Kaktus Hotel, Albir
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Situated directly on Albir beach, the Kaktus Hotel occupies the ideal location for soaking up the sun on the Costa Blanca. It has easy access to the airport (60kms), Benidorm (10mins) and is just a short distance from the port of Altea and the Golf Club. For the more active there is a windsurfing and water-sports school in front of the hotel. Throughout the Kaktus Hotel there are several interior and exterior terraces where you can benefit from the unique Mediterranean climate and enjoy the view over the coastline. You can relax in the lobby bar with an exotic drink and live music or swim in the magnificent exterior swimming pool. loading...
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Kaktus Hotel Reviews
" STOLEN MONEY "
Submitted By: yourenglish
My family stayed at the hotel in February 2010. We really liked nearly everything about it.
Location. It is really great. All the windows look over the beach and a beautiful avenue with palm trees growing along it.
It is also a great starting point for going sightseeing. There is a bus stop nearby and the railway station is not far from the hotel so you can easily get to Benidorm, Altea, Denia and many other places from there.
The food. It was delicious and the waitresses were really friendly and helpful. On Fridays they serve seafood for dinner. We enjoyed every minute of it! If you are into seafood, you will absolutely love it.
There’s also an excellent sunbathing terrace on the roof. The view is stunning and spending time there is great fun.
In the evening there’s a show on. My husband and I weren’t too interested but my 60 year old mum liked it a lot.
The room was OK. As for me it was bit too dim, but the rooms on the other side of the hotel seemed to bit be full of sunlight all day. Tough luck.
The only downside appeared to be ..THE MONEY STOLEN FROM OUR ROOM. We only discovered it went missing on the day of our departure so we couldn’t really do anything. Some money was taken from my wallet, my mum’s bag and my zipped jacket pocket. They checked who entered our room during our stay and it appeared it had only been chambermaids. The room wasn’t broken into and we didn’t bring a soul there so who could it be?
The manager wasn’t very helpful. She seemed to turn a blind eye to our problem. Since she was absent that day we wrote her an e-mail from home. There was no reply. After a week we phoned her and she told us she hadn’t taken any action. In her opinion we should have used the safe deposit box and suggested that we had either spent the money or lost it somewhere else. Can you believe it?
Certainly we filed a police report. But it is only supposed to help you file a claim with your insurance company. That is all.
We understand that the hotel staff is not responsible for the valuables left in the room. I don’t blame the management for what happened. But think about it for a moment. Your key is given to somebody who can enter it at any time when you are absent. He or she can take your belongings and you will never get them back because: a) you don’t have any proofs (are you supposed to hide under the bed and watch or install a camera or something?) b) the hotel takes no responsibility for your valuables. That’s it. It is a vicious circle. Very convenient for the thieves, isn’t it?
My friend who keeps a hotel said it was all our fault. He also said that we allowed ourselves to be robbed. Maybe so. But my husband and I have stayed in a range of places around the world (budget hostels, bungalows and fancy hotels) and nothing like this has ever happened to us before. Is feeling safe in the room that you’ve payed for too much to ask?
I’m not going back to Kaktus Albir again. And it is not about the money. It is obvious that this time I would have put my money into a safe. I just can not stand the thought of someone going through my personal things. Can you?
Location. It is really great. All the windows look over the beach and a beautiful avenue with palm trees growing along it.
It is also a great starting point for going sightseeing. There is a bus stop nearby and the railway station is not far from the hotel so you can easily get to Benidorm, Altea, Denia and many other places from there.
The food. It was delicious and the waitresses were really friendly and helpful. On Fridays they serve seafood for dinner. We enjoyed every minute of it! If you are into seafood, you will absolutely love it.
There’s also an excellent sunbathing terrace on the roof. The view is stunning and spending time there is great fun.
In the evening there’s a show on. My husband and I weren’t too interested but my 60 year old mum liked it a lot.
The room was OK. As for me it was bit too dim, but the rooms on the other side of the hotel seemed to bit be full of sunlight all day. Tough luck.
