Thalasia Costa de Murcia

Housed in a big, nondescript building on the outskirts of town, the Thalasia Costa de Murcia looks more like a business hotel than a property that focuses on wellness and relaxation. The structure has been around for a few years and, although brightly colored couches and modern round lamps add a touch of contemporary design in the lobby, some details are starting to look a tad dated, in particular the green marble floors, exposed concrete pillars, and long wooden front desk. Everything, however, is kept clean and tidy, and comfortable seating and big windows that let in lots of light make common spaces pleasant and welcoming. Outside, a central courtyard full of palm trees and other plants is a nice change from the concrete-heavy grounds and glass-clad facade. Still, the property is overall rather pleasant, and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. There is some evening entertainment a few times per week, but guests -- most of whom are couples looking to make the most of the spa -- seem to appreciate the lack of loud music and daily activities. 

The hotel is located away from both the beach and the city center, making it more convenient for those who don’t mind taking taxis (or plan to spend their entire stay on-site) than for those wanting to be within walking distance of the action. Hotel Lodomar Spa & Talasoterapia is a decent alternative for travelers on a tighter budget, though rooms are more basic, and food gets better reviews at the Thalasia Costa de Murcia. Families traveling with young kids may want to compare rates at the mid-range Hotel Traina, which features a kids’ club, small spa, and simple yet clean rooms at a lower price point. 

The hotel is located in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of San Pedro del Pinatar, a beachside community bordering the Mar Menor. There isn’t much within walking distance aside from the salt flats and other hotels and private residences, and a taxi or car is needed to get to the city center, which is a five-minute drive away. A few restaurants, bars, and shops can be found a little bit closer to the hotel, but it is easier to take a taxi or drive than to walk there. Cartagena, a coastal city steeped in history, is a half-hour drive away, and Murcia can be reached in about 40 minutes. The nearest airport is in San Javier, located about a 15-minute drive away. Alicante Airport -- located about 55 minutes away by car -- is served by more airlines. 

The hotel’s 211 rooms are clean and tidy, with basic, generic wooden furniture, beige walls, and few ornaments. Chocolate-brown accent walls and clean lines throughout are contemporary, but the overall feel is run-of-the-mill rather than stylish, and the dark floor tiles make rooms look a little bit cold. Big glass doors open to balconies in all rooms, and have views either of the lush central courtyard, street, or the nearby salt flats. Suites have a few extra touches that add style, such as plush, red rugs, black and white seating, and polished wooden floors. 

Standard amenities are good for the price and include free Wi-Fi, desks, minibars, small flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Suites come with Nespresso machines and bigger plasma TVs. Bathrooms are spacious and modern in all rooms, with dark tiles throughout, rectangular sinks over glass-and-wood vanities, and walk-in showers. Frosted-glass doors, though, may lack enough privacy for some. 

Thalasis Costa de Murcia features one of the best spas in the area, complete with a large hydrotherapy section with five pools -- three indoors, a small one outdoors, and a hot tub -- several cabins for massages and Ayurveda sessions, and a salon offering skin treatments. Additionally, the hotel has a well-sized outdoor pool with a big deck around it housing lots of loungers, and a bar area with stools and tables under umbrellas. The fitness center is big and well-equipped, with lots of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as a movement studio and big windows offering courtyard views. There is also a rooftop paddle court and bicycles for rent. 

The main restaurant is the buffet, serving up international cuisine in a large dining room. Food gets good reviews and breakfast is included in all rates, but there have been some complaints of lack of variety and fresh fruit. There is also an a la carte restaurant offering local specialties and international classics, plus a lobby bar with drinks and snacks. The hotel also features extensive meeting space that can be rented out for private or corporate events. On-site parking is available for a fee.