Finding the right 4 star hotels in Alicante city centre can be surprisingly tricky. The city offers everything from classic seafront stays to restored merchant houses and sleek modern builds, but glossy photographs rarely reveal the details that matter most: how well you’ll sleep, whether breakfast is worth getting up for, and how far you’ll walk for dinner. We spend a good deal of time wandering the city — Anabel has an impressive talent for turning ‘just a quick stroll’ into an hour of gentle detouring — and over time you start to understand which hotels genuinely deliver a comfortable, well-located stay.
This guide focuses on the essentials: sleep quality, location, food, atmosphere and the odd architectural flourish that gives a place its character. There’s also one 5 star option, Hospes Amerigo, because sometimes it is worth treating yourself. And if this is your first time in the city, our self-guided walking tour of Alicante is a reassuring way to get your bearings before settling into the rhythm of museums, promenades and tapas.
Eurostars Lucentum (Mercado, Av. Alfonso X El Sabio 11)
A reliable contemporary hotel beside one of Alicante’s great landmarks
Eurostars Lucentum sits only steps from Mercado Central, an indoor market with more than 200 stalls selling fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, alongside breakfast counters and tapas bars already humming by mid-morning. Staying here means being close to the city’s daily pulse: early coffee, local shopping and the friendly bustle that sets the tone of the neighbourhood.
If your visit coincides with one of Alicante’s major parades, many of them sweep directly along Avenida Alfonso el Sabio — a rather enviable vantage point from your window. Plaza de Toros is about a ten-minute walk away, through streets dotted with bakeries and small cafés.
Inside, Lucentum is warmly contemporary. Reviews consistently praise the comfortable beds and effective soundproofing, especially on higher floors. Breakfast is varied and well presented, and the location works beautifully for anyone wanting to explore both the old town and the newer shopping streets.
Eurostars Centrum (Ensanche Diputación, C/ Pintor Lorenzo Casanova 33)
A polished hotel in one of the city’s best-positioned neighbourhoods
Ensanche Diputación is one of Alicante’s most balanced barrios: close enough to the centre to feel connected, yet far enough to retain slightly quieter evenings. Eurostars Centrum sits halfway between the Renfe station and the Explanada — a strategic position whether you’re arriving by train or planning day trips.
The interiors favour understated elegance: wide corridors, spacious rooms and muted modern design. Review patterns highlight excellent noise insulation, comfortable beds, and a sense of calm that sets it apart from more compact city hotels. Bathrooms feel closer to 4-star-plus, with generous space and good lighting.
Breakfast earns consistently positive comments for freshness and variety. If you like being within a five-minute walk of the Explanada, but prefer your evenings slightly quieter than the old town allows, Centrum strikes the right balance.
Eurostars Mediterránea Plaza (Centro/Ayuntamiento, Plaza del Ayuntamiento 6)
A front-row seat to Alicante’s cultural square
Few hotels claim a more dramatic or atmospheric setting. Mediterránea Plaza sits directly on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, facing the city’s baroque town hall. The square is one of Alicante’s cultural hubs: festivals, concerts, artisan markets and civic ceremonies unfold here throughout the year.
If you have a room overlooking the square, you essentially have a private balcony onto the action — whether it’s a festival warming up at dusk or the gentle rhythm of locals crossing the plaza during quieter days. Higher floors also offer striking views of Castillo de Santa Bárbara, especially in late afternoon.
Rooms are bright, beds receive steady praise, and breakfast is straightforward but satisfying. The location is incomparable for guests who prefer to walk everywhere.
Occidental Alicante (Centro, C/ Capitán Segarra 10)
A quietly stylish option close to the Rambla
Occidental Alicante sits just off the Rambla, offering a calm interior that contrasts pleasantly with the lively streets around it. The design leans towards Scandinavian restraint — soft colours, clean lines, warm textures.
Review patterns show a strong consensus: comfortable beds, good pillows, and better-than-expected soundproofing for such a central location. The atmosphere feels grown-up, making it an appealing option for couples and business travellers.
Breakfast is fresh and neatly presented, and you’re within five minutes of many of the city’s best cafés and tapas bars.
Hotel Alicante Gran Sol – Affiliated by Meliá (Centro, Rambla Méndez Núñez 3)
A 1970s landmark with superb panoramic views
The Gran Sol tower, with its mosaic façade by Manuel Baeza (1971), is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. At 31 storeys, it offers some of the best high-rise views in the region. Guests note that the experience changes throughout the day: shimmering marina mornings, golden castle sunsets and glittering city lights at night.
Higher floors offer the most impressive views, and the 26th-floor restaurant includes a wraparound viewing platform that allows guests to walk the full perimeter of the tower.
Beds are comfortable, breakfast generous, and noise is naturally reduced at this height. The hotel is perfectly placed for the Rambla, the Explanada and the old town.
