Escape to Paradise: Belvilla's Tarragona Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Belvilla's Tarragona Gem!… Or at Least, Trying to Find It
Okay, buckle up, because this ain’t your average, sanitized hotel review. We’re diving headfirst into Belvilla’s “Tarragona Gem,” and let me tell you, it's been… an experience. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out if it’s a rough diamond, or just, well, rough.
First Impressions: The Search for the Holy Grail of Accessibility (and a Parking Spot That Isn't Miles Away)
Right off the bat, I need to address the elephant in the room, or rather, the ramp to the front door. Accessibility is listed. Bless their hearts. They mean well. But let's just say, if you’re relying on a wheelchair, you'll need a sherpa, a good sense of humor, and maybe a pre-emptive call to the hotel for specific details. Things are… described as accessible; reality is a bit more… “enthusiastically interpreted.” This might be a recurring theme.
And the parking? Free, yes. On-site, yes… technically. But be prepared for a Hunger Games-esque battle for a spot, and potentially a hike that earns you the title of "Champion of the Tarragona Hills" before you even unpack. Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] – check and… check with a hefty dose of eye-rolling. I wouldn't trust my precious car alone there.
The Room: Where Air Conditioning is a Blessing and Blackout Curtains are a Lifesaver – Until They're Not.
Once you get inside (phew!), the air conditioning is a godsend. Tarragona sun? Yeah, no, thank you. And the blackout curtains? Amazing. Truly. Slept like a log the first few nights. Until the sun peered through, because, well, it wasn't completely blackout, but it's hard to complain, it's not the Ritz… the room was pretty decent, standard furniture, and the complimentary tea was actually a nice touch. Oh, the desk! That's where the magic really begins. It's large, well-lit, and perfect for, you know, working. Okay, I may have actually spent more time staring at the window and thinking about the beach, but still, it's there! Then the room included slippers. That was cool. Although I'm more of the barefoot-on-carpet type of guy, but whatever.
Amenities: The Promised Land of "Relaxation" (with a Side of Questionable Hygiene)
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. The spa/sauna, steamroom, and pool with view promised a blissful escape. And honestly, the pool did have a pretty amazing view. Perched on a hill, overlooking… something. I think it was the sea. (See? Already losing my grip on reality). The swimming pool [outdoor] was very welcoming, and I spent many hours lounging, reading, and generally pretending to be a sophisticated European.
But the spa? Slightly less appealing. While the massage was genuinely relaxing (thank you, Sandra, if you're reading this!), the rest… Well, let’s just say I’m now intimately familiar with the concept of "shared towels." Yes, they do have bathrobes, although I'm a bit afraid of them. You know it's not the most hygienic place… I think the sauna was clean. Possibly.
And the fitness center? Let's just say it's there. It's functional. But the elliptical creaks like a dying whale, and the "weights" look like they've been rescued from a pirate ship.
The gym/fitness area was tiny, and the fitness was far away too.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony (Hopefully in Tune)
Okay, let's get real. The hotel clearly tried to implement COVID-19 protocols. They proudly displayed hand sanitizer everywhere. The daily disinfection in common areas was probably happening. But. The execution… well, let's just say it was a little… enthusiastic. I did notice they offer room sanitization opt-out available. I didn't take the offer, but I'm pretty sure it was a good idea. Daily housekeeping was also going on.
I did see some anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services. But the devil is in the details, isn't it? Despite the hygiene certification, I'm still not convinced every corner was scrubbed with the same level of enthusiasm. It was too good to be true when the place looked so good, but too old, so bad. All in all, I gave it a neutral review. Now, every time I visit a hotel, I'm always wondering what the reality is in our times.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (of Sorts)
The food. Ah, the food. Restaurants are available, and while Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant are listed, the reality is more like a buffet. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, a buffet. Everything there was bland, a bit uninspired, a bit… existential. The coffee shop was good.
