Meliá Alicante: Your Dream Spanish Escape Awaits!
Meliá Alicante: My (Semi-Coherent) Take on a Spanish Getaway - Let's Dive In!
Okay, so Meliá Alicante. "Your Dream Spanish Escape Awaits!" they boast. Well, dreams are messy things, right? And my experience? Let's just say it was… memorable. Buckle up, because this is going to be a ride. And yes, I'm going to hit ALL the points. Or try to, anyway… It’s like unpacking a suitcase after a week of sun, sand, and sangria – everything is in there, in a glorious, slightly chaotic mess.
First Impressions & the Struggle is Real (Accessibility & Getting Settled):
Right off the bat, major kudos to Meliá for their commitment to accessibility. Wheelchair Accessible? Check. Elevator? Check. Seriously, this is HUGE, and it sets a great tone. Navigating a foreign country, especially with mobility needs, can be a real anxiety-fest. Knowing you can comfortably get around is a huge weight off your shoulders. Accessibility? Absolutely. I mean, getting to the hotel from the airport…that's going to be your own battle, but once you're in the Meliá, you're golden.
Internet Access - The Modern-Day Lifeblood:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Okay, real talk, internet is a necessity now. I need to upload those Instagram stories of me living my best life! The Wi-Fi was generally solid. I actually did have a bit of trouble when, like, five people in my family tried to use it at once. I think it was a bit of a "who's hogging the bandwidth" contest but hey, who doesn't love a tech-related family feud while on vacation? Internet [LAN] was available too, I think, but who uses LAN cables anymore? I didn't, at least. I'm not a caveman. Internet services were available, it's a hotel, obviously. Wi-Fi in public areas was also good, handy for when you're nursing a giant coffee and staring at the sea.
Rooms - Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize (and Then Sleep!):
The room itself? Pretty standard hotel fare, but well-maintained and spotlessly clean. They take Cleanliness and safety seriously. And the Anti-viral cleaning products were reassuring. Room sanitization opt-out available? Smart. I mean, you don't have to, but knowing they're going the extra mile is comforting. Rooms sanitized between stays. Good to know. Smoke alarms, check. Smoke detectors, check. Non-smoking rooms? Yes, everywhere. I’m a non-smoker, so this was great.
The Things I Found Awesome:
- Air conditioning, because Alicante in summer is… HOT.
- Blackout curtains. Life-saving. Especially after a long day of sun, sangria, and that tapas crawl I tried to conquer.
- Free bottled water. Hydration is KEY, people.
- Air conditioning in public areas. You’ll be very grateful.
- Additional toilet: Seriously, a game changer when traveling with kids or… well, anyone with a bladder.
Deep Dive: That Spa Day (Because I Deserve It!)
Okay, so this is where Meliá Alicante really shone for me. I’m talking about the Spa. Forget just relaxing; I had a transformative experience. A solid, proper, I-need-this-in-my-life Spa day!
First, the Sauna – a classic, warms you up real good to get ready for the other things. The Steamroom – ooh, I love a good steamroom!
Then came the pièce de résistance: a full-body, oh-so-amazing Body wrap and Massage. The masseuse, a serene woman with hands of pure magic, worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I felt like I was melting into the massage table. It was heaven. Truly, truly heavenly. I could've stayed there all day. I emerged feeling like a totally different human. It was so good, I'm considering taking up residence in the spa.
Things to do: Okay lots of things to do! The Fitness center was nice. I saw a few people using it, mostly looking like they felt obligated to be there rather than actually enjoying it. The Pool with view? Stunning. Perfect for those Instagram shots. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Even better. My kids had a blast!
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!):
This is where Meliá Alicante really, REALLY shines. Forget just a meal; it's an experience.
Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, so I will admit, I am a buffet snob. But this buffet gets a gold star. Everything you could possibly want, plus all the regional food you could dream of, including a full Asian breakfast arrangement.
A la carte in restaurant: Amazing!
Restaurants: There are many! One with Asian cuisine in restaurant. Another with International cuisine in restaurant. Also, a Vegetarian restaurant, which is great for those with dietary needs.
Bar: Yeah, it’s a bar. But the Poolside bar…that's magic. Sipping a cocktail, watching the sun dip below the horizon? Pure bliss. The Happy hour? Don't miss it. And the Bottle of water? They have it to keep you hydrated.
Room service [24-hour]. Because sometimes, you just need a burger and a movie in your bathrobe. Oh, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant is great if you like coffee.
Snack bar: Good.
Desserts in restaurant: Always good.
Soup in restaurant: Very good.
Salad in restaurant: Healthy alternative.
