Hostal San Juan

Wonderful!

This small, beachfront hotel caters mainly to Spanish vacationers, so don't expect the staff to speak extensive English. But the hotel is steps from the surf (such as it is), has an extremely pleasant porch area, and a wide terrace where we had our reception. Appetizers, "copas de bienvenida" (beer, wine and sangria), a four course meal, wedding cake, wine with dinner for 56 people -- all overlooking the Mediterranean -- cost us less than $5000 dollars U.S. The restaurant is popular with local families, who come to chow down on sumptious paellas, roast lamb, fresh seafood and other Alicantino delights.

The hotel itself is a little worn and has no air conditioning, but it's immaculate and comfortable, and you won't find a better price for beachfront lodging. Most of our guests from the States stayed here and had no complaints.

We both speak Spanish and have family in the area, which certainly helped with planning, but in spite of their limited English staffers were so warm and welcoming, everyone felt very well-cared-for. I can't say enough nice things about this place. It's the perfect spot for an elegant-yet-not-pretentious reception with stellar food.