There was a poolside bar with happy hour, which was a saving grace. The bottle of water was nice. And the snack bar was convenient after the battle for a parking spot. I did get the desserts in restaurant, which were okay. The salad in restaurant was good too. I didn't get the soup in restaurant, which seemed to be a bad idea for me.
What About the Services? The “Convenience” Conundrum.
The concierge was helpful – mostly. Daily housekeeping was thorough. The laundry service saved me from smelling like a swamp. The luggage storage was useful because I didn't know where to put my luggage. Air conditioning in public area made me happy too -- so it's a win there.
For the Kids: A Family Friendly-ish Affair?
I didn't have kids with me, but it seemed like they tried. Family/child friendly is a good thing. The babysitting service is there. I don't know anything about that, to be fair.
Getting Around: Getting to Your Destination (and Back) – Probably Without a Scratch
The airport transfer was a lifesaver. The car park [on-site] (as mentioned) can be a warzone. Taxi service is available. I am glad about those.
Overall Impression: The Gem… Needs Polishing.
So, is Belvilla’s "Tarragona Gem" a paradise? Not quite. It’s more like that slightly flawed, but still beautiful, piece of sea glass you find on the beach. It has its quirks, its imperfections, but also its moments of brilliance. The staff tries (bless them!), the location is decent, and the views are killer.
Would I return? Maybe. With slightly lower expectations, a healthy dose of humor, and a generous supply of hand sanitizer. If you're looking for perfection, look elsewhere. But if you're up for an adventure with a few bumps along the way, then this "Gem" might just surprise you.
My rating? Three out of five slightly-dodgy-yet-still-kind-of-charming stars.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Arcozelo Holiday Home with Private Terrace!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking about a trip to Belvilla by OYO Casa Crepuscle in Tarragona, Spain. And let me tell you, it's going to be a ride. This is me, unfiltered. Here's what I've roughly plotted out, but we all know how well plans in Spain actually go…
Day 1: Arrival & (Almost) Immediate Panic
Morning: Arrive at Reus Airport (REU). Oh, the joys of budget airlines! Expect a delay. I'm already calculating in my head how much tapas I can eat during the wait. Because, you know, priorities.
Transport: Taxi to Casa Crepuscle. Pray the driver speaks at least some English. My Spanish is… well, let's just say I'm fluent in ordering cervezas.
Afternoon: Check-in. Hopefully the apartment is even remotely what it looks like in the photos. (Spoiler alert: they never are.) Commence the frantic hunt for Wi-Fi. Instagram needs me! And, you know, maybe to actually inform people where I am.
Late Afternoon: Wander around the Part Alta (Old Town). Get immediately lost. Get even more immediately overwhelmed by the beauty. This is where the "OMG, I'm actually in Spain!" moment will probably hit.
Evening: The search for the perfect tapas bar begins! My research (a few blurry Google searches) suggests El Llac's is a good shout. Expecting epic food, questionable service, and lots of clinking glasses. Might accidentally order a whole bottle of wine. Don't judge. This is Tarragona, goddammit.
Personal Rambling: Before I get to the food. The whole flight thing, it's always fraught. This time tho the trip planning was all over the place, i didn't book the flight early, so I'm paying through the nose. And the passport? I swear I have dreams of leaving it behind. Always! I get a little twitchy before a trip.
Day 2: Roman Ruins & Accidental Adventures
Morning: Conquer the Tarragona Roman Amphitheatre. Take a million pictures. Pretend to understand all the history. This is the "culture" box ticked. (I hope)
Afternoon: Attempt to find the Roman Circus. Get completely lost again. End up in a random alleyway smelling of fresh bread. Decide this is a good thing.
Late Afternoon: Sunbathe on Platja del Miracle. Fight off the seagulls. Wonder if I should have packed more sunscreen. Probably should have.
Evening: Dinner at La Cuineta. I've read rave reviews. Hoping for paella that will change my life. Expecting a mild food coma.
