Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Nh Gijon Hotel, Spain
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the real deal on the NH Gijon Hotel in Spain. Forget those glossy brochures; I'm talking messy, honest, and, hopefully, a little bit delicious in its truth.
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Nh Gijon Hotel – Or, the Time I Almost Got Lost in a Towel
Let's be real: "Unforgettable Luxury" is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. But the NH Gijon? Yeah, it actually delivers… most of the time. It's less about gleaming perfection, and more about a comfortable, well-equipped base camp for exploring Gijon and the surrounding Asturian coast.
First Impressions & The Elevator Dance (Accessibility & Getting Around… Mostly)
Okay, so, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me (both literally and figuratively, as I'm not exactly built for spelunking). The good news? The NH Gijon tries. There's a lift, which survived my constant button-mashing. Elevator check! Facilities for disabled guests? They've got it listed. That said, it's not seamless accessibility. Expect some quirks, maybe a slightly fiddly ramp here and there. But hey, it's WAY better than some other places, so thumbs up from this weary traveler. Car Park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge]? Score. No stressing about parking meters! (More on the free car park later… let’s just say I had a minor moment of panic involving a very narrow entry.) Airport transfer? Yes! Highly recommend this, after a long flight the last thing anyone needs is a taxi hunt.
The Room – My Personal Fortress (Or, Where I Lost My Way in a Bathrobe)
Now, the heart of the matter: the room. I’m talking about a haven. Air conditioning? Blessedly, yes. Non-smoking? Also, yes, thank goodness. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! HALLELUJAH! (Seriously, I’m a digital nomad at heart; good Wi-Fi is the oxygen of my existence.) The bed?? Majestic. Like, legitimately cloud-like. Extra long bed? Yup, perfect for a long day of exploring. Blackout curtains? Essential for naps and evading the sun’s harsh glare. Bathrobes? Oh, the bathrobes. I swear, I almost got lost in mine. I had this moment, where I was wearing the bathrobe, and I got turned around in the bathroom. And for a second I was in some sort of bathrobe-related existential crisis. It was a moment. The private bathroom was fantastic, and the separate shower/bathtub allowed for plenty of space to move. I liked the additional toilet option.
Side Note: The in-room safe box is a lifesaver. Use it. Seriously.
The Food – Tapas, Triumphs, and the Tiny Tea Drama (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking)
Okay, so the food. Let's just say my relationship with hotel food is… complex. The NH Gijon has a lot going on. Restaurants? Several. Bar? You betcha. Breakfast [buffet]? The cornerstone of any good hotel experience. The buffet was pretty solid. Western breakfast was available, but I opted for the Asian breakfast. Vegetarian restaurant? Check. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Excellent. And, I have to say, the coffee was a major win, as was the poolside bar which was absolutely perfect for a late afternoon cocktail.
Anecdote Time: The Miniature Teapot Incident
The most vivid memory, more than the lovely fish I ate at the restaurant, was the tea service. I like to take a cup of tea with me when exploring. My first cup was great and I thought to take one for the road. I did the tea, my little cup, then I turn around and put the cup and tea in the bin. I did a double-take and almost lost my head over the thing! It was the weirdest thing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Days and Swimming Pools (Or, the Quest for the Perfect Sauna)
Alright, how about ways to unwind? Pool with view? Yes, and honestly a spectacular one. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Spa? Yes. Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom? Indeed! I'm a sucker for a good sauna. They have everything, and I mean everything. Foot bath and Body wrap? Of course. I spent one glorious afternoon in the Spa, alternating between the Sauna and the Steamroom, and feeling my inner stress evaporate like morning mist. They also do Body scrub and Fitness center here.
Cleanliness & Safety – Sanitizing Shenanigans (And the Slightly Overzealous Hand Sanitizer)
Let's be frank: after the last few years, cleanliness and safety are paramount. The NH Gijon takes it seriously. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hot water linen and laundry washing, the works. They also have Hand sanitizer everywhere, so much that by the end of my stay, I was practically swimming in it. (Not complaining, mind you! Just… observant.) Rooms sanitized between stays? Yup. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. Safe dining setup! Awesome!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
Okay, the extras. Concierge? Super helpful. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely essential (after my bathrobe incident). Elevator? Also essential. Facilities for disabled guests? Good for them. Laundry service? Another win. And the Luggage storage was very helpful. Invoice provided? Essential for business trips. I’ve used the dry cleaning since. Also, safe deposit boxes! I love these.