The only downside appeared to be ..THE MONEY STOLEN FROM OUR ROOM. We only discovered it went missing on the day of our departure so we couldn’t really do anything. Some money was taken from my wallet, my mum’s bag and my zipped jacket pocket. They checked who entered our room during our stay and it appeared it had only been chambermaids. The room wasn’t broken into and we didn’t bring a soul there so who could it be?
The manager wasn’t very helpful. She seemed to turn a blind eye to our problem. Since she was absent that day we wrote her an e-mail from home. There was no reply. After a week we phoned her and she told us she hadn’t taken any action. In her opinion we should have used the safe deposit box and suggested that we had either spent the money or lost it somewhere else. Can you believe it?
Certainly we filed a police report. But it is only supposed to help you file a claim with your insurance company. That is all.
We understand that the hotel staff is not responsible for the valuables left in the room. I don’t blame the management for what happened. But think about it for a moment. Your key is given to somebody who can enter it at any time when you are absent. He or she can take your belongings and you will never get them back because: a) you don’t have any proofs (are you supposed to hide under the bed and watch or install a camera or something?) b) the hotel takes no responsibility for your valuables. That’s it. It is a vicious circle. Very convenient for the thieves, isn’t it?
My friend who keeps a hotel said it was all our fault. He also said that we allowed ourselves to be robbed. Maybe so. But my husband and I have stayed in a range of places around the world (budget hostels, bungalows and fancy hotels) and nothing like this has ever happened to us before. Is feeling safe in the room that you’ve payed for too much to ask?
I’m not going back to Kaktus Albir again. And it is not about the money. It is obvious that this time I would have put my money into a safe. I just can not stand the thought of someone going through my personal things. Can you?
Good for: Beach
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2010
- Board Basis:FB
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" A disappointing holiday "
Submitted By: bazz2004
This promised to be a a great hotel from reviews we read. In the event we were very disappointed. The food was never better than mediocre, the two swimming pools are badly designed and the ancient TV had only a couple of English language programs. The staff work hard and do provide good service but you can see that their tight budget is a problem. If you expect a four star hotel you are being unrealistic. It's spacious and clean but in no way exceptional. Albir itself is starting to look a bit run down. The hotel has a good position on the front which provides a pleasant walk. There are plenty of bars and cafes along the sea front plus a good bus service. The hotel and resort are suited to those with mobility problems.
6 out of
6 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Saga
" An excellent hotel, spotlessly clean,... "
Submitted By: Mrs J E Rayment
An excellent hotel, spotlessly clean, providing top class accommodation. The staff are very courteous and professional in all service areas.
I was dreading a 'Brits Abroad' holiday, as I have never been to this area of Spain before. There were couples and families from Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Iceland, America and Spain staying at the Kaktus Albir - a really good mix of all nationalities.
A proper family hotel, with entertainment for everyone most evenings in August, even the very young children were dancing until 8.30 / 9.00 as there is music and dancing especially for them. There were a couple of entertainment events too - flamenco dancers and a knife throwing / fire eating act.
The beach is literally on the doorstep. It's a pebble beach, so take your jellybeans if you fancy a paddle! Be warned that the currents can be strong, but there were 3 lifeguards taking care of everyone on the beach - very reassuring.
My 14 year old daughter and I went alone, and I was a little apprehensive about just the two of us going but we felt safe at all times - it's a lovely, quiet place to stay.
Thanks to the review below which recommended the Cats Whiskers Cafe! We went there for lunch most days and the staff are lovely, friendly and full of information. They make a BLT on a warm baguette to die for and a smashing cup of tea - definitely worth a visit!
I only regret missing the quiz night on Tuesday. (Perhaps next time!)
I have no hesitation in recommending this hotel or this area of Spain to anyone.
Go. Have a lovely time!
I was dreading a 'Brits Abroad' holiday, as I have never been to this area of Spain before. There were couples and families from Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Iceland, America and Spain staying at the Kaktus Albir - a really good mix of all nationalities.
A proper family hotel, with entertainment for everyone most evenings in August, even the very young children were dancing until 8.30 / 9.00 as there is music and dancing especially for them. There were a couple of entertainment events too - flamenco dancers and a knife throwing / fire eating act.
