Alicante's Hidden Gem: INNSiDE by Meliá's Stunning Porta Maris Secret!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "Hidden Gem" that is the INNSiDE by Meliá Porta Maris in Alicante. Prepare for a review that's less sterile travel brochure and more, well, me spilling the tea, the sangria, and probably a few other things along the way!
First Impressions & Accessibility: Let's Get Real…
Finding the place? Honestly, a bit of a head-scratcher at first. Alicante's charm is its winding streets, but that can translate to "lost tourist" pretty darn quickly. But once you're there, the location is chef's kiss. Smack dab in the middle of everything – the beach, the marina, the vibrant city life. Accessibility? Okay, realness alert: while they say they've got facilities for disabled guests, I didn't personally test those waters (pun intended!). But the elevator situation seemed decent, and I did see ramps. Important: Double-check directly with the hotel about your specific needs if you require accessible features. Don't just take my messy word for it.
The Vibe: Insta-Worthy, But Does It Feel Good?
The lobby? Chic. Modern. Definitely designed to be posted on your Instagram, immediately. Think clean lines, bright spaces, and that "effortlessly cool" thing that hotels try to pull off. And for the most part, they do. The staff were generally friendly – a few were super welcoming, others…well, they seemed to be having a slightly less stellar day. (Hey, we've all been there, right?)
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Except For That One Minor Thing)
Alright, let's talk rooms. Mine was a non-smoking oasis, a real blessing. Air Conditioning in all rooms, and even in public areas! Yes to that! A plush carpet was underfoot, and the blackout curtains were a GODSEND after a long day of sun and tapas. They've got all the essentials - hair dryer, in-room safe box, desk, and a coffee/tea maker. I loved the free bottled water, definitely crucial for staying hydrated. The bed was extra long (thank heavens), and the linens were crisp and clean. They had complimentary tea that I gulped every morning. Wi-Fi [free] worked a treat, and I could even open up my laptop workspace. Now the only real downside: the shower, it didn't have the best water pressure, that was a minus. But it had hot water, so I wasn't complaining too much.
Amenities: Spa Days, Poolside Bliss, And My (Mostly) Delightful Dive into Relaxation…
Okay, this is where INNSiDE Porta Maris really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a view that just screams "vacation". I spent a glorious afternoon planted in a lounger, sipping a cocktail from the poolside bar. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I was dying to try the spa, but I got sidetracked by the gym/fitness center, I didn't get any further than giving it a glance.
- The Pool with a View: Seriously, the pool is a highlight. You can spend hours there. I got myself a book and barely moved (except for fetching another drink, obviously).
- Ways to Relax: They've got the big guns here: Spa/sauna, Massage, Sauna, even a Foot bath I didn't try. Maybe next time.
Dining & Sipping: From Buffet Breakfasts to Midnight Munchies (And One Questionable Pizza)…
The breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. Huge, with everything you could imagine: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, A la carte in restaurant, you name it. The presentation was impeccable, but the quality was a bit inconsistent. The pastries were delicious, but the coffee could have been stronger. One thing that I did notice, the breakfast takeaway service.
- Restaurants: There's a good selection. They had a vegetarian restaurant! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a hit.
- Bar: The Poolside bar was great, but the main bar had a great Happy hour.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] I thought, was a lifesaver (especially after a late night!). The menu was pretty decent, but I ordered a pizza that was… well, let's just say it wasn't the prettiest pizza I've ever seen. Lesson learned: stick to the tapas! They also have a snack bar, which is always a plus.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassured by the Efforts…
Okay, let's tackle the elephant in the room – the whole COVID situation. They seem to be taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and daily disinfection in common areas. They had Individually-wrapped food options, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.I was comforted seeing the Anti-viral cleaning products, but I did notice that the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Services & Conveniences: Perks and Pitfalls…
They've got all the usual suspects: concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, currency exchange. The luggage storage was handy.
- For the kids: They're definitely family/child friendly, with a babysitting service available.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Look, if you're there for a conference, great! But I was decidedly not there for work, and it did slightly detract from the "chill vibe."
