Escape to Paradise: Hotel Principado de Europa, Cabrales, Spain
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Principado de Europa - A Review Built on Honest Rambles (and a Love of Mountain Air)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my experience at Hotel Principado de Europa in Cabrales, Spain. Forget the polished travel brochure. This is the REAL deal, warts and all, with a hefty dose of my personal, often bewildered, reactions thrown in. And trust me, after that drive up those winding Cabrales roads, I needed that hotel.
First Impressions (and the Drive Up):
Let's be honest, the approach to Cabrales almost killed me. Seriously. Those hairpin turns are not for the faint of heart. Imagine clutching the steering wheel, silently praying your little rental car doesn't tumble into oblivion. But then you arrive. And the views? Oh. My. Word. Jaw dropping doesn't even begin to cover it. This is Spain at its most ruggedly beautiful, and the hotel, perched proudly, just fits.
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Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (But with Heart):
Okay, let's be real about accessibility. The hotel does have facilities for disabled guests, including an elevator, which is a huge win. However, the layout, with its varying levels and some potentially tight spaces, might be a little challenging for those with significant mobility issues. I’d recommend contacting the hotel directly beforehand to clarify specific room and facility accessibility as it’s not a glaringly obvious, 100% seamless experience.
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Rooms & Amenities - Comfort & Convenience:
My room was, thankfully, one of the non-smoking options. Cleanliness? Seriously, the place sparkles. From the pristine bathroom to the spotless (and oh-so-needed) blackout curtains, it was a sanctuary after a day of exploring. You've got your air conditioning (bless!), free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!), a mini bar (tempting!), and a safe in-room (always useful). They also provide complimentary tea and coffee which is a nice touch. Seriously. Everyone wants a cup after a long day.
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And the bed? Oh, the bed. Extra long bed, people! As someone who's perpetually wrestling with sheets, this was a godsend. The toiletries were decent, but honestly, I'm a sucker for my own stuff. And the hairdryer? Powerful. Essential. Lifesaver.
Internet Access - Because, Well, Life:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I am very pleased. I spent a lot of time in the hotel, sometimes working from the laptop workspace which was nice.
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Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (And Maybe a Little Too Much Wine):
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. They have a restaurant! And I'm a massive fan of Western cuisine. There were also vegetarian options for those who are so inclined. The buffet breakfast was a solid way to start the day - the usual array of pastries, fruit, and the all-important coffee.
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The bar was a welcome sight after those driving shenanigans. The poolside bar was also a good place to spend some time. They have a happy hour. That's always nice. Now, I may have indulged in the poolside bar a little too much… and that's a story for another time. Safe to say, it was a beautiful experience. You can also get a bottle of water and coffee/tea.
Relaxation & Well-being - Spa Day Dreams…Almost:
This is where I was truly intrigued and felt a little…let down. They boast a Spa and a Sauna, a steamroom, and a swimming pool (outdoor). Sounds amazing, right? And it is. However, there wasn’t a pool with a view like I expected. Plus there was no body scrub or body wrap. Oh. And there's a fitness center, and a gym/fitness. So if you want to get in shape while staying there, now's your chance.
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Cleanliness & Safety - Peace of Mind (Especially in These Times)
In the current climate, the cleanliness and safety protocols are PARAMOUNT. They use anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas so that's a good start. Rooms sanitized between stays, and I did see staff following protocols. It's reassuring to know that the hotel is taking hygiene seriously.
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Services & Conveniences - The Little Things that Matter:
The concierge was incredibly helpful. Food delivery and a convenience store were also a nice touch. The luggage storage was invaluable. All that said, it’s a hotel. You'll find what you need. The basic necessities, at least.
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Things to Do - Beyond the Hotel Walls (and in the Hotel Walls):
Beyond the hotel, there's the obvious: explore the Picos de Europa National Park! Hiking, cheese tasting (Cabrales cheese, obviously!), and generally soaking up that breathtaking scenery. The hotel can organize airport transfer and taxi service if you need it.
But let's talk about a single, glorious experience:
One evening, I decided to fully embrace the "escape to paradise" theme. I commandeered a deckchair by the pool. The setting sun was painting the mountains in fiery hues, the air was crisp and clean, and I had a glass of local wine in hand. It was genuinely magical. Just… for a moment, the world melted away. I have to admit, as I sat there, I felt like I could actually escape.
