Never been to Benidorm before, heard all the stories, was invited there as part of a friends birthday bash.
I didn't expect to be wowed by the hotel and I wasn't, however, my room and the rest of the public areas were clean, breakfast was okay and the staff were friendly and helpful.
Its a 3*, I think that's fair. The hotel isn't new and appearance wise the exterior had a bit of flaking paint (...but only a bit), everything that needed to work did work e.g. shower, tv, lights.
All in all, no complaints.
I'm pleased to say I got what I paid for, and if I'm being scrupulously honest, probably a little more.
Would I recommend it to a friend? it depends what they're looking for?
Some of them yes, some of them no.