The 186-metre-high Gran Hotel Bali in Benidorm’s La Cala district claims the title of Europe’s tallest hotel, with 52 floors rising above the Costa Blanca coastline. This guide covers its location, on-site amenities, transport links, and the guest experiences that define a stay at this landmark property — drawn from official sources, review platforms, and tour-operator listings (Wikipedia).
Last checked: 2026-06-23
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Hotel Name: Gran Hotel Bali · Location: La Cala de Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain · Star Rating: 4-star · Key Feature: Tallest hotel in Europe (52 floors)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-23.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Wikipedia, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Jet2holidays, KAYAK, The Benidorm Guide.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify distances or taxi fares. All pricing and amenity details are as listed by the cited sources at the time of research.
Gran Hotel Bali at a Glance
- 186 m main tower, 52 floors (43 guest-accessible), one of the tallest hotels in Europe (Wikipedia).
- La Cala de Benidorm, ~350–400 m from Poniente Beach (Wikipedia).
- 4-star classification; opened 17 May 2002 after 14 years of construction (Official site; Wikipedia).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Gran Hotel Bali |
| Location | La Cala de Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain |
| Star Rating | 4-star |
| Key Feature | Tallest hotel in Europe (52 floors) |
| Number of Rooms | 776 (including 12 suites) |
| Height | 186 m |
| Nearest Beach | Poniente Beach (350–400 m) |
| Opening Date | 17 May 2002 |
| Check-in / Check-out | 16:00 / 12:00 |
| Architect | Antonio Escario |
Where is Gran Hotel Bali Located?
The hotel sits in the La Cala district of Benidorm, a quieter residential area about 1.7–3 km from the old town and the central Levante strip (Booking.com). It is approximately 350–400 m from the Blue Flag Poniente Beach, making it a good base for guests who prefer a calmer setting than the Levante nightlife zone (Wikipedia).
Is Gran Hotel Bali in the Old Town?
No. The hotel is located in the La Cala–Poniente area, roughly a 20–30 minute walk along the seafront promenade to Benidorm’s Old Town. This distance is a trade-off: you get quieter surroundings and easier parking, but you’ll need to budget transport time if you plan to spend evenings in the centre (Booking.com).
What attractions are near Gran Hotel Bali?
Within a short walk you’ll find Poniente Beach, the Benidorm Palace entertainment complex, and several local restaurants in La Cala. The Benidorm Palace is a major cabaret and dinner show venue that many hotel guests visit during their stay (The Benidorm Guide).
How to Get to Gran Hotel Bali and from the Strip
The hotel is well connected by local bus and taxi, and the strip is walkable for those who enjoy a seaside stroll.
How far is the Benidorm Strip?
The main Levante strip of bars, clubs and restaurants is about 2 km from the hotel — a 25–30 minute walk along the beachfront promenade (Booking.com). Many guests find it manageable, but the lack of direct shade on parts of the route is mentioned in reviews.
How much is a taxi from Gran Hotel Bali to Benidorm Strip?
Taxi fares between the hotel and the strip vary by traffic and time of day. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor commonly mention fares in the range of €8–€12 for the 5–10 minute ride. Official taxi rates from Benidorm’s local authority can fluctuate, so it’s wise to confirm the approximate fare with the driver before setting off.
Bus options: line 003
The Llorente Bus line 003 connects the La Cala area with central Benidorm and the Levante beachfront, with a stop near the hotel. The journey takes roughly 15 minutes and is an inexpensive alternative to taxis, especially during peak hours when taxis may be scarce (Jet2holidays).
“Towering over Benidorm, the Gran Hotel Bali is the tallest hotel in Europe and boasts incredible views of the bay from the 43rd floor viewing platform.”
— Jet2holidays hotel description (source)
What Amenities Does Gran Hotel Bali Offer?
The property packs a large number of facilities into its 52-storey complex, though guest reviews reveal some variation in quality and cost.
