Meliá Sunny Beach Resort in Sunny Beach

We stayed at Melia Sunny Beach in July and found it to be overwhelmingly busy with very few areas for adults to relax. The resort consists of three large hotel buildings each with its own reception. Unfortunately, we were dropped off at the wrong building and nearly queued unnecessarily — signage and communication could be improved. Rooms & Facilities - Our room was large and clean and the wristband doubling as a room key was a smart touch — very convenient. - However, the balcony lacked privacy and with smoking permitted, drifting smoke was an issue. - The bottom sheet on the bed was too small leaving one person sleeping directly on the mattress — not hygienic. - Hot and cold drink machines on each landing were useful but never cleaned, with overflowing trays. You can’t fill water bottles, which seems unnecessarily strict. Pools & Beach - Sun beds cannot be reserved before 9am, and staff do enforce this, which is good. But after 9am, it’s a struggle to find one — the pool areas are cramped and overcrowded. - Pools are more for ball games than swimming, and parasols are bolted down making shade hard to find. - The beach is also very busy with parasol timers and rules against leaving loungers for more than 60 minutes. The sea is rough and there’s no safe swimming zone due to jet skis and boats. Food & Dining - Each building has its own restaurant. In the one where the coach drops off, meat was flash-fried and undercooked. - Signage is inconsistent, and vegetarians may struggle — staff don’t speak much English. - Self-service drinks are available from 10am in paper cups, which felt wasteful. Smoking & Environment - Smoking is banned near restaurant and stage seating but allowed near the Cuban bar (next to the children’s playground) and on sun loungers near bins — essentially everywhere. Cigarette smoke drifts constantly. - Mosquitoes are present, so bring repellent. - WiFi is poor, even with data roaming. - Environmental practices are questionable — towels changed daily, excessive paper cup use, and unclear if wristbands are recyclable. Final Thoughts Staff were friendly and the hotel was kept clean, but the volume of people, lack of quiet areas, and poor swimming options made it unsuitable for us as a couple. The area outside the hotel was so crowded it felt like a music festival, making walking difficult and the atmosphere claustrophobic. If you're a family looking for budget-friendly all-inclusive, this may suit you. But if you're seeking peace, swimming, or adult-only relaxation i’d recommend looking elsewhere. We won’t be returning.