Messy Thoughts: Ugh, history. I should probably educate myself a bit more before hand. Like, maybe read a Wikipedia entry ON THE PLANE. The sun though… that will be fun though… I'm a sucker for the ocean. And the food… already anticipating the food. I'm going to need a nap after that paella. The food coma is real, and it will be beautiful. Also, I bet the seagulls are vicious. Damn birds.
Day 3: Day Trip! And Maybe a Slightly Over-Dramatic Meltdown
Morning: Train to Barcelona? Or should it be Sitges? Decisions, decisions! The guidebook is yelling at me to see Gaudí… but I might just succumb to the beach life.
Afternoon: If Barcelona, it's Sagrada Familia. If Sitges, it's beach again. Both options involve a gelato break.
Evening: If still in Barcelona, the tapas tour is on! If back in Tarragona, it's more of El Llac's (I'm sensing a theme here).
Personal Reaction: Okay, this is where I might completely lose it. The pressure of day trips! Am I really going to haul myself to Barcelona and deal with the crowds? Or stay in Tarragona and lazily sip sangria? The existential dilemma is real. I'm genuinely considering a mental health day. Or at least, a nap kind of day.
Stream of Consciousness: Ugh, Barcelona… crowded, touristy, expensive. But Gaudí! But the crowds! But the price of sangria! Sitges… the beach… the relaxed vibe… the potential for a truly awful sunburn. I am leaning towards total lazy. I am feeling the siren song of the beach, the sangria, and the quietness.
Day 4: Winding Down & Last-Minute Shopping (and a Terrible Hangover)
Morning: Sleep in. Deal with the consequences of all the sangria. Probably regret all the sangria.
Afternoon: Explore Tarragona's shops. Buy useless souvenirs I'll probably throw out in a few months. Hunt for that perfect, authentic espadrille.
Late Afternoon: Stroll along the Balcó del Mediterrani. Take in the view. Reflect on the emotional roller coaster of the trip.
Evening: Farewell Tapas. One last hurrah. Maybe a bottle of something bubbly. Or, you know, two.
Opinionated Ranting: Okay, souvenir shopping is the worst. I always end up buying something ridiculously overpriced and totally useless. But I HAVE to! It's just… part of the ritual. At least I'll have memories. And the pictures. Oh, the pictures. I hope they're good ones, because the hangover will probably be epic.
Day 5: Departure & The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
Morning: Say goodbye to Casa Crepuscle. Say goodbye to Spain. Probably try to sneak another croissant from somewhere.
Transport: Taxi to the airport. Try not to sob too much. (I might sob.)
Afternoon: Fly home, already planning my return trip.
Emotional Overload: This is the hardest part. Leaving. Even if it's been a messy, imperfect trip, I'm going to miss Spain. The food, the sunshine, the vibe. I'm going to miss the slight sense of panic, the getting lost, the accidental adventures. Spain… you weird, beautiful country. I'll be back. Eventually. Probably.
Important Caveats:
- This is just a suggestion. I'm a notoriously bad planner, and things will undoubtedly go sideways.
- Expect improvisation.
- Embrace the chaos.
- Most of all, enjoy!
Escape to Paradise: Belvilla's Tarragona Gem! ...Or Is It? My Totally Unfiltered FAQ
Okay, so, "Paradise." Really? What *is* this place?
How easy was it to *actually* book with Belvilla? Did the website try to steal your soul?
What about the villa *itself*? Was it as advertised? (Be brutally honest, please.)
What about the location? Close to the beach? Any local treasures or hidden gems?
Let's talk Wi-Fi. Crucial for us digital nomads...or just those addicted to Instagram. What was it like?
What about the local amenities? Shops, restaurants, that sort of thing?
Any major *issues*? Things we *should* be aware of? The dreaded "gotchas"?
Would you recommend this Belvilla property to a friend? Be honest!
