Melia Sitges

The towering hotel was originally built for the Olympic games in 1992. It has modern, minimalist decor and plenty of natural light streaming in from the walls of windows in the lobby. Vine-like plants drape from interior white balconies climbing up from the lobby floor, while modern art lends color and hipness. Curved armless gray sofas are clustered in front of lipstick-red tables. Arched white lamps add interest and light. The property has a space-agey vibe, with capsule-like elevators of metal and glass, and a super-sleek restaurant and bar with a lovely garden and covered seating. Guests gather at the expansive pool area, surrounded by a pristine lawn with plenty of lounge chairs and thatched-umbrellas.

The hotel is located within a residential area in Sitges, a beach town on the Mediterranean about 35 minutes from Barcelona. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the lovely Port d'Aiguadolç -- a waterfront area with restaurants and bars -- and about a 20-minute walk to the center of Sitges, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as the train station. The nearest beaches, such as clothing-optional Balmins, are about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Barcelona El-Prat Airport is a 20-minute drive away. There's a charge for underground parking at the hotel.

There are 307 large guest rooms and suites at Melia Sitges. Each is decorated in a modern, minimalist (very hotel-like) style, but are clean and fresh-feeling, with brightly-colored carpeting and comfortable beds. Geometric mirrors hang over small desks. Some have furnished balconies overlooking the beautiful marina while others overlook the street. Flat-screen TVs, minibars stocked with liquor and snacks, electric tea kettles, and free Wi-Fi are standard. Suites include a living area and an espresso machine, though the bathrooms are pretty much the same as those found in regular rooms: marble vanities and large walk-in showers, with the exception of the presidential suite which has a big whirlpool tub and double sinks. Watch out for twin beds pushed together to make a double bed.

Because the Melia Sitges is built on the outskirts of Sitges, there's plenty of room for relaxing and functional features. The free buffet breakfasts at Noray Restaurant include a large selection of international hot and cold dishes, while the sleek Saffron Mediterranean Bistro serves tapas and cocktails along with a full menu throughout the day -- and has a lovely outdoor terrace. There’s a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool with an attached shallow pool for kids. The grass area around the pools has plenty of sun beds and woven umbrellas. The hotel has 19 meeting and banquet rooms, and an auditorium with room for up to 1,380 people. There's a lovely wellness center with a spacious fitness room for yoga and pilates, plus a heated pool and Turkish bath. Massages, manicures, and other beauty treatments are available in the spa, and the gym is fully equipped with modern cardio machines. There’s a fee for use of the gym and spa. Bikes are available to rent.