Lanjarón's Hidden Gem: Hostal Manolete - Your Unforgettable Stay!
Hostal Manolete: More Than Just a Room - A Lanjarón Love Affair (with a Few Hiccups!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Hostal Manolete in Lanjarón – a place that's more than just a hotel; it's practically a character in its own right. And let me tell you, that character has a lot to say. I'm talking about a deep dive into the good, the slightly awkward, and the downright delightful experiences I had during my stay. This isn't your cookie-cutter review; this is a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious account of my time at what could be Lanjarón's best-kept secret.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good Vibes)
Let's start with the nitty-gritty: accessibility. I always appreciate transparency on this, and Hostal Manolete is mostly on the right track. Wheelchair accessible areas are clearly marked, and the elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a long day exploring the Alpujarras. However, I noticed a couple of tight turns in hallways that might be a squeeze for some wheelchairs. It felt like they are trying hard, but a little more fine tuning could make this place gold standard.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and a Little Obsessive)
COVID times, am I right? Hostal Manolete takes cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays made me breathe a sigh of relief. I’m a sucker for hand sanitizer stations, and they were everywhere. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available if you prefer, though I personally embraced the germ-fighting frenzy. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol, which is reassuring. The whole place felt properly disinfected, which is paramount these days. They even have a doctor/nurse on call, in case of emergencies. They also had the basic First aid kit which is always a good sign.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Surprises!)
Alright, food! This is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast sounded intriguing, but I'm a creature of habit. The Western breakfast buffet was a solid choice, though the Coffee/tea in restaurant could have been a bit stronger in my opinion. They offer a Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, so you have options. I tried the A la carte in restaurant one night, and it was a delightful experience. I opted for the Vegetarian restaurant, which was a nice touch. They also had a Poolside bar, which was perfect for sunset cocktails (and people-watching!). Also, there’s a Snack bar. On one morning, the buffet was unexpectedly packed. I had to wait a bit for a table and ended up chatting with a very opinionated (but hilarious) local about the best way to eat a croissant. (Spoiler alert: he had strong opinions).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pampering… with a Side of Quirks
This is where Hostal Manolete really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with Pool with a view. I spent a blissful afternoon taking in the Alpujarra mountain views. They offer a Spa, which I dove right into. I heard the Sauna was heavenly, so I tried that. The Steamroom was pretty amazing as well. I considered a Body scrub and a Body wrap, but frankly, after a few days of hiking, just existing felt like plenty of self-care. They also had a Gym/fitness, which, if I'm honest, I stared at from the doorway, then decided the amazing views from the pool were workout enough.
The "Manolete Experience": A Whirlwind of Services
They have Air conditioning in public areas, which is a necessity during the summer. Wi-Fi for special events, which I didn't personally experience, but thought was a nice touch. The concierge was absolutely fantastic, helping me plan day trips and even recommending a local tapas bar that became my absolute favorite. They offer Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center. They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal for those with children. It’s a full-on, top-to-bottom service operation.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (and the Occasional Hiccup)
The room itself was comfortable. I asked for a Non-smoking room and thankfully received one. It was clean, with Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker, and thankfully, Complimentary tea – essential for a caffeine fiend like me. I did appreciate having Free bottled water. I even had a Window that opens which I loved. BUT… the view from my room wasn't quite what I expected (facing a neighboring building). And the plumbing in the bathroom had a slightly… shall we say… enthusiastic personality. One morning, the shower went from ice-cold to volcanic in about three seconds flat. Thankfully, I survived. But it added a certain spice to my mornings. They have a Balcony / Patio. They had Additional toilet, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Complimentary tea, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. They do have Interconnecting room(s) available.
The Staff: Charming, Helpful, and… Occasionally Overwhelmed?
The staff at Hostal Manolete are genuinely lovely. They're friendly, helpful, and clearly passionate about making your stay enjoyable. However, during peak season, you could tell they were operating at full capacity. There were a few minor hiccups with service at times (a forgotten coffee, a slightly delayed check-in), but nothing that ruined my overall experience. Their warm smiles and genuine kindness more than made up for any small shortcomings.