The beach is literally on the doorstep. It's a pebble beach, so take your jellybeans if you fancy a paddle! Be warned that the currents can be strong, but there were 3 lifeguards taking care of everyone on the beach - very reassuring.
My 14 year old daughter and I went alone, and I was a little apprehensive about just the two of us going but we felt safe at all times - it's a lovely, quiet place to stay.
Thanks to the review below which recommended the Cats Whiskers Cafe! We went there for lunch most days and the staff are lovely, friendly and full of information. They make a BLT on a warm baguette to die for and a smashing cup of tea - definitely worth a visit!
I only regret missing the quiz night on Tuesday. (Perhaps next time!)
I have no hesitation in recommending this hotel or this area of Spain to anyone.
Go. Have a lovely time!
5 out of
5 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked IndependentlyOn the Beach Holidays
" The room was big enough for us with... "
Submitted By: Mr J McIlwaine
The room was big enough for us with twin beds, a seating area and the views from the balcony are wonderful.
If you want a sunny balcony go for the 4th or 5th floor with room numbers from 432, etc. and they aren’t overlooked from the rooftop sun lounge.
There is an indoor pool on the roof and a small fitness area and a hairdresser. Food is good but breakfast has that awful streaky bacon all Spanish hotels use for their buffets.
Good variety of dishes and the fish is superb.
Room was spotless and kept that way as was the whole hotel. Staff are friendly and helpful. There are internet kiosks and wifi is also available at extra cost.
Located just across from the beach and if you want great pub grub it’s just around the corner at the Cats Whiskers. Albir is brilliant but quiet so if you want to relax this is it!
If you want a sunny balcony go for the 4th or 5th floor with room numbers from 432, etc. and they aren’t overlooked from the rooftop sun lounge.
There is an indoor pool on the roof and a small fitness area and a hairdresser. Food is good but breakfast has that awful streaky bacon all Spanish hotels use for their buffets.
Good variety of dishes and the fish is superb.
Room was spotless and kept that way as was the whole hotel. Staff are friendly and helpful. There are internet kiosks and wifi is also available at extra cost.
Located just across from the beach and if you want great pub grub it’s just around the corner at the Cats Whiskers. Albir is brilliant but quiet so if you want to relax this is it!
3 out of
3 readers found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2006
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Club Med
" We can honestly say that this hotel... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Vokes
We can honestly say that this hotel was first class. Albir is a delightful resort and the hotel is situated on the sea front.
We were able to take long walks along the very clean and tidy promenade.
The resort is quiet and very well kept. This hotel was top class very friendly staff and cleanliness of the hotel was excellent, food very good and pool areas perfect.
We will certainly be returning in the near future. Well done to the Kaktus and thanks.
We were able to take long walks along the very clean and tidy promenade.
The resort is quiet and very well kept. This hotel was top class very friendly staff and cleanliness of the hotel was excellent, food very good and pool areas perfect.
We will certainly be returning in the near future. Well done to the Kaktus and thanks.
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" My partner and I arrived just after... "
Submitted By: Mr L Walters
My partner and I arrived just after midnight. The reception we got was not friendly. The hotel is very nice, right by the sea. The room was excellent. The food was well presented, but poor quality.
We ordered two coffees, the handle came off the cup, I went back and the barman laughed, poured the coffee into a drinks glass and said ok ok. Even though the hotel is 4 star I will not go back. Friendliness costs nothing. I will go to the three star in Altea the Cap Negret, the staff there are friendly, as I found out on a visit.
We ordered two coffees, the handle came off the cup, I went back and the barman laughed, poured the coffee into a drinks glass and said ok ok. Even though the hotel is 4 star I will not go back. Friendliness costs nothing. I will go to the three star in Altea the Cap Negret, the staff there are friendly, as I found out on a visit.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Alpha Rooms
" We were very disappointed with the... "
Submitted By: Mr D White
We were very disappointed with the overall service in this hotel which has a 4star rating.
