Melia Benidorm

The Melia Benidorm occupies two identical side-by-side towers that rise above a major avenue. Despite the traffic and the corporate look of the exterior, the atmosphere here is sedate and includes an abundance of green space. Isolated from the surrounding streets, the grounds are dominated by a pool area that's more typical of a beachfront resort, whose palm-lined gardens can make you forget you're in the middle of a city block. The inside is filled with natural light from banks of windows rising up several floors. Balconies here are draped with hanging gardens that breathe life into the center of the lobby. Blue carpeted lounges provide ample seating next to the windows; set with velvety navy couches and squat white lamps, around a baby grand piano. Guests are a mix of families and couples. 

The hotel is located on a major avenue that runs north from the beach. It's surrounded by other large hotels and a variety of fast food restaurants. Small shops and vendors line the sidewalks, and the surrounding area known as New Town is full of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and dozens of other hotels. The popular Levante Beach is about a 15-minute walk away, and there are several other sandy beaches within a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Aqualandia water park is also a 15-minute walk from the hotel (farther inland). Expect a 45-minute drive to Alicante Airport.

The hotel's 526 rooms and suites come in beachy hues of light blue and sand with wood accents. Bedspreads bordered in blue piping, powder-blue armchairs, and swing-arm lamps give a traditional and almost old-fashioned look. Standard Rooms have sitting areas beside glass balcony doors with armchairs and tables, along with glass-topped desks. Somewhat small 32-inch flat-screen TVs come standard, along with mini-fridges, but Wi-Fi is an extra fee. Upgraded rooms have sofa beds, and a suite has a large outdoor terrace. Bathrooms in marble beige tile have shower/tub combos with glass shields; some have walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs. Toiletries include shaving and dental kits, along with shampoo and conditioner. 

All rooms have small private balconies with plastic furniture, and were designed to face the ocean from both towers, so that none of the rooms have inland views. Rooms on upper floors have partial sea views (with other tall buildings in the way), and the rest of the rooms overlook the gardens and pool. 

The hotel's centerpiece is its large lagoon-style pool that flows around plant-filled islands and walkways with imitation rocks and waterfalls, giving it the feel of a beachfront resort. Palm-lined gardens surround the sundeck, with plenty of loungers, and there's a kiddy pool with two small slides (though they're not waterslides). The large indoor heated pool and hot tub are housed in a space with attractive greenhouse windows. The spa has treatment rooms and a sauna. There's a fitness center filled with weight training equipment, but only a few cardio machines. The kids' club has games and activities, as well as an outdoor space and playground under its thatched-roof pavilion. An additional game room has arcade games, a pool table, and air hockey. Business facilities include 10 meeting rooms, a business center, and fees for Wi-Fi. There's a reading and TV lounge that doesn't get much use. 

For dining, a sprawling buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean and international dishes alongside a typical pizza and pasta station. There's also a snack bar with a huge outdoor terrace, set with tables and white shade umbrellas. A cocktail lounge has regular nightly entertainment, and there's a poolside bar with covered seating in the gardens. All-inclusive rates are available.