Gijon's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You Won't Believe!
Gijón's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You Won't Believe! - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on "Gijón's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You Won't Believe!" (and yes, I'm already skeptical of those titles… they always sound too good, right?). But hey, I'm nothing if not adventurous (and perpetually broke, hence the deals). Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions & the Arrival Chaos (Accessibility… or Lack Thereof?)
So, pulling up to the "Hidden Gem", I have to admit… hidden might be an understatement. Finding the blasted place was a mini-adventure in itself. The GPS was taunting me, sending me on a scenic tour of Gijón's roundabout system… twice. Finally, I spot the sign, and the relief washes over me like a lukewarm Spanish beer on a scorching afternoon.
Accessibility? Now, this is where things got… interesting. They claim accessibility, which is great! Wheelchair accessible is a HUGE selling point for me, because my aunt is bound to a wheelchair. The elevator was functional, and the lobby seemed wide enough. But… and there’s always a “but,” isn't there? The entrance… Not the best. A small step, which is… not the end of the world, but still a hassle. The real test will be the actual room. Let's hope for no more "surprises". Okay, so, the room was actually pretty well-designed for its accessibility, the bathroom was great and the door to the shower was nice. So for now, let's give a thumbs up to this category. It's not perfect, but it's a good start.
(Deep Breath) Okay, Rambling Over. Let’s Get to the Good Stuff. And the Bad…
The Room: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and… Well, Not Blessings.
Okay, the room itself? Wi-Fi [free]? Check! It was surprisingly fast, so points for that. Also, Wi-Fi in all rooms! is what I was hoping for, and I got it. The Internet access – wireless was a lifesaver for my workaholic tendencies (yes, I'm THAT person who answers emails on vacation. Don't judge!). Air conditioning? Glorious! Especially after that roundabout debacle. Blackout curtains? Divine. Crucial for my penchant for sleeping until noon.
But… the bed? It felt a bit like sleeping on a slightly lumpy cloud. Extra long bed? Ha! Not for a 6-foot-tall person. The Linens felt crisp and clean, at least. Oh, and my room was equipped with a mini-bar and some complimentary tea. Which, let's be honest, is a minor victory.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are You REALLY Cleaning?
Cleanliness and safety is something I have always, and will always be, sensitive to. I'm not a germaphobe by any means, but knowing the hotel has been doing its best to keep all its guests safe and healthy is something I actively give two thumbs to!
Anti-viral cleaning products? I like the sound of that! They say they use them, and the room did smell… vaguely… sanitised. The Daily disinfection in common areas is fantastic to hear. Even better, Rooms sanitized between stays? Wonderful! Hand sanitiser was readily available - so, good on you for that. The Staff trained in safety protocol? Encouraging, to say the least. Individually-wrapped food options? A sensible move, if not a little sad-looking. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter also being in place is something to be thankful for.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Sometimes).
So, the breakfast [buffet]… this is where things went sideways, I think. First off, the Western breakfast was as expected: good, but somewhat bland. The Asian breakfast? Now, that was an adventure. I'm not gonna lie, I tried it out of sheer curiosity and… well, let's just say my taste buds were confused. I appreciate the effort, though. Coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty good.
Restaurants are available, but only one to choose from during my stay. The A la carte in restaurant was lovely, but the speed in which the food was served? Well, it was something else. Let's just say I had time to write another whole article while waiting for my paella. The Happy hour was great though! The bartender made a mean mojito. Bottle of water was provided in the room.
The Poolside bar was a delight, but the Pool with view really makes the place.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The Concierge was super helpful, bless their hearts. They recommended a fantastic tapas tour (which, by the way, you NEED to do if you visit Gijón!). Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless, which I really appreciated (I’m a messy traveler). Food delivery was also a great option to be able to order food into the room. Luggage storage was a godsend when waiting for my ridiculously late train. Currency exchange was available, which helped with the whole 'trying-not-to-get-screwed-by-exchange-rates' situation.
For the Kids (If You HAVE Them, That Is)
I don't, but I did observe some kids running around looking… happy. They had a Babysitting service, which might be useful for the parents among us.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone: My Personal Paradise?
