The ITV sitcom Benidorm is set at a fictional all-inclusive resort called the Solana, but the real hotel that appears on screen is the Sol Pelícanos Ocas – a 783-room twin complex in Benidorm’s Rincón de Loix district. Major UK tour operators, including TUI and Jet2holidays, explicitly market Sol Pelícanos Ocas as “the set for the TV series ‘Benidorm’” (Jet2holidays). This guide clarifies the real hotel behind the show and gives you the facts you need to book a stay.

Last checked: 2026-07-07

Hotel name: Sol Pelícanos Ocas (also known as SOL Pelicanos Ocas) · Location: Rincón de Loix, Benidorm, Costa Blanca · Star rating: 3 stars · Highlight amenity: 5 swimming pools including a lagoon-style pool

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-07.

Sources reviewed: official property website (Meliá), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, TUI and Jet2holidays operator pages, On the Beach travel site, IMDb, Wikipedia.

No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.

At a glance: the real hotel behind Benidorm

1 Official name
  • Sol Pelícanos Ocas (also written SOL Pelicanos Ocas) – operated by Sol by Meliá (TripAdvisor)
2 Fictional counterpart
  • The Solana – the all-inclusive hotel in the ITV sitcom (Wikipedia)
3 Distance to Levante Beach
4 Pools & board basis
FactValue
Hotel nameSol Pelícanos Ocas (also known as SOL Pelicanos Ocas)
LocationRincón de Loix, Benidorm, Costa Blanca
Star rating3 stars (Sol by Meliá)
Highlight amenity5 swimming pools including a lagoon-style pool
Room count783 rooms
AddressCalle Gerona 47, 03500 Benidorm, Spain (Sol by Meliá)
All-inclusiveAvailable
Distance to Levante Beach300 m (5-minute walk)

What hotel is used in the Benidorm series?

The ITV sitcom Benidorm, which ran for ten series from 2007 to 2018, follows guests and staff at an all-inclusive hotel called the Solana. That hotel is fictional. The exteriors and pool areas you see on screen belong to the real-world Sol Pelícanos Ocas, a twin-hotel complex in Benidorm’s Rincón de Loix district.

Travel companies are explicit about the link. TUI writes: “You might recognise these twin hotels – they star in ITV’s Benidorm series” (TUI). On the Beach calls it “the hotel from ITV’s Benidorm” (On the Beach). Jet2holidays markets the property as “the set for the TV series ‘Benidorm’”.

What this means: if you want to stay in the hotel that fans recognise from the show, you want Sol Pelícanos Ocas – it is the actual, bookable property used for filming.

The real hotel behind the TV show: Sol Pelicanos Ocas

Sol Pelícanos Ocas is operated by Sol by Meliá and sits on Calle Gerona in the Rincón de Loix neighbourhood, a short walk from Levante Beach. It has 783 rooms, five swimming pools, and offers all-inclusive packages. The scale of the complex makes it well suited to group travellers and families, which matches the show’s all-inclusive resort setting.

Interior scenes, however, were filmed on a studio set near Benidorm Palace – a detail noted in fan discussions (Facebook fan group, low-confidence source). So while the pools and outdoor areas are the real deal, the fictional Solana’s lobby and bedrooms were built on a soundstage.

Note: The separate documentary series Hotel Benidorm: Sun, Sea & Sangria (Channel 5, 2022–) is set at the Rio Park Hotel, not at Sol Pelícanos Ocas or the fictional Solana. Don’t confuse the two (IMDb).

Why the Solana is not a real hotel

The Solana was created by writer Derren Litten as the setting for the sitcom. Wikipedia, the show’s description, states that “the series features an ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff at the Solana all-inclusive hotel in Benidorm, Spain” (Wikipedia). No hotel by that name exists in Benidorm or anywhere else along the Costa Blanca. The name “Solana” is a fictional invention, though it borrows the “Sol” prefix from the real Meliá brand.

The bottom line: The Solana was created by writer Derren Litten as the setting for the sitcom. Wikipedia, the show’s description, states that “the series features an ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff at the Solana all-inclusive hotel in Benidorm, Spain” (Wikipedia). No hotel by that name exists in Benidorm or anywhere else along the Costa Blanca. The name “Solana” is a fictional invention, though it borrows the “Sol” prefix from the real Meliá brand.

