ME Sitges Terramar

"What stands out to you as you arrive?From the outside, ME Sitges Terramar, an ultra-modern, tiered edifice, stands out like the sorest of thumbs beside the elegant residential villas and less-populous beaches found at the far end of the Passeig Marítim promenade. But as soon as you approach the entrance and observe the well-heeled guests sipping generously sized cocktails on the Besito beach club terrace, you'll be taken with a feeling of calm. The relaxed vibe continues inside, where attractive staffers, dressed in head-to-toe white, offer a big smile and a choice of welcome drink. The ivory-and-gray lobby has vividly colored art (some available for purchase) and patterned columns, walls, and flooring. How about the rooms themselves—what can we expect?The Mode room, one of several sea-view categories, was spacious and fashionably stark with a natural wood finish and blue upholstery. Bathrooms are designed with couples in mind and feature open-plan rain shower stalls and, in some rooms, a large oval tub with his-and-her washbasins. The water views from the floor-to-ceiling glass doors—leading out to a terrace with a hammock—were mesmerizing. And an on-screen playlist of rhythmic island sounds made us feel like we were in an '80s movie montage of an island getaway. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi—and is the quality good?Wi-Fi is free and works like a dream. Any good food options on site?Breakfast is an ample buffet with breads, cold cuts, cereals, fresh fruit, and made-to-order eggs. Dinner at Beso Restaurant kicks off with starters like steamed mussels and continues with mains like sea bass and cod, or rice dishes with a variety of proteins. Cocktails, served by the pool or at the Radio Me rooftop bar, are classic and pack a potent punch. How's the service?Sometimes cool, design-centric hotels offer hit-or-miss service. Not so here; we found the staff exceptionally warm and welcoming. What's the surrounding neighborhood like, and how does the hotel fit in?Despite its imposing size and facade, the hotel fits into the scene. There aren’t many restaurants, shops, or loud, crowded beaches in the immediate vicinity, so we'd whole-heartedly recommended it for travelers preferring a little break from the buzzier side of Sitges. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?With minimalist design and rooms starting at $158, ample food and drink options, and a location two minutes from a quiet beach, there's little to find fault with here." - Jessica Benavides Canepa