Seville's Cathedral: Unbelievable Terrazas Reservaloen Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause we're diving headfirst into a review of [Insert Hotel Name Here], and let me tell you, it's gonna be a wild ride. Forget your perfectly polished, corporate-speak hotel reviews. We're getting REAL. We’re talking warts and all, with a dash of sheer, unadulterated opinion. Prepare yourselves for a review that's more "I walked in, I saw, I scribbled furiously" than a meticulously crafted dissertation.
First, let’s get the important stuff outta the way…
Accessibility (and the Sweet, Sweet Access):
Okay, so the website says it has facilities for disabled guests. And the elevator… well, it IS there, thank god. Navigating these hallways? Sort of doable, I guess. I mean, I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did see some folks whizzing around, and it seemed… mostly alright. There's a doorman and a 24-hour front desk, which is crucial. Look, accessibility isn't always perfect, right? But it seemed like they were putting in the effort. I'm giving them a solid maybe on this one. Let's see if the restaurant…
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Oh, bless. It seems they do have restaurants and lounges on-site, which is a win - if they are actually, truly, accessible. I mean, what's the point if the food isn't worth the effort? We'll circle back.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above.
Internet & Tech Tangents:
- Internet Access: Yes, thankfully. In a world of digital nomads and TikTok addicts, this is a MUST.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! This is a major win. No nickel-and-diming for my Instagram addiction? I'm in.
- Internet [LAN]: Hmmm, old-school LAN cables? Okay, cool for the grandpas.
- Internet Services: They probably have them. I'm guessing printing and stuff. Who cares?
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yes, thank god. This is 2024, people.
Okay, I gotta rant. I remember one hotel, years ago, charging FORTY DOLLARS a day for Wi-Fi. FORTY! I almost threw a chair. This place gets it. They understand the sheer necessity of being able to stalk your ex on Facebook while simultaneously pretending to work.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – The Spa-tacular Shenanigans:
Okay, let’s break this down. The list is long, isn't it?
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Sounds… messy. I’m in!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, I saw one of these. Looked… adequate. Treadmills and shiny things.
- Foot bath: Intriguing. Could go either way.
- Massage: YES. Always yes.
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: This place has ALL the water-based relaxation. I saw that view and almost cried. Beautiful. Seriously, the outdoor pool… it was the kind of pool that makes you want to become a pool person. I could practically feel my stress melting away. I spent a solid afternoon just floating and staring at the sky. It was pure bliss.
- Couple's room: Sounds… romantic. For the right couple. Not for me.
Alright, here's a confession. I'm a spa addict. I’m talking full-blown, robe-wearing, cucumber-eye-mask-wearing addict. And this spa? Was good. No, wait. It was GREAT. The massage? Heavenly. The steam room? So hot, I almost passed out (in a good way!). The whole experience was… well, let's just say it was the kind of experience that makes you consider selling all your worldly possessions and becoming a permanent guest.
Cleanliness & Safety – Is it germ-free?
Alright, this is a big one these days, right? I'm a nervous Nelly when it comes to cleanliness, so I was on high alert.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Always a good sign. Makes you feel like you're not going to spontaneously combust from a rogue germ.
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Options! I’m here for it.
- Cashless payment service: Excellent. Less fumbling for my wallet, more time for… well, spa treatments.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: They're trying!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: That's the standard these days.
- Hygiene certification: Makes me feel better… probably.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Okay, I’m a little less worried about the buffet.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: See, this is practical.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: Good. Very good.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: Sigh of relief.
- Shared stationery removed: Because who knows where those pens have been?
- Sterilizing equipment: Okay, they're REALLY taking this seriously.
Look, the place felt clean. I didn't get sick. And in the world we live in, that's a massive win.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Feed Me!
Okay, let’s be frank, food is a HUGE part of my travel experience. I LIVE to eat!
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, 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, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: DEEP BREATH. They have everything. Literally.