This is what I’ve been waiting for! Let's be honest, I went to this hotel for the Spa, and I wasn't disappointed… too much!
Sauna? Beautiful. Steamroom? Yes, please! Massage? Oh, yes! I could have stayed there all day. The Spa/sauna area was clean, well-maintained, and… dare I say it… serene. The Body scrub and Body wrap were amazing. Seriously, the Foot bath was the most exquisite experience of my life.
Overall Verdict: Hidden Gem? Maybe. But With Caveats.
Would I recommend "Gijón's Hidden Gem"? Hmm… It's a mixed bag, but it has potential. The location is okay, the hotel is well-equipped, and the spa is worth it alone. The accessibility is, let's say, a work in progress. The food is a bit hit-or-miss, but the staff is helpful. Ultimately, it comes down to what you're looking for.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Definitely a hidden gem… that needs a little polishing. But hey, for the price? I'd probably go back. And I'd definitely hit up the Spa again.
Unbelievable Baguio Find! Zya 3BR A-House Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is the Gijón, Spain, experience, unfiltered and probably caffeinated to the max. We're going for messy, real, and hopefully, hilarious. Here we go…
Hotel Gijón - Gijón, Spain: The Chaos Calendar (and My Sanity's Graveyard)
Days 1 & 2: Arrival, Sea Air, and the Quest for Decent Coffee (and a Pillow That Doesn’t Smell of Sadness)
Morning (Day 1): Land in Asturias. Jet-lagged. Already dreaming of the fluffy white clouds and the sea breeze. The airport smells suspiciously like a giant, overly-enthusiastic air freshener. Taxi to the Hotel Gijón. My first impression? "Okay, not quite as charming as the website promised. Still, the lobby smells vaguely of lemon and potential." Check-in. The woman at the desk is…well, she looks like she’s seen things. We exchange pleasantries, and then she points me toward my room.
- Anecdote: The "lift" (elevator) is a death trap. I swear, it judders more than a rusty rollercoaster. I'm pretty sure I aged a year just riding it. My luggage, however, seemed to handle it with surprising grace.
Afternoon (Day 1): Room unlocked! Room smells like… well, a hotel room. It's clean, but that strange, sterile "hotel smell" is in full force. I'll have to open the window to combat that. The view is stunning, even if the bed looks a bit saggy. Now, the mission? Coffee. Serious, life-sustaining coffee. I’ve decided that I will dedicate my trip to finding the best coffee.
- Emotional reaction: God, I'm exhausted! But there’s a primal excitement, that bubbling feeling when you are in a new city. The idea of exploring sends sparks of energy all over my body.
Late Afternoon (Day 1): Coffee hunt initiated. Wandering the streets, a blurry-eyed specter in search of caffeine. Found a place, looked promising. I ordered a café con leche, full of hope. It was…okay. Undrinkable but adequate. Not the life-affirming experience I was craving, but I'll keep searching.
- Quirky observation: The Spanish are very stylish. I feel like a badly dressed tourist, even in my "comfy" travel pants.
Evening (Day 1): Walk along the Playa de San Lorenzo. OMG. Waves crashing, salty air, the sun… it's a postcard come to life. People-watching is top-tier here. I saw a dog wearing tiny sunglasses (amazing), and a couple arguing dramatically in Spanish (also entertaining, even though I couldn’t understand a word). Dinner at a tapas bar. So many choices. I ordered way too much and ate it all. No regrets.
- Imperfection: I accidentally knocked over a glass of water and nearly soaked the woman next to me. Awkward apologies ensued.
Morning (Day 2): "Breakfast" at the hotel. Which is basically mediocre. Oh, the bread! The kind of bread that leaves you craving more. More!
- Rambling: I need to buy better coffee. Maybe a little moka pot to brew in my room. Or is that too much? I'm a travel minimalist. But a good cup of coffee is not just a drink; it's a lifeline
Afternoon (Day 2): The quest for coffee continues. This time, I'm going to the local market. I found a stall with a queue. Clearly, they know something. I managed to order a coffee and sit at a table. And yes, finally, the coffee was amazing. I drank it in a sort of bliss.
