The worst ever... - emily. Date of travel: Sep 2006
Looks good from outside... inside the Gran Hotel Bali is like a railway station. We were given a very small room with no balcony, however after complaining we were moved to a higher floor with balcony. The food was cold and not much variety - same thing every night except for the meat if you could eat it. The entertainment was all Spanish. Breakfast was a scramble to get cups or plates. The only good thing i have to say about this hotel were the staff ... they were friendly and helpful. I would never go back. Not worth the money.

A Stunning Hotel - Andrea. Date of travel: Jun 2006
The Gran Hotel Bali can be seen as you come into the Benidorm area on the coach as it's the biggest in the area looks like the empire state building! A stunning entrance with the red carpet and all the international flags flying the reception area is huge with spotless poliched glass and marble floors. I found the staff to be really friendly. We arrived early so they put our bags into secure area while we went to the pool side for a refreshing drink. Our twin room was quite large with also a fold down bed for a 3rd person. We were not in the main tower but in the annex next door on the 9th floor with a fantastic sea view and overlooked the Bali's lovely pools 5 in total and the sun stayed on our balcony all day. The maids did an excellent cleaning job daily and always had fresh towels even if we didn't want them. Yes the Bali is mainly a Spanish hotel but I wish people would remember that they are actually in SPAIN! And yes, they can be a bit pushy and rude but I think that is just the way they are in their own country. The Bali has to be the best hotel for the views over Benidorm, it's well worth a trip up to the top the lift takes you to the last but one floor then you pay €1 to go onto the roof top for some stunning views and photography. I never had any complaints with the food it did get a bit repetititive but I've noticed that with most hotels I've stayed in. A warning though, it did tend to be a cattle market with everyone rushing to dinner so we used to go about half hour after it opened and walked straight in and the food is always replenished. Warning on the plates: they are VERY HOT and I mean HOT!! I sussed it and got my plate from the salad area. The only fault I found with the restaurant staff was as soon as they spotted a plate that was on an empty seat they would whip it away so be warned, don't leave your plate alone if you haven't quite finished your meal! Entertainment was ok, yes very Spanish but the Germans seemed to love it. Which leads me on to SUN LOUNGERS. Yes, there was plenty of hogging so much so that people were leaving their towels on loungers overnight. The hotel got wind of this and every evening removed any towels that were left on loungers. The Bali is in Le calle area which has a gorgeous Beach with restaurants and shops right on the beach so not far to go for a drink or food. Pubs are varied and there is far less to do there compared to the Levante area but taxis and busses are always outside the Bali and they are cheap enough. For the more energetic I recommend a stroll up along the beach to Levante and Rincon le croix. It may look close from the rooftop of the Bali but it will take you a good hour and a half, maybe longer if you stop in the hundreds of pubs and restaurants along the route. We also had a bargain with the Bali Half Board for 7 days in June £250 each.