Services and Conveniences - A Lifesaver (Mostly):
- Concierge: Super helpful. They sorted out our airport transfer and gave us some restaurant recommendations that were GOLD.
- Daily housekeeping. My room was basically a tornado zone, so THANK YOU, housekeeping! Super appreciated.
- Dry cleaning and laundry service. Essential, especially if you're the kind of person who spills sangria on their favorite white shirt. Which… I may or may not have done.
- Facilities for disabled guests: excellent!
- Cash withdrawal: good to know.
- Currency exchange: handy.
- Luggage storage: a lifesaver.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Car park [on-site]: convenient, but I would have preferred something closer to the heart of the city.
- Business facilities: I didn't use these, since I was on vacation.
- Food delivery: I didn’t use food delivery.
For the Kids…And the Kid in Me!
The Meliá is definitely Family/child friendly. They have Kids facilities, I didn’t have to use the Babysitting service, but it’s there!
Cleanliness and Safety - Peace of Mind in a Pandemic World:
This is where Meliá Alicante REALLY knocks it out of the park. They've clearly taken the pandemic seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, Daily disinfection in common areas, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Safe dining setup. They even had Individually-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. These details made a HUGE difference in feeling secure and comfortable.
Getting Around – Not Completely Painless, But Manageable:
- Airport transfer: Absolutely recommend pre-booking. Makes the airport experience a breeze.
- Car park [on-site]: convenient, but a bit expensive.
- Taxi service: readily available.
The Little Things (and The Missing Ones):
- Pet-Friendly? Nope. (Sorry, Fido!)
- Couple's room. Yes, the best kind.
- Exterior corridor: Nice.
The Upshot:
Okay, so was Meliá Alicante a "Dream Spanish Escape"? It wasn't perfect. But the staff was generally helpful and friendly. The location is fantastic. And the spa experience? Phenomenal. For me, it was a good vacation, a fantastic spa experience, and a solid recommendation.
My Crazy-Good Offer to Book Your Escape:
Ready to start planning your own adventure? Here's a deal to get you booking now:
Book your stay at Meliá Alicante within the next 24 hours and receive:
- A complimentary couples massage at the spa. (Because you deserve it!)
- A free upgrade to a room with a sea view. (Because the Mediterranean is beautiful!)
- A special welcome gift of local Spanish treats and a bottle of wine. (Because you gotta celebrate!)
Don't wait! This offer
Duncan, OK's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Meliá Alicante: A Week of Sun, Sangria, and Slightly-Off-Kilter Adventures (aka, My Messy Romance with the Mediterranean)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your Insta-perfect itinerary. This is REAL LIFE, folks. And my life in Alicante at the Meliá? Well, it was a rollercoaster. Prepare for sun-kissed skin, existential crises over paella, and the lingering scent of sunscreen and slightly burnt optimism.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Room Debacle
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Alicante Airport, clutching my carry-on like a life raft. Smug little voice in my head: *See? You *can* travel light!* (Narrator: She could not. There were five pairs of shoes, minimum.)
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to Meliá Alicante. The hotel is… oh, gorgeous. Sparkling turquoise water, a palm-tree-lined promenade, and a lobby that screams "luxury… but also, don't spill anything on the marble, peasant."
- 2:00 PM: Check-in… and the room. The room. Okay, so I'd specifically requested a sea view. I got… a partial sea view, mostly obscured by a large, imposing palm tree. Cue internal sigh, followed by a mental debate: Do I complain? Or embrace the rustic charm of "Palm Tree Paradise, Sort Of?" I embrace the palm tree, mostly because I'm too exhausted to be a Karen.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack. Or attempt to. Shoes everywhere. Chaos reigns.
- 3:00 PM: Victory! Found the mini-bar! Proceed to pop a small bottle of wine - it's vacation, after all!
- 4:00 PM: Explore the hotel, including the rooftop pool. The view? Sublime. The water? Refreshing. The sun? BRUTAL. (Note to self: Invest in a bigger hat.)
- 6:00 PM: Wander along the Explanada de España, that iconic mosaic walkway. It's crowded, but also… electric. The energy! The people! The sheer number of gelato shops! (Decision: Gelato for dinner, clearly.)
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant near the marina – grilled octopus (pulpo a la gallega), a revelation of charred, tender goodness. I could eat it every single day. Seriously. Forget romantic partners, I've found my soulmate in pulpo. (This is getting weird, isn't it?)
- 10:00 PM: Stroll along the beach. The Mediterranean at night is a siren song. The waves whisper secrets. The sand feels… incredibly sandy. (I'm not a poet, okay?)
- 11:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Bed. Exhausted bliss.
