Hi TMc01,
You are in a good postion in El Rincon.
Just behind the Corte de Englais shop, is the Commercial Centre. It looks small from the outside, but is set out on 3 floors with loads of eating places of all nationalities, plus pubs/bars.
Also, walking stright up the road, inland from El rincon, is a small new commercial centre with pubs/cafes, restaurants. See the restaurant guide thread, I have posted one for Wok Buffet Asia which is in theis new centre.
As for hotels, Costa Blanca is not like a tourist resort in so much as you will not find tourist hotels full of Thomas Cook holiday makers. Mostly, the hotels you will find roundabouts are:
An Apaarthotel (Atlas) just off the N332 after Punta Prima going into Torreveija. - Although is is called "Altals" anyone can book in there, we have stayed there, very nice mini apartments, good breakfast, clean with friendly spanish staff.
Hotel La Mirada at La Zenia - have only been in there for a residents meeting, it was being refurbished in 2004/5, so don't know much about costs, rooms etc.,
There is another hotel as you enter Punta Prima on the N332 coming this time from Torreveija. Know nothing about this one at all, sorry.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,