Sidi San Juan Hotel sits on the Playa de San Juan, the long, wide sandy beach that runs north of Alicante and is the city's main resort district. This is the right choice if your idea of a Costa Blanca trip is beach mornings, a pool, long lunches and sea air, with the castle and old town as an outing rather than a daily routine. Hotels in this district are generally larger resort-style properties with pools, terraces and restaurants, and the district itself has a promenade, shops, bars and restaurants, so you do not need to leave the neighbourhood for everyday needs. Sea-view rooms and balconies are usually the main upgrade, and it is worth comparing room types because the difference between a sea view and a side view can be large. We have not read every detail of the facilities, so confirm the pool, spa and restaurant arrangements when you book.
The Playa de San Juan is wide and gently shelving, with fine sand and a long promenade that is popular for early morning runs and evening strolls. It is calmer than the city beach at Postiguet, and it has more room to spread out. In July and August it is busy at weekends, but the sheer length of the beach means you can usually find a spot.
Lifeguards, showers and beach bars operate in season, and the water is warm enough for swimming from about June into October. In winter the promenade is quiet and mild, which suits walkers and golfers.
Getting to the city is easy. The tram runs between the Playa de San Juan area and central Alicante, and a taxi takes less time than you might expect outside rush hour. That makes a split stay practical: spend your days at the beach, then ride into town for a castle visit and dinner in the old quarter.
Check the last tram times before a late evening, and keep taxi fares in mind. If you plan to visit Altea, Villajoyosa or Benidorm, the area is also well placed for the coast road and for the motorway, so a rental car can be worthwhile for a few days.
Practical advice
In high summer, book early and ask for a room with air conditioning and a balcony if possible. Check whether breakfast is included, whether sun loungers by the pool are free, and whether the hotel has parking. The district is lively in the evenings, with restaurants and bars along the front, so request a higher or quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
Families will appreciate the shallow, sandy beach, and couples will like the sunset walks. Surf and sail conditions are modest, so this is a beach for swimming and relaxing rather than serious watersports.
Who it suits
Couples and families looking for a classic seaside stay with city access, retirees who like a mild winter base, and groups who want a pool and terrace. If you want to be able to walk to the castle and tapas bars after dark, a hotel in the centre or beside the Explanada will suit you better. Compare the total cost of a beach hotel plus transport against a central hotel plus the occasional beach trip, and check cancellation terms and any resort fees when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Playa de San Juan beach district
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Sea-view rooms available
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Wifi
- ✓Tram and taxi links to the city
- ✓Sun terrace
Good questions
Is Sidi San Juan on the beach?+
It is in the Playa de San Juan resort district, which is built along the beach; confirm the exact distance to the sand when you book.
How do I get to central Alicante?+
By tram or taxi; the journey is short, but check last-tram times if you plan a late dinner in town.
Is it good for families?+
The wide, sandy beach and resort-style facilities suit families; ask about family rooms and cots.