Day 2: History, Horchata, and a Brush with a Bad Romance Novel
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is a glorious assault on the senses. Croissants, fresh fruit, a dizzying array of Spanish treats I can't pronounce. I eat enough to fuel a small army.
- 10:00 AM: Visit Santa Bárbara Castle. It’s a climb, let me tell you. My thighs are screaming. But the views from the top? Unbelievable. Alicante sprawls beneath me, a tapestry of terracotta roofs and shimmering sea. It’s breathtaking, in a “wow, I might actually die of exertion” kind of way.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Tapas, tapas, and more tapas! Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and something I think was called "pimientos de padrón" (shishito peppers, I discovered later).
- 2:00 PM: Time for a moment of weakness. I'm looking forward to doing nothing and ordered a refreshing horchata (a creamy, sugary drink made from tiger nuts) and sat on a bench in the sun, watching the world go by. I see couples, families, solo travelers like myself, and everything is well in the world!
- 3:00 PM: Attempt (key word: attempt) to sunbathe on the beach. The sun is relentless, so, I end up covered in sunscreen, and falling asleep. Woke up to a child throwing sand at me and had to go home
- 5:00 PM: Wander the streets, buy some souvenirs and try to immerse myself in the local culture.
- 7:00 PM: A near-disaster. I stumble into a cheesy souvenir shop, and I meet the shopkeeper. My bad romance novel! He's handsome, charming, speaks a few words of English, and tries to sell me a "passion fruit" perfume. I quickly realize that this romance is going nowhere. Escape!
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant. Paella! That glorious, saffron-infused rice dish. But…it was a bit too salty and had some ingredients. I'm not sure I could finish which really bummed me out. (Dramatic sigh).
- 10:00 PM: Bed, and dreams of pulpo.
Day 3: Benidorm, Bullshit, and a Serious Question of Existence
- 9:00 AM: The hotel breakfast buffet, again, but this time, I'm determined to conquer ALL the pastries. Challenge accepted!
- 10:00 AM: Day trip to Benidorm. A decision that I immediately regret. Seriously, if you're looking for a taste of "authenticity," Benidorm ain't it. It's a concrete jungle of high-rise hotels and a cacophony of noise. It felt like a badly written script.
- 1:00 PM: I manage to find a semi-decent beach, and I quickly try to relax and enjoy my day.
- 3:00 PM: I decide to sit at the beach and take some sun, and enjoy the views when… a man appears, and he says something to me in Spanish. He seems nice. I ask him to repeat, "Un, dos, tres…" I realize he wants to take my picture.
- 4:00 PM: Seriously question all my life choices.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Feel the need for a long shower.
- 7:00 PM: A nice dinner, with a bottle of wine. I sit and watch the sunset over the sea.
- 10:00 PM: I try (key word: try) to read. And then I fall asleep.
Day 4: Artistic Adventures
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I am starting to get used to the buffet, but the chef is going to get used to me
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Museu de Arte Contemporàneo, and try to learn some Spanish.
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch by the port.
- 3:00 PM: I found a cafe with the best coffee. I sit on the terrace for a while.
- 5:00 PM: A long walk around the city, and I feel serene.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a new restaurant. The food is delicious.
- 10:00 PM: Watch a film in my room.
Day 5: Pulpo Pilgrimage and Beachy Bliss (Part 2)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, but I take it easy this time!
- 10:00 AM: I found the best pulpo restaurant, and I eat until I can't!
- 1.00 PM: Another beach day!
- 3:00 PM: I meet a couple, and we have a nice conversations together.
- 7:00 PM: Try to meet new people.
- 10:00 PM: Bed!
Day 6 and 7: Slow Down, Savor, and Say "Adios" (But Not Really)
- The Rhythm of Repeat: The next two days are dedicated to doing exactly what I want to do. Mornings at the beach (sunscreen application perfected!), afternoons wandering the charming streets, evenings savoring the local cuisine (more pulpo, of course!).
- The Moments of Reflection: Quiet walks, sunsets, and the realization that Alicante has wormed its way into my heart. Maybe that partial sea view wasn't so bad after all. Maybe Benidorm had its own weird charm.
- The Departure: Saying goodbye is bittersweet. The sun, the sea, the tapas - it's hard to leave all that behind. But I know I'll be back. This messy, slightly-off-kilter romance with Alicante is just getting started.
- Packing: I'm sure there are still shoes that haven't been worn. Oh well.
Final Thoughts:
Alicante, you crazy, beautiful, sun-drenched place
Unbelievable Chattanooga Getaway: Hampton Inn Ooltewah Awaits!
Meliá Alicante: Seriously, Should You? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, so, Meliá Alicante... Hype or Hype-Enough?