The Quirks and the Charms: Why I'd Go Back
Look, Hostal Manolete isn't perfect. It's not some sterile, corporate hotel chain. It's got personality. It's got quirks. And that's precisely what makes it so charming. It's the kind of place where you'll overhear the chef singing along to the radio in the kitchen, where the owner might personally recommend a local market, and where you'll remember laughing until your sides hurt with a fellow guest in the bar. Despite the occasional plumbing issue or the (very) occasional service snafu, I would absolutely go back. In fact, I'm already planning my next trip. Hostal Manolete is more than just a place to stay. It's an experience, and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that.
Final Verdict:
Hostal Manolete: 4 out of 5 stars. A delightful blend of comfort, character, and charm. Perfect for those who love a little adventure and aren't afraid of a few minor imperfections. If you're looking for a hotel that feels like a home away from home, book it. Seriously, book it!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is Lanjaron, Spain, and honestly? Hostal Manolete or bust. Or maybe both. Honestly, I'm already questioning the whole "itinerary" thing, because let's be real, I'm probably going to end up wandering aimlessly, fueled by tapas and the vague promise of thermal baths. But here goes, my attempt at organized chaos:
Day 1: Arrival & (Maybe) Regret
- 14:00: Arrive at Granada Airport. Okay, so far, so good. Until… the actual getting to Lanjaron. Train? Bus? Praying to the patron saint of public transport? I’m leaning bus, because, well, it’s cheaper. Which I'm already regretting. I swear, I could’ve sworn I packed that tiny bottle of emergency sherry. Dammit.
- 16:00 (ish): Actually IN Lanjaron! Whew. Found Hostal Manolete! The picture online looked kinda… charming. In reality, it's… well, it's lived-in. And I mean that in the best way possible. Feels like stumbling into your favorite eccentric aunt’s house – mismatched furniture, a faint smell of something delicious lingering in the air (garlic? oregano? pure, unadulterated Spanish magic?), and a general vibe of “relax, darling, you’re home.” Already, I'm liking this. The owner, who I'm pretty sure is named Manolo (shocking), already gave me a wink and a grin that could launch a thousand tapas.
- 17:00: Room tour. My room is… small. Not tiny, necessarily, but let's call it "intimate." The bed looks… well, let's just say I'm trusting it won't collapse in the middle of the night. But the view? Holy moly. Balcony overlooks the valley… stunning. Suddenly the questionable bed situation is way less bothersome. And hey, I think the bathroom is attached. Success!
- 18:00: Explore Lanjaron. Find the main street. Discover the charm (which is plentiful), the steepness (which is terrifying, considering the aforementioned bus trip), and the sheer amount of old men sitting outside cafes, deeply involved in something. Possibly chess. Definitely gossiping. I want to join.
- 19:00: Tapas Time! Forced myself to sit in that cafe I was eyeing for an hour! Ordered patatas bravas and a glass of local red wine – the name of which escapes me, but it tasted of sunshine and… well, more sunshine. And maybe a little bit of earth. Incredible! Honestly, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
- 20:30: Possibly get lost. Probably will get lost. Definitely embracing getting lost.
- 21:00: Dinner. Probably at the same cafe (because comfort is key). Maybe try some jamón ibérico. Or maybe just another plate of those goddamn patatas bravas. They are unbelievably good. This is a good start to a great trip.
Day 2: Bathing & (Maybe) Enlightenment (with a healthy dose of "WTF?")
- 09:00: Wake up. Or, more accurately, be gently woken up by the sun streaming through the window and the distant sound of… chickens? Oh, Spain, you beautiful, slightly bonkers country.
- 10:00: Breakfast at Hostal Manolete! Manolo's wife, Maria (I’m assuming!), made me a coffee; strong, rich, and delicious. Paired with a slice of crusty bread and some mermelada… I could get used to this. Is this a dream?
- 11:00: The thermal baths! I’ve heard tales! Supposedly, these are some of the best thermal baths in the world. I've spent years dreaming of this moment!
- 11:15: Okay, so, the baths. They're… different. Like, really different. The exterior is beautiful, a Moorish-inspired oasis. But the inside… it’s a touch… faded glory. The water is hot. I mean hot. The air is thick, heavy with steam. And then I realized: There are a lot of people swimming here. A LOT. And I quickly discover how this affects things…
- 11:30: I get fully in, water is so hot my skin is starting to sweat. Everything is going smoothly.
- 12:00: I start to feel dizzy and need to get out, but there is no space to move, every foot of space is being used. I start feeling claustrophobic. I start to panic!
- 12:15: I finally claw my way out! I am dripping, slightly nauseous, and have a sudden urge to find a really cold drink. I realize the "vibe" isn't "relaxing," it's more “sweaty, slightly stressful, and a touch… intimate." I see an elderly man wearing what appears to be a speedo, reading a newspaper in the sauna. Next level! I can barely breathe and get out, I think I'm done for the day.
- 12:30: I find a cafe and order the biggest cold glass of water I can find.
- 14:00: Lunch. Possibly a very large salad, to counteract the near-meltdown at the baths. Or maybe just more patatas bravas. The heart wants what the heart wants. And my heart apparently wants a large plate of fried potatoes.
- 15:00: Nap. That bath experience was… intense. And I'm pretty sure I need to lie down in a cool, dark room for at least an hour.
- 16:00: Exploring again. Maybe find a different perspective, a less crowded, or a solo bath!
- 18:00: Another round of tapas. Different bar this time, just to broaden the horizon of my culinary journey.
- 20:00: Dinner. Contemplating if I'd like to take another dip in the baths and/or have another round of those potatoes!
Day 3: Hiking (and Maybe Losing My Mind)
- 09:00: Wake up slightly later!
- 10:00: Breakfast. More coffee, more crusty bread, more bliss.
- 11:00: Hike! I'm determined. I've seen the trails, they look… challenging. But the views are supposed to be spectacular. I've downloaded a map (because, you know, civilization) and packed water and snacks (mostly more snacks).
- 11:30: Start the hike. The path is steep. The sun is relentless. I’m sweating. I'm cursing myself for not bringing more water.
- 12:30: I’m utterly lost. The map is useless. I stumble upon a group of goats, staring at me. Judging me. I'm pretty sure they're judging me.
- 13:00: I think I see the path again. I can't be sure. But I think I saw it.
- 14:00: I'm back on the marked path again! I keep going, I'm really looking forward to that view!
- 15:00: The view is spectacular! Wow. Absolutely breathtaking. Okay, I forgive the near-death experience. This is worth it.
- 16:00: Arrive back down. Tired. Happy. Slightly sunburnt.
- 17:00: Reward myself with a gelato. Worth it.
- 18:00: More tapas. Maybe practice my Spanish at the bar? "Una cerveza, por favor… y… eh… más patatas bravas?" (Nailed it.)
- 20:00: Dinner. Possibly a well-deserved nap. And maybe, just maybe, another plate of those damn potatoes.
- 21:00: Pack up.
Day 4: Farewell (and a Vow to Return)
- 09:00: One last breakfast. I’m going to miss those breakfasts. And the view from my balcony. And maybe even the slightly crumbling charm of Hostal Manolete.
- 10:00: Try to buy gifts. Try is the operative word. I feel like I've seen just about everything here. But what to bring back? This question is tough.
- 12:00: Start that flight back home. Say goodbyes. I already know I'm going to miss this place.
- 13:00: On the way to the airport, I find a bakery and buy a dozen fresh croissants.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
This trip was… messy. Overwhelming at
Bromo's BEST Kept Secret: Good Karma Guesthouse Awaits!
Hostal Manolete: You've Got Questions, I've (Potentially) Got Answers! (But Seriously, Book Now!)
Okay, okay, I'm intrigued. What *is* Hostal Manolete exactly? Is it some kind of… spa? A llama farm disguised as a hotel?
Think of Hostal Manolete, nestled in the heart of Lanjarón, as the anti-resort. It's not glitzy, it's not pretentious, and it definitely doesn't try to be anything it's not. It's a charming, family-run hostal. Imagine a place that hugs you with its character. That's Manolete. More like a *really* well-loved, slightly eccentric home than a sterile hotel. And nope, no llamas. (Though... that *would* be interesting.)
The location... Lanjarón? Where *even* is that? And is it easy to get to without, like, a horse and buggy?
Lanjarón! Oh, Lanjarón. It's in the Alpujarras region of Spain, those gorgeous mountains hugging Granada. Think stunning views, fresh air, and that feeling of being utterly, gloriously *away* from it all. Getting there is totally doable. I flew into Granada, grabbed a rental car (essential, I'd say, for Alpujarra adventures!), and the drive was… well, it was breathtaking. Winding roads, olive groves for days, and that feeling of pure, unadulterated freedom. Okay, *pure* might be a stretch. I *did* get a little carsick once, which I'll blame on the twisty mountain roads and the absolutely delicious tapas I overindulged in beforehand. But hey, the destination's worth it! You can also use buses, they're an option but I would rather drive.