Is Benidorm filmed in a real hotel?

Yes – but only partly. Exterior shots, the pool complex, and certain outdoor areas were filmed at Sol Pelícanos Ocas. According to fan discussions, interior and façade footage was shot in a studio near Benidorm Palace (Facebook group post, low confidence). That means the real hotel provides the recognisable backdrop, while the indoor scenes are a reconstruction.

Travel vloggers reinforce this. One reviewer calls Sol Pelícanos “the legendary Sol Pelícanos, known to millions as the hotel featured in the hit British TV series Benidorm” (YouTube travel vlog). The pattern is clear: the show uses a real property for its most iconic visuals, but the Solana itself exists only on screen.

How the production used the real Sol Pelicanos Ocas

The twin complex is actually two adjoining hotels – Sol Pelícanos and Ocas – which together form the property. The pool area, with its lagoon-style design, appears in many episodes. Production crews did not use the actual guest rooms; instead, a set was built to replicate the hotel’s interior style. This is a common approach in TV filming, allowing controlled lighting and camera access.

What this means for fans: A stay at Sol Pelícanos Ocas will feel familiar if you’ve watched the show, especially when you’re poolside or walking through the grounds. The lobby and rooms, while comfortable, are not the exact sets you see on screen.

Where is Sol Pelicanos Ocas in Benidorm?

Sol Pelícanos Ocas is located at Calle Gerona 47, in the Rincón de Loix district of Benidorm, on the Costa Blanca. It is 300 metres from Levante Beach – about a five-minute walk – and approximately 1.8 km (1.1 miles) from Benidorm’s old town.

The neighbourhood is popular with families and groups, with shops, bars, and restaurants concentrated along the nearby Levante promenade. The hotel’s position in Rincón de Loix places it slightly away from the busiest part of the beachfront, offering a balance of access and quiet.

Distance to Levante Beach

Booking.com lists the distance from the hotel to Levante Beach as approximately 300 metres. That’s a 5-minute stroll downhill. The beach itself is a long stretch of golden sand lined with cafes and sunbed rentals.

Hotels near Sol Pelicanos Ocas

Other properties within a few minutes’ walk include the Hotel Benidorm Plaza, the Meliá Benidorm (a sister property), and several apart-hotels. If Sol Pelícanos Ocas is fully booked, these alternatives are close enough to still enjoy the same beach and neighbourhood.

Note: The hotel is about 1.8 km from the old town and Benidorm Palace. Allow 20–25 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride.

Is Sol Pelicanos Ocas all inclusive?

Yes, Sol Pelícanos Ocas offers all-inclusive packages. According to tour operator listings, the board basis includes meals, snacks, and drinks at the hotel’s restaurants and pool bars. Availability depends on the booking channel and season. Jet2holidays, TUI, and On the Beach all sell the property with all-inclusive options.

The all-inclusive package typically covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited selected drinks during meal times, plus between-meal snacks. Guests can also book bed-and-breakfast or half-board if they prefer to eat out.

Bottom line: If you want the full “Solana experience”, the all-inclusive option is the closest match to the fictional hotel’s setup.
Sol Pelícanos Ocas – property specification
AttributeDetails
Official nameSol Pelícanos Ocas (SOL Pelicanos Ocas)
ChainSol by Meliá
Star rating⭐⭐⭐
AddressCalle Gerona 47, 03500 Benidorm, Spain
Room count783
Swimming pools5 (including lagoon-style pool)
All-inclusiveAvailable
Distance to beach300 m (Levante)
Check-in / Check-out14:00 / 12:00 (typical)
TV series roleExterior and pool filming location for ITV’s Benidorm

Pricing band

As a 3-star property in a popular beachfront district, Sol Pelícanos Ocas falls into the budget-to-mid-range category. All-inclusive rates vary by season; travel operator sites (Jet2, TUI, On the Beach) typically list it as an affordable family option. Actual prices depend on booking date, board basis, and availability – we recommend checking current deals directly with your preferred operator.