But, Here’s the Catch…
No hotel is perfect. The Wi-Fi, while generally good, occasionally hiccuped. The layout of the hotel, while mostly logical, had a few confusing twists and turns. And while the staff were lovely, there was one instance where the elevator took me on a scenic journey of 10 minutes.
The Offer: Escape to Paradise (With a Few Quirks)
Here's the deal: the NH Gijon is not a flawless, sterile paradise. It's a real hotel, with all the lovely chaos of a working establishment. But that's part of its charm.
Book your stay at the NH Gijon now and get:
- A guaranteed upgrade to a room with a truly heavenly bed. (Seriously, you'll thank me later.)
- A complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar, to toast the sunset after your sauna session.
- And, for those who book direct, a special discount on your next stay.
- Plus, peace of mind! That everything is clean and sanitized!
Why You Should Book Now:
- It's a fantastic base for exploring the Asturian coast. It’s really close to the city centre.
- It caters to various accessibility needs.
- You get a balance of comfort and charm.
- You'll likely create a few unforgettable stories,. (Yes, even if they involve bathrobes or tiny teapots.)
Click the link below to book your escape. Trust me, you deserve it.
Escape to Luxury: The Westin Reston Heights Awaits!
Gijón, Oh Gijón, You Beautiful Mess: A Totally Unprofessional Itinerary (Hotel NH Collection Gijón Edition)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is real life, with all the dropped churros, questionable decisions, and bursts of pure, unadulterated joy you'd expect. We’re talking a Gijón adventure, centered around the comfy-looking (and hopefully not moldy) NH Collection Hotel. Let's go!
Pre-Trip Panic (aka The Booking Blunders):
Okay, so the whole planning thing? Not my forte. Picture this: me, two weeks out, frantically clicking through booking websites. I thought I snagged a killer deal on the hotel. Turns out, "killer deal" translated to "room with a view of the… ventilation shaft." Sigh. Well, onwards and upwards! (Or at least, sideways to a different side of the building, if the reception desk is feeling generous).
Day 1: Arrival, Aperol Spritz, and the Great Tapas Hunt
- Morning (The Train Agony): Train travel, a romantic notion, right? Wrong. Delayed. Squeezed between a snoring gentleman and a woman wrestling a mountain of luggage. Managed to lose my journal to a particularly aggressive seat pocket. Found it later, smeared with… something questionable. Let's move on. (Emotional scarring, ongoing).
- Afternoon (NH Collection Check-In & That View): Arrived, exhausted, at the NH Collection. Crossing my fingers for a better view. Prayed. Hallelujah! Not the ventilation shaft. Score! The room? Well, it's… a room. Clean-ish. The air conditioning blasted Arctic winds. Found the tiny balcony. Smelled of the sea. Instant happy tears.
- Afternoon-ish (Aperol Therapy): Immediately, and I mean immediately, after dropping my bag, went in search of Aperol Spritz therapy. Found a charming little bar right near the hotel. The sun was blazing. The Spritz was… perfection. The world felt right. (Momentary reprieve from seat-pocket-induced trauma).
- Evening (Tapas Tango): This is where things got interesting. My Spanish? Pretty much limited to "cerveza por favor" (and occasionally, "más"). Armed with a crumpled Lonely Planet guide, I dove headfirst into the tapas scene.
- First Stop: A place called "El Gaitero" (I think?). Ordered everything. Ate most of it. Didn't understand half of the ingredients. Delicious, chaotic, wonderful. The waiter, bless his soul, tolerated my butchered attempts at Spanish with a patient smile.
- Second Stop: Another place. More tapas. Maybe too many. Spotted a particularly attractive plate of pulpo a feira (octopus). Didn't order it. Regretted it.
