Uncover La Quintana de Villar Arriondas: Spain's Hidden Gem!
Uncovering La Quintana de Villar Arriondas: A Tale of Cobblestones, Castles, and…Slightly Odd Jacuzzis (My Honest Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans (and maybe a little sangria) on La Quintana de Villar Arriondas, that supposed “Hidden Gem” in the Asturian countryside of Spain. Honestly? It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but overall? Yeah, it’s pretty damn special. Prepare for a review that’s less polished travel brochure and more… well, me trying to remember everything while fighting off a post-paella food coma.
SEO & Metadata (because apparently, I have to):
- Keywords: La Quintana de Villar Arriondas, Arriondas, Asturias, Spain, Hotel Review, Spa, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Food, Dining, Pool, Sauna, Hidden Gem, Family Friendly, Luxury, Romance, Vacation.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of La Quintana de Villar Arriondas in Asturias, covering accessibility, food, spa experiences, and everything in between. Is it really a hidden gem? Find out!
- Titles:
- Uncover La Quintana de Villar Arriondas: Spain's Hidden Gem? (My Unfiltered Take)
- La Quintana de Villar Arriondas: Romance, Relaxation, and… Questionable Jacuzzi Jets?
- Asturias Adventure: A Deep Dive into La Quintana de Villar Arriondas (Plus Some Rambling)
Let's Dive In! (Deep breath…)
First things first, Accessibility. Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that gets it. La Quintana tries. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially because the place is a series of beautifully renovated buildings spread out. But, and this is a big but, the accessibility isn't perfect. Some of the walkways have those charming, old-world cobblestones. Let’s just say, they look beautiful, but navigating them with mobility challenges? Tough. There are exterior corridors, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preference.
Rooms: Cozy and Characterful (Mostly)
The rooms themselves? Lovely. Seriously. I snagged one with a balcony, perfect for sipping coffee and pretending to be world-weary. They offer non-smoking rooms - a must. I loved the blackout curtains because, let's be honest, vacation is all about sleeping in. The bed was seriously comfy, with an extra long bed (always a win!), a seating area to spread out, and there were towels and bathrobes – the little luxuries that make life worth living. They have the basics, too: air conditioning, in-room safe box, hair dryer, mini bar, and free bottled water. A nice touch!
There’s free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and internet access – wireless and Internet – LAN. Though seriously, who needs to be working holidays? The Internet was decent, but I really wish they'd prioritized the Wifi signal in some of the farther rooms.
One minor quibble? The bathroom was a bit… compact. The shower was fine, but getting in and out felt like a physics puzzle sometimes. The toiletries were nice, though.
The Spa: A Mixed Bag (Cue Dramatic Music)
Okay, the spa. This is where things got… interesting. Let's start with the good: the pool with a view was breathtaking. Seriously, the surrounding landscape is stunning. I could have spent hours just floating, watching the clouds drift by. The sauna and steamroom were also decent. Perfect for sweating out all the tapas I'd been devouring.
Now, for the… less good. They have a spa/sauna, but not as big as I was hoping. They also have a jacuzzi, which I was so excited about, especially after a long day wandering around the area. But…the jets were a bit weak. I was expecting a deep, churning massage, but it was more of a gentle…bubble bath. It was a bit of a letdown, if you're being honest. Also, the body scrub and body wrap seemed… basic. Not bad, but not exactly pampering. I could have done better myself.
The fitness center was also there but I skipped it. No guilt. On vacation.
Food, Glorious Food! (With Some Quirks)
The food at La Quintana? Mostly fantastic. The breakfast buffet was a feast - Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, and everything in between. Loads of coffee available, and they kept refilling it. I loved the fresh pastries and the local cheeses. You can get breakfast in room if you are feeling lazy.
The main restaurant, which offers A la carte options, was pretty good. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was surprising and delicious! The local Asturian specialties were, of course, a must-try. I especially loved the fabada (Asturian bean stew). They have a vegetarian restaurant as well.
The Poolside bar and the Snack bar were perfect for an afternoon bite. They even do a Happy hour! The restaurants offer a pleasant experience. The dining, drinking, and snacking selections were excellent.
Now, for the quirks. The service was friendly, but could be a bit… slow at times. Don't be in a hurry! Also, one night there was a slight mix-up with my order. It took a little while to sort out, but the staff was apologetic and made amends.
Cleanliness and Safety: They Seem To Care!
I appreciated that they're taking Cleanliness and safety seriously. There were anti-viral cleaning products being used, and the staff wore masks. They had daily disinfection in common areas, provided hand sanitizer, and offered room sanitization opt-out available. They provided Individually-wrapped food options, and a Safe dining setup. It made me feel more comfortable about things. They also had a nurse on call and a doctor on call.
Services and Conveniences: Lots of Options!
They really do try to think of everything. There’s 24-hour front desk, a doorman, luggage storage, concierge, and daily housekeeping. They have dry cleaning, an ironing service, and laundry service. There’s a car park [free of charge] for your vehicle. They even offer airport transfer! The facilities for disabled guests are a very welcome thing.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Eating and Sleeping)
The area around La Quintana is gorgeous. There are loads of things to do, including ways to relax. They have a terrace perfect for sipping wine, and a shrine you can visit. They can arrange seminars and meetings for you. They also offer Babysitting service – perfect for families. There's a gift/souvenir shop and even a convenience store. They have a bicycle parking if you are into this kind of stuff.
The Verdict: Worth It? (With Caveats!)
So, is La Quintana de Villar Arriondas a “Hidden Gem”? Absolutely, yes. But it’s a gem with a few rough edges. The location is stunning, the staff is lovely, and most of the experiences are genuinely enjoyable. It's ideal for a couple's room, and also family/child friendly. It's not absolutely perfect - accessibility could be improved, and the jacuzzi could use a jet upgrade. But the overall charm and the genuine effort to provide a good experience make it well worth it.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe I’ll bring my own jacuzzi jets.
Parisian Perfection: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Hotel du Lion d'Or Louvre!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the glorious, muddy, possibly cow-patty-strewn heart of La Quintana de Villar in Arriondas, Spain. This isn't your curated Instagram feed, folks. This is life. And life, as we all know, is a little… chaotic.
The (Highly Subjective & Probably Wrong) Itinerary: La Quintana Edition
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Cider Panic of ‘23
Morning (Assuming I Actually Made It Out Of Bed): Arrive in Asturias. The drive from the airport? Forget it. I got utterly lost, circling a roundabout for approximately the length of a Beyoncé song. Google Maps, bless its little algorithmic heart, kept trying to send me down dirt tracks that looked suspiciously like they'd swallowed entire cars. But hey, I finally made it! The air smells like… well, it smells amazing. Fresh, green, and something indefinably Spanish. (Or maybe it was just the sheer relief of not being in a ditch.)
Afternoon: Checking In…And The Cider-Related Freaking Out. The Quintana. God, it's charming. Picture this: stone walls, a courtyard that screams "siesta," and a view of rolling hills that makes you want to yodel… or, you know, at least take a deep breath. But right. First thing, the fridge is looking tragically empty. Time to stock up. Okay, so, I'm told cider is the local nectar. Cool. I wander into the tiny village shop, and it’s a sensory overload – cured meats hanging from the ceiling, cheeses that look like they could house entire colonies, and… the cider. So. Much. Cider.
I grab a bottle. Then another. Then, well, let’s just say I may have accidentally purchased enough cider to float a small boat. The shopkeeper (a woman who could probably wrestle a bear and still look chic) gave me a look. A look that said, "Honey, pacing yourself is a skill." She might be right. It's potent stuff, you know (the cider, not the glare).
Evening: The First Attempt at Dinner…and a Lesson in "Patience." I decided to be ambitious and try and cook something. Oh God, after setting off the smoke alarm while attempting a simple pasta dish, I ordered in. This would be the first of many such nights. The restaurant gave a delightful view of the mountains. I had a bottle of wine. And I ended up, at some point, just staring at the constellations. Feeling utterly, beautifully, and spectacularly lost. Emotionally, I mean. I could hear locals' conversations in the background, and realized I still didn't know a word of Spanish. The food was good. Really good. I'm pretty sure I was tipsy.
Day 2: River Adventures & The Slightly Embarrassing Kayak Incident
Morning: Conquering The Rapids (Almost). Okay, so, the Sella River is famous for its kayaking. I'm not exactly known for my athletic prowess, but how hard could it be, right? Famous last words, people. The water was freezing, the current was surprisingly strong, and my kayak had a love affair with every rock in the river. There was a point, about halfway down, where I was convinced I was going to be swept away to some remote canyon, becoming a cautionary tale for future kayaking enthusiasts. I swear, the people on the river probably took bets on whether I'd make it or not. Eventually, I did make it (thank God for the life jacket!). Bloody knackered, but alive.
