Melia Altea Hills Resort

We have just returned from a week of glorious weather in sunny Spain over New Year. On arrival we were upgraded to a junior suite as the hotel was not full. This consisted of a gorgeous bedroom, with a large living room and bathroom, all beautifully done out. The good size balcony had 2 chairs and a sunbed, a very sunny aspect, but little view. We heard no building noise at all, the whole complex was very quiet and peaceful. The hotel is a bit isolated, about 10 minutes drive from town. There are lots of good restaurants in the old town and we used taxis every night rather than drive. The taxi service was efficient and cheap. Yes the supermarket across the road has closed down, but there is another one 2 minutes drive away. We found the Melia Altea Hills to be a really good hotel, living up to its 5-star rating in terms of facilities, but let down by some really sloppy service. Chambermaid service was poor and often late in the day and corridors were often strewn with used room-service trays. Our complaints to reception and customer service produced no response at all. Not good enough for a top hotel which is hardly cheap. Complaints about random opening hours of the gymnasium and broken equipment similarly produced no response. Despite these complaints, the hotel has a lot going for it, but could do so much better!

Yes, it's a nice friendly little 5 star hotel, but the small Italian Restaurant, the 'Irish Bar' and the Supermarket have all closed down now - presumably thru' lack of trade. the whole complex is somewhat lacking in atmosphere with all the building work going on and the fact that nobody seems to live in their luxury second homes (villas) - they all seem to be bought as an investment property. Still it's quite peaceful when the builders stop at the weekends and evenings !!!

Just thought that I'd update you on some of the things that have been previously mentioned. I only saw the reviews just before I flew out to the hotel and was somewhat worried about the building noise mentioned. However, it appears that the building work has pretty much finished above the hotel, because we didn't have any noise problems during our stay and didn't see any building work going on. It was disappointing that both the Irish bar and supermarket are closed - I'm not sure if this is just because we visited off-season (beginning of November 2004), but the supermarket had been gutted, as if they weren't coming back. The hotel itself is lovely with excellent rooms, lovely breakfast, good swimming pools, excellent gym, nice tennis courts and a good squash court. Bit of advise - bring your own rackets if you want to play because the hotel ones aren't that good. Whilst the staff were friendly, it did take some perseverance to get some things sorted out (the room-safe didn't work - took 3 days to sort, 2 days to change a light-bulb, they lost my son's teddy bear in the laundry and it took 4 days to get it back !). Perhaps this is what it's like in Spain generally; a little laid-back ? However, on the whole, they were very good, friendly and helpful and we had a great holiday. I would go back to this hotel. Hope this information helps ...

My husband and I have stayed at this hotel several times and have just returned for the second time this year. The experience just gets better and better. Our room this time, which was more like an apartment, was fantastic. The service is excellent. We have already booked to return in October. It's our ultimate chill-out hotel.

OK I am probably not as well travelled as others, however, I hope this helps to give a well balanced view of the Melia Altea Hills. Firstly, the staff were very helpful, kind and courteous at all times, given the size of the complex they gave a full service both room, reception and at breakfast. The food and beverages were expensive but the hotel complex had accomodated for this locally by including in the complex and small reasonably priced Italian restaurant (thanks Marchelo for the bar service and two wonderful meals!!) an 'irish bar' and supermarket all for the residents convenience. The hotel had many facilities including a gym, tennis courts, squash courts and several swimming pools (one private for the more resevered person) The hotel and rooms (we had a suite overlooking Altea bay) were both clean, well presented and decor becoming of what I class a five star hotel. The small Port of Muscarat only lay but a mile away from the resort which boasted some fine boats and small discerning eateries. All in all my husband and myself found a retreat that we would return to and had a wonderful 9 day stay at Altea Hills - thank you for a most welcomed break.

The hotel is very attractive to look at, if you ignore the several large cranes both next to and in front of this hotel. In addition, the noise from the constant stream of construction traffic and other various vehicles is not conducive to a relaxing break. Whilst the hotel is very well decorated with lovely rooms and pleasant staff, the service was very hit and miss and it certainly is not 5 star as advertised.

The Altea Hills Resort is wonderful. The rooms are fantastic and the views, breathtaking. The service is 2nd to none. However, it is quite a way from Altea and Benidorm, though taxi's aren't too expensive. Would highly recommend this hotel.

Melia Altea Hills Resort is a very fine hotel with truly excellent rooms, excellent facilities and helpful staff. Unfortunately the hotel sits at the foot of the Altea Hills residential development which is an enormous construction site. The construction workers and miscellaneous trucks and earth movers begin to arrive from 0630. The noise is deafening. During the day the sound of heavy vehicles arriving is replaced by the sound of pile-driving and rock-breaking. Pretty unpleasant. The workers and vehicles begin to clear the area from about 1745 accompanied by another cacophony of noise. According to the real estate agent resident on the site, construction will continue for at least 2 more years. The hotel is lovely and I would return...but only after most of the surrounding construction is complete.

Stayed here last September and will be returning this June. A great resort to relax in. Excellent rooms, facilities and service. The hotel is well maintained and landscapped. The scenery around the resort is breathtaking. I'd suggest a hire car as the hotel is a bit secluded, plus it would be a shame not to get out and explore the surrounding countryside.

I love this place, the facilities are so easy to engage with. I feel at home relaxing in the sports club lounge with the wonderful decked area facing a terrific panarama of a delightful fountain with a full sea view of the Bay of Altea as a background. The service is relaxed and informal and available whenever you need it. The mountains behind the resort are both imposing and breathtaking. If you enjoy walking then this is a terrific area to explore. The facilities at the hotel are great and you can visit the gym and work out without worrying about how long it is actually since you have done any exercise. The outdoor pools are designed to meet the needs of all age groups and pleasure can be taken from either a swim or a dabble and a sun-bathe. If you fancy a night out on the town with some quality entertainment, try Benidorm Palace for dinner and dancing, a great night out for all the family or just you two. If you want to promenade in the evening, the old town of Altea with its cobbled streets and scent of jasmine leads to a narrow street full of character, boasting some fantastic restaurants to satisfy all tastes. A very special place.