |
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"Yep the cheesy end of Benidorm is all still there lol. But the Spanish plan to get rid of it and move Benidorm more up market since Brexit. So it might be one of the last few years of it. They want the more wealthy Dutch and Norwegians instead! Hi, we’re out late August, we haven’t been for a while. Are the bars to go to still around English Square /Cafe Benidorm area, thanks
Benidorm has been "moving upmarket" for years. It just never seems to get there.
Admittedly there a few nicer hotels and some decent restaurants in the old town but, apart from a bit of tweaking around the edges, the Square and area hasn't changed much in years. And I don't see it happening any time soon.
There are just not enough wealthy Dutch and Norwegians to replace the British in Benidorm. The total population of Norway is less than Yorkshire and besides, Norwegians abroad don't exactly have a reputation for being genteel (or sober)
Generally the Dutch take very different holidays (per capita I think they are Europe's biggest campers) and while some would be attracted to 2 weeks in a tower block hotel toasting on the beach all day then hitting the bars at night out of a population of under 18 million I don't think there would be many.
I suppose they could go for the German market but Mallorca has that pretty much cornered. Apart from the language and music Arenal (the Germans call it Balaman) isn't much different to the Levante end of Benidorm anyway. So that would just be change for changes sake.
The one area where Benidorm has made inroads over the last few years is with the Spanish market.
Problem there is that the older ones are all tucked up in bed before midnight and the younger ones can party with the best. So again change for changes sake (but with less money over the counter)
For years Benidorm has been likened to Blackpool and on this the two are no different.
Both town halls blather on about going up market and cleaning up the town Etc. Etc. But nothing ever happens.
The simple reason is both know which side their bread is buttered.
I would just mention that I first went to Benidorm in 1969 have visited scores of times since and even lived and worked there for a while.
"
Visiting for the first time this Saturday for a week. Where would you recommend for a couple of young at heart 50-somethings more used to Cap and PDI for our guilty pleasure holidays? Not talking necessarily about swinging - more looking fur a damn good night out to get over the covid years |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"For a good day out go to the secret fountaim part of the Marina Hotel its amazing x
Is this the new roof top bar built at side ? "
Wouldnt say its new, been there for a decade or so |
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We're there in a couple of weeks. We're planning on going to the Red Lion, Chaplins, Rockerfellas amongst others. Where do people recommend with comedy or where the entertainment may be a bit raunchy?  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"We're there in a couple of weeks. We're planning on going to the Red Lion, Chaplins, Rockerfellas amongst others. Where do people recommend with comedy or where the entertainment may be a bit raunchy? "
Usually albi senior and that other comedian do rockafellas and talk of the coast most nights.after that there's a few places that do the sticky shows and segway star wars sex ie red lion and stardust. |
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"We're there in a couple of weeks. We're planning on going to the Red Lion, Chaplins, Rockerfellas amongst others. Where do people recommend with comedy or where the entertainment may be a bit raunchy?
Usually albi senior and that other comedian do rockafellas and talk of the coast most nights.after that there's a few places that do the sticky shows and segway star wars sex ie red lion and stardust. "
Is Tony Scott the other comedian? They're both non PC according to reviews on TripAdvisor, which is what we like! Any funny Drag shows you can recommend? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"We're there in a couple of weeks. We're planning on going to the Red Lion, Chaplins, Rockerfellas amongst others. Where do people recommend with comedy or where the entertainment may be a bit raunchy?
Usually albi senior and that other comedian do rockafellas and talk of the coast most nights.after that there's a few places that do the sticky shows and segway star wars sex ie red lion and stardust.
Is Tony Scott the other comedian? They're both non PC according to reviews on TripAdvisor, which is what we like! Any funny Drag shows you can recommend?"
Yeah thats it Tony Scott, i had Jimmy Scott in mind for some reason. Hes definitely not PC although hes also as thin skinned as they come if someone heckles him.
Drag shows Kafee Klee is rated best i think, its in Old Town and has various acts on. There is/was one at Palladium and no doubt one will be around the bars of the strip |
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