- Services and conveniences: All your typical stuff, but the Convenience store was pretty well-stocked.
Getting Around: The Easy Way to Travel
Pretty simple here. Airport transfer, Taxi service, or Car park [free of charge]. The car park [on-site] was super convenient (and a relief in a city like Alicante where parking can be a nightmare). I don't know about the Car power charging station, or Valet parking.
The Verdict: Should You Book? (Maybe, But Read This First!)
INNSiDE by Meliá Porta Maris is a solid choice for a city break. The location is brilliant, the pool is divine, and the rooms are comfortable. However, manage your expectations. It’s not perfect. The service can be inconsistent, and the dining can be hit-or-miss. BUT. If you're looking for a stylish, well-located base to explore Alicante, with a pool to laze by and a generally good vibe, then yes, you should give it a try!
My Anecdote: The Cocktail Catastrophe (And Why It Didn't Matter)
One evening, I was enjoying a cocktail by the aforementioned pool. Then, "Boom!". A table overturned, and a tray of cocktails went everywhere. My drink, in a spectacular display of physics, exploded all over… well, me. I was mortified. Then everyone started laughing - the staff, the other guests - even me eventually. They apologized profusely, brought me a fresh drink (eventually), and were incredibly good-natured about the whole thing. The point is: stuff happens. It's how a place handles it that really matters. And in this case, the INNSiDE team handled it with grace and a smile, making a potentially disastrous moment into a funny, memorable anecdote. It's those small moments, those moments of human connection, that really make a trip special. And for that, I'll give them a solid five out of five stars.
Promotional Offer: Escape to Alicante's Paradise!
Ready for your own Alicante adventure? Book your stay at the INNSiDE by Meliá Porta Maris today and get:
- 15% off your stay
- Free breakfast included
- Complimentary upgrade to a Sea View room (subject to availability)
Limited Time Offer! Book now and start dreaming of sunshine, sangria, and unforgettable memories! (Remember to check the hotel's website for the full terms and conditions).
Disclaimer: My experience is based on my personal stay and may not reflect everyone's experience. Always check directly with the hotel regarding specific requirements for accessibility and amenities.
Chester Racecourse Getaway: Unbeatable Holiday Inn Express Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is MY possible adventure, INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante? Yeah, we're heading to Spain. And honestly? I’m utterly unprepared, but also, SO READY. Let's see where the chaos takes us…
Day 1: Alicante Arrival & Jet Lagged Shenanigans (or, "Why is the Sun Always Up?")
- Morning (ish): Touchdown in Alicante. Ugh, airports. Always the same story: long lines, questionable coffee, and the faint smell of stale airplane air clinging to everything. Found my luggage, miraculously intact (consider this a win!), and snagged a cab to the hotel. INNSiDE by Meliá. Cool name. Hope the actual space is as chill.
- Afternoon: Okay, first impressions. Holy. Overwhelm. The hotel is…modern. Like, aggressively modern, which I'm kind of digging. Check-in was painless, which is also shockingly refreshing. My room? Simple, clean, and with a balcony! Victory dance I briefly considered taking a nap but was too hyped to even dream about that – jet lag is, like, a suggestion right now.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Rambled aimlessly around the hotel, because… well, because I could. Found the pool. It looked tempting, but the actual water was a tad chilly for my liking, so I just… assessed it. Decided to wander out and get a feel for the town. The port area is gorgeous and alive with people. That's where I had the best seafood paella, I still dream about that paella until this day.
- Evening: Food, Glorious Food (and possible mistakes). The real adventure begins now. I ate dinner in a taverna, I think. I ordered what sounded like the most authentic dish. I'm pretty sure it involved offal. It tasted… "interesting." But, hey, cultural immersion, right? Followed that up with gelato. So. Delicious. Wandered around the old town, got a little lost – the cobblestone streets are a freaking maze - but it was beautiful and got lost in the charm. Attempted conversation with a local, resulting in a lot of pointing and smiling blankly, which is my default travel-language. Went back to the hotel before 11 pm because jet lag is real.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Existential Poolside Reflections (or, "Why Am I So Sweaty?")
