Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau Review: Budget Stay

If you are researching Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau in Benidorm, you are likely looking for a no-frills, adults-only base right on Poniente Beach with a good value-for-money reputation. This review aggregates verified guest feedback from multiple booking platforms to help you decide whether this 2-star seafront property fits your budget and expectations. Located at Calle San Pedro 20, directly in front of Poniente Beach and next to Elche Park, the hotel holds an 8.4/10 guest rating on Booking.com.

Last checked: 2026-06-14

Property Name: Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau · Location: Benidorm, in front of Poniente Beach, next to Elche Park · Star Rating: 2-star · Number of Rooms: 52 · Key Amenities: 24-hour reception, air conditioning, free WiFi, on-site parking · Price Range: From €55 per night (double sea view) to €95 per night (3-bedroom)

Where is Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau located?

The property occupies a prime seafront position on Calle San Pedro 20, in Benidorm’s Old Town. It sits directly on Poniente Beach — the nearest sand is about 150 feet away, according to Booking.com. Elche Park (Dove Park) is adjacent, offering a green space with benches and sea views. The centre of Benidorm, meaning the Old Town core with its tapas bars and traditional shops, is roughly 650 feet from the hotel. Guests consistently highlight the location as the hotel’s strongest asset. One verified guest on Booking.com wrote, “Fantastic location right on the beach. Friendly, welcoming staff.”

“Fantastic location right on the beach. Friendly, welcoming staff and lovely clean and comfortable room.”

— Verified Booking.com guest review

What are the room options and prices at Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau?

The hotel offers 52 air-conditioned rooms, ranging from double sea-view units to three-bedroom apartments. A double sea-view room starts from around €55 per night, while a three-bedroom apartment is priced from €95 per night, based on rates found on Booking.com and Expedia.

Guests describe the rooms as basic but clean, with comfortable beds, a fridge, kettle, and free safe — amenities that some reviewers note compare favourably to certain three-star properties. A Tripadvisor reviewer stated, “This is a good basic hotel and value for money. It has air con, a free safe and a fridge which is more than some 3 stars have.”

“Good size room with comfortable beds… Good location for old town, taxi required to get to new or else 40 minutes walk.”

— Hotels.com reviewer Darren

Common minor complaints include small bathrooms with limited shower screening (leading to wet floors) and dated décor. Nevertheless, the general consensus across platforms is that the price-to-location ratio is strong.

The trade-off: Lower rates and a prime beachfront location come with simple furnishings and no pool. For travellers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring, that trade-off works well.

Is Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau a good choice for a safe holiday in Benidorm?

Benidorm is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Petty theft, such as bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas, but violent muggings are uncommon. The hotel’s location in the Old Town, close to both the beach and the local police patrol area, adds a layer of security. The property itself has a 24-hour reception, and guest reviews regularly comment on the cleanliness and security of the building.

One Expedia guest noted, “Loved it here great aircon balcony overlooking the beach & lovely staff all speaking English.” While this does not directly address safety, the positive staff interactions and well-maintained environment contribute to a sense of comfort. The hotel is adults-only (minimum check-in age 18), which naturally reduces noise and rowdy behaviour compared to properties catering to younger party groups.

The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service in Benidorm provides support for travellers who encounter any issues, adding a further safety net. For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town at a hotel with a 24-hour front desk is a sensible choice.

What to be careful of in Benidorm?

Common concerns among first-time visitors include petty crime, the so-called “£97 rule” (Spain’s requirement to show proof of sufficient funds upon entry, which is rarely enforced for short-stay tourists), and which areas to avoid late at night. Benidorm’s tourism board and local police maintain a visible presence along the seafront and in the Old Town. Petty theft, particularly on crowded beaches and in the New Town nightlife zone, is the main risk.

To stay safe: keep wallets and phones in zipped bags, avoid displaying expensive items, and stick to well-lit streets after dark. The hotel’s in-room safe (free of charge) is a practical feature for storing passports and extra cash. The Foreign Tourist Assistance Services operate a helpline and office in Benidorm for tourists who need help or advice.

For those worried about the “£97 rule”: Spain can request proof of funds and accommodation at border control, but in practice this is very rarely asked of UK tourists on package holidays or short breaks. Having a hotel booking confirmation (easily printed from your reservation) is sufficient.

Pros and cons of Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau

Best for segments

• Couples: The adults-only rule and sea views make it an affordable romantic base.
• Families (with older children/teens): The 3-bedroom apartments offer space, though the lack of pool may be a drawback.
• Budget travelers: Prices from €55/night for a double sea view are competitive for a beachfront location.
• First-time visitors to Benidorm: The Old Town location provides a central yet calm introduction to the resort.

Pricing band

Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau sits firmly in the budget-friendly band for Benidorm. A double sea-view room starts from €55 per night, while the 3-bedroom apartment (suitable for up to six adults) goes for around €95 per night. These rates are based on Booking.com and Hotels.com listings. For travellers willing to sacrifice a pool and four-star dining, the value is clear: a room on the sand at a fraction of the cost of larger resort hotels.

Alternatives to Hotel Flats Friends Mar Blau

If the lack of pool or simple rooms give you pause, consider these nearby options:

• Port Hotel Mar Blau (Adults Only): A different property on the same seafront strip, operated by the Port chain. It offers a more traditional hotel atmosphere with a restaurant and bar, but at a higher price point and with less flexibility for self-catering (no fridge/kettle in standard rooms). On the Beach describes it as a package-holiday style hotel.
• Flats Friends Apartments (other locations): The same brand operates self-contained apartments in Benidorm, some with pools. They lack the 24-hour front desk and hotel services but offer full kitchens and more space.
• Princessa Hotel Benidorm: A 4-star option with a pool and full board available, suitable for travellers who want a more comprehensive holiday experience. See our Princessa Hotel review.
• Poseidon Resort Benidorm: A reliable mid-range choice in Benidorm, offering a different balance of price and amenities. See our Poseidon Resort Benidorm review.