One “LEVEL” above expectations
To be honest I don’t remember when I fall in love with Costa del Sol and Torremolinos. You can call me “old fashioned” but I still love the little Mediterranean resort town on southern Spain where I feel like home when stepping on the smooth sand of El Bajondillo. And being honest once again, I lost the count of my days spent there in long weekends, well planned holidays or even couple of hours on the beach between 2 easyJet flights.
I was trying always to find the perfect spot, a hotel where the comfort will match the accessibility to the incredible day and night life of Torremolinos. Sometimes I succeeded sometimes I failed in real touristic nightmares.
And one day, going back to one of my favourite spots – Melia Costa del Sol I discovered a little miracle called “The LEVEL”. Of course, the hotel is itself in an excellent spot in Toremollinos: situated right in the heart of the Costa del Sol, perfectly located next to the Bajondillo Beach, 6 kilometres from Málaga International Airport and just 5 minutes from the centre of the city.
But the new concept takes the guest’s experience to a complete different “LEVEL”. The Level conveys the idea of a private club, a “hotel within a hotel”, where exclusivity and personalised service come together in a unique and modern setting. But the marketing description is far below the real experience I had at Melia Costa del Sol with an amazing consistency from the moment of checking-in up to the genuine farewell in the last day.
The check-in was fast and efficient with a genuine mixture of technical questions and relax chit-chat and smiles. By the time when the Reception team finished all the formalities and one of the bell-boys took care of my luggage, the LEVEL Concierge was already there extending the welcome of the team and offered to escort me in the room.
The LEVEL Junior Suite was indeed an extremely present surprise with spectacular front views over the Mediterranean Sea and located on the hotel´s 7th floor. The amazing 25 m² terrace, the separate lounge area, amenities from luxury brands such as Loewe or Nespresso, a welcome gift in the room, pillow menu, the Level bathrobe and slippers, personalised minibar content everything are only couple of the elements of this unique and personalised experience in which every detail has been created especially for guests.
During my stay at Melia Costa del Sol, both charming girls acting as Concierge, were active parts of an over-spoiled daily routine. From suggestion related to free time activities to restaurant or Spa bookings everything was possible and done with a genuine smile. And despite the fact that the LEVEL was fully booked the staff always find time for a pleasant conversation. Nothing was too much trouble and their friendly, helpful and humorous demeanour ensured I had a wonderful experience.
The Level includes access to private The Level Lounge, with an excellent location including a lounge and a garden with a permanent coffee station, daily snack and cocktail service and a private reception for personalised arrivals, departures, reservations and tourist information and excursions. Was the perfect place to run from the heat of the crowded beach, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or charge your batteries in the evening before discovering the night life of Toremollinos. The amazing Level Lounge is a real oasis away from the main hotel where I could have continental breakfast, small snacks and drinks throughout the day.
The staff looking after the lounge made each day a pleasure with their smiles and friendly service. Late afternoon tapas and drinks in the private garden was a treat and set us up for the evening ahead. Jasmin and Maria, the LEVEL Concierge, went the extra mile to assist and look after us and are a credit to the hotel with their professionalism and service. The drinks served in the THE LEVEL lounge are premium spirit brands but the Spanish ones are available too. Was a great idea to change the drinks menu according to the time of the day with aperitifs before lunch and dinners and digestives until late. The snacks served were exquisite, following the modern trends but bringing an authentic Andalusian touch.
Melia Costa del Sol offers different packages: accommodation only, B&B, half or full board and this time I opted for a half board choice…great idea! The size of the restaurant and the number of the guests having their meals at the same time could create the risk of “mass produced” service. But is not the case at Melia Costa del Sol. At the end of my stay I was still wondering how the entire staff manage such a smooth, almost perfect service flow with no waiting time, always clean tables, staff everywhere ready to serve and a general shocking efficiency. But the most striking memory is the entire staff of the restaurant, from the Maître D, who will guide you to your table to the waiter who will take the drinks order; despite the fact that they were always busy they never forgot to have a polite, genuine and cheerful presence, making every meal a high customer service experience.
The breakfast was served until 11am and whenever you turned up, at 8am or 10.45, the same amount of food was still available, no shortage and no queues. All staff appeared to know exactly who you were and were always in good spirits. The choice was amazing and doesn’t matter how picky you are with your food, at Melia Costa del Sol is something for everybody – Mediterranean, international and regional specialities – each culinary taste being satisfied with a wide range of international and Spanish dishes, both for breakfast and dinner. For every meal I had, Melia delivered with style. Where else can you find honey served directly from a local producer or a “salt collection” for seasoning your dinner?
The entire hotel was spotless and the staff takes pride in keeping the premises shining day and night. A single cloud on the shiny sky of Melia Costa del Sol: our housekeeper who needed a more polished attention to details: never replaced the amenities without being asked, forget to change the towels or the paper tissues in the bathroom, forget to push the vacuum cleaner in some corners or under the bead. Small details which for sure are just single happenings in a perfect high standards environment.
Melia Costa del Sol extend the excellence pre- and post-stay; genuine and kind messages received in my inbox before my arrival and after returning home and the most impressive a hand written note place in my room before my departure showed, once again, that at Melia’s philosophy is built around guest satisfaction.
In summary, The Level conveys the idea of a private club and of a “hotel within a hotel”, which serves guests staying in The Level rooms and executive suites, which offers special services and other upgraded amenities to make the hotel stay a truly sublime experience, where exclusivity and personalised service come together in a unique and modern setting. An excellent choice and a great value for money.
I am not easily impressed but I can without hesitation recommend Melia as a must go to destination when visiting the Costa del Sol. You will not be disappointed!! I will definitely come back without a doubt! Many, many thanks for all you did for my short break at Melia Costa del Sol; Melia Group could not ask for better ambassadors
Leonard Miron 