- Room service [24-hour]: YES! This is essential for late-night cravings and/or existential crises.
Anecdote Time: I’m sitting at breakfast (buffet, naturally) and the guy next to me, a very enthusiastic eater, piled his plate so high with bacon it was practically a food pyramid. He then proceeded to knock over his entire orange juice. It was a spectacular, albeit messy, display. The staff were amazing, though. Didn't bat an eye, just cleaned it up with a smile. Service, right there. The breakfast itself? Solid. Bacon was crispy, eggs were fluffy. No complaints.
The poolside bar? Equally delightful. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set over the pool? Pure, unadulterated luxury. (And yes, I may have had too many cocktails. Judge me if you must.)
Services and Conveniences – The Perks of Being a Tourist Goblin:
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential. You'll want it.
- 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, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Whew! This is a long list.
For the Kids – Are they welcome?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They're going for it!
Access – Getting Around & Staying Safe
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Safety, folks. Safety. I appreciate the 24-hour security.
- Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Getting around is easy, if you do so.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Seville adventure that's less "perfect Instagram squares" and more "gloriously chaotic real life." This is my attempt to wrangle a trip to Reservaloen Terrazas de la Catedral (a place that sounds fancy, I'll admit) into a proper itinerary, but with a healthy dose of "me" sprinkled in. Brace yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival, Tapas, and a Tiny Terror (Possibly Me)
Morning (or what passes for morning after a transatlantic flight): Land in Seville. Expect immediate sensory overload. The sun? Intense. The air? Thicker than a politician's promises. The sheer number of orange trees? Makes you feel like you've stumbled into some kind of citrus-scented paradise. The airport pickup? Pray it actually is your airport pickup. I'm already sweating and haven't even left the airport.
- An anecdote: Last time I landed in Spain, I almost boarded the wrong bus. My Spanish is passable, but my "jet lag comprehension" is decidedly not. Managed to stumble into the right one eventually, but not before a very stern-looking señora gave me the death stare. Lesson learned: carry a coffee and a dictionary - or at least a good smile.
Mid-day: Check-in and Initial Exploration: Check into Reservaloen Terrazas de la Catedral. (Okay, that name sounds pretty swanky, I'm excited to see what the terrazas are all about.) Unpack (or attempt to unpack - I'm a chronic over-packer. Clothes everywhere, always). Take a deep breath and then…panic clean for 5 minutes. First impressions? Hopefully, better than my room cleaning skills.
Afternoon: Tapas Tour - The Real Test: The mission today? Tapas. Specifically: finding the best tapas. Research? Minimal. Gut instinct? Maximum. This is where things could get interesting. I'll wander the narrow streets near the Cathedral (because, well, location, location, location!), armed with nothing but a hungry stomach and a hope for deliciousness.
- Quirky Observation: I'm convinced tapas are designed to be a culinary version of hide-and-seek. You wander from bar to bar, finding little edible treasures, and feeling increasingly smug with each discovery.
Evening: Cathedral Views and a Possible Meltdown: Okay, this is the big one. Reservaloen Terrazas de la Catedral, right? I'm picturing myself, cocktail in hand, watching the sunset paint the Cathedral in golden hues. Sounds idyllic, doesn't it? In reality? I'll probably spill something on myself (probably something with red wine). And I will feel slightly terrified of heights. But I'll push through. I have to. The IG stories depend on it.
- Emotional Reaction: The thought of being up high with these views is giving me chills. Seriously, the architectural beauty is what I've been waiting for. I'm really looking forward to the sunset.
- Possible Imperfection: The cocktail? May be too strong. Myself? Might become a Tiny Terror after a few of them.
Night: Post-terrace, the search for more tapas begins. And the potential for a terrible decision at 2 am, fueled by chorizo and a questionable sense of judgment. Stay tuned.