The hotel is in a prime spot on the front.
We had a guest eat with us one evening and were ashamed of the quality of the food on offer to eat.
Our guest who lives in Spain was not impressed, considering we had been to a pub come restaurant the previous evening were there was 12 of us eating to celebrate a birthday and the service was excellent
The hotel is in a prime spot on the front.
We had a guest eat with us one evening and were ashamed of the quality of the food on offer to eat.
Our guest who lives in Spain was not impressed, considering we had been to a pub come restaurant the previous evening were there was 12 of us eating to celebrate a birthday and the service was excellent
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- Date of Holiday:May 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Alpha Beds
" Having booked an allocated on arrival... "
Submitted By: Mr B.M. Strange
Having booked an allocated on arrival half board holiday for six of us I was sure we would end up in the high rise blocks that dominate Benidorm.
How wrong can you be. This hotel was far better than any of us had hoped for. The public rooms were most impressive and the rooms we were allocated were superb. The quality and variety of food offered was the best we have had for many a long time. The rooftop covered pool was in operation but the sunbathing area on the roof (which is huge) was still being tiled.
We all agreed this was definitely a place to visit again.
How wrong can you be. This hotel was far better than any of us had hoped for. The public rooms were most impressive and the rooms we were allocated were superb. The quality and variety of food offered was the best we have had for many a long time. The rooftop covered pool was in operation but the sunbathing area on the roof (which is huge) was still being tiled.
We all agreed this was definitely a place to visit again.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" Just got home from an absolute... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Hillary
Just got home from an absolute fantastic holiday at the Kaktus Albir. My Mum and me went. Mum is in a wheelchair and we were absolutely delighted with the layout of the hotel including the rooms for Mum. The Hotel was spotless, the reception area was beautiful with a waterfall feature inside. The bar was well laid out and they did some delicious cocktails. Food was very nice; some slightly unusual combinations like pork and strawberries but don’t knock till you try. The staff were very nice. The hotel was right on the front of Albir looking out onto the beach. The only one thing, which could be a draw back to Albir, not the Hotel is that nowhere cashes travellers cheques around that area. Benidorm is the nearest place, which cashes them. If you decide to go, try and make a trip to Mundomar in Benidorm. Watching all the dolphins etc: is breath taking, also the Benidorm show is one to go see. Amazing. Can’t wait to go again.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2004
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Accessible Travel
" Me and my partner had booked this... "
Submitted By: Miss GA Allen
Me and my partner had booked this package holiday 2 days prior to departure using teletext holidays at a cost of only £230 each on a half board basis. As it was our first holiday together i was slightly apprehensive because it was accomodation on arrival and so i wasn't expecting the site that we saw once we arrived.
When we arrived at the kaktus albir i was amazed at how beautiful the hotel reception/lobby was. After we had checked in we were told that it was a 4 star hotel which was when i realised how lucky we were to end up at this accomodation. The hotel is situated directly off from the beach with many rooms having a balcony with breathtaking views.
During our 7 night stay we were told that the hotel was having a new swimming pool built on the roof of the building, which would have been lovely, however it was not to be completed until a few months later.
The rooms are clean and facillitating with a television, safe, telephone, air conditioning(which are door controlled) and a good shower. The hotel does not offer room service, which would have been nice, however snacks can be purchased at the downstairs bar. The rooms are cleaned every day by friendly staff who will clean your room whether you forget to put a notice out or not. The staff at the reception seemed very friendly.
On a few nights they did do entertainment and it was mostly dancing. In contrast to the days (which were very peaceful) the nights brought many people off the streets to drink on the front bar area which really was relaxing.
The buffet meals were above average compared with many hotels who tend to repeat the same cuisines, however i think that may be due to the fact that we only stayed for a week.
If you fancy a change from some of the hotel meals then go to olas. Walk out of the hotel entrance and turn right. It's just down the road. They do a tasty mediteranian tuna salad and do really nice toasties.
On weekend evenings there is a popular market which sets up just down the road. It is definatly worth a look and if you see anything you like then barter with them because they always lower the price considerably if you remain polite.