Alright, buckle up. The Meliá Alicante. Yeah, it's right on the beach, smack dab in the middle of everything. So, the location is, like, *chef's kiss*. Seriously, wake up, stumble out, and BAM! Beach. But...the hotel itself? That's where things get interesting.
It's not the Ritz. Let's be clear. It's got a certain... *charm*. Think comfortable, but not necessarily pristine. I walked in, and the lobby was bustling. Not exactly the zen-like serenity I crave. Lots of families, a few stressed-looking business people, and yours truly, slightly overwhelmed, attempting to check in.
Is it *hype-enough*? Depends. If you’re after a flawless, ultra-luxury experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want a good base to EXPLORE Alicante, and don't mind a few slight imperfections... then yeah, *maybe* it's hype-worthy. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but don't expect perfection. Expect real life.
How's the Beach, Really? (Because, Beach.)
Okay, let's get to the important stuff. The beach. Imagine golden sand, that perfect blue water… yeah, Playa del Postiguet is REAL. And it's literally a stone's throw from the hotel. The Meliá practically spills onto it. Glorious.
I spent hours just… existing. Reading, people-watching (amazing source of entertainment, by the way), occasionally dipping my toes in the Mediterranean. The BEST part? The vendors walking around selling ice cream and water. Pure bliss. One minor hiccup: the sand is *everywhere*. I mean, truly. My suitcase still has sand from that trip. But hey, it's a small price to pay for beachy goodness.
The Rooms: Spartan or Swanky? (And Do I Need a Sea View?)
The rooms are… fine. Let's be honest. They’re clean, the beds are comfy (thank god), and the air conditioning works. That's the important stuff, yes? The decor is a bit… generic. Think beige with a splash of… beige. BUT, the views! Oh, the views!
I *highly* recommend a sea view room. DO IT. Just do it. Waking up to the Mediterranean? Worth every single penny. I’m not kidding, I woke up and just stared out of the window for a good hour the first morning. Absolutely worth it. If you're on a serious budget, sure, maybe you can skip it. But *really* consider it.
What about the Pool? Is it Worth a Dip?
The pool… okay, the pool area is nice. It's not HUGE. And, you know, competition for sunbeds can get a little… *intense*. I witnessed a full-blown towel-based war one morning. It was like a silent movie, except with umbrellas and eye-rolling.
But, the pool itself is clean. And a great option if the beach is feeling too… sandy. I ended up swimming laps, and it was a perfect way to cool down! Its not the most spectacular pool, it serves its purpose, and you know, after you fight to snatch a lounger, it might even be enjoyable.
Food, Glorious Food! How's the Grub?
The breakfast buffet? It's a buffet. So, you know, the usual suspects. Croissants that are *almost* as good as the real deal, a variety of cheeses and meats, and a questionable selection of… well, let's just say some of the hot options needed a little *oomph*. I stuck with the fresh fruit and yogurt, which was perfectly acceptable. Loads of fruit. I think I ended up eating my weight in watermelon.
The hotel's restaurant – I only ate there once. The paella was… fine. Not the best paella I've ever had, but certainly not the worst. (I had *much* better paella in a tiny little restaurant down the street, but more on that later). Overall, the food is edible, not exceptional. Alicante has so much food to explore, I didn't spend too much time eating at the Hotel.
Cocktails and Booze: Thumbs Up or Down?
The bar is convenient. The drinks are… well, they're drinks. It's not the kind of place to expect a world-class cocktail experience. I got a perfectly decent gin and tonic, which, you know, hits the spot when you're hot and sandy. And the outside bar did allow me to people watch. Always a win.
But here's an important tip: VENTURE OUT. Alicante is a cocktail paradise! There are tons of bars nearby. Seriously, explore the city. Don't limit yourself to the hotel bar unless you absolutely, positively, *have* to.
So, Location, Location, Location! How's the Meliá Really Situated?
The location is the BEST thing about the hotel, full stop. Right on the beach, yes. But also within easy walking distance of the old town (Casco Antiguo). The marina? A quick stroll. Everything is easily accessible. You can wander around and discover some incredible restaurants. (Like that tiny paella place I mentioned earlier? Found it completely by accident! It's my Alicante food holy grail). The public transport is easy to use. You can walk to most places. It really is an amazing base to explore from.
Getting Around: Taxi, Bus, or Just Wear Out Your Shoes?
Honestly? Walk. Alicante is a very walkable city. I walked everywhere. It's the best way to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. I mean, you're on vacation, you have time, right?
But! Taxis are readily available, and the buses are good if you don't fancy walking a bit. Personally, I just walked pretty much everywhere, it was easier.
Overall, Would You Recommend It? (The Big Question!)
Trip Hotel Hub
