Gijón Getaway: Stunning Cimadevilla Apartment | Belvilla by OYO
Gijón Getaway: Cimadevilla Apartment - Belvilla Fiasco… Er, I Mean Adventure! (SEO & Metadata Unleashed)
(Keywords: Gijón Apartment, Cimadevilla, Belvilla, Accessible Apartment, Spain, Asturias, Beach Getaway, Spa, Reviews, Travel, Hotel, Self-Catering, Family Vacation, Honeymoon, Wheelchair Accessible, Pet-Friendly, Wi-Fi, Pool, Restaurants, Safety Protocols)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this review is gonna be less "professional travel critique" and more "drunken-after-tapas-fueled-account-of-a-trip-to-Gijón." We're talking honest observations, messy emotions, and the kind of details you won't find in a glossy brochure. And yes, I'm talking about Belvilla by OYO's Gijón Getaway: Stunning Cimadevilla Apartment. Let's dive headfirst into this… experience.
The Setup: Promises, Promises… and a Bit of Fog
First off, can we just acknowledge the utter joy of finding a place in Cimadevilla? This historic district of Gijón is pure charm – cobblestone streets, the scent of salt air, and the promise of endless seafood. Belvilla's listing painted a picture of perfection: a "stunning" apartment promising luxury and accessibility (a HUGE selling point for us – more on that later).
Accessibility – The Big Question Mark (and a Sigh)
Accessibility: (Here's where things get interesting, or rather, frustrating.) While the listing claimed accessibility, navigating the apartment was… an adventure. The building did have an elevator, (phew!), which was a relief. But getting to the elevator? Let's just say those charming cobblestone streets of Cimadevilla aren't exactly "wheelchair-friendly." We had to navigate some seriously uneven surfaces, which, thankfully, we managed. But, seriously, Belvilla: specify the access route in detail! It would save everyone some grey hairs.
Facilities for disabled guests: The apartment itself… well, it tried. There were some accessible features, like wider doorways, but the bathroom… let's just say it required a contortionist degree of skill to maneuver in. Plus, the shower, while technically accessible, lacked grab bars (essential!). Look, I’m not going to lie, this area was a bit of a disappointment. A sincere rating of 3 out of 5.
Inside The Apartment: “Stunning” is Subjective
- Available in all rooms: Okay, good start.
- Additional toilet: Sweet!
- Air conditioning: Blessed relief, and a must-have.
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch! (Though honestly, I spent most of my time in my favourite t-shirt)
- Bathroom phone: …Really? When was the last time anyone used a bathroom phone?
- Bathtub: Didn’t get to use it.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for those siesta-heavy days.
- Carpeting: shudders
- Closet: Adequate.
- Coffee/tea maker: The fuel to my existence. Saved me every morning.
- Complimentary tea: Excellent.
- Daily housekeeping: A definite perk.
- Desk: Useful for working (which I desperately tried to avoid).
- Extra long bed: Yes! No more dangling feet.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated!
- Hair dryer: Thank goodness!
- High floor: We got amazing views.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Unused by us.
- Internet access – LAN: Ah, the legacy days.
- Internet access – wireless: Thank god for Wi-Fi!
- Ironing facilities: For the more sophisticated guests.
- Laptop workspace: See desk description.
- Linens: Clean and comfortable.
- Mini bar: (not stocked).
- Mirror: Yes.
- Non-smoking: (Thank goodness.)
- On-demand movies: Score!
- Private bathroom: Praise be!
- Reading light: Needed for reading.
- Refrigerator: Crucial for the vino.
- Safety/security feature: (like a smoke detector)
- Satellite/cable channels: Meh.
- Scale: I don't want to know.
- Seating area: Nice for lounging.
- Separate shower/bathtub: See earlier complaint about accessibility.
- Shower: See earlier complaint about accessibility.
- Slippers: A fun touch!
- Smoke detector: Crucial, of course.
- Socket near the bed: Brilliant.
- Sofa: Perfect for napping.
- Soundproofing: Mostly effective, but the seagulls are relentless.
- Telephone: Again, when did anyone use these?
- Toiletries: Basic, but appreciated.
- Towels: Plenty!
- Umbrella: Necessary.
- Visual alarm: A nice consideration.
