Site of new 5* Hotel on Avd Mediterraneo

It has been announced that a brand new luxury 5 star hotel is to be built in the centre of Benidorm. The plot, on the Avd Mediterraneo at the Rincon de Loix is a mere 150 metres from the Levante beach and is currently a public car park - which is owned by the company.

The new hotel will be right in front of the Ocas, which is next door to the Sol Pelicanos, but will tower above them both. The original plan was to build an apartment block, the "Torre Mediterranean" on the site, but this halted back in 2010 due to the economic crisis. Now due to the excess housing stock in the community they decided to "redefine the project".
The company, Convalesa will invest 7 million euros to build the 30 storey, 200 room hotel which will incorporate a spa, swimming pool, gym and presidential suites.

Artists impression

Next to the hotel there are also plans to construct a 3 storey shopping centre and car park with enough space for 485 vehicles. The total budget for the entire project is estimated at 17 million euros and will create in the region of 200 jobs during the construction stage and approximately 150 permanent jobs when the facility is open.

Works are scheduled to start in January 2013 with a projected completion date of Easter 2015.  Benidorm Mayor, Agustin Navarro said the project will bring wealth and employment to the town and it is a very important investment, which shows that Benidorm "is working" if companies are willing to invest in these economically challenging times. At present it is not known who will take on the new hotel - whether it will be one of the large chains or an independent.

The president of the company, Jesus Alamo said that the company had chosen to invest  in the hotel and leisure complex in Benidorm because the city has "tremendous potential" and has one of the best hotel occupation rates in Spain. It will bring the total number of 5 star hotels in the resort to four - the others are Asia Gardens, Villaitana and Villa Venetcia. It certainly looks like they are trying to attract new clientele as many have also undergone vast refurbishments recently, such as the newly opened Flash and Riviera hotels.

Controversial Twin Towers

In the same week that this new project was announced, the builder responsible for the "Gemelos 28" twin towers, which were controversially built on the edge of the Levante front have filed for bankruptcy! The towers are in the throes of a high court injuction after it was revealed that there are "planning irregularities" and may have to be pulled down, despite the fact that some are already sold and occupied! The builder, together with three others which come under the umbrella of the massive Ballester group owe 300 million euros between them! I do hope that Convalesa have deep pockets as initial forecast budgets always have a nasty habit of multiplying...

It is certainly good news for the construction business and long term for employment and tourism in the resort.