Ronda's Hidden Gem: Hotel Virgen de los Reyes - Unforgettable Stay!
Ronda's Hidden Gem: Hotel Virgen de los Reyes - Forgettable Memories (In the Best Way Possible!) - A Review That's Basically a Love Letter
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn’t your average hotel review, because frankly, the Hotel Virgen de los Reyes in Ronda? It's not just a hotel; it's a whole mood. And I'm still riding that mood wave DAYS after checking out. This place burrowed its way into my soul, and I'm pretty sure it's never leaving.
First things first, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. You know, the boring bits everyone else seems to care about.
Accessibility (& the Stuff They Leave Out): They say it's got facilities for disabled guests. They do, and I saw an elevator, which is always a solid win. They do have car park [on-site], and that's a godsend in Ronda, trust me. But the real win? The staff. They're not just trained in inclusivity; they get it. It's not just ramps, it's attitude. And that matters more than anything else. They made me feel welcome, and that's something you can't put a price on.
(Side Note: They're VERY good at getting you into the hotel, but getting out of the winding streets around Ronda can be a bit…adventure. Plan your escape with a little extra time. That's all I'm saying.)
Cleanliness & Safety: (Because, You Know, the Times): They list a whole laundry list, and honestly, I'm too lazy to type it all out. Let's just say they are serious about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, the whole shebang. Did I feel safe? Absolutely. Did it feel sterile? Nope. It felt like they cared, and that's a huge difference. (And, thank God for hand sanitizer everywhere. My OCD thanks you, Hotel Virgen de los Reyes.) They even have a doctor/nurse on call, which, frankly, gave me a smidge of peace of mind when I was chugging that sangria a little too enthusiastically.
The "Food" Stuff: (Or, My Stomach's Journal): Okay, here’s where it gets REAL. They got a restaurant, multiple restaurants, a poolside bar that's just begging you to order a cocktail, a coffee shop, and a snack bar whispering sweet nothings in your ear.
- Breakfast [buffet]? YES, PLEASE! My god, the breakfast buffet was a glorious, carb-laden free-for-all. The Western breakfast was solid, but I'm here to tell you, the Asian breakfast? I swear, my tastebuds had a religious experience. They had this amazing ginger tea. And the coffee/tea in restaurant? Never ending. I felt like I could stay all day and snack at the buffet in restaurant. Breakfast takeaway service is available and I'm sure some people used it, but why leave the delicious food options in the restaurant?
I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds just THINKING about the pastries. (Worth it.)
- Lunch & Dinner: The A la carte in restaurant menu was divine, with plenty of options, and they even had a dedicated vegetarian restaurant! (Though, who am I kidding, I went straight for the jamón every single time). The salad in restaurant was fresh and beautiful, The desserts in restaurant? Forget your diet. You're in Ronda. You're on vacation. Live a little. The view alone from the restaurants makes it worth it.
(And yes, I did sample the bottle of water, but let's face it, it was mostly for hydrating after those cocktails…)
(Rambling Moment): I almost forgot about the room service [24-hour]! Bless the person who thought of that. Late-night cravings? Sorted. Hangover cure of champions? Also, sorted. Seriously, the room service menu is a lifesaver.
Ways to Relax (Or, My Attempt at Zen): This is where the Hotel Virgen de los Reyes really shines. I mean, we're talking spa, sauna, steamroom, the works! And YES, the pool with view is as breathtaking as it sounds.
I attempted a massage. Attempted. Let's just say I'm not cut out for the whole "zen" thing. I kept giggling. But even I could appreciate the beauty of the spa/sauna. So, the Body scrub and Body wrap may have been a little too much for my restless spirit, and the whole Foot bath thing sounded nice, but I opted for the Fitness center anyway (mostly for the air conditioning). (Anecdote Time): One day, I decided to be fancy and hit up the sauna. I was all prepared – towel, water bottle, internal monologue about "letting go." Five minutes in, I felt like a lobster, and my brain was screaming for air. I bolted out of there, feeling like a complete failure. The point is, even my total lack of “chill” couldn’t ruin the overall experience.
The Room Itself (My Oasis of Bliss): I mean, air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double check. Air conditioning in public area? Triple check!! Additional toilet? Bless you, Hotel Virgen de los Reyes.
- The Bed: The extra long bed was a dream, Seriously, I'm a tall person, and I'm used to beds that are too short. This was pure bliss. I slept like a baby.
- The View: Breathtaking. Just. Breathtaking. The window that opens meant I could step into the terrace and soak up the view.
- The Little Things: Bathrobes, slippers, perfect. Every little detail felt considered. Complimentary tea? Always a win. Free bottled water? Necessary. The blackout curtains were essential for my midday naps.
(Confession time): Okay, I might have spent a little too much time in that tub… Separate shower/bathtub made it so that I spent hours in the bathroom. Did I even leave my room the first day? No. Regrets? Absolutely not. (Another Side Note): I'm not much of a gadget person, but I did appreciate the high floor and smoke detector (peace of mind) and the wake-up service (important for someone who enjoys oversleeping).
Services & Conveniences (The Stuff You Forget About, But Thank Goodness They're There): Okay, more practical stuff. They've got a concierge who can get you anything. Laundry service is a lifesaver, and the elevator is crucial. They have cash withdrawal, a convenience store, and a daily housekeeping service that's efficient and discreet. The check-in/out [express] was super easy. Invoice provided (important for the business trip part of my trip, if I'm honest). Car park [free of charge], always a bonus in a place like Ronda.
For the Kids (Because Families Matter, Too): While I didn't bring any little ones, the hotel is family/child friendly. They have babysitting service (huge plus), kids facilities, and kids meal, which makes a huge difference if you're traveling with your family.
Getting Around (Because Ronda is a City of Hills): They offer airport transfer, taxi service, and car park [on-site].
The “Things to Do” & “Around the Hotel” Factor: This place isn’t just a hotel; it’s a launchpad. They can help you arrange tours. The historic area is just a short walk away.
The Quirky Stuff (The Things That Make a Place Memorable):
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff. They were lovely. They made you feel like you were part of the family.
- The Vibe: It’s a relaxed, elegant, yet unpretentious. You could feel the history and charm of the place.
My Verdict: The Offer!
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- Complimentary daily breakfast, including the legendary Asian option.
- Free WIFI in all rooms!
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Escape to Ashland, OH: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is NOT your sanitized, perfectly-curated travel itinerary. This is the messy, glorious truth of attempting to enjoy Ronda, Spain, while holed up at the Hotel Virgen de los Reyes. I’m writing this, mostly, to remember it myself, because my brain is currently a sieve filled with tapas and Spanish sunshine.
Ronda Rhapsody (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bullring)
(Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic)
Afternoon (ish): Landed in Málaga. Gorgeous, honestly. But the drive to Ronda? Oh, the drive. Remember those roads in the movies, the ones where the car teeters on the edge of a cliff with a dramatic flourish? Yeah, that's the entire drive. I may have gripped the car seat with the force of a thousand suns. Managed to get to the HOTEL VIRGEN DE LOS REYES. It looked pretty in the pictures. And, well, it is pretty. In a crumbling-charm-with-views-that-take-your-breath-away kind of way. Check-in was a slight comedy of errors. My rudimentary Spanish was definitely tested. (Think: "Hola… uh… hotel?"). Finally, secured the room. The view… oh, the view. Absolutely worth the terrifying drive.
- Anecdote: The lobby smelled faintly of incense. Not a bad thing, just… unexpected. Made me feel like I was checking into a slightly haunted, very beautiful castle.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandered. Ronda is a city that unfolds like a secret. First, the Plaza de España. Standard touristy stuff, but the actual bridge? Puente Nuevo? Holy. Crap. I almost tripped over my own feet staring at it. The sheer audacity of its construction is mind-boggling. Spent a good hour just gazing at it. The locals are used to gawking tourists, so that was a relief.
- Emotional Reaction: My jaw actually ached from being dropped open. I may have shed a small, purely aesthetic tear.
Evening: Tapas time! Found a little place off the beaten path (thank you, Google Maps!). Ordered everything. And I mean everything. The ham? Divine. The patatas bravas? Slightly less brave, more "blissful carb-filled perfection." Tried a local wine. Made a friend with a Spanish girl who knew the city. That was also great. One hour later, back in my room. Fell into a coma that lasted through the night.
(Day 2: The Bullring, and the Realization I Like Bloodsports Less Than I Thought)
Morning: Right. Bullring. The Plaza de Toros de Ronda. It's historic. It's iconic. It's… I'm not going to lie, it felt a little like I was walking into a torture chamber. The architecture is breathtaking, all the way back to 1785, but the thought of what happens inside… Ugh. I read about it. I felt sick.
- Quirky Observation: The symmetry of the ring is stunning. Almost too perfect, like a giant, circular stage awaiting a particularly brutal performance.
Late Morning: Did the guided tour. Learned all about the history. About the bulls. About the matadors. It was fascinating, in a morbid sort of way. The guide was fantastic, passionate even-- but it was also quite intense. The stories of courage, skill, and, you know, animal suffering. I'm not sure I can say I "enjoyed" the experience. I respected it. But that doesn't mean I need to experience it again.
