Gijón Getaway: Uncover El Moderne Hotel's Hidden Gems!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL lowdown on El Moderne Hotel in Gijón. Forget those boring, sterile reviews – I'm talking warts and all, the good, the bad, and the "wait, did that really happen?" truth. And trust me, there's a whole lotta truth in Gijón.
Gijón Getaway: El Moderne – My Take (Because You Deserve It)
Let's be honest, planning a trip is stressful. So, when I stumbled upon El Moderne, I saw the promise of a seaside escape in the heart of Gijón. And look, the website did boast… a lot. So did it deliver on the hype? Hold onto your hats, 'cause here comes the messy, honest review.
Accessibility: Does it Deliver? (Spoiler: Mostly Yes)
Okay, important stuff first. Accessibility is HUGE for me, especially since I like to travel with my grumpy Aunt Mildred who uses a wheelchair. El Moderne claims to have facilities for disabled guests, and honestly, they’re pretty good. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Yep. BUT, and this is a big but, the hallways seemed a little…tight. Could be a squeeze for wider chairs. The website also mentions Air conditioning in public area, which is a godsend in a Spanish summer. Plus, I saw a few Facilities for disabled guests signs, which is a fantastic sign.
Rooms: My Little Kingdom (and Some Quirks)
First things first, my room. They've got non-smoking rooms, thank the heavens (Aunt Mildred can't stand it). I snagged one with Air conditioning, because, let's face it, Spain gets HOT. And the window that opens? A total game-changer for that fresh sea breeze.
The Wi-Fi [free] was pretty solid, even though I did have some trouble initially getting the connection, and the option to use the Internet access – wireless was a lifesaver. Thankfully, it was really easy to use the Internet access – LAN and get to work, the Laptop workspace, was good, the Desk was a good size and the socket near the bed was a real win for me.
The room itself? Clean. Really clean. With Daily housekeeping and Rooms sanitized between stays, I felt pretty confident. But here’s the thing: the decor was… well, it reminded me of my grandma's floral wallpaper. But hey, Room decorations are a matter of taste, right? AND I absolutely loved the Blackout curtains!
The bathroom phone was a quirky little thing because I kept accidentally dialing random numbers. Towels? Plush and plentiful. Bathrobes and slippers? Very high-end-feeling. The additional toilet saved my bacon more than once, let me tell you. A separate shower/bathtub and bathtub was a real treat, allowing some well needed relaxation.
The Spa: My Moment of Bliss (and a Tiny Disaster)
Alright, now for the juicy stuff. The Spa/sauna and the Pool with view were calling my name. The spa was… WOW. Just. WOW. I spent like, hours in the Sauna sweating out all my city stress. The Steamroom was a total detox, while the Foot bath was amazing. They also had a Fitness center, which I didn’t use (because, let's be honest, I’m on vacation!).
The Body scrub was heavenly, but I almost died laughing when the therapist accidentally dropped the scrub INTO MY EYE! Ok, so there was some burning. But, honestly, it's now a hilarious story I’ll tell for years. They also provided a Body wrap which was relaxing, but the story of the scrub is definitely a better talking point.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food! (and the Occasional Hiccup)
The Breakfast [buffet] was… good. Standard, with a lot of Vegetarian restaurant options. They had Western breakfast and Asian breakfast. However the coffee/tea in restaurant could be better, it felt a bit watery, but the Hot water linen and laundry washing were a bit of a surprise, but a welcome one since I'd managed to get my top covered in paella.
The Restaurants themselves offered a decent selection. There was the A la carte in restaurant and the Buffet in restaurant, which had some delicious options. The International cuisine in restaurant was pretty good and the Western cuisine in restaurant was also good. I can recommend the Desserts in restaurant. The Snack bar was perfect for a quick bite and the Poolside bar had some amazing cocktails during Happy hour. They even offer Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service which is perfect for a day out exploring. The Bottle of water was much appreciated.
The Stuff You Need to Know (The Nitty-Gritty)
- Cleanliness and safety: This is a big one right now, right? I was IMPRESSED. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff in masks… really, they take it seriously. They also had Hygiene certification, which made me feel better about everything which is perfect. They also had a Safe dining setup which was fantastic.
- Internet: The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a game-changer. Also the Internet services were excellent!