- Morning: The sun. It’s relentless. Forced myself out of bed at what felt like the crack of dawn. Coffee time! Went for a walk to the beach. Santa Barbara Castle up above is quite something to behold. I actually ended up spending most of the morning on the beach, not doing much except… well, existing. The Mediterranean air is intoxicating. The sand… well, it's sand. Fine, I’ll admit, I got sunburnt. I’ll get there one day.
- Afternoon: Pool-time! Finally. The water is cold, but once you get in, it's absolute bliss. I actually kind of needed that. Staring at the sky, contemplating… who knows what? Probably the meaning of life, or maybe just whether to order another cocktail. The pool bar is surprisingly well-stocked. I feel like I could stay here forever.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Decided to explore more of the city. Got thoroughly lost again, but in the best possible way. Found a small, tucked-away tapas bar with the absolute best patatas bravas. Seriously, I'm still thinking about them. Stumbled upon a tiny church, which felt very humbling after my afternoon of cocktails and existential musings.
- Evening: The "Oops, Did I Just…? Night." After the tapas experience, I decided to wander the streets again until I didn't. I ended up at a bar that looked cool. Music was loud. People were dancing. And then… well, a dance floor. I'm not a dancer, but, hey, when in Rome, right? Or, you know, Alicante? I think I made a fool of myself. I also met some amazing people who didn't speak English. We were all laughing, it was great. Woke up with a slight headache and a vague memory of a very strange cocktail. Good times.
Day 3: Castle Views & Unsuccessful Souvenir Hunting (or, "Where Did My Money Go?")
- Morning: Okay, the headache is real. Needed coffee. Desperately. Did manage to see the Santa Barbara Castle from up close – worth the climb, even with the aftermath of the night before. Even more spectacular views! I love feeling like a tiny speck against the backdrop of history.
- Afternoon: Souvenir shopping! Oh, the joy. Or, actually, the stress. I desperately want to find something unique, something that screams “Alicante!” instead of “tourist trap.” The shop owners are persistent. I ended up buying a ceramic bull that I think is more ugly and quirky than it's actually unique. Oops.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the hotel for a much-needed power nap. Followed by more pool time. I'm starting to think I could happily spend the rest of my life here. The sun, the breeze, the endless supply of questionable but enjoyable cocktails… My mind is clear.
- Evening: This is it. The last night. Back at the tapas. Tried to re-find the bar from the other night, but the winding alleyways defeated me. Enjoyed a final (delicious) meal, filled with a bittersweet mix of pleasure and sadness. The sadness being, of course, that it's all coming to an end a wee bit too soon.
Day 4: Departure & The Eternal Return (or, "I Need to Come Back!")
- Morning: Check out. Bittersweet. One last look at the Mediterranean. One last deep breath of that amazing sea air. Said a sad goodbye to my balcony… and now the bus.
- Goodbye Alicante: I'm already planning my return. I'm already fantasizing about those patatas bravas, those beach days, and the thrill of getting lost in those charming streets.
- The flight - Well, it was not good. I was so tired. Oh well.
Alright, Let's Spill the Tea on INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante's "Secret" (That Isn't *So* Secret Anymore!)
Okay, spill. What's the deal with this 'Porta Maris Secret' everyone keeps whispering about? Is it actually a secret anymore? Because honestly, Instagram kind of ruined that...
Look, let's be real. Secrets in the age of filters and geo-tags? Forget about it. The Porta Maris Secret at INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante is essentially a ridiculously gorgeous pool area perched right on the Mediterranean. Think infinity pools, sun loungers practically kissing the waves, and views that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. It *was* a bit of a well-kept secret – I remember stumbling upon it accidentally on a particularly *hangover-y* Sunday (oops!) and thinking, "Where have you BEEN all my life!?" Now? The secret's out. But still... the vibe is still pretty darn special.
Is it *really* worth the hype? My expectations are high, thanks to all the photos. Don't want to be disappointed...