- Emotional Reaction: I actually felt profoundly conflicted. It's a part of the culture. It's beautiful. And, yeah, it's violence.
Lunch: Needed a stiff drink and some comfort food after that. Found a small bar nearby and ordered a huge bowl of gazpacho. Cold, tomatoey solace. Actually was the best thing so far.
Afternoon: Wandered through the old town again, trying to shake the bullring experience. Visited the Casa del Rey Moro. It's… okay. Another beautiful view, but honestly, after the Puente Nuevo, everything else feels a little… meh.
- Anecdote: Nearly got run over by a tiny, speeding scooter. Ronda's drivers are, let's say, enthusiastic.
Evening: Back to the hotel. Spent ages on the balcony, watching the sunset bathe the mountains in a golden glow. Ordered room service. The food wasn't great, but really, at that point, I didn't care. The view was all I needed. The peace and serenity. That, and a small bottle of Spanish wine.
(Day 3: Shopping (and Maybe a Slight Existential Crisis)
Morning: Attempted to do some serious sightseeing. The Arab Baths. Cool. The gardens of the Palacio de Mondragón? Lovely. Found some cool local shops for souvenirs. A hat, some leather things, a bit for friends. Felt like shopping was the perfect way to decompress.
Afternoon: Got lost. Again. This happened a lot. Ronda is a maze. But the feeling of getting lost in its winding streets and finding something new every time… it was great. Did I mention that?
Late Afternoon: Back to the hotel. Sat on the balcony and stared at the view. Got thinking. Did I want to go back? Was this real life? Was I happy? I looked at the view again. Yes, I was happy. In a slightly bewildered, existential-crisis kind of way.
- Messy Structure Moment: This trip is changing me. I can't explain it, but I'm leaving better than when I arrived.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a recommended restaurant. Ordered everything again. Realized I'd become addicted to the ham. Had a quiet moment of reflection that ended with the bill. Ouch. Worth it.
(Day 4: Departure and Afterthoughts)
Morning: Last breakfast at the hotel. Looked at the view one last time. Said goodbye to the incense smell. Checked out. The drive to Málaga, a little less terrifying this time. I think my hands got used to the clench of the seat.
Departure: On the plane. Looking back at the mess, the bad food and almost everything, I would do this all again.
Afterthoughts: Ronda isn't perfect. The roads are terrifying. The bullring is… well, it's complicated. But it's real. It's beautiful. It's a place that makes you think, makes you feel, whether you want to or not. I'm leaving a slightly different person. And, honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. One day, I will come back. I'm sure.
Ronda's Hidden Gem: Hotel Virgen de los Reyes - Frequently Asked Questions (and My Ramblings!)
Is the Hotel Virgen de los Reyes *really* a hidden gem? Because, frankly, I'm a bit cynical about those claims.
What's the *deal* with the location? Is it central? Do you need a car? Tell me EVERYTHING.
The parking... Oh. The parking. They *do* have a small car park, but it's... well, let's just say I consider myself a reasonably competent driver, and I *still* managed to nearly scrape the paint off the car. Twice. I'm pretty sure I aged a year in those five minutes trying to reverse into that tiny space. So, yeah. Avoid driving if at all humanly possible. Park outside the center and walk (much less stressful). Or, if you *must*, consider a smaller car than you think you'll need. Trust me.
But once you're *at* the hotel? Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The walk *from* the main areas is short and easy. Just don't let the car situation deter you.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they luxurious? Do they have good views? Spill the tea!
As for the views? They vary. Some rooms have stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Others look onto the interior courtyard, which is pretty in its own right (think lush plants and a fountain). But honestly? I was so busy staring at the *building itself* that I barely noticed! The hotel is a beautiful building, inside and out, and I'm happy just sitting in my room and taking in the architecture.
The staff… are they helpful? Are they friendly? Because I *hate* a grumpy hotel staff.
What about breakfast? Is it worth it? (And do they have good coffee?!)
Okay, so what was the MOST memorable thing from your stay? Dish!
Any downsides? Be honest!
Also, the walls. While they're beautifully decorated, *some* rooms, I suspect, don't have the thickest walls. I could occasionally hear the folks next door. It wasn't a huge deal, but it could have been a problem of you’re a light sleeper.
And, perhaps, the elevators were a bit older and a bit… slow. But in such a beautiful environment, you couldn't judge a hotel on a slow elevator? And in the grand scheme of things, these are *tiny* nitpicks.
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