- Services and conveniences: Concierge service was fantastic. They made my life so much easier. The Cash withdrawal machines and, the Currency exchange meant no more rushing around.
- Things to do: The location of El Moderne is stellar. The CCTV in common areas made me feel safe.
The Anecdotes & Imperfections:
- One night, the elevator got stuck. For like, five minutes. Cue some mild panic, but the staff got there quick. (And, hey, at least it gave me a story!)
- The gift shop was AMAZING. Full of overpriced souvenirs and so many things I couldn't resist on impulse.
- The staff were generally lovely, though some seemed a little… frazzled. (Hey, we all have those days!)
My Final Verdict: Should You Go?
Yes. Absolutely, YES. El Moderne isn't perfect. But it's charming, well-located, and offers enough to keep you happy and entertained. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and accessible base for exploring Gijón, this is a solid choice.
My Recommendation and Persuasive Offer:
Book Your Gijón Getaway NOW! Uncover El Moderne's Hidden Gems!
Tired of the same old vacations? Craving sun, sea, and a seriously relaxing escape? Then look no further than El Moderne Hotel in Gijón!
Here's why you MUST book NOW:
- Unwind in Style: Luxurious rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and some with amazing sea views!
- Spa Therapy: Treat yourself to a spa day.
- Unbeatable Location: Explore the heart of Gijón's vibrant streets, beaches, and culinary delights with ease.
- Safety and Comfort: Rest easy knowing El Moderne has prioritized your well-being with top-notch hygiene protocols, including Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Accessibility matters: The hotel offers facilities for disabled guests.
Special Offer for a Limited Time:
- Book now and receive a complimentary bottle of local Asturian cider upon arrival!
- Exclusive Package: Get a free spa treatment (massage or facial), when staying for three nights or more.
- Flexible Cancellation: Plans change? No problem! We offer flexible cancellation policies so you can book with peace of mind.
Don't Wait! Gijón is calling, and El Moderne Hotel is waiting to welcome you! Book your unforgettable getaway today and start making memories!
Unbelievable! This Bougival Aparthotel Will Blow Your Mind!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a gloriously messy, human-shaped blob of a plan, and it's heading straight for the El Moderne Hotel in Gijón, Spain. Prepare for some serious stream-of-consciousness… and possibly some existential dread.
The Gijón Gauntlet: A Messy Itinerary (aka, My Brain on Vacation)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- Morning (ish) - Travel from Homebase (let's just say, not Spain): Okay, so the flight. Let's just say it involved a near-miss with a crying toddler (me internalizing his pain – is this what empathy feels like?) and discovering my noise-canceling headphones actually work, which is a double-edged sword because now I can hear every embarrassing bodily function of the person next to me. Arrival to the city and getting to the hotel with luggage is a little harder than expected.
- Afternoon - El Moderne Check-In & First Impressions: Finally, Gijón! Whew. Found the El Moderne. Pretty sleek, I have to say. The lobby smells like expensive soap and… potential? Check-in was easy, mostly because the receptionist was ridiculously charming. Gave off major "I can speak three languages and probably sculpt marble in my spare time" vibes. My room. Well, the room is…okay. The view is… a brick wall? I did book the budget option. Ah, Spain. You are already teaching me patience.
- Late Afternoon - Wandering & the Initial Panic Attack (aka, the "What Have I Done?!" Phase): Right, so I’m alone. In Spain. With approximately zero Spanish vocabulary. Time to embrace the unknown, or at least, meander around looking vaguely lost. The town is beautiful. Seriously, the architecture is stunning, the air smells of the sea and something… delicious. Found myself staring at the Cimavilla district. I’m already craving food, I am pretty hungry. I don't know where I am, and honestly, I'm not totally sure how to buy groceries, but I AM HERE.
- Evening - Finding Food & Fumbling Through Dinner: Okay, so, dinner. Found a little tapas place - "El Rincon del… something." I pointed at things. Waved my hands. Said "Gracias" a lot. The waiter - bless his heart - understood. He smiled, I smiled. It was more of a silent conversation, but the fried potatoes and the local cider were divine. Cider is, by the way, a national treasure. Seriously, this stuff is like a fizzy apple hug. Felt like total bliss.