If you enjoy waterparks then make sure that you visit Aqualandia in Benidorm. Be brave enough to take on the Kamikaze or black hole slides which are excellent if you are prepared to queue for a while in high season. Don't book this excersion from the hotel as it will be extortion. Buses run to Benidorm every 10 minutes for only 0.80e.
The shingle beach outside the hotel was lovely and less busy than the Benidorm beach but I prefer sand to pebbles myself so we didn't spend much time there. Alternatively hire a peddle boat for 8e and spend an hour soaking up the sun on the sea. Beware of men strolling along the beach enticing you to buy a can of coke from his bag. You will regret it just as i did. 5e for a can that has been in a hot bag all day. You will get no refreshment from it, believe me!
Overall i can tell you that this area and hotel would almost certainly leave your children crying in the corner with boredom. If you are travelling on your own, however, or with a parner and are looking for a relaxing and romantic holiday (with the possibility of livening it up at night in the Benidorm nightclubs) then this is certainly for you!
It was a pleasantly memorable holiday and i wouldn't hesitate to go back to the Kaktus Albir tomorrow if i could. Now thats a thought!
Have a good one!!!!!!!!
Gemma
When we arrived at the kaktus albir i was amazed at how beautiful the hotel reception/lobby was. After we had checked in we were told that it was a 4 star hotel which was when i realised how lucky we were to end up at this accomodation. The hotel is situated directly off from the beach with many rooms having a balcony with breathtaking views.
During our 7 night stay we were told that the hotel was having a new swimming pool built on the roof of the building, which would have been lovely, however it was not to be completed until a few months later.
The rooms are clean and facillitating with a television, safe, telephone, air conditioning(which are door controlled) and a good shower. The hotel does not offer room service, which would have been nice, however snacks can be purchased at the downstairs bar. The rooms are cleaned every day by friendly staff who will clean your room whether you forget to put a notice out or not. The staff at the reception seemed very friendly.
On a few nights they did do entertainment and it was mostly dancing. In contrast to the days (which were very peaceful) the nights brought many people off the streets to drink on the front bar area which really was relaxing.
The buffet meals were above average compared with many hotels who tend to repeat the same cuisines, however i think that may be due to the fact that we only stayed for a week.
If you fancy a change from some of the hotel meals then go to olas. Walk out of the hotel entrance and turn right. It's just down the road. They do a tasty mediteranian tuna salad and do really nice toasties.
On weekend evenings there is a popular market which sets up just down the road. It is definatly worth a look and if you see anything you like then barter with them because they always lower the price considerably if you remain polite.
If you enjoy waterparks then make sure that you visit Aqualandia in Benidorm. Be brave enough to take on the Kamikaze or black hole slides which are excellent if you are prepared to queue for a while in high season. Don't book this excersion from the hotel as it will be extortion. Buses run to Benidorm every 10 minutes for only 0.80e.
The shingle beach outside the hotel was lovely and less busy than the Benidorm beach but I prefer sand to pebbles myself so we didn't spend much time there. Alternatively hire a peddle boat for 8e and spend an hour soaking up the sun on the sea. Beware of men strolling along the beach enticing you to buy a can of coke from his bag. You will regret it just as i did. 5e for a can that has been in a hot bag all day. You will get no refreshment from it, believe me!
Overall i can tell you that this area and hotel would almost certainly leave your children crying in the corner with boredom. If you are travelling on your own, however, or with a parner and are looking for a relaxing and romantic holiday (with the possibility of livening it up at night in the Benidorm nightclubs) then this is certainly for you!
It was a pleasantly memorable holiday and i wouldn't hesitate to go back to the Kaktus Albir tomorrow if i could. Now thats a thought!
Have a good one!!!!!!!!
Gemma
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2003
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
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If you like proper ballroom and latin dancing the evening entertainment is for you particularly at weekends when the locals come in.
Playa de Albir is a quiet neat little resort with not much to do, super if you just want a quiet resrful sun seeking holiday. Shops disappointing, but some good little bars and cafes.
Advice: Quiet and tidy
Activities: