Astorgans' Secret Hideaway: Hotel Astur Plaza Unveiled!
Astorgans' Secret Hideaway: Hotel Astur Plaza Unveiled! - A Review That's Messy, Honest, and Maybe a Little Bit Rambling
Alright, listen up, travel weary souls! I've just emerged from the depths of Astorgans' Secret Hideaway: Hotel Astur Plaza Unveiled!, and, folks, let me tell you, it's a thing. Going in, I was expecting… well, I wasn’t entirely sure. The name's a bit dramatic, isn't it? "Secret Hideaway"…I felt like I was signing up for a James Bond mission, not a weekend getaway. But hey, after the year we've had, a little escapism is exactly what the doctor ordered.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Can I Get Around? (Or, How Not To Trip Over My Own Feet)
So, the first thing I gotta say is, whew, the entrance is grand! Real "wow" factor. And, phew again, because it’s mostly accessible. Wheelchair accessible? Yes! There's an elevator (thank the heavens!), and I definitely didn’t see any unnecessary stairs trying to trip me up. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly a priority. Okay, maybe there were a few minor hiccups in some areas, like a slightly cramped corner in the buffet, but overall, they've done a pretty decent job. The front desk [24-hour] staff were super helpful. And the concierge… well, let's just say I tested him with some complicated questions, and he didn't flinch! He even helped me find a local pharmacy. Gold star for that guy.
Inside the Fortress: The Rooms & The Internet – Hello, Is Anyone There?
Okay, let's talk rooms. I snagged a non-smoking room (thank God, I can't stand the smell!), and it was…nice. Clean. Air conditioning blasted like a polar vortex, which was a godsend after wandering around in the heat. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, the Wi-Fi [free] actually worked. I swear, that's a near-miracle in some hotels. I'm talking binge-watching quality. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were both available. I'm not sure if anyone actually uses LAN anymore, but hey, options are good, right? The bed was comfy…extra long bed… which was great for a tall person like me. They also had non-smoking rooms, satellite/cable channels, desk, closet, mini bar, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathroom phone… Basically, they thought of everything. The mirror was big enough to see myself, which is important on a trip like this.
The seating area was nice and spacious, and the blackout curtains… listen, those things are LIFE. They really are. I slept like a baby. Actually, scratch that; I slept even better. I could have slept for a WEEK!
The Bathroom – My Own Personal Oasis (and Where I Nearly Drowned a Towel)
The private bathroom was… well, let’s just say I spent a lot of time in there. They had toiletries (thank goodness, I forgot my conditioner!), a lovely separate shower/bathtub, and more importantly, a hot water linen and laundry washing service. Yes! I accidentally dropped a towel in the toilet, let's just say it happened. Anyway, the laundry service saved my butt (and my towel). It was quick too! There are some things about hotel bathrooms that just make me happy because the towels, linens, and the little touches of complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker make it feel like home, only fancier. Now, about that additional toilet… I didn't have it, but I'm sure someone somewhere appreciated it.
Food Glorious Food – Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Waistline's Worst Nightmare)
Okay, fellow foodies, prepare yourselves. The dining situation at the Astur Plaza is… complicated. Let's start with the good: Breakfast [buffet]! Honestly, I am a sucker for a good buffet. Western breakfast was plentiful, and they even had an Asian breakfast option if you're feeling adventurous (which I wasn't… not at 7 am, anyway). Restaurants! There are. plural! The A la carte in restaurant was great! There's a coffee shop to get your caffeine fix. And, oh my god, the desserts in restaurant were just… chef's kiss. I sampled everything. No regrets. There was a poolside bar… oh, that was dangerous.
The not-so-good: The lunch area was crowded. They had, let's say, a "creative" approach to physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but I survived. And some meal arrangements need improvement. Alternative meal arrangement? I'm not sure, seems to not be available often. Safe dining setup was in place. However, I'd consider the offerings to be mixed and a little bit disappointing but not bad. I could do with more salads in restaurant.
Let's Get Relaxed! (Or, How I Tried to Become a Zen Master and Almost Fell Asleep in the Sauna)
Okay, this is where Astur Plaza really shines. The spa/sauna! I'm not gonna lie, I spent a serious amount of time there. The swimming pool [outdoor] with its pool with view? Absolutely gorgeous. The steamroom was… steamy. The sauna, though, was my happy place. The Body scrub? Decadent. The Body wrap? Total bliss. It actually relaxed me. The Foot bath was also great. They also have a gym/fitness center for those who love to torture themselves. I popped in. I left. It’s not for me. I also got a massage. Seriously, the masseuse was gifted.
Cleanliness & Safety – Are We Safe Here? (Because Honestly, It's 2024)
Listen, I’m a bit of a germophobe, so this was important. I was impressed. They clearly take cleanliness and safety seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Rooms sanitization opt-out available? Nice and available and for those who are a little extra sensitive. The Safe dining setup was also apparent. They do Hand sanitizer, Sterilizing equipment, and professional-grade sanitizing services. I was impressed. Plus, the CCTV in common areas added an extra layer of security, which I appreciated. Fire extinguisher near my door made me feel safe.
The Extras! – What Else is There?
There's a gift/souvenir shop if you need to grab something for the folks back home. Business facilities are also available, including internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, business center, and Meeting/banquet facilities if you're feeling ambitious. There is a car park [free of charge] plus a Car park [on-site]. Family/child friendly: Okay, I don't have kids, but they seem to have kids facilities and the general vibe is pretty welcoming for families.
The Not-So-Good Stuff (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, I gotta be honest. There were a few minor niggles that, well, bugged me, a little bit. Cashless payment service, which is fine but the bottle of water was a little bit pricey.
My Verdict – Should You Go?
Yes. Absolutely, 100% yes. Astorgans' Secret Hideaway: Hotel Astur Plaza Unveiled! isn't perfect, but it's got a lot going for it. It's got charm, it's got the amenities and more importantly, it's got a soul. The staff are friendly. The spa is divine. And the Internet works which is important.
Here's the deal!
Stop thinking about it!
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Unbelievable Bahia Paradise: Pousada Agua Marinha Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your sanitized brochure travel itinerary. This is going to be a chaotic, glorious, potentially wine-soaked journey through Astorga, Spain, centered at the Hotel Astur Plaza. Consider this my mental diary, spilled onto a page…with hopefully, a little actual planning thrown in.
Pre-Trip Anxiety (and Maybe a Little Exuberance):
- Weeks Before: The panic sets in. Did I book the right dates? Is my passport still valid? (Deep breath…it is!). Astorga. Never heard of it, but the pictures of the Gaudí palace… swoon. I've bought a new travel journal in the hopes of documenting this "transformative" experience. I'll probably lose it by day two.
- Days Before: Laying out outfits. Packing is a disaster. It’s a dance between ‘stylish European traveler’ and ‘homeless person who accidentally stumbled into a Zara’. I overpack, always. And I'm already regretting that third pair of shoes.
- Hours Before: The stomach flips. Butterflies of excitement colliding with the dread of airports, taxis, and the potential for lost luggage. Also, did I email that work thing? Should I have? Ugh. Focus! Spain! Wine!
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Confusion (Plus Amazing Food!)
- Morning (Arrive in Madrid, then Astorga): Airplane. Ugh, the airplane. The crying baby, the guy clipping his nails… pure torture. Then, blessedly, we landed. The train to Astorga… a blur of trying to understand Spanish announcements and the sheer beauty of the countryside whizzing by. I swear, I saw a field of sunflowers that practically bowed to me. Or maybe I was just delirious.
- Afternoon (Hotel Check-in): Hotel Astur Plaza! It's…lovely. The lobby is grand, the staff are incredibly nice, and my room is bigger and nicer than my actual apartment! (Small victories, people!). But finding the place was a nightmare. Google Maps had me walking in circles for a solid 20 minutes. I was convinced I was lost in a time warp.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (Tapas Time!): This, friends, is why we suffer the indignities of travel. I stumble across a tapas bar – Casa Ezequiel (I think?) – and order anything and everything. The pulpo a la gallega (octopus) was a religious experience. Tears welled up. This is how people fall in love with food, I think. Then, fueled by local wine (vino tinto, obviously!), I spend the evening fumbling through basic Spanish with the friendly bar staff. I managed to order a second round, which I count as a triumph.
- Night (Attempting Culture): Wandering around the Plaza Mayor in the dark. The Cathedral. The Palacio Episcopal…even in the dim light, they are breathtaking. Felt a distinct sense of feeling like I'd been teleported into a fairy tale. But then my phone died, and I got slightly lost. (See a pattern forming?) Managed to find my way back to the hotel, exhausted, happy, and already dreaming about my next tapas adventure.
Day 2: Gaudí, Chocolate, and a Near-Disaster.
- Morning (The Gaudí Palace): The wow factor. The Palacio Episcopal designed by Gaudí. Photos don't do it justice. It's whimsical, elegant, and feels like something out of a fantasy novel, but also something I could, possibly, maybe live in? I spent at least an hour wandering around, mouth agape, trying to comprehend the sheer artistry of the place. Did I understand every architectural detail? Definitely not. Did I feel an overwhelming sense of awe? Absolutely. The sheer audacity of Gaudí! Genius!
- Mid-day (Chocolate Museum!): Astorga is famous for chocolate. I am very okay with this. The Chocolate Museum? A bit… disorganized, but charming! I learned about the history of chocolate, and then I consumed an alarming quantity of chocolate. My blood sugar is probably through the roof at this point. No regrets.
- Afternoon (Wandering and a Near-Disaster): More wandering. Trying to find a specific market. I get distracted by a tiny, gorgeous shop selling ceramics, and I buy a plate that I’m absolutely going to break before I get home. This always happens. Back to the market. I trip. Sprain my ankle (I think?). Almost pass out from the pain and the sheer embarrassment. Thankfully, a kind local lady helps me – she spoke zero English, I spoke zero Spanish, but we somehow managed to communicate enough to get me back to the hotel. Now I'm resting my ankle, feeling sorry for myself and eating more chocolate. Dramatic much? Maybe.
- Evening: Hotel room with room service. I’ve never been so grateful for a comfy bed and my own little sanctuary, where I can sit and recover. I'm feeling a weird mix of self-pity and immense gratitude. This will be the day I will remember forever.
Day 3: Recovery, Relaxation (Maybe Some Wine?), and Farewell!
- Morning (Gentle Activity): Today is rest day. I'm trying to take it easy, so, instead of climbing a mountain or exploring a new town, I'm just sitting here, writing this, and ordering more room service.
- Lunch (Hotel Restaurant): The hotel restaurant. The food is incredible. I've had a salad and some soup. I'm eating a small portion. I'm being good. In the afternoon, I plan on getting more chocolate.
- Early Evening (Packing and Reflections): Time to pack. I sigh. I'm probably going to exceed my baggage allowance. I reflect on the trip. The highs, the lows, the near-death experience. I've fallen a little bit in love with Astorga. It’s a charming place.
- Farewell Dinner (at a restaurant, somewhere): One last evening! One last glass of wine. One last tapas experience (I should probably stay away from the octopus, though). Reluctant goodbyes to the incredible staff at the hotel.
- Night (Departure): Taxi to the train. The train to Madrid. The plane home. Back to reality. Back to the mess. But, in my heart, a piece of Astorga will always remain.
Post-Trip Thoughts (Forever):
- The Good News: Survived. Ate amazing food. Saw beautiful things. Made (some) memories.
- The Bad News: Possibly ruined my ankle. Spent all my money on chocolate. Probably gained five pounds.
- The Verdict: Would absolutely go back. I miss the tapas already. I miss that feeling of getting lost in a beautiful place. And next time, I'm wearing sturdier shoes. Astorga, you were magical. Even with the drama.
This, my friends, is just a tiny taste of what's to come. As the journey's unfolding, there will be more moments of joy, moments of abject panic, moments of sheer, unadulterated gluttony. But hey, that's life (and that's travel), right? So, here’s to the adventure! ¡Salud!.
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Astorgans' Secret Hideaway: Hotel Astur Plaza Unveiled! (Buckle Up, Buttercups)
So, what's the *deal* with this "secret" hideaway? Is it, like, actually secret? And why "Astor Plaza" – does it involve... a Plaza?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. The "Astorgans' Secret Hideaway" is maybe a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like they’re running a clandestine meeting of the Lizard People (though, you *never* know, right?). It's a marketing thing, I think. The *Hotel Astur Plaza* part, though? That’s more legit. Yep, there IS a plaza. Sort of. It’s a… well, it's a courtyard, really. A slightly dusty, charmingly imperfect courtyard. Not the sprawling, pigeons-everywhere kind of plaza. But it's *there*, and it adds a certain… something. The “secret”? Well, mostly it's the fact that not everyone knows it exists, tucked away in this particular part of town. Hence, the hideaway bit. It's less about *actual* secrecy, and more about the feeling of finding a hidden gem. And honestly? They've kind of nailed the gem part.
Alright, spill the beans. What's the vibe? Is it fancy-pants or, like, a bit more… "lived-in"?
Okay, this is where I get passionate. Fancy-pants? Nope. Thank GOD. It's… warm. Cozy. Slightly rumpled-chic. Like, imagine your favorite, slightly worn armchair. That's the vibe. The staff? Sweet as can be, but not in that aggressively fake hotel-y way. They remember you. They offer unsolicited advice on the best tapas place. (Which, by the way, GO THERE. Later.) It’s got character, you know? There's a little bit of peeling paint in places, a slightly wonky door here or there.. But that’s part of the charm! It feels like a real place, not some sterile, personality-free box. And honestly? That’s a HUGE plus in my book. I'm over polished perfection. Give me soul!
Accommodation – what are the rooms *actually* like? And how's the cleanliness? (Because, let's be real, that's important.)
Rooms! Ah, the rooms. Okay, first off, cleanliness? Top marks. Honestly, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so believe me when I say it's sparkling. (I did a thorough check. Don't judge me!) The rooms themselves… well, they vary. They're not carbon-copy identical, which I actually *love*. Some have balconies overlooking the courtyard (grab one if you can!), some are smaller but perfectly formed. I got a tiny room on my first visit – and I was actually a bit annoyed. Thought, "Oh, this is it?" But then… the charm took over. It was small, but clean and the view was pretty, and the bed was SO comfortable. Seriously, I’m still dreaming about that bed. Seriously, the sheets feel like butter. So, yes, the rooms are good, even the 'small' ones are well-appointed and comfortable. Definitely a win.
Food! Let’s talk food. Breakfast? Dinner? Any recommendations? (I'm a massive foodie.)
Food. OH, the food. Okay, breakfast is included. (Bonus points!) It's a Continental setup, but a *good* one. Freshly baked bread, pastries (the croissants! *Swoon*), local cheeses, amazing coffee… and for like a month I was just surviving on croissants. I'm not even ashamed. Dinner… is a little trickier. The hotel itself doesn't have a full restaurant for dinner, which is a minor bummer. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, the staff offers AMAZING recommendations for nearby restaurants. And oh boy, do they know their stuff. They sent me to this tiny tapas place around the corner – *La Taberna del Gato* – and… best meal of my *life*. I swear. Seriously. Go there, and order the patatas bravas. Thank me later. Trust me on this one.
What about location? Is it easy to get around from there?
Location, location, location! This is a biggie, right? The Hotel Astur Plaza has a prime location. It's central, but not *too* central. (I hate being in the middle of *everything*). Everything of interest is within walking distance or a very short taxi ride. Like the bus station and train station. You can get anywhere you need to be. It's a super easy starting point for exploring the city. I spent a week there, I have no complaints! Seriously, I walked everywhere. And it’s close to great shopping, so be warned. My credit card wept, but my soul rejoiced.
Okay, so, the *worst* thing about the hotel? Be honest now.
Alright, alright… the *worst* thing? Hmm. Okay, here's the thing. It's not fancy. So if you're expecting five-star luxury, don’t come here. Don’t ruin it for the rest of us! And… I REALLY, REALLY hated leaving. I mean, it wasn’t the *worst* thing in the world, you know. The worst thing, I'd say, is that it made leaving the city a lot harder than it had any right to be. I mean, I even shed a tiny tear as I checked out (don’t tell anyone!). Honestly though, I'm trying to think of a legitimate negative. The wifi, maybe? It wasn’t *super* strong in the rooms sometimes. Okay, yeah, the wifi could be a little spotty at times. But is almost a good thing - force you to put down your devices, and actually enjoy where you are!
Would you go back? And would you recommend it? Spill the tea!
Go back? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I'm already planning my return. I'm actually a bit obsessed. Yes, yes, a thousand times YES! I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. If you're looking for a charming, comfortable, well-located hotel with amazing service (and a super comfy bed), book it. Don’t expect perfection, embrace the imperfections. Embrace the charm. Embrace the fact that you might just fall a little bit in love. I did. Seriously. Book it. Right now. Go! GO! Before I book it again and it's all booked up! Just… don't tell *too* many people, okay? I want it to stay my little secret hideaway, too… or at least that's what I want you to think, and I'll tell you ALL about it.
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