MELIÁ Hotels in Costa Occidental

We love the Melia Isla Canela, so much so that this was our fourth visit. Since we were here last year there have been a few changes, and having read recent reviews we weren't sure whether we would still like the hotel as much. But we did - almost. It is a beautiful hotel, always spotlessly clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. The location for us is perfect. It has a mixture of hotels but also has a beautiful typical Spanish village, Punta del Moral, a short walk away where you can experience every day Spanish life. We found a delightful Church there. There is a small Marina close to the hotel and the opportunity to go across to Portugal is available if you want to explore. What I love to see are all the little fishing boats going out for night fishing, one after the other. A perfect example of normal Spanish life. There is a lovely long promenade which runs parallel to the beach. There you will find hotels and permanent residencies. From our hotel there is a small walkway down to the beach itself, and if you so wish you can hire a sunbed and spend the day there. As before we stayed on the Level, this time in room 2015. This was a twin-bedded room with a full ocean view, which was nicely renovated (with a mirror on the wall and not at the back of the wardrobe) but it was quite small. The bathroom was neat and compact with a walk- in shower but sadly lacking a bidet as before. As it was a Level room we had a coffee machine and kettle but it was in such an awkward place and quite difficult to use. Personally I felt that space could have been used more as a wardrobe, as it seems that lack of hanging space, drawers etc is quite an issue with a great many guests, us included. The changes made to The Level on the whole were a great improvement. The breakfast was excellent, with much more to choose from than previously We enjoyed sitting in the lounge both during the day and at the end of the day after dinner. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and it was nice to have a snack and drink during the day when we needed a break from reclining on the sunbed.. Although we have stayed before on The Level this was the first time we sampled the Tapas and although we didn't drink the spirits on offer we did enjoy the Rose wine and we realise now what we have been missing on our previous visits. Our only disappointment with the upgrade of The Level was that the private area that we enjoyed previously was no longer there. We used to enjoy lying on a sunbed under the trees, away from the pool, but to our dismay there are so many rows of sunbeds this is no longer an option. The dynamics have changed now that particular area and pool is for adults as well as Level guests. The way it is set up now restricts where a Level guest can use a sunbed + cushion, which is a small area close to the Level Lounge, and unfortunately is in the full sun most of the day. Not realising this I used one of the cushions for my bed under a tree