La Zenia Hotel
http://hotels.spain-bookings.com/hotel/es/servilazenia.html?label=ov-es-Spain-La-Zenia

Restaurants:-
Barlovento (Torrelamata)
Patio Andaluz (Punta Prima)
Maison de la Costa (Torrevieja)

Price of hire cars will not differ much if you book online or not, however if coming in 'high season' it would be advisable to pre-book.

Hi,

We first went to Tooreveja 4 years ago, and visited Patio Andaluz it is a fantastic place. We visited last time too. When we go we normally stay near friends but as we are surprising them they dont know we are coming. They normally sort our accommadation out but this time we fancy a hotel with pool. Thanks for reminding me of the patio andaluz.

Sorry, it looks like the Patio Andaluz will just be a fond memory for the pair of us. I drove past today and it looks like it is going to be pulled down to make way for a small commercial center on the Punta Prima roundabout. The restaurant was taped up and being cleared.
If you like flamenco, you could try the Rocio Palace in Benijofar. I understand the dancing is of a higher standard, but I can't vouch for the grub.

I can gather information on places to eat for you, There are some nice places in san Miguel.

Hiring a car is cheaper to book online with the larger companies although you can get some good deals from the smaller spanish owned companies such as http://www.rentagain.com they are based at La Zenia and deliver to airports etc.

Hotel La Zenia website

http://www.servigroup.es/ingles/hoteles/detalle_zenia.htm