- Wake-up service: Never used it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes! Thank goodness.
- Window that opens: And lets in all those glorious sea breezes.
The apartment was… okay. Clean enough. Equipped enough. "Stunning" might be stretching it a bit. More like “perfectly adequate, with a great location.” The views from the balcony were definitely a highlight. I spent hours watching the sun set over the ocean, glass of wine in hand, and that was pure bliss.
Wi-Fi: A lifeline (and a love-hate relationship)
- Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Okay, the Wi-Fi was good. I mean, it was essential. No complaints here, though I did briefly consider throwing my laptop out the window when the connection dropped mid-video-call. But hey, it's Spain. What do you expect?
The Good Stuff: Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or try to)
- Things to do: Cimadevilla is packed with things to do. You're steps away from the beach, the port, and countless restaurants. We spent our days exploring the historic district, strolling along the Paseo Marítimo, and getting gloriously lost in the narrow streets. The location was truly unbeatable.
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The apartment didn't have these, but there were plenty of lovely spas nearby.
- Fitness center: The sea air was my fitness regime.
- Massage: This was not included.
- Sauna: Nope.
- Spa: If only.
Dining, Drinking, Snacking… And the Food!
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: There were so many amazing restaurants in the area. From tiny tapas bars serving the freshest pulpo to elegant seafood restaurants with stunning views. I can’t even begin to recommend them all. Just wander! Try everything! The food was divine. (Here's where I get a little side-tracked, because the food was that good.) The tapas crawl was a must-do, followed by an afternoon spent lounging in a cafe with churros con chocolate. The fabada asturiana… oh, the fabada. I still dream about it. The restaurants were a huge win. However, the apartment didn’t have its own dining service or anything to write home about. Still, can't complain too much, because there was an abundance of greatness.
Services and Conveniences – The Bits and Bobs:
- Air conditioning in public area:
- **Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, 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
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade into the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable world of my planned trip to that Belvilla by OYO apartment in Cimadevilla, Gijon, Spain. This isn't your sanitized, glossy travel guide. This is real life, people. Prepare yourselves for some bumps, some exhilaration, and probably a whole lot of "What was I THINKING?"
Trip Title: Gazing at the Cantabrian Sea (and Possibly Questioning All My Life Choices)
Day 1: Arrival & Cimadevilla Chaos
- Morning (aka "The Great Luggage Struggle"): Okay, so the flight was a nightmare. Delayed, squished between a snorer and a kid who wouldn't stop kicking my seat. Found myself fantasizing about a desert island, but hey, at least I landed! Arrived at the airport, and the adventure begins.
- Imperfection: My suitcase (the one I knew was on its last legs) promptly busted a wheel the second I pulled it off the baggage carousel. Great start.
- Quirky Observation: The airport here… looks like a giant, slightly depressing office building. Spanish efficiency, I'm guessing? Also, why is there a churro stand before passport control? That's just pure evil genius.
- Afternoon: The Apartment (and a Deep Breath): Navigating to the apartment, I finally get to the Belvilla, praying to find it. It's a charming place. I unlock the door, and the apartment is just as advertised—bright, airy, and with a glimpse of that promised Cantabrian Sea. I take a deep breath, and unpack.
- Anecdote: I managed to nearly drown in the shower. The shower water was too hot and wouldn't immediately turn off. I had to flail around like a dying fish before I could do anything else.
- Evening: Cimadevilla Exploration & Tapas Attempt #1: Time for tapas! I spent the next hour wandering the winding streets of Cimadevilla, completely lost but utterly delighted. Found this tiny tapas bar, and decided to be brave. Ordered something that looked delicious.
- Rambling: I swear, everyone here seems to know each other. Little old ladies gossiping, fishermen mending nets, the smell of the sea mixed with frying garlic… it’s sensory overload in the best possible way. It feels like I've stepped into a movie.
- Emotional Reaction: The tapas… were not what I expected. I think I accidentally ordered some sort of pickled squid tentacles. Texture was… challenging. The wine helped. A lot.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and a Near-Disaster)
- Morning: Playa San Lorenzo - The Glory: Wake up early and went to the beach. The sun on my face. The vastness. The smell of the sea and all of the noises… It was truly euphoric. I sat on the sand for hours, just letting the waves wash over my feet. This is what I came for.
- Opinionated Language: This beach is a dream. Truly. Forget your fancy Caribbean resorts. This is the real deal. The perfect place to sit.
- Afternoon: A swim! (and a near-death experience): Being me, I decided to go for a swim.
- Anecdote: The water was freezing! And the current! Holy moly. I thought I was going to get sucked out to sea. I waved my arms and yelled for help, and miraculously, everyone in the area saw. Thankfully, a couple of people rushed over and rescued me.
- Emotional Reaction: I was terrified afterwards. Absolutely terrified. But relieved. And oddly invigorated. The sea had humbled me.
- Evening: Tapas Attempt #2 (with redemption!): Second tapas attempt. Found a place with a bustling atmosphere, lots of locals.
- Messy Structure: Forget the menus. Point and pray, I always say. Everything was delicious. Especially this one thing… I think it was called "croquetas." I spent most of the evening.
Day 3: Gijón Exploration & Culinary Adventures
- Morning: Gijón City Center: The first thing I did was admire the views from the Cerro de Santa Catalina. The wind nearly blew me over… I swear, the views were worth it. Afterwards, I went to the old town of Gijón.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of statues and public art in this city is insane. Some are beautiful, some are bizarre, all are worth a look.
- Afternoon: Cider Time & Food Market Frenzy: It's time to try cider! I went to a sidrería (cider house) and watched the pouring ritual. The cider is poured from a height in order to aerate. The goal is to drink a few shots. I don't think I did it right. After cider, I visited the Mercado del Sur.
- Doubling Down: This market is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The sights and smells… The fresh fruit, the cheese, the seafood… I could have spent the whole day there. I took a trip to the seafood markets. I had oysters, the best I've ever tasted.
- Evening: Meal Found a restaurant. Enjoyed tasty food.
Day 4: Day Trip to Oviedo (and Existential Dread)
- Morning: Train to Oviedo: Hopped on a train to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.
- Afternoon: Oviedo Cathedral & Plaza del Fontán Imposing Cathedral. Explored. Lost in thought.
- Emotional Reaction: I found the city beautiful. I felt a sense of peace there. But it also triggered some of those "Am I doing this right?" existential thoughts. But, hey, that's travel, right?
- Evening: Oviedo Dinner and Back to Gijón: Found somewhere for dinner. Headed back to Gijón.
Day 5: Relaxation, Last Tapas, and a Bittersweet Goodbye
- Morning: Rest & Relaxation: No plans. Just me, the apartment, and the sea.
- Opinionated Language: I deserve this.
- Afternoon: Final Tapas (and Emotional Breakdown): Last tapas of the trip I visited my favorite tapas bar.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: This trip was… everything. The laughter, the mishaps, the near-death experience, eating all of that food, the stunning views, the people, and all of the life lessons… I'm definitely not the same person I was when I arrived.
- Evening: Pack & Leave: Packed my bags. One last walk to the beach. Watched the sunset.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so this trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of sheer panic, culinary catastrophes, and a near-drowning experience. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was real. It was messy. It was… me. And that, my friends, is what makes it all worthwhile. Now, to start planning the next adventure… and maybe learn how to swim. Wish me luck!
Zrce Beach Paradise: Stunning Apartment Awaits!
Gijón Getaway: Cimadevilla Apartment - Yeah, About That… (Let's Be Real)
Okay, first things first: Is the view *really* as good as the pictures promise in this Gijón apartment? Asking for a friend... who is me, by the way.
Alright, the view. Listen, the photos? They are... good. Professional, even. Let me tell you though, I'm still trying to work out how they managed to hide the construction crane that was *literally* outside the window for half my stay. Don't get me wrong, the ocean *is* there. It *is* gorgeous. And yes, you do get a bit of that "fishing boats bobbing in the harbor" vibe. BUT. The reality? Sometimes you spend 20 minutes trying to angle your head just right to *avoid* the view of the builder yelling at his crew. Perspective, people. Perspective. I still loved it, but the photos are a little… optimistic. Let's just say that.
The location: Cimadevilla. Is it *too* touristy? My soul withers at the sound of "touristy."