- Doubling Down: That coffee. Oh, that coffee. It was a revelation. The rich aroma, the perfect temperature, the bitterness that tickled the back of my throat. I savored every drop. I nearly wept with joy. It sounds ridiculous, but the coffee helped me get through the day.
Evening (Day 2): Walk around the old town. Visit the roman ruins. It was pretty interesting. Dinner at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the sea. I ordered seafood. It was good.
Days 3 & 4: Culture, Curses, and Constant Coffee
Morning (Day 3): Visit the Elogio del Horizonte (a giant sculpture). It's… well, it's big. And it's by the sea. And the wind is trying to blow me away.
- Emotional Reaction (good): The view from the sculpture is amazing. Seeing the sea, the waves and the blue sky made me very happy. I felt so free.
Afternoon (Day 3): Visit the Gijón aquarium. The fish are surprisingly mesmerizing. There's a tiny, grumpy-looking pufferfish that stole my heart.
- Imperfection: Got slightly lost on the way back to the hotel. Ended up walking in circles for about half an hour.
Evening (Day 3): More tapas! More wine! I'm starting to feel like a local, even though I'm pretty sure my Spanish is atrocious.
- Rambling: Language barriers are hilarious. I manage to order food and drinks, but I probably sound like a caveman.
Morning (Day 4): Museum of the Roman Baths. It was fascinating. I love history.
Afternoon (Day 4): Coffee. Yes, always coffee.
Evening (Day 4): Flamenco show. It was beautiful.
- Emotional reaction: I was completely moved. The musicians and dancers put everything into the art. The emotions that were felt by the audience was real.
Days 5 & 6: Exploring, (Possibly) Losing My Mind, and Farewell Tapas
Morning (Day 5): Day trip to a nearby town. I chose a town with a castle because, why not? The drive was beautiful. Green hills, dramatic cliffs.
Afternoon (Day 5): Spent the afternoon exploring the town. Very picturesque and charming. But the castle was closed! Curse these opening hours!
- Imperfection: I accidentally tripped over a cobblestone street and almost ate the pavement. Dignity: Slightly bruised.
Evening (Day 5): Final tapas crawl. I went to all my favorite places.
Morning (Day 6): One last coffee (of course). Pack and check out.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel staff is starting to recognize me. The woman at the desk gives me a knowing, slightly tired smile. I think she understands my coffee addiction.
Afternoon (Day 6): Head to the airport. Goodbye, Gijón. You were messy, beautiful, and full of coffee. I'll miss you.
- Emotional Reaction (bittersweet): I'm already planning my return. Gijón, you charmed me, you frustrated me, you fed me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Gijón's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You Won't Believe! (But Seriously, You Might Need To)
Okay, spill the tea, what’s this "Hidden Gem" all about? Sounds suspiciously like a scam…
Alright, alright, simmer down, conspiracy theorists! It's not a pyramid scheme (as far as *I* know... though the excitement *is* infectious!). Basically, it’s a collection of ridiculously good hotel deals in Gijón. Think: ridiculously low prices. Think: potentially needing to double-check your bank account to make sure you *actually* have the funds. I stumbled upon it while randomly Googling "cheap hotels Gijón" after my initial budget nearly exploded on tapas. And let me tell you, I was skeptical. Seriously, my inner cynic was SCREAMING! But the deals... the deals were just too tempting.
So, cheap *how* cheap? Like, "sleeping on the beach in a sleeping bag" cheap or... ?
Okay, let’s get real. We're talking… prices that make you do a double take. I’m talking about, *gulp*, sometimes less than a night at a mediocre hostel in a city I won't name that rhymes with "Nork." One deal I saw (and, sadly, missed because I was too slow... more on that later), was for a boutique hotel, *with a sea view*, for like, the price of a decent pizza! I almost choked on my own anticipation. It was legitimately insane. But listen, this isn't a guarantee. Deals fluctuate. Sometimes they vanish faster than a free pint at an Irish pub. So, keep your eyes peeled!