Alright, *deep breath*. Yes. Mostly. Okay, I need to be honest here. There were moments where the sheer crowds of people jostling for a sunbed gave me slight, *tiny* palpitations of social anxiety. And I've heard some grumbling about the price... but hey, you're paying for the *view*, baby! And that view? Worth every single euro. The way the sun hits the water in the late afternoon... Pure magic. I swear, I saw a couple get *engaged* there. Talk about setting the bar. My own relationship is still at the "Netflix and chill with a large pizza" stage, so... yeah...
What's the pool area *actually* like? Is it all sleek and modern? Or a bit… plastic-y?
Okay, "sleek and modern" is the vibe, but thankfully, not in a sterile, corporate, "all the soul has been surgically removed" kind of way. It's got a really well-designed layout. There's the main infinity pool, a smaller pool (perfect for kids, or those of us who just want to paddle gently), and sunbeds galore. Now, I'm not going to lie, I did see a couple of rogue plastic chairs that looked a bit sad, but the overall aesthetic is pretty damn good. The natural stone and wood elements help to soften the modern lines, and the whole thing just *feels* luxurious. It's like, "Yeah, I'm fabulously chill, sipping a cocktail, while the world does its chaotic thing."
Okay, let's get to the nitty gritty... the cocktails. Are they as good as they look? And is the food decent, or just overpriced pool-fare?
Alright, I’ll be brutally honest. The cocktails are… good. Not *mind-blowing* good, but perfectly refreshing, and they *do* look gorgeous in all the photos (priorities, people!). They're not cheap, mind you. Expect typical hotel-pool prices. The food? Okay, here's where I REALLY need to vent. It's… hit or miss. The pizza? Surprisingly decent. The salads? Forget it. I ordered a salad once, and it was like… a sad, lonely head of limp lettuce just *wishing* for someone to talk to it. The fries? Good. The service? Well... sometimes. Be prepared for a potential wait. But, let's be real. You're there for the view. And the cocktails. And the vibe. So, order the pizza, and go with the flow. And maybe smuggle in a few extra snacks. *Just saying*.
Do I need to be a hotel guest to use the Porta Maris Secret? And if not, how does one *get in*?
Right, the million-dollar question. Yes, and no. You *can* get a day pass, BUT you must check availability with the hotel. This is crucial. They do limit access, which I think is a good thing, otherwise it would be absolute chaos. I've seen people get turned away at the door, looking utterly crestfallen. BOOK AHEAD PEOPLE! The hotel's website is usually your best bet, or call them directly. Be polite (it’s a hotel, people!), and don’t expect miracles if they’re booked up. Pro tip: If you really, REALLY want in and can't get a day pass... well, I'm not condoning anything, but maybe *consider* booking a single night's stay? Just saying...
What's the best time to go? Trying to avoid the crowds... and the screaming children... if possible.
Ah, the holy grail of pool-going: a crowd-free experience. Good luck! Haha, just kidding (mostly). Honestly, weekdays are your best bet. Avoid weekends like the plague, especially during peak season. Early mornings are also a good bet – the pool is at its most serene, the water is crystal clear, and you can snag a prime sunbed without fighting for your place. The late afternoon is also beautiful (that sunset!), but be prepared for a bit more action. As for screaming children... well, you're at a pool, so embrace the chaos! Unless you have noise-canceling headphones. Those are a lifesaver. I'm just saying...
Is there anything else I should know before I go? Like, any hidden gems *within* the hidden gem?
Okay, here’s my insider tip: Find a spot near the edge of the infinity pool, and just *stare* at the sea. Seriously, lose yourself in the waves. That's where the magic truly happens. Take a deep breath. Let go of the stress. And remember to apply sunscreen like your life depends on it (trust me on this one). Also, if you're feeling peckish, and pizza isn't your thing, try to find out if there's a "lunch special" – sometimes they have a fixed price menu that's a better deal than ordering a la carte. Also, be prepared to take a *million* photos. Because beautiful views deserve to be documented. And finally, don't forget to tip! They work hard, and a little appreciation goes a long way. Enjoy! And try not to get too jealous of my Instagram feed afterward (kidding... kind of).