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What Could Be Better (My Honest Gripes):
- The Spa experience could be enhanced. The facilities are there, but the overall vibe could be more relaxing and inviting.
- While the staff were friendly, the service wasn’t always lightning-fast.
- The breakfast buffet, while good, could benefit from a bit of variety.
The Verdict (In My Opinion):
Hotel Principado de Europa is not perfect. But it’s authentic. It’s charming. And it offers an undeniably stunning location. It's a solid choice, especially if you're prioritizing those mountain views and a comfortable base for exploring the region.
My Final, Unvarnished, Emotionally Charged Recommendation?
Book it. Just… book it. You'll probably have a fantastic time. And if you're lucky enough to experience that sunset by the pool? Well, you'll understand why I wrote this rambling, slightly messy review in the first place.
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A Compelling Offer to Persuade Your Target Audience:
Escape to the Majestic Picos de Europa! – Your Unforgettable Adventure at Hotel Principado de Europa!
Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for breathtaking scenery, fresh mountain air, and a genuine escape from the everyday? Then look no further than Hotel Principado de Europa in the heart of Cabrales, Spain!
Here's Why You NEED This Getaway:
- Unparalleled Views: Wake up to panoramic vistas of the stunning Picos de Europa mountains. Prepare to have your breath taken away!
- Comfort & Relaxation: Unwind in our comfortable rooms with FREE Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and those glorious blackout curtains that ensure a perfect night's sleep.
- Adventure at Your Doorstep: Explore the incredible hiking trails, savor the local Cabrales cheese, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Unwind and Rejuvenate: Take a dip in our outdoor swimming pool (weather permitting!), and let the stress melt away.
- Safety & Peace of Mind: We prioritize your safety with enhanced cleaning protocols and staff trained in the latest hygiene measures.
Special Offer!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Cabrales, Spain adventure at the Hotel Principado De Europa. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary, folks. This is real life. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of the sublime.
Day 1: Arrival and immediate cheese-related existential crisis
Morning (or what’s left of it after a flight from hell): Touchdown in Asturias! Airport is… quaint. By quaint, I mean it took a solid hour of staring blankly at the baggage carousel before my suitcase, which is practically a member of my family, finally appeared. Feeling slightly bewildered and a tad jet-lagged, I finally stumble my way into a taxi and the driver, bless his heart, doesn’t speak a lick of English. We communicate through a symphony of hand gestures and increasingly confused sheep noises (I blame the altitude).
Afternoon: Arrive at Hotel Principado De Europa. First impressions? Stunning. The building itself is a stunner. Old school charm. The mountain views? Dear. God. The mountains. I swear I saw a cloud wave at me. Check-in is smooth, thankfully. Though, I may have accidentally called the receptionist “madame” with a thick Brooklyn accent, the mountains making me feel a little, you know, fancy.
The cheese. Oh, the cheese: Okay, listen. Cabrales cheese is legendary. And it's the main reason, aside from the mountains, I'm here. I head straight to a local shop, eyes wide with anticipation. I buy a wedge. A HUGE wedge. And a baguette. I take it back to my room, and…well, let's just say it's an experience. It's pungent. Really pungent. So pungent that I'm pretty sure my room now identifies as a cheese cellar. The taste? A symphony of flavors! But… it's also… really strong. I feel like I've simultaneously found heaven and questioned my entire life. I eat more. I cry a little bit. It’s a profound experience, okay? Don't judge.
Evening: Wander into Cabrales town, feeling like a cheese-fueled zombie. Charming. Cobblestone streets, a smattering of cheerful locals, and the omnipresent scent of…cheese. Obviously. I have to find a restaurant. I stumble into a tiny, dimly lit tavern. The kind of place where the walls seem to whisper stories. Order a bottle of local cider (it's delicious, like liquid sunshine) and some hearty stew. I have a brief, intense conversation with a very old woman who doesn't speak English. We bond over shared glances, and she gives me a wink that hints at the secrets she knows about this little town.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cheese-induced existential crises.
Day 2: Hiking Highs and Valley Lows
Morning: I wake up feeling like I’ve been gently pummeled by a particularly enthusiastic sheep. Cheese hangover, anyone? The view from my window, though, is a cure. I scarf down a breakfast of coffee and a croissant, and it's time for a hike. Up into those glorious mountains I go! Armed with a hastily