Afternoon: The Aftermath (aka, Lounging & Regrouping). I spent the afternoon wrapped in a towel, drinking hot chocolate and trying to convince myself that I hadn't aged ten years in a single morning. The sun warmed me and the river, and I was suddenly incredibly content. It’s amazing how quickly you can recover from almost drowning when there’s a good view and a hot drink.
Evening: Tapas & The Pursuit of Understanding Spanish. I headed back to Arriondas for dinner. I'd decided that I wanted to learn at least a bit of Spanish. But I had the biggest problem when it came to it. The restaurant was incredibly busy. I managed to order tapas, although I suspect I may have accidentally ordered a plate of pig's ears (don't ask). But the company was good, and the food was incredible.
Day 3: Exploring the Picos & the Sheep That Watched Me…Judgementally
Morning: A Mountain of Beauty (and a Lot of Hikes). The Picos de Europa are a must-see. I hiked, I climbed, I nearly tripped over rocks (again). The views? Breathtaking. Absolutely, ridiculously breathtaking. Clouds swirling around the peaks, the scent of pine in the air, the sheer epicness of it all… It's the kind of place that makes you feel incredibly small, and incredibly alive.
Afternoon: The Sheep Situation. I encountered a herd of sheep. And they were judging me. Seriously, these sheep gave me the side-eye like I had personally offended every single one of them. I’m pretty sure they were discussing my questionable hiking boots and the way I’d nearly fallen down that hill. I tried to take a picture, but I was feeling self-conscious and ended up just wandering around, looking awkward.
Evening: Wine, Waffles, and Watching the Sunset. After my sheep-related existential crisis, I retreated to a quaint little cafe. Wine. Waffles. And the sunset. The colours were insane - oranges, pinks, purples… It was the kind of sunset that makes you forget all the silly things, all the anxieties, all of it. Yeah. It made everything worthwhile.
Day 4: Departure & (Probably) Already Planning the Return
Morning: A Final Breakfast & The Bitter-Sweet Feeling. Breakfast in the courtyard, one last lingering look at those rolling hills, a deep breath of that mountain air… Ugh. I didn’t want to leave. I really, really didn’t.
Afternoon: The (Hopefully) Less Catastrophic Drive Home. Goodbye, Asturias. Goodbye, La Quintana de Villar. Goodbye, cider-induced moments of questionable judgement. You’ve been… unforgettable.
Evening: Memories, Messy, and Beautiful. I'm sitting here, with a slight hangover and a heart full of memories. This trip was messy, imperfect, and absolutely perfect. I got lost, I nearly drowned, I ate questionable food, and I bonded with some incredibly judgmental sheep. And it was all worth it.
This whole trip was the purest definition of 'authentic'. Don't get me wrong, there's a certain 'Instagrammable' appeal. But it's the little moments of utter chaos that made it so special. It's the stuff that gets you actually living. Now, where can I order more Spanish cider… And maybe a phrasebook?
Escape to Paradise: Byron Bay's BEST Hotel & Apartments!
1. So, what *is* La Quintana de Villar Arriondas, anyway? Sounds fancy… and possibly painful to pronounce.
Alright, deep breaths. Think of it like this: it's a ridiculously charming, traditional Asturian farmhouse hotel, smack-dab in the middle of *gorgeous*. Villar Arriondas is that sleepy little village in Asturias, Spain, that you stumble upon and think "Wow. I need to stay here." It’s not a slick, sterile chain. It’s got character. It's got soul. It's got… well, you'll see. The *pronunciation*, though? Okay, I'll spare you the phonetic alphabet. Just say "La Keen-TAH-nah deh Vee-YAR Ah-REE-on-DAS." Or, you know, point at it on a map and mumble something vaguely Spanish. It'll probably work.
2. Okay, convinced! But what makes it so special? What sets it apart from every other charming hotel in Spain? (Because, let's be honest, there are a LOT.)