- Third Stop: This is where the blurred lines begin. I'm pretty sure I ended up in a karaoke bar. My singing skills? Let's just say, the tapas were the only thing that was truly appreciated. Ended the night vaguely disoriented, but utterly delighted.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Cider Shenanigans, and a Brush With Art
- Morning (San Lorenzo Beach Serenity): Awoke with a slight headache and a memory of questionable dance moves. Needed the ocean. Walked to San Lorenzo beach. It's… stunning. Golden sand, crashing waves, happy dogs. Spent hours just breathing it in. Felt the sun kiss my face, and was reminded that there is beauty in the world. (Worth the seat pocket saga).
- Afternoon (Cider Bar Chaos – Oh, the Pomping!): Gijón is famous for its cider. You've GOT to experience the escanciado – the pouring from high above into the glass. Found a cider bar. Joined the locals. Attempted the escanciado. Failed miserably. Cider went everywhere. Laughter, mostly mine, filled the air. The barman, a grizzled veteran of cider spills, just shrugged and poured me another. Amazing!
- Afternoon-ish (Museum Moment): Dragged myself to the Museo Jovellanos. Expected to be bored. Honestly, was pleasantly surprised. The art was… thought-provoking. Or maybe it was just the cider. One of those. Walked passed the "El Elogio del Horizonte" sculpture, and realized it was really a great view.
- Evening (Food, glorious food): After a day of sun, cider and art, returned to the hotel for a nap. Woke up and went out to eat. Had some of the best seafood I've ever had, accompanied by a bottle of white wine. Simple perfection, just enjoying the moment.
Day 3: Exploring, Rambling, and Hotel Hugging
- Morning (Lost in the Old Town): Wandered the narrow streets of Cimadevilla, the old fishing district. Soaked up the atmosphere. Got utterly lost. Absolutely fantastic. Found some cute little shops. Bought a ridiculous seashell. (Don't judge me).
- Afternoon (Hotel Time): Honestly, the sudden switch of plans of going back to my hotel room and just enjoying a nap was the perfect decision. Relax, read a book, and not having any feeling of guilt, instead, pure joy.
- Evening (Farewell Feast - and maybe a little more karaoke…): Finding a perfect restaurant, for my last meal. Ate so much that I could barely walk. Thought about the trip, and how much fun it was.
NH Collection Hotel Musings (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Dusty):
- The Good: The location is prime! Near everything. The staff was friendly. Breakfast buffet was… adequate. The bed was comfy. The balcony view, when not the ventilation shaft, was dreamy.
- The Bad: The air conditioning tried to freeze me solid. The Wi-Fi was a bit spotty. The gym looked like it hadn’t been used since the 90s.
- The Slightly Dusty: Let's be honest, it's not a Four Seasons. But it's clean enough, and the location outweighs any minor imperfections. It’s a solid base for exploring Gijón.
Final Thoughts (and Maybe a Tear or Two):
Gijón, you beautiful, messy, cider-soaked heartbreaker. You challenged me. You made me laugh. You gave me sun, sand, and a whole lot of memories. And I already miss you.
This itinerary? Yeah, it's not perfect. It's missing stuff. It's got typos. It probably doesn't even make sense in places. But it's mine. And it captures a tiny sliver of the joy, the confusion, and the sheer, unadulterated humanness of traveling.
Now, for a taxi back to the train station… Pray for me. I'm probably going to need it.
Seminyak's HOTTEST 3BR Private Pool Villa: Paradise Awaits! #Bali
Escape to Paradise: Nh Gijon Hotel FAQs – The Real Deal (Warning: May Contain Rambles)
Alright, so you're thinking about the Nh Gijon Hotel, huh? Smart move. Gijón is gorgeous. But before you dive headfirst into paradise, let's talk reality. I've been there (and back, trust me), and I’m here to give you the *unvarnished* truth, complete with the good, the bad, and the "wait, did I just pay *how much* for a mini-bar Snickers?"
1. Is the Nh Gijon Hotel REALLY as luxurious as it looks in the pictures? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe… But with Quirks!)
Okay, let's be honest: those photos are *stunning*. The crisp white sheets, the ocean views… They had me at 'balcony'. And yes, the Nh Gijon *is* generally luxurious. The lobby? Impressive. My first impression? "Whoa, I'm fancy!" The rooms are well-appointed, you get the fluffy robes, the fancy toiletries... you feel like you've *arrived*.