Day 2: The Beach, The Blues, and the Best Churros of My Life
- Morning – Beach Bliss (and the Shame of Pastiness): Okay, this beach… Playa de San Lorenzo. Breathtaking. The waves? Perfect. The weather? Glorious. My pale, pasty skin? In dire need of sunscreen. I spent the whole morning just… staring. People watching. Making mental notes of the ridiculously stylish locals. They make effortless chic look easy. After a little sun, I went back to the hotel to take a nap.
- Afternoon – Wandering + Lost & Searching & Lost some more: Ugh. I may or may not have gotten lost. Again. And the language thing? Still a struggle. I tried asking for directions. It was comical. I ended up wandering in a completely different direction. This time I wanted to go to the Museo Casa Natal Jovellanos, but I needed to find it.
- Late Afternoon – The Churro Revelation: Okay, I'm doubling down. I have found it! Churros. I have to shout about this! I did a tiny research and found a place called "Churros del Parque". It’s like, a tiny hole-in-the-wall, and the smell? Heaven. These weren’t just churros, they were crispy, golden-brown, cinnamon-sugar-dusted masterpieces. The chocolate? Thick, dark, and utterly soul-soothing. I ate three. Possibly four. Don't judge me! These are hands down the best churros in existence. I am now on a mission to eat a churro at every single place in Gijón.
- Evening - Cider Again & the Contemplation of Life: Back to the tapas place. This time, I could almost understand the waiter. The cider flowed freely. I sat alone, people-watching, and pondering life, my love for churros, and the fact that I haven't spoken to another human being who speaks English in 24 hours. I was thinking about how good the churros are.
Day 3: Culture, Regret, and the Promise of More Cider
- Morning - Cultural Immersion (Attempted): Today, I was determined to be cultured. I saw the Roman Baths and the Elogio del Horizonte, which is a giant concrete sculpture on the water. I mostly felt the awe. But the sheer weight of history gave me a headache.
- Afternoon - The Regret Sandwich: So, I ate too many churros again. And… maybe indulged in a little too much cider last night. I woke up with a monster headache. It must have been the churros. Or maybe the cider. Possibly the crippling anxiety of having to pack my suitcase. Anyway, I mostly stayed in my room and ordered room service.
- Late Afternoon - Recovery & Planning: I got some strong coffee and made a plan for the rest of this trip. I will be going to a different tapas bar. I am going to find the best Spanish restaurant I can.
- Evening - Goodbye Dinner with a Side of Anticipation: Another tapas place. This time, I knew the menu. I ordered everything. Said “!Gracias!” a lot. I walked back to the hotel. I feel calm. I was so sad to leave. But I am already planning my return.
Day 4: Departure & the Unfolding of the Future
- Morning - Packing & Leaving: I will miss El Moderne, especially the smell of the lobby. Packing is always an ordeal. I felt a little sadness as I headed to the airport. Was Gijón perfect? Nope. Did I eat too many churros and drink too much cider? Probably. But it was real. It was messy. It was mine.
- Afternoon - Travel Home: The flight back. Another adventure in itself.
- Evening - The Unpacking & the Reflection: I wonder again when I can go back to Gijón.
So there you have it. My gloriously imperfect, utterly human itinerary. Gijón, you were a blast. And the churros? I will dream of them. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need a nap.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Seattle's Most Luxurious Getaway (Unbelievable Views!)
Gijón Getaway: Uncover El Moderne Hotel's Hidden Gems! ...Or, My Chaotic Love Affair With Asturias.
Okay, spill it. El Moderne... is it really THAT good? The Insta-hype is real, or what?
Alright, alright, settle down! Look, the pictures? They're gorgeous. The *hotel* is gorgeous. But real talk? My expectations were astronomically high, fuelled by far too many beautifully curated Instagram feeds. And you know what? El Moderne... it *mostly* lived up. There were a few... hiccups. Like, the first morning, the coffee machine in the lobby was spitting out lukewarm brown water. And I *needed* coffee. Needed it like I needed oxygen! But the vibe? The quirky décor with its vintage travel posters and mismatched furniture? Chef's kiss. It felt less like staying in a hotel and more like crashing in a ridiculously stylish, slightly eccentric aunt's seriously cool apartment. Yes to the Insta-hype. Yes, even with the lukewarm coffee. Mostly.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient for exploring Gijón?
Location, location, location! El Moderne is basically smack-dab in the heart of Gijón – which is HUGE. You're a stone's throw from Playa de San Lorenzo (the beach!), which is magnificent. And the old town? Pinch-me-I'm-dreaming pretty. I could practically smell the seafood from my room, and let me tell you, that’s a good thing! BUT... and there's always a but, right? Parking is a NIGHTMARE. Seriously, plan on spending a good chunk of your holiday circling tiny streets, muttering under your breath about cobblestones and the absurd lack of parking spaces. We ended up parking, illegally I think, and praying every second someone wouldn't scratch the car... (don't tell anyone, I swear I'll be a good person next time)
Let's talk food. Did you eat, and if so, where and what?! Spill the tapas secrets!
Oh, the food. Sweet, glorious food. Asturias is a *culinary* adventure. Forget your diet. Throw it in the ocean. (Okay, maybe not *literally*). We ate. We ate *a lot*. El Moderne’s breakfast was decent, with good bread and some decent ham, nothing earth-shattering. But here’s the secret: hit up the local tapas bars! We found this tiny hole-in-the-wall called "La Sidreria de Pepe" - and let me tell you, that's where the magic happened! We ate *fabada Asturiana* - the local bean stew - until we could barely waddle. And the cider? Oh, the cider! They pour it from a great height, which looks insanely cool (and makes you feel slightly out of control...). It’s all part of the experience! Just be warned: don't try to catch the splash – you’ll end up wearing half of your drink. Trust me.
Any insider tips for navigating El Moderne? Any hidden gems *inside* the hotel itself?
Okay, listen up, because this is GOLD. First, find the little library nook. It's tucked away, filled with dusty books and comfy chairs. I spent a whole afternoon there, utterly lost in a novel, while the rain pounded against the window. Pure bliss. Second, the rooftop terrace. Go up there at sunset. The views of the city and the sea are breathtaking. And honestly? It's perfect for a pre-dinner glass of wine (when the sun, and the sea breeze hit your face... *chef's kiss*). Third, this is less a gem, but watch out for the elevator - it's a bit pokey and slow like you have to constantly stop for a very long time. And finally, be prepared to adjust. Things in Spain move at a different pace. Don't expect instant service. Embrace the chaos. That's part of the charm! Also! and I had so many of them – the random art pieces. There was a weird sculpture in the lobby that I *still* don't understand, but it made me laugh every single time. (Seriously, the lobby, I feel like you have to be a certain kind of person to enjoy, but it's a great people watching spot.)
About the rooms? Cosy or cramped?
Okay, so the rooms... they're charming, for sure. But "cosy" is a kind word for "a bit small." We had a "superior" room, which was perfectly adequate, but let's not pretend it was a palatial suite. Think stylish but functional. The bed was comfortable, thank goodness, because after all that food, I NEEDED to collapse after every meal. The bathroom, however, was a bit... compact. You're probably going to realize you're a little too big trying to get out the shower... but it's clean, it's modern, and the toiletries were actually pretty decent. I will add, the soundproofing wasn't perfect, and on a Saturday night, there was a *lot* of revelry going on outside. So, pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper... or just join the party! And, on the downside: our room missed the best views. It looked over a very unremarkable street. I could have cried.
Okay, okay, let's get real. What *didn't* you like about El Moderne?
Alright, here's the truth bomb: the noise. This is a city hotel, and the noise from the street at like 3 or 4am was... intense. I found myself yelling at the windows, begging the revellers to get some sleep. The "customer service" varied. Some staff members were incredibly helpful and friendly, others seemed like they'd rather be anywhere but there. ( I get it, we all have those days. I think I might have been more of a jerk during my stay). And, yes, the parking situation. I'm still having nightmares of circling tiny streets. And the minor complaints I've listed previously. It's by no means a perfect place, but it's a place with *character*, and I'd gladly put up with some noise and parking woes for the overall experience.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely. Despite the lukewarm coffee, the parking trauma, and the late-night noise, I would absolutely go back. Gijón itself is magical. And El Moderne, with all its quirks and imperfections, is an integral part of that charm. It's got a vibe. It's got style. It's got a rooftop terrace that will make you weep with happiness. It's not a flawless hotel, but it's got a soul. And honestly? That's more important. So, yes. I'll be plotting my return... as soon as I can face the parking situation again. Maybe I'll take a scooter. Or an Uber. Trip Stay Finder
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