Okay, lemme tell you. What makes it special? Three words: Authenticity, Charm, and... let's just call it "unpredictability". Seriously. You might find yourself chatting with the owners, Carlos and his wife, (whose name I'm *terrible* with remembering, sorry!) over a glass of cider in the courtyard, spontaneously joining a local fiesta, or, best of all, wandering lost because the GPS on your phone *completely* gives up and you have to ask a sheep farmer... who then helps you navigate. That last one? Happened to me. Best. Day. Ever. The food? Oh sweet mercy. It's home-cooked Asturian fare – think hearty stews, fresh seafood, and enough *fabada* (bean stew) to put you in a food coma for a week. Seriously, I nearly had to be rolled out the door.
3. Accommodation: What’s the deal? Are we talking sleek luxury or… rustic charm? Be honest.
Rustic charm, my friend! Don't expect sprawling marble bathrooms and platinum service. Think exposed beams, stone walls, cozy rooms with character, and the faint scent of… well, old-world charm. (Which, let's be real, sometimes means a touch of damp. It *is* Asturias, after all.) Some rooms have amazing views. Some… well, they have a view of the courtyard. It's all part of the experience, you know? Embrace the fact that your phone’s signal might be... patchy. Embrace the creaky floorboards. Embrace the fact that you feel like you've stumbled into a real-life fairy tale. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. They also have a few apartments that have small kitchenettes, which is super handy in case you need to make a quick snack at night.
4. The food! You mentioned *fabada*. I'm intrigued, but also a little intimidated. Give me the lowdown.
Oh, the food. Where to even begin? Okay. *Fabada*. It’s legendary. A rich, hearty stew made with white beans, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage - don't shy away!), and other deliciousness. It’s…filling. Almost alarmingly so. You’ll probably need a nap afterwards. But it’s SO worth it. They do other amazing things, too – fresh seafood (Asturias is on the coast, remember!), grilled meats, traditional pastries… Honestly, I could eat there every single day and not get bored. The only downside? Your waistline might protest. Be prepared to loosen your belt. And don't be afraid to ask for seconds. Or thirds. No judgment here.
5. Activities! What is there to DO besides eat and nap (though that sounds pretty good, to be honest)?
Right, so, tearing yourself away from the endless supply of deliciousness is hard, but there's plenty to do. Seriously. Hiking in the Picos de Europa National Park (stunning!), exploring the nearby coastal towns (cudding), visiting the Covadonga Lakes (breathtaking vistas), or simply wandering around Villar Arriondas itself. The hotel can arrange activities like horseback riding or guided tours. Me? I spent a whole day just wandering around, getting lost in the village, and trying (and failing miserably) to learn a few basic Spanish phrases. It was brilliant. Total immersion, minus the actual… knowledge. It's the perfect base for exploring all Asturias has to offer – and trust me, Asturias has a *lot* to offer.
6. Travel Logistics: How do I get there? And is there parking? (Because city driving is a nightmare.)
Okay, let's talk practicalities. Getting there takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it. You can fly to Asturias Airport (OVD), then rent a car. Driving is the easiest way to get around in Asturias. Car parking? Yes! La Quintana has its own parking, so no worries about circling the block like a vulture. Just be prepared for some narrow, winding roads in the area. Embrace the adventure! Public transportation is available but car gives you much more flexibility. Pack light, enjoy the ride.
7. Is it good for families? Or more of a romantic getaway? Or… what?
Honestly? It's good for *everything*. I saw families with kids running around, couples canoodling in the courtyard, and solo travelers like me finding their own little slice of heaven. It's welcoming, relaxed, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can chat with anyone or hide away in your room with a good book. So, yes. All the things. Just make sure you’re okay with a slow pace of life. If you’re the type who needs constant stimulation, this might not be for you. But if you relish a little *dolce far niente*, you'll be in heaven. In fact, I'd say it's *especially* good for those who need a break from the rat race.
8. Any downsides? (Because nothing's perfect, right?) Spill the tea!
Okay, look, I'm not going to lie. Perfection is a myth. The WiFi can be a bit… temperamental. The service, while friendly, is not always lightning-fast. And, as I mentioned before, it's not a luxury hotel. But honestly? These are *minor* quibbles. If you're expecting a flawless, sterile experience, go somewhere else. If you want to experience authentic Asturian hospitality, charm, and the absolute joy of wandering around and discovering something new? Then book your stay here. The only other *major* downside? Leaving. Seriously, I still get pangs of longing for that place. I really do.
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