Casa Alberola – Curio Collection by Hilton (Explanada, C/ Canalejas 1)
A 1920s merchant house with elegant atmosphere — and a remarkable architectural quirk
Part of the Hilton Curio Collection, Casa Alberola is one of Alicante’s most stylish hotels, set inside a beautifully restored 1920s merchant house. Its maritime architecture, all carved stone and sweeping curves, has been sensitively preserved.
From across the road — looking back from the marina — you’ll notice something unusual: in the 1970s, planners approved an entirely modern building to be inserted through the centre of the original structure, effectively slicing it in half. The contrast is striking, and oddly compelling.
Inside, the atmosphere is refined and intimate: soft lighting, polished wood, elegant textiles. Reviews repeatedly mention excellent beds, high-quality linens, and a carefully curated breakfast.
Meliá Alicante (Postiguet/Puerto, Plaza Puerta del Mar 3)
A large, stylish seafront hotel with excellent breakfasts and sunrise views
Meliá Alicante, a 4 star Superior hotel, combines the convenience of a large resort with the advantages of a city-centre location. Its two pools, lively communal spaces and polished rooms make it one of Alicante’s most popular hotels.
Rooms facing the Mediterranean enjoy spectacular sunrises, and the hotel supplies beach towels for guests heading directly to Postiguet. Review patterns highlight consistently comfortable beds, strong soundproofing and a breakfast that ranks among the best in the city: varied, generous and well supervised.
The marina, old town and beach are all within a few steps, making it ideal for longer stays.
Dormirdcine Alicante (Centro, near Calle Gravina)
A cinema-inspired boutique stay with a compact rooftop bar
Dormirdcine brings a playful, artistic personality to the city. Each room features murals inspired by cinema and illustration, adding flair without feeling gimmicky. The hotel sits on a quiet street close to Postiguet Beach and directly in front of the old town, making it an excellent base for art-focused travellers.
It is also within easy reach of the city’s two major art museums: MUBAG (Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina) and MACA (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante).
Upstairs, the compact rooftop bar and small splash pool offer a welcome retreat after a day of exploring. Reviews frequently mention clean, comfortable rooms and warm, attentive service.
Serawa Alicante (Centro, C/ San Fernando 16)
Eco-design boutique hotel on one of Alicante’s oldest streets
Calle San Fernando is one of the oldest streets in Alicante. Long before Mercado Central was built, market traders set up stalls along this stretch, giving it a long history of daily commerce.
Serawa introduces a cool, eco-conscious calm to this historic street. Pale woods, organic textures and a restrained palette create an atmosphere that feels more Nordic than Mediterranean. Guests praise the comfortable beds, elegant bathrooms, and the hotel’s small café-shop, which serves good coffee, natural wines and thoughtful snacks.
From here you’re close to the Esplanade, the old town and the beach, yet the street itself manages to feel slightly tucked away.
Best for: eco-minded travellers, wine and design enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys quietly stylish spaces.
Balmis Plaza Apartments (Plaza Doctor Balmis 1)
A refined apartment stay in a lively, elegant square
Plaza Doctor Balmis is one of those squares that manages to be both lived-in and slightly glamorous. Right downstairs you have Manero Balmis, known for excellent tapas, plates and wines (not the cheapest, but consistently very good). Five minutes’ walk in the direction of the bus station brings you to El Canto, a beloved local institution where people queue outside nightly for generous plates of seafood and montaditos.
The apartments themselves are modern, comfortable and well equipped, with praised beds and proper kitchens. Balmis square can be lively at night, but in a civilised way; if you enjoy a sense of local life under your balcony, this is part of the appeal.
Best for: longer stays, independent travellers and anyone who prefers an elegant apartment to a conventional hotel room.
Post Alicante City & Beach (Playa de San Juan, Av. de Cataluña 20)
A refined beach-side 4 star with an elegant rooftop pool and bar
I know we’re supposed to be showing you hotels in the city centre but wait…. we couldn’t go without mentioning this last hotel, as it has the most magnificent rooftop bar and pool. Located several kilometres from the city centre in Playa de San Juan, this hotel appeals to travellers seeking space, quiet and proximity to one of Spain’s longest urban beaches. It’s especially well suited to those with a car, or anyone who prefers a resort-like atmosphere with city access via tram or taxi.
The hotel’s standout feature is its elegant rooftop bar and pool — a refined adults-oriented space with distant sea views and relaxed sunset ambience. Rooms are bright, airy and modern, and the local promenade offers excellent options for coffee, seafood and evening strolls.
Hospes Amerigo (Centro, C/ Rafael Altamira 7)
A former convent turned refined 5 star sanctuary with rooftop views
Finally, a step beyond 4 stars. Hospes Amerigo is arguably Alicante’s most atmospheric luxury hotel, set in what was once a Dominican convent. Stone, wood and high ceilings give the building a serene character, while subtle modern design adds a gentle sheen of sophistication.