Restaurants and buffet
The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with show‑cooking stations. On-site à la carte options include a poolside snack bar and a café. TripAdvisor reviews from 2024–2025 frequently describe the buffet as “adequate” but note repetition over a week-long stay (TripAdvisor).
Breakfast options
Breakfast is typically a buffet with hot and cold items, fruit, pastries, and cereals. Guests on half‑board or all‑inclusive packages generally find it filling, though some recent reviews mention queues during peak hours (Booking.com).
Gym and spa
The Wellness & Beauty Center on the 19th floor underwent a full renovation in 2024 and includes a gym, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms. Access costs approximately €20 per person for hotel guests, a fee that some reviewers consider steep given the 4‑star room price (Official site).
Swimming pools
Three outdoor pools are available: a large lake‑style pool, a semi‑Olympic pool, and a children’s pool, plus an outdoor jacuzzi. Sun terrace space is generous, and these areas are consistently praised by families (Official site).
Who Owns Gran Hotel Bali and Its History?
The hotel was developed by a Spanish consortium led by businessman Alex Langsam, who also owned the adjacent Hotel Bali (now the lower annexe). The main tower was designed by architect Antonio Escario and took 14 years to build, opening in 2002 as the tallest building in Spain at 186 m (Wikipedia).
Who is Alex Langsam?
Alex Langsam is a German‑born property developer who became one of the largest hoteliers on the Costa Blanca. His involvement with the Gran Hotel Bali project dates back to the 1990s, and his name appears frequently in Spanish real‑estate records related to the hotel’s construction (Wikipedia).
Tallest hotel in Europe facts
Gran Hotel Bali held the record for Spain’s tallest building until 2007, when Torre Espacio in Madrid overtook it. It remains the tallest hotel in Europe by roof height, a fact promoted heavily by tour operators and the hotel itself (Jet2holidays).
“Gran Hotel Bali is the most singular hotel on the Costa Blanca, being the highest hotel in Europe.”
— Hotel promotional description via TripAdvisor listing
What we like
- Panoramic sea and city views from upper floors
- Large pool complex with three separate pools
- Renovated spa with gym (19th floor, 2024)
- Quieter location near Poniente Beach
- Good value in shoulder season (rates from ~£49/night)
What to consider
- Lift waits can be frustrating (6 lifts for 776 rooms)
- Buffet quality described as “average” by many guests
- Paid rooftop viewpoint (€18 pp) disappoints some
- Distance from Old Town / nightlife (1.7–3 km)
- Check‑in queues at peak hours
Our recommendation
Gran Hotel Bali is best suited for couples, solo travellers, and families who prioritise skyline views, pool space, and a relaxed atmosphere over immediate access to Benidorm’s nightlife. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the sheer scale and the 43rd‑floor viewing platform. If you prefer being in the middle of the action on Levante Beach, consider a central 4‑star alternative — but you’ll trade the ‘wow’ factor of Europe’s tallest hotel for convenience.
kayak.co.uk, youtube.com, amimir.com, facebook.com, booking.com, tripadvisor.com, facebook.com, youtube.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Gran Hotel Bali
Does Gran Hotel Bali have a spa?
Yes — the Wellness & Beauty Center on the 19th floor was renovated in 2024 and includes a sauna, steam room, gym, and treatment rooms. Access costs around €20 per person (Official site).
Is breakfast included at Gran Hotel Bali?
Breakfast is included in half‑board and all‑inclusive packages; room‑only bookings can purchase it on site. The buffet offers hot and cold options (Jet2holidays).
Is there a gym at Gran Hotel Bali?
Yes — a gym is located in the spa area on the 19th floor, included in the spa access fee (Official site).
What restaurants are on site at Gran Hotel Bali?
The main buffet restaurant serves all meals, plus a poolside snack bar and a café. A paid rooftop sky bar offers drinks and panoramic views (Booking.com).
Are there outdoor swimming pools at Gran Hotel Bali?
Yes — three outdoor pools: a lake‑style pool, a semi‑Olympic pool, and a children’s pool, plus an outdoor jacuzzi (Official site).
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