Day 2: Flamenco, Lost in the Labyrinth, and Emotional Baggage
Morning: Coffee and a Cathedral Glance (Attempted): Wake up. Pray the jet-lag hasn't utterly destroyed me. Seek coffee. Seriously, it's a non-negotiable. Wander toward the Cathedral for a proper look.
- Rambling: Okay, the Cathedral is huge. Like, mind-bogglingly huge. I might need to buy a map. And maybe a sedative.
Mid-day: Flamenco Fury: Flamenco show! I’ve always been captivated by the energy, the passion. I've done some research, and I've got tickets. Ready to be totally mesmerized. I'm expecting to feel completely moved by the emotion, the power, of it all.
- Doubling Down: I'm putting this experience in the center of the day. I'm going to let the emotions of the show take over. Because I need more of that in my life.
Afternoon: Exploring the Santa Cruz (AKA, Getting Lost): Venture into the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Known for its charming, winding streets. Famous for being easy to get completely and utterly lost in. This is where the fun begins (or the existential crisis, depending on how my sense of direction fares).
- Messy Structure: The problem is, I get easily distracted. A beautiful door? Must take a picture. A flower box spilling over with color? Must stop and smell the roses (literally and metaphorically). A cute little shop? I'm in. This is going to be a mess. And I'm kind of okay with it.
Evening: Tapas Round Two and Reflection: Dinner. Tapas. Maybe a walk along the Guadalquivir river. Reflect on the day, the flamenco, the lostness. Consider the meaning of life over a glass of fino sherry.
- Opinionated Language: Look, I'm going to say it: Sherry is underrated. It's perfect with tapas. Don't even argue with me.
- Emotional Reaction: I'll be honest, I'm already missing my dog. Travel is amazing, but it's also lonely sometimes. I might need a cuddle session with a cushion.
Day 3: Leaving and Longing
- Morning: Last breakfast. Savor every bite. Try not to cry. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping (panic-buying, more like).
- Mid-day: Farewell to the best of Seville and my view of the Catedral.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Wave goodbye to the city. It was messy, it was wonderful, and I'm already planning my return.
This is my Seville adventure, in all its gloriously flawed and slightly unhinged glory. I have no idea what will actually happen, but I'm embracing the chaos. Wish me luck. And maybe send chocolate.
HANZ Sofia Hotel: Your Phu Quoc Paradise Awaits!
What's the absolute WORST piece of advice you ever got?
Oh, man. Where do I even *begin*? Okay, so, picture this: I was, like, 22, fresh out of college, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and utterly clueless. My Aunt Mildred, bless her heart – and this is where I should probably interject and say, "don't get me wrong, Mildred is a sweet lady..." but honestly, sometimes... well, sometimes her advice is gold, sometimes it's pyrite. Anyway, she cornered me at a family barbecue and said, in her most knowing voice, "Honey, just be yourself! The right person will love you for who you are." *Cue record scratch.* Now, on the face of it, that sounds lovely, right? But in practice? It was a recipe for disaster. I took it as a license to… well, to be *me*, unfiltered. That meant messy hair, talking WAY too much about my obscure hobby (collecting antique thimbles, don't judge), and being, in retrospect, *slightly* abrasive. Let's just say the "right person" never materialized in the five years after that gem of advice. It took me a while to figure out, that while you SHOULD be authentic, "being yourself" is a bit like being a sculpture. You need to *shape* yourself, refine the edges. I needed to polish my thimble collection, not just display it like a chaotic shrine. So yeah, Aunt Mildred, love ya, but maybe lay off the life lessons.
What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you in public?