Rooms – what about the rooms? Are they… you know… *clean*? I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I admit it.
Look, let's be honest. I'm not exactly a *clean freak*, but… I appreciate a tidy space. And YES, the rooms at Manolete are clean. Really clean. Not sterile-hospital clean, thankfully (who wants that on vacation?!), but comfortably clean. The linens smelled fresh, the bathroom was spotless (and, crucially, had hot water – a HUGE win!), and I didn't find a single rogue ant, which, considering the surroundings of a beautiful mountain, is pretty impressive. Okay, I *might* have done a quick "sweep the corners" check when I first arrived, because, well, *habits*, but there was absolutely nothing to worry about. So, rest assured, your germaphobe tendencies (or lack thereof) will be completely satisfied.
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all just…paella? (Because, let’s be honest, there are only so many paellas one person can take…)
Okay, the food. This is where Manolete *really* shines. Forget the generic hotel buffet – the food is, shall we say, *memorable*. Breakfast is included, and it's a feast of local produce. Think fresh bread, homemade jams (the fig jam almost made me weep with joy), local cheeses, and strong, strong coffee. They can also make you eggs! I am not sure if it is in the menu tho. I remember one evening, I was sitting on the terrace, chatting with the owner, and the smell of something *amazing* wafted over. Turns out, it was the owner's grandmother's recipe for… I don’t even remember what it was, but it was *divine*. Simple, honest food, cooked with love. And no, not all paella, although – and I’m admitting this publicly – I did have paella one night. It was good. *Really* good. Don't judge me! (Especially the gazpacho… pure liquid sunshine.)
What's the vibe like? Is it loud and party-central, or more…chill? Because I'm *so* over the party life.
Chill. Utterly, blissfully, exquisitely chill. Manolete is all about relaxation. Picture this: you, a book, a glass of wine, a stunning view from the terrace. (The terrace is crucial, by the way, don't miss it!) It's the kind of place where you can actually *hear* yourself think. Now, don't get me wrong, there's a certain level of… liveliness. People are generally friendly, chatting, exchanging travel stories, etc. It's not a silent monastery (thank goodness!). But it's definitely not a rave. It's more like a friendly gathering of kindred spirits who appreciate good food, good company, and a good dose of peace and quiet. Seriously, one night, I swear I heard only the gentle clinking of glasses and the distant sound of a guitar. Pure magic! I almost cried, I found it so refreshing from the noise of my city.
Are there any activities? Hiking? Wandering? Maybe a time machine to take me back to the 1920s? (Just kidding… mostly.)
Okay, so the time machine is probably out of the question. Unless… hmm… maybe I can put in a word with the owner? ANYWAY, Lanjarón and the surrounding areas are AMAZING for activities. First, the hiking. OMG, the hiking! You can explore the Sierra Nevada mountains, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and feel like you’re on top of the world. (Or at least, on top of a really pretty hill.) The staff at Manolete can give you some local route suggestions. Then there's wandering the village itself. The old town is a maze of tiny streets which are charming and full of character. You *must* visit the thermal baths. Seriously, do not miss them! It's heaven. Pure, warm, mineral-rich heaven. Consider, by the way, the thermal baths are the main reason people visit Lanjarón, so you *must* go. And, of course, there is people-watching, enjoying your books or a delicious glass of wine at the terrace. Or just relaxing and getting lost in the views. You can pick and choose the level of activity that suits you.
Okay, you've convinced me! But... what's the *one* thing I should *absolutely* not miss? The secret ingredient?
Alright, here’s the secret, the whisper, the thing you ABSOLUTELY cannot miss: the *people*. The family who runs Hostal Manolete… they’re the heart and soul of the place. They are the secret ingredient. The warmth, the laughter, the genuine kindness… it seeps into *everything*. I got chatting with the daughter of the owner one night. She was telling me about the history of the hostal, her childhood memories, the challenges of running a family business. It felt like talking to an old friend. That personal touch, that genuine connection… it's what makes Manolete so special. You will feel this connection too, I am sure.