The rooftop pool and bar, open to the public from 8pm, offer superb evening views of Castillo de Santa Bárbara. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet drink before or after dinner. The hotel’s Fondillón restaurant, named after the region’s world-famous aged wine, earns excellent reviews for both food and service.
Beds are superb, linens are high-quality, and the central position puts you a short stroll from the old town, the marina and many of the city’s best tapas bars.
Best for: special occasions, anniversaries and anyone tempted by a small upgrade into discreet luxury.
A final word
Choosing among the many 4 star hotels in Alicante city centre can feel overwhelming, but each of the hotels above offers something distinct: sea, history, architecture, quiet sleep, excellent food, market proximity, or simply a sense of elegance.
And if it’s your first time in the city, or even your first time staying centrally, our self-guided walking tour of Alicante is a reassuringly easy way to get a feel for the place before settling into tapas, sunshine and slow evenings on the Esplanade.
Bonus Content: Alicante City Centre – Frequently Asked Questions
A lot of people who want to stay in Alicante ask the following questions. So we thought we’d provide some quick answers for you at the end of this post.
1. Is Alicante city centre walkable?
Yes — very. Alicante’s centre is compact, flat and designed for walking. Most visitors find they can reach the beach, the marina, the old town and the main museum triangle in under ten minutes from each other.
Blog Post for Cruise Ship Visitors
2. How far is the beach from the city centre?
Postiguet Beach sits directly beside the centre. If you’re staying anywhere near the Rambla, the Explanada or the Town Hall, you can walk to the sand in five to eight minutes.
Blog Post: Best Beaches in Alicante
3. Is Alicante safe at night?
Yes. Alicante has a relaxed, friendly city centre and feels safe until late in the evening. As always, be sensible around the busiest nightlife streets, but most visitors feel comfortable walking home.
4. Where do the best hotels tend to be located?
The strongest clusters are:
- Postiguet / Marina – for sea views and beach access
- Centro / Ayuntamiento – for culture, squares and walking routes
- Mercado – lively, very local, great for food
- Ensanche Diputación – calmer, elegant and close to the Explanada
5. Is Alicante good for food?
Extremely. You’ll find everything from seafood and traditional tapas to high-quality modern restaurants, plus excellent value menus at lunchtime. Mercado Central is fantastic for local produce and breakfast bars.
Blog Post: Best Tapas in Alicante
6. How do I get from Alicante Airport to the city centre?
The easiest option is a taxi (around 20 minutes). The C6 airport bus is also frequent, cheap and stops along the main avenue past the centre and marina.
Blog Post: Getting to the city from the airport
7. Is the city centre noisy?
It depends on the street. Areas near the Rambla or Calle Castaños can be lively at night, while Ensanche Diputación, the marina area are noticeably quieter. Hotels higher up or facing courtyards tend to offer better sleep. The old town is popular withyounger crowd at the weekend and can be quite lively.
8. When is the best time to visit Alicante?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer warm weather without summer crowds. Winter is mild and pleasant, especially for walkers.
Blog Post: Alicante Weather
9. Does Alicante have good museums?
Yes — the highlights are:
- MACA (Contemporary Art)
- MUBAG (Fine Arts)
- MUSA (Castle Museum)
- Museo de Fogueres (the festival museum)
- Ocean Race Museum
All are within easy walking distance in the centre.
10. Can you visit Santa Bárbara Castle from the city centre?
Absolutely. You can walk up from Plaza del Carmen (a steep but rewarding 20–30 minutes), take the lift near Postiguet Beach, or catch the bus to the top.
Blog Post: 2 days in Alicante
11. Does Alicante have good public transport?
Yes. The TRAM runs north along the coast to San Juan, El Campello, Villajoyosa and Benidorm. Buses cover the rest of the city, but the centre itself is best on foot.
Blog Post: Discover Alicante in 1 Day
12. What is the nightlife like in the city centre?
There’s a good mix: relaxed wine bars, cocktail spots, terraces on the Explanada and late-night places around Calle Castaños. It’s lively but not wild — ideal for a mature crowd.
13. Is Alicante expensive?
Generally, no. Compared with other Spanish coastal cities, Alicante is excellent value for food, drinks and accommodation. Tapas and wine are especially good value.
14. Should I stay near the beach or in the old town?
For first-time visitors, the city centre / old town is ideal — you’re close to everything. If you prefer mornings by the sea, the Postiguet / Marina area is a strong choice but they’re all so close anyway it doesn’t really matter.
15. How many days do you need to explore Alicante?
Three days is perfect for the city itself — museums, castle, old town, beach and food. Add a fourth or fifth day if you want to visit Tabarca Island or take coastal TRAM trips.