Oh, sweet lord. Where do I even *start* with this one? Okay, okay. Strap in. It involves public transport, a crowded commute, and a truly epic wardrobe malfunction. It was rush hour, a sea of disgruntled faces crammed onto the subway. I, of course, was running late, hence the frantic sprint that resulted in this whole debacle. Now, I was wearing a new... let's call it a "structured" dress. It looked fabulous, I thought. Turns out, it had a *very* complicated zipper situation. I was standing, clutching a precarious coffee, subtly trying to apply some lipgloss when BAM. The zipper, in a dramatic, theatrical flourish, completely… let’s just say the dress imploded. The back of my dress fell down to my waist. In a crowded train car. During rush hour. And the kicker? This wasn't a quick, elegant slide. Oh no. This was a slow, agonizing process, like a silent movie of impending doom. I felt the cold air, the stares... the sheer *horror*. And then, the inevitable. I froze. I just stood there, frozen in place, probably with a deer-in-headlights expression. Finally, a kind-faced elderly woman, holding a shopping bag overflowing with groceries, took pity on me. She very gently tugged my dress up so I could be covered. And I looked up and saw the stares, and heard the snickers. And I. Just. Wanted. To. Disappear. To this day, I avoid structured anything. I still shudder at the thought.
What's something you're surprisingly good at?
Hmm. Okay, this one requires a little introspection, which, I'm not gonna lie, can be a bit painful. I think... and this might surprise some people who know me (ahem, Aunt Mildred)... I'm actually pretty good at listening. No, seriously! I'm not always *great* at *remembering* what I've heard, but I can genuinely *listen* to someone, like *really* listen, and try to understand their perspective, even if I don't agree with it. It's funny, because I'm often the one talking, right? Rambling on, telling stories, oversharing. But I also have a weird fascination with people. I love hearing their stories, their struggles, their triumphs. And I try, really try, to put down my own defenses and just be present. Sometimes I fail, of course. My mind wanders. I start formulating my response halfway through what they're saying. But I try. And I think that's a skill, maybe not the most glamorous one, but it definitely helps, in a world that needs some serious listening skills.
What's a habit you'd like to break?
Oh, oh, oh! This is an easy one. Procrastination. The granddaddy of all my bad habits. Look, I *know* what needs to get done. I *know* I'll feel better once I finish it. But does that stop me from putting it off until the absolute last minute? Absolutely not! It's a cycle. Anxiety about the task builds. Then, I'm scrolling social media. Next, I'm wandering the house "organizing." Followed by staring blankly into space, and maybe making myself another cup of coffee. And finally, PANIC. Followed by a mad scramble to get everything done at the eleventh hour. And you know what? It almost always works out. But I still want to break this habit. It's exhausting, both mentally and emotionally. Maybe I'll start tomorrow… wait, scratch that. *Today*. Okay, maybe the day after. I'll have to start working on that thing eventually...
What's a small thing that always cheers you up?
Okay, this is easy. Coffee. The smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning is... well, it's about the closest I get to a religious experience. Seriously. The aroma, the warm mug, the first, glorious sip... pure, unadulterated joy. Even if everything else is falling apart, a good cup of coffee can make things feel a little bit brighter, a little bit more manageable. I had a truly awful morning this week. Woke up late, burned the toast, spilled coffee all over my shirt, and was late to a meeting. It was a catastrophe, honestly. But then I remembered, I had a favorite coffee shop a few block away. I walked in, ordered my usual, and took my first sip. And as I sat there, people-watching, I realized that I was actually sort of okay. The world still has ups and downs, but it's like, coffee is like that tiny little life raft that keeps you afloat when everything feels like going under. It grounds you, right? It centers you. Plus, the caffeine never hurts.
What's something you're afraid of?
Okay, this isn't gonna be some profound philosophical observation. I'm afraid of spiders. Not just any spiders, though. Big, hairy ones. The kind that scuttle across your path in the dark, you see them in the corner of your eye, and you *know* that you're never going to sleep again. I once had to deal with a rogue spider in my bedroom. It was late. I was alone. I saw IT crawling across the wall. I screamed. I ran out of the room. And then I proceeded to call my best friend, sobbing, to come to my house and deal with the situation. I am not ashamed to admit itUptown Lodging