Location and getting there

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the nearest international gateway, about 60 kilometres south of Benidorm. Transfer options include:

  • Direct bus (Alsa) – approximately 50 minutes, drops at Benidorm bus station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel.
  • Private transfer or taxi – roughly 45 minutes.
  • Car rental – the hotel does not list on-site parking, so street parking or nearby garages may be needed.

The hotel is well served by local buses and is within walking distance of Benidorm’s main beachfront promenade.

Alternatives to Sol Pelícanos Ocas

If Sol Pelícanos Ocas is not available or you want a different style, consider these nearby hotels that also offer all-inclusive packages:

  • Hotel Benidorm Plaza – a 4-star hotel on the Levante seafront, about 500 m from Sol Pelícanos.
  • Meliá Benidorm – a sister property under the same Sol by Meliá brand, located roughly 1 km north along the beach.
  • Rio Park Hotel – the hotel featured in Channel 5’s documentary Hotel Benidorm: Sun, Sea & Sangria, not the sitcom.

Each offers a different atmosphere, but none has the direct TV-show connection that Sol Pelícanos Ocas provides.

Our pick

For fans of the ITV sitcom Benidorm who want to sleep where the Solana’s pool scenes were filmed, Sol Pelícanos Ocas is the logical choice. No other hotel can claim the same on-screen pedigree. The 5-pool complex, all-inclusive option, and 5-minute walk to Levante Beach make it a practical family holiday choice regardless of the TV link. Book through a UK tour operator like TUI or Jet2holidays to get the full package (flights + accommodation) that many series fans use.

Map location

📍 Sol Pelícanos Ocas
Calle Gerona 47, 03500 Benidorm, Spain
(Interactive map would be embedded here – 300 m from Levante Beach)

“The series features an ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff at the Solana all-inclusive hotel in Benidorm, Spain.”

– Wikipedia entry text, Encyclopedic description of the TV series

“You might recognise these twin hotels – they star in ITV’s Benidorm series.”

The bottom line: “You might recognise these twin hotels – they star in ITV’s Benidorm series.”
– TUI copywriter, Travel company marketing description of Hotel Sol Pelicanos/Ocas

Frequently asked questions

What is the name of the hotel used in Benidorm?

The real hotel used for filming the ITV sitcom Benidorm is Sol Pelícanos Ocas (also written SOL Pelicanos Ocas). It is a 3-star property with 783 rooms, five pools, and all-inclusive options, located in Benidorm’s Rincón de Loix district.

Is the Solana hotel real?

No. The Solana is a fictional hotel created for the TV series. No hotel by that name exists in Benidorm or elsewhere. The exterior and pool scenes were shot at Sol Pelícanos Ocas.

Was Benidorm filmed at a real hotel?

Partially. Outdoor and pool scenes were filmed at the real Sol Pelícanos Ocas. Interior scenes were shot in a studio set near Benidorm Palace. The fictional Solana is a composite of real and constructed sets.

How far is Sol Pelicanos Ocas from the beach?

It is approximately 300 metres (5-minute walk) from Levante Beach, based on Booking.com data.

Does Sol Pelicanos Ocas have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi in common areas and guest rooms, according to guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor.

Can I book Sol Pelicanos Ocas through TUI?

Yes. TUI lists Sol Pelícanos Ocas as a package holiday option, often describing it as starring in ITV’s Benidorm series. Jet2holidays and On the Beach also offer bookings.

Sources cited

  1. Wikipedia – Benidorm (British TV series)
  2. Jet2holidays – Sol Pelicanos Ocas
  3. On the Beach – Sol Pelicanos Ocas
  4. TUI – Hotel Sol Pelicanos/Ocas
  5. TripAdvisor – Sol Pelicanos Ocas
  6. Booking.com – Sol Pelicanos Ocas
  7. IMDb – Hotel Benidorm: Sun, Sea & Sangria
  8. YouTube travel vlog – Sol Pelícanos review

For further reading, see Hotel Lido Comparison: Estoril, Jesolo & Benidorm and Spanish Hotel Vocabulary: What is a Hotel Called in Spain.

The bottom line: For further reading, see Hotel Lido Comparison: Estoril, Jesolo & Benidorm and Spanish Hotel Vocabulary: What is a Hotel Called in Spain.