Okay, Cimadevilla. Touristy? Yes. Undoubtedly. But here's the secret: it's touristy in that *charming* way. Think cobblestone streets, tiny tapas bars spilling out onto the sidewalks, and the constant, delicious smell of fresh bread. Yes, you'll jostle with other humans. Yes, you might have to wait a few minutes for that perfect Instagram pic. But the energy? It's electric. It makes you feel *alive*. I actually found myself *embracing* the chaos. One night, I ended up in some dive bar that was clearly not on any list, crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, and ended up singing (badly) karaoke with them. That, my friends, is the *opposite* of soul-withering. That's pure, unfiltered joy. So, yes, it's touristy, but go with it. Dive in. You won't regret it. (Just maybe skip the selfie stick, yeah?).
The apartment itself: Is it comfortable? Clean? Did you find any *interesting* surprises?
Alright, the apartment. Okay, look, it's… charming. (I'm using the word 'charming' a lot, aren't I? It's a dangerous word in these situations). It *looks* nice in the photos. In reality, it's cozy. Seriously cozy. Might even say… snug. Clean? Mostly! The shower pressure was… *fierce*. Like, I thought I was being pressure-washed clean. I discovered a tiny, well-hidden stash of Spanish biscuits, which I obviously confiscated. (Hey, emergencies happen!). And the bed? Well, let's just say I'm not sure how old it was. It sagged. A little. I think I may have developed a slight back ache. BUT… did I sleep? Yes. Did I survive? Also yes. Was it a deal-breaker? Nah. The views almost make up for all the little imperfections.
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the kitchen. Did it have enough, like, *stuff* to actually cook food? I'm not trying to eat every meal at a restaurant.
The kitchen: hmm... Functional. It *had* stuff. Pots, pans, a (slightly dodgy) coffee machine. I did manage to whip up a *reasonable* omelet one morning. (Yes, I am bragging. I am a terrible cook). However, the knife situation was… questionable. I suspect the only thing those knives had ever cut was air and maybe some dreams. I recommend bringing your own. And the counter space? Let’s just say it was *optimistic*. But hey, who wants to cook when you're in Spain surrounded by amazing food? I spent far more time eating tapas and drinking wine than I did slaving away in the kitchen. So, you know, points for efficiency.
How was the communication with Belvilla/OYO? Were they helpful if you had any issues?
Okay, so here's where things get a little… fuzzy. I had a *minor* issue. The Wi-Fi, bless it, decided to stage a dramatic disappearing act on day two. I contacted Belvilla. They were… responsive. Eventually. I think. There were a few automated email responses, and then… silence. I ended up figuring out how to get it working using my phone as a hotspot. And honestly, maybe that was a blessing in disguise? Force me to disconnect. Forced me to wander. Forced me to actually *talk* to people. The Wi-Fi worked again by the end of my stay. So, ultimately, did they help? Sort of. Would I call them the most *proactive* Customer service on the planet? Probably not. Don't expect *instant* miracles. Pack patience. And maybe a good data plan.
Would you go back? Really? Despite everything?
Damn, that's the million-dollar question, innit? Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely, undeniably, *yes*. Despite the sagging bed, the construction crane, the iffy Wi-Fi, and the okay-ish knives… yes. Because Gijón itself? Is magical. The apartment, with all its quirks, became part of the experience. It was a home base. A place to unwind after a day of exploring. And when I sat at that window, sipping my coffee (from that sketchy coffee maker), and looked out at the ocean, the waves crashing against the rocks… I forgot all the minor irritations. It was, dare I say it, pretty damn perfect. And you know what? That's all that really matters, isn't it? So yeah, I’d grab a better pillow, maybe a longer phone cable, and be back there in a heartbeat!
Okay, one more thing: What's the BEST thing about this apartment? Tell me something good.
Right, the *best* thing. After I was done with all the other stuff, I'd say the best thing was the location. To be able to stumble from your, er, slightly-ramshackle apartment to a tapas bar at 11 pm, in my pajamas, and order a caña and some pulpo? That is the life. That's a feeling you could never get from a sanitized hotel room, and let's face it, isn't that what *life* is about? The little moments of joy, even the ones that happen when you're *slightly* hungover and wearing clothes unsuitable for public viewing? Yeah, the location. Definitely the location. And maybe… the Spanish biscuits. I am still dreaming about those.
