Melia Alicante

Housed in a white, 1973 building overlooking sandy Postiguet Beach and the marina, the Melia Alicante is a well-established upscale property in Alicante that draws in not just couples and families on leisure but also business travelers. The hotel is undergoing major renovations in several stages, and while most spaces are contemporary and have a fresh feel, a few older details remain, including the worn hallway carpets and the grey terrazzo floors by the main entrance. The a la carte restaurant features exposed brick and stone walls, wood beams, vaulted ceilings, and arched doors. Most public spaces make the most of the hotel’s seafront location, including the pool, the buffet restaurant, and even some meeting rooms, all of which offer expansive Mediterranean views. Still, those looking to enjoy the hotel’s excellent views from their own room may want to check with reception first, as some units have limited views due to the zigzagging shape of the property. 

The hotel is located on a skinny peninsula off La Explanada de Espana, a wide boulevard full of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. On the eastern side of the peninsula is Postiguet, a sandy beach popular with locals; on the other side is the marina, complete with a casino. Santa Barbara Castle is located on a hill right behind the hotel and can be reached by car in under 10 minutes, while the Cathedral of Alicante is a seven-minute walk away. There is a bus stop a couple of minutes’ walk from the hotel, and a taxi stand right outside the main entrance. The airport is a 20-minute drive away, and airport transfers can be booked at the front desk for a fee.

Rooms have stylish decor in grey, brown, or white and red. Most have laminate floors instead of carpet and upgraded amenities, including flat-screen TVs with 30 international channels, electric kettles, rainfall showerheads, and minibars. However, the Melia Rooms (as standard units are known here) have not been updated, and the once classically elegant decor looks dated and bland now. The decor in these rooms features elements such as blue carpeting, plain wooden furniture, and blue corduroy armchairs. All rooms have work desks and free Wi-Fi, and Family Rooms and Suites have separate living areas with sofa beds. The Level Floor is an adult-only section in the hotel offering a number of perks, including pillow menus, Nespresso machines, hydromassage showers, and access to a lounge serving drinks and snacks at scheduled times, an outdoor plunge pool, and free newspapers. Most rooms have balconies or terraces with sea views, but some have limited vistas due to the zigzagging shape of the building.

The hotel's breakfast buffet (included in some rates) is a huge, tasty spread served in a bright space with outdoor seating space and floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views. The a la carte restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and offers plenty of daily specials, but many guests consider it overpriced. The other on-site dining option is Blue, a casual poolside cafe with sea views. There's a small trapezoid-shaped pool that overlooks the beach and has lots of lounge chairs and a few parasols, but it is in the shade all afternoon and can therefore be cold.Business features include extensive meeting space, free Wi-Fi, and a small business center with a few computers and a printer. The hotel does not have an on-site sports club, but all guests get free access to the fitness center next door, which along with weights and cardio equipment features a wellness area (for a fee) complete with treatment cabins, a hydrotherapy area, and salon services. The hotel also offers two bars, airport transfer services (for a fee), special rates at an off-site parking lot, and a seasonal kids’ club.