BUT… (and there's always a 'but' isn't there?)… My room? Looked out onto… well, a side street. Not quite the postcard view I'd dreamt of. And on my first stay, the air conditioning sounded like a grumpy whale. I spent half the night wondering if it was going to explode. (Spoiler: it didn't. Just kept grumbling). So, yes, luxurious. But maybe ask for a room with a view *and* a working AC. Just a thought.
2. The Location: Is It Actually Paradise, Or Just Close? (And How Far is the Beach?)
Location, location, location, right? The Nh Gijon gets this *right*. It's close to Playa de San Lorenzo, which is a freaking fantastic beach. I mean, seriously. The sand is golden, the waves are… well, sometimes they're gentle, sometimes they're trying to drag you into the Atlantic. Good times either way.
It's a walkable distance. You could stroll along the promenade... or take a leisurely 10-minute amble. I'm a walker myself. I once accidentally walked the entire length of the beach in a pair of flip-flops that were *not* designed for extensive travel. My poor feet! But the point is, you *can* walk pretty much everywhere. The city center is easily accessible, the shops are great… You're in a good spot. I give it a solid "A" for location. (Just maybe avoid the flip-flops).
3. Food, Glorious Food: What's the Breakfast Like (And Should I Bother?)
Oh, breakfast! This is where the Nh Gijon *really* tries to impress. It's a buffet, people. And, I admit, it's pretty darn good. They have the usual suspects: eggs (made to order!), bacon (always a good sign), pastries that *smell* like heaven… and fresh fruit. Lots of it. The coffee? Decent. Not the best I've ever had, but perfectly serviceable for that crucial morning caffeine hit.
Here's my advice: Go for it! It’s convenient, it's tasty, and it sets you up nicely for a day of exploring. You can even sneak a pastry or two for later. Don't tell anyone I said that! HOWEVER, if you are on a budget, the price can be a bit steep. There are some great cafes nearby that are definitely worth checking out. Just weigh up the pros and cons, and enjoy the feast… or the savings!
4. Seriously, the Mini-Bar? What's the Deal? (My mini-bar rant)
Okay, this warrants its own section. The mini-bar. It gleams seductively. Filled with promises of refreshment. But be warned. The mini-bar at the Nh Gijon is a financial black hole. A siren song of overpriced temptation.
I distinctly remember, one hungover morning (don’t judge!), reaching for a Snickers bar. The price? I almost choked on my coffee. Let me tell you, that wasn’t *just* a Snickers. It was a Snickers with a side of buyer's remorse. My advice? Hit the store for snacks. The little shop down the street? Your best friend. Your savior. Or, you know, just bring your own. Live and learn, I say.
5. Service: Are the Staff Super Helpful, Or Just… There?
The staff? Generally, they’re lovely. Friendly, helpful… trying their best. They speak English, mostly. (My Spanish is… well, nonexistent). I've had some truly excellent interactions. They’re on the ball with recommendations.
But I had this one experience. The concierge. I needed concert tickets. I thought, "Easy." Not so much. Let's just say it was a bit of a comedy of errors, involving miscommunication about dates, shows and the ultimate location. In the end, I didn't get the tickets. But, you know, it's the imperfections that make a place memorable, isn't it? Overall, they were good. Just maybe double-check all details...
6. Spa and Wellness: Does It Live Up To The Hype? (Or Am I Just Swimming in Dreams?)
The hotel boasts a spa. A proper spa! With massages and treatments and… the promise of utter relaxation. I’m a sucker for a good spa. The pictures look amazing. I went once. It was… okay. The massage was nice. The facilities were clean. But honestly? I’ve had better. I wanted that "sinking into a cloud" feeling. But it was more like… floating on a slightly lumpy cushion.
Now, this is just *my* experience. Other people might rave about it. But for me? It wasn't the highlight of my trip. If you're a spa fanatic, maybe temper your expectations a little. Or, you know what? Just enjoy the pool. It's pretty. And at the very least, you'll get a nice view.
