Just thought I'd do a quick report back from my trip.

Great BMIBaby, sensible flight times out to ALC. Still amazed you don't get your passport checked even though you're entering the country.

Got the bus from the airport, 8euros and very easy to find. when you go out of the airport doors from arrivals you will see a bus stopp saying Benidorm Bus - its stop number 30. Buses go on the hour and drop you off on the Avenida Europa equidistant from Old and Rincon areas. however before I go on, you pay on the bus at the airport - but you can't pay on the bus on the way back. You need to go to the Alsa office in the little shopping complex on Avenida Europa before you get back on the bus. I assumed that since I paid on the bus on the way there it would be the same back. There was a queue at the office so missed the 11am bus - good job I was leaving plenty of time for check - in! Hopefully this will help someone from not missing a bus!!

Stayed at the Avenida Apartments which for 30 euros a night was a steal. yes a little noisy but great location - and a sea view - technically. Staff v helpful, and use of heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi at Avenida Hotel really good. Their rooftop terrace is a great suntrap. Was self catering and only one supermarket in the old town of any size - the Mercadona, and thats well hidden - but its just off walking street. Open until 9.15 every night (closed Sundays) and very reasonable. but very busy.

Weather - Thursday afternoon nice, then a shower. Friday lovely all day, Saturday morning ok, cloudy later rain at night, Sunday = washout until early evening. Today started well but getting cloudy when I left at 12pm.

Entertainment in bars on the whole very good. We Will Rock You - very good and I'm not a Queen fan. Sister Act were good and there was three young lads doing a soul act though their names escape me. Even saw Sticky Vicky. Oh my.

Was out visiting friends who were working on Benidorm TV show and we all went to see Crissi Rock (who plays Janey in the show) do her comedy show at UK Bar on Avenida Fillipinas. Very good show - dont go if you're offended. Then went to some karaoke bar - the name escapes me - but Sheriden Smith (from Two Pints of Lager) who is in this series of Benidorm and her boyf - James Cordon, did a really good version on Endless Love!!

Got the bus up to La Marina shopping centre. 40 mins to go three miles as the bus goes right round the houses. 1.25euros to go anywhre which is reasonable if you cant face the walk from the old to the new town all day long!! Howeverr I could have walked it in that time (just about!) Few bargs to be had, as was in the main shopping area in town - still a few sales on.

The resort seemed pretty quitet and certainly was last night - not that many younger folk around. With food being so reasonable - 5 - 10 euros for menu del dia and if you want food like home then quite literally cheap as chips - pun intended! Beer - many places at 1 euro a pint, the most I paid was 3.10euros in Morgans Tavern - where shows are on four or five times a night.

Enjoyed Klee Kafe - go and see dinah Rodd if you can (saturday nights - very funny) and the Pig and Whistle next door to that is great too. On a rainy sunday afternoon if was a safe haven!

all in all a great little break. I'd really recommend keeping your eyes peeled for a cheap flight an getting out there. I want to be back!! You can certainly do it on the cheap if you want to and when the sun was out - it was v warm - i've got a bit of a tan. But cold for the likes of me to go in the sea - but there were some hardy souls in there!!