There were some very unhappy guests at the Sandos Hotel Monaco earlier after signs went up yesterday stating “We kindly remind you that it is not allowed to wear fancy dresses in the hotel premises”. I was contacted by one, Amanda, who is staying there with friends and been coming for many years for the November fiestas. She said that her group and many others staying there were very upset to suddenly see these notices appearing all around the hotel. However, this morning the signs had been amended slightly, stating that they would now allow them “only in the Monte Carlo Bar”.

Somewhat concerned at this I went over to the hotel this lunchtime and spoke with Luna who was on duty, with the old saying “don´t bite the hand that feeds you” at the back of my mind.
She explained that this was not a new rule but clearly stated on their Terms & Conditions and that agents should certainly be making holidaymakers aware before confirming their booking of this – the same applies to their other two hotels within the group in Benidorm– Marconfort Essence and Marconfort Benidorm Suites. She showed me a “Code of Conduct & Rules” document, which did state “Fancy Dress costumes not allowed in the hotel premises”. Luna told me that “It is an adult only hotel and people come to relax in a chilled quiet atmosphere”.

However, when I went to look on the website I struggled to find any reference to this – the only related thing I could find was that “Stag & Hen groups not accepted” and that “Groups required a €100 CASH deposit per person on arrival”.
Maybe to avoid any further confusion Marconfort should amend their T&C´s to make this rule crystal clear, not at check-in upon arrival. It is known that many hotels already ban big groups but my advice to anyone looking, check the rules before hitting that confirm button.