Booking a trip to the Ambassador Playa complex means choosing between two twin hotel blocks on the same plot in Benidorm that share pools, bars, and the Benicaldea spa. While the official operator describes them as a single 420-room complex linked by a covered walkway, practical questions about which block is closer to Levante Beach, which offers the better nightlife position, and whether prices differ consistently are worth answering before you book. This comparison draws on the official hotel group site, the Visit Benidorm tourism board profile, independent reviews from Oyster, and pricing data from HotelsCombined to clarify what separates Ambassador Playa I and II.

Last checked: 2026-08-03

Hotel Name: Ambassador Playa Hotel & Spa (I & II) · Location: Benidorm City Center, Costa Blanca, Spain · Number of Buildings: Two twin buildings · Year Renovated: 2021 · Nearest Beach: Levante Beach · Key Facilities: Swimming pools, bar, restaurant, spa (shared)

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-08-03.

Sources reviewed: official property website (Hoteles Benidorm), official tourism board (Visit Benidorm), independent review platform (Oyster), booking platforms (Expedia, Hotwire, HotelsCombined), travel comparison site (HotelsCombined), community forum (TripAdvisor).

No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent verification of all amenities was conducted.

Hotel Ambassador Playa snapshot: the four key facts

1 Two twin blocks, shared facilities
2 420-room complex
  • The entire complex is described as a single 420-room property made up of two hotels linked by a covered walkway.
    Source: Oyster
3 Short walk to Levante Beach
4 Shared Benicaldea spa
  • Both blocks share the Benicaldea wellness spa, marketed as one of the best spas in the Levante area and described as the first urban spa in Spain, created in the 1990s.
    Source: Hoteles Benidorm
Key facts at a glance: Ambassador Playa I & II
Detail Information
Hotel name Ambassador Playa Hotel & Spa (Block I & Block II)
Location Benidorm City Centre, Costa Blanca, Spain
Number of buildings Two twin buildings linked by a covered walkway
Year renovated 2021
Nearest beach Levante Beach
Key facilities Swimming pools, bar, restaurant, shared spa (Benicaldea)
Star rating 4 stars (both blocks)
Check-in / check-out From 15:00 (3 pm) / until 12:00 (noon)

What is the difference between Ambassador Playa 1 and 2?

The official hotel group describes Ambassador Playa I and II as two twin buildings on the same plot that share all their facilities, pools, bars, the Benicaldea spa, and the buffet restaurant. In practice, that means a guest staying in either block can access the same pools, order from the same bars, and use the same spa without walking outside the complex.

So what’s actually different? The most concrete distinction is location within the plot. Based on the addresses listed on the official site and booking platforms, Ambassador Playa I is at Calle Gerona 39–41, while Ambassador Playa II is at Calle Gerona 39, immediately adjacent. The Oyster review notes that the complex sits on Benidorm’s main nightlife strip, close to bars and clubs. TripAdvisor forum discussions suggest the practical differences between the two blocks are minimal, with most facilities shared; price differences of around £20 per week are sometimes reported for otherwise similar dates and board options, according to forum users.

The bottom line: Ambassador Playa I and II are functionally identical in room type, facilities, and star rating. The meaningful distinction is their position on the same plot, which can affect noise exposure and convenience to the main street.

Is Ambassador Playa 1 close to the beach?

Yes. The Visit Benidorm tourism board states that Hotel Ambassador Playa I is located 250–350 meters (a 3–5 minute walk) from Levante Beach. Ambassador Playa II is immediately adjacent, so the distance is nearly identical — also about a five-minute walk, as confirmed by multiple booking listings. Both blocks are therefore within easy walking distance of Levante Beach, the main tourist beach in Benidorm’s Levante area.

Because the entire complex sits on the tourist strip near bars and restaurants, the walk to the beach takes you past shops and cafes rather than through residential streets. For guests prioritizing beach access, neither block has a meaningful advantage.

How far is Ambassador Playa 2 from the airport?

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Benidorm. The transfer time by car or taxi is typically 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Public bus services and airport shuttle coaches also connect the airport to Benidorm bus station, from which the Ambassador Playa complex is a short taxi ride.

Because both blocks share the same address and plot, the distance applies equally to Ambassador Playa I and II. The pattern holds: for airport transfer planning, there is no practical difference between the two buildings.

Ambassador Playa I vs II: side-by-side comparison

Feature Ambassador Playa I Ambassador Playa II Shared facilities
Location within Benidorm Calle Gerona 39–41, main nightlife strip Calle Gerona 39, immediately adjacent Same plot
Distance to Levante Beach 250–350 m (3–5 min walk) Approx. 5-minute walk
Distance to airport Approx. 60 km (37 mi) Approx. 60 km (37 mi)
On-site restaurant Buffet restaurant Buffet restaurant Same restaurant serves both blocks
Swimming pool 2 outdoor pools + children’s pool 2 outdoor pools + children’s pool Pools shared across complex
Spa & wellness Benicaldea spa Benicaldea spa Shared facility
Bar / pub Poolside bar + multiple lounges Poolside bar + multiple lounges Five bars total, all shared
Renovation year 2021 2021 Both renovated in the same year

Key insight

Because the two buildings share almost everything, the choice between them often comes down to room availability, price on your specific dates, and minor position preferences. Neither block is renovated more recently than the other.

Best for segments: which block suits your style?

  • Budget-conscious travellers: HotelsCombined data indicates Ambassador Playa I’s typical nightly rate (around US$204) is about 31% less than the Benidorm average for similarly rated 4-star hotels. Ambassador Playa II’s pricing on TripAdvisor’s Spanish site ranges from 114–302 euros per night, broadly similar. Either block offers strong value.
  • Couples seeking nightlife: Both blocks sit on Benidorm’s main nightlife strip. Oyster’s review flags noise from on-site and neighbouring bars as a potential downside, particularly in peak season. If nightlife is your priority, the position is ideal.
  • Wellness and spa enthusiasts: The Benicaldea spa is shared by both blocks and is a key differentiator for the complex. The operator promotes it as one of the best spas in the Levante area.
  • Families on a budget: Official descriptions highlight family-friendly features including children’s pools, playgrounds, and nightly entertainment. The location on a lively strip means noise levels can be higher than in quieter residential areas.

Our pick: which Ambassador Playa block to choose

For first-time visitors to Benidorm comparing the two buildings, we recommend Ambassador Playa I as the default choice, primarily because its slightly closer proximity to Levante Beach (250–350 meters vs. a five-minute walk) is genuinely useful for daily beach access, and because more English-language trip data (Visit Benidorm, Oyster, HotelsCombined) exists for this block, making it easier to confirm recent guest experiences. For budget travellers, either block works well — the pricing is similar, and the shared facilities mean you’re not missing anything by choosing one over the other. For couples who want to be in the thick of the nightlife, either block is fine, but consider asking for a room on a higher floor or away from the pool area to mitigate the noise that Oyster reviewers flag.

The catch: if Ambassador Playa I is sold out on your dates but II has availability, there’s no reason to skip the trip — the experience across both blocks is nearly identical.

Location and getting there

Both Ambassador Playa I and II are located on Calle Gerona, in Benidorm’s Levante area, within a short walk of the main tourist strip and Levante Beach. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the closest major airport, approximately 60 km (37 mi) away. Transfer options include taxi (45–60 minutes), airport shuttle bus to Benidorm bus station, or rental car. The hotel group notes that self-parking at Ambassador Playa I is available on a limited, first-come first-served basis and charged around EUR 20 per night.

““Located on Benidorm’s tourist strip close to bars and restaurants, a five‑minute walk to Levante Beach.””

– Oyster editorial review of Hotel Ambassador Playa I & II, Travel review publication

““Ambassador Playa Hotel & Spa is made up of two twin buildings (block I and block II) located on the same plot where they share all their facilities, pools, bars & pubs, Spa, restaurant etc.””

– Hoteles Benidorm, Official hotel group operator

Related reading: Hotel Gala Placidia Review: Beach Access, Pool, Check-Out ? San Antonio Hotel Ibiza: Best Stays for Every Traveler

For a broader perspective, you might want to compare other Benidorm hotels such as the Hotel Poseidon Playa to see how these options stack up.

FAQ

What dining options are available at Ambassador Playa?

The complex features a shared buffet restaurant, described by the operator as serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Multiple bars and lounges are also available across both blocks.

Does Ambassador Playa have a spa?

Yes. Both blocks share the Benicaldea wellness spa, which the operator markets as one of the best spas in the Levante area and as the first urban spa in Spain, created in the 1990s.

Are there swimming pools at both buildings?

Yes. The operator states that both blocks share the complex’s pools, including outdoor pools and a children’s pool.

What is the typical price range for a stay?

HotelsCombined data indicates a typical nightly rate of around US$204 for Ambassador Playa I, which is roughly 31% less than the Benidorm average for 4-star hotels. TripAdvisor’s Spanish site lists a range of 114–302 euros per night for Ambassador Playa II.

Is there a bar or pub on site?

Yes. The complex has five bars in total, including a poolside bar and multiple lounges, all shared between both blocks.

What do guest reviews highlight about the hotel?

Reviews on Oyster and TripAdvisor consistently note the hotel’s strong value, excellent location on the nightlife strip, and short walk to Levante Beach. Noise from on-site and neighbouring bars is a recurring negative comment, particularly during peak season.

Sources cited

  • Hoteles Benidorm — official group site
  • Visit Benidorm — official tourism board
  • Oyster — independent editorial review
  • HotelsCombined — price comparison and booking data
  • Expedia — booking listing for Ambassador Playa II
  • Hotwire — booking listing for Ambassador Playa I
  • TripAdvisor forum — community discussion (user-reported price differences)
  • TripAdvisor (Spanish site) — price range for Ambassador Playa II
  • Hoteles Benidorm (English) — room description