Gran Meliá Palacio De Isora: A Repeat Guest’s Honest Review

This was the first Meliá hotel where my partner and I stayed, back in 2018. Since then, we’ve returned almost every year, except during the COVID pandemic. The hotel is a very large resort in the southern part of Tenerife, in Guía de Isora. It has the largest saltwater infinity pool in Europe — you really need to be in good shape to swim from one end to the other. 😀 Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora The rooms are quite spacious and modern-looking, although they’re starting to need a little updating. The hotel features an exclusive area, Red Level — as do most Gran Meliá hotels — which offers more luxurious amenities and access to areas and restaurants that are more peaceful than those in the general hotel area. There are quite a few restaurants and cafes, some open every day and others several days a week. It’s a bit confusing when making a reservation because it depends on the meal plan you choose (half-board, luxury half-board, full board) and the type of room you select — whether it’s Red Level or standard (or if you have Platinum status) — which determines which options are available to you at different prices. We love the steakhouse, Duo, for the quality of the food, the atmosphere, and the service. It’s usually less crowded than the buffet, Mexican, or Italian restaurants. Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora The Red Level area also has two restaurants, located on the terrace overlooking the ocean and the other Canary Islands in the distance, with a more elaborate menu and truly luxurious service. On the downside, the standard area (not Red Level) can get very crowded, especially during peak season. Service can be a little slower during those times, and getting a table at some restaurants is difficult during peak hours. Keep in mind that priority reservations are given to guests staying in Red Level rooms and those with status in the loyalty program, so it can actually be a bit challenging. On the plus side, the sunsets are incredible from almost anywhere in the hotel. Breakfast in the Red Level area, with à la carte dishes, is very good, and having adults-only areas — both in the main part of the hotel and in the Red Level — is very convenient. There are also areas for children, with entertainment, on one side of the resort. Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora Every day there are various activities in the mornings and afternoons (dancing, exercise classes), and in the evenings there are live shows in the main plaza, which you can even watch while dining from certain areas of some restaurants. In the afternoon on many days, there are also live music performances before dinner. Finally, there’s a terrace at the top of the main building, Entrecielos — which opened this year — that’s a great spot to enjoy a cocktail at sunset, as well as a small beach with the hotel’s beach bar and lounge chairs just a short walk away along the boardwalk (the hotel has its own exit in the central area for access). Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora You can book with points through the Meliá Rewards program. Eligible international American Express Platinum cards offer complimentary MeliáRewards Gold status with enrollment. In short, this hotel is well worth the price if you book in the Red Level category. It’s very quiet, comfortable, and offers all amenities right on the premises. The staff is truly friendly, and the temperature never drops below 19 degrees or rises above 29… a beach, sun, and pool getaway that wins us over year after year. Notes from Ben: Booking Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora As Fenrod called out, if you’re able to get an eligible international American Express Platinum card, you can get a status match to MeliáRewards Gold status, which provides late check-out options and breakfast for a companion with a purchased breakfast. For U.S. travelers heading to Spain, MeliáRewards doesn’t partner with any US credit card transfer programs, so booking with hotel rewards isn’t going to be an option. That being said, this property is bookable through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and is a good option for those with the American Express Platinum Card® (learn more). It also partners with Bilt as part of the Rewards Home Away from Home collection.