What's the catch? There *has* to be a catch, right? Is this where I get mugged by a concierge dressed as a lobster?
Look, there's *always* a catch, right? Mostly, the catch seems to be that these are deeply discounted rates that may not be available all the time or are specific times (like mid-week instead of weekends). And yes, *sometimes* you might book a room a *little* further out of the main action, but Gijón is super walkable anyway. This one time I *did* find one that, on paper, looked amazing. Seemed too good. I booked it, and... well, let’s just say the photos were... generous. The "sea view" involved a distant glimpse of water from the back of the building. The "luxurious amenities" were a slightly threadbare towel and a bar of soap that smelled vaguely of mothballs. But hey, for the price? I couldn't complain. I mean, I *could*… but I didn’t.
Where do I find these magical deals? I need details, people!
Right. The secret sauce. Well, it’s less of a secret and more of a… a bit of a hunt, honestly. I’ve found the best luck using comparison sites. And you've REALLY gotta check the fine print, people! And *act fast*. Seriously. One time, I spent like, an hour researching and comparing. I finally found the perfect hotel - amazing reviews, gorgeous location, price that made me giggle. I went to book it... and POOF! Gone. Vanished. Like a phantom tapas plate. My disappointment was immeasurable, and my day was ruined by a phantom tapas plate! So, set up price alerts, check daily, and be prepared to pounce. And maybe, just maybe, cross your fingers and whisper a little hotel-deal-finding prayer.
What kind of hotels are we talking about? Do I have to sleep in a damp dungeon?
Okay, no dungeons (usually). The range is actually pretty broad. I’ve seen everything from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to surprisingly posh boutique hotels. One time I booked a place with a jacuzzi on the roof, overlooking the sea. I spent so much time up there, drinking Spanish wine and watching the sunset that I nearly forgot I had a whole city to explore! (Totally worth it, by the way.) It's worth noting (and this is *crucial*), read the reviews. Seriously. People are brutally honest online. If several people mention "questionable cleanliness" or "loud karaoke at 3 am", maybe... just maybe... steer clear. Unless, you know, you’re into that… I’m not judging. Mostly.
Sounds amazing, but also terrifying. Any tips for the nervous traveler?
Okay, deep breaths. First, do your research. *Thoroughly*. Don't just look at one website; compare prices across multiple platforms. Read the reviews. Then, be flexible. If you're dead set on a specific hotel, you might miss out on a killer deal elsewhere. And, most importantly, accept that things might not always be perfect. Embrace the adventure! That slightly threadbare towel? Part of the experience! (Okay, maybe not *always* part of the experience, but you get the idea.) And remember, it's Gijón! The food is amazing, the beaches are beautiful, and the chances of having a terrible time are incredibly slim. Now go forth and find yourself a bargain! And if you find a deal on a place with a jacuzzi... send me a postcard!
What if the hotel is a total disaster? Can I get my money back? (I'm a worrier…)
This is where things get tricky. Cancellation policies vary wildly. Read them *carefully* before you book. Seriously, cross your eyes, squint, take notes, re-read it! Some deals are non-refundable, so you're stuck. Others let you cancel with plenty of notice. If you're super worried, look for hotels with free cancellation. It might cost a *bit* more upfront, but the peace of mind? Priceless. Or, you know, maybe not *priceless*. But definitely worth a little extra. I once booked a place (without reading the fine print, I admit it, I was so excited!) and it turned out to be… well, let's just say it was more "rustic" than "charming." The smell of damp and regret hung heavy in the air. I considered leaving, but I also didn't want to lose my money, so I toughed it out, armed with a can of air freshener and a healthy dose of denial. Lesson learned: read the small print. Always. Even when your inner cheapskate is screaming "CLICK BOOK NOW!"
Is there a "Best Time" to find these deals? Like, will I have better luck avoiding the tourist rush?
Generally? Shoulder seasons. Spring and Fall are your friends. Fewer crowds, pleasant weather (usually!), and often, the best deals. Summer? Prepare for prices to jump. That being said, I once snagged an incredible last-minute deal in the middle of August. But that was pure luck. Or, you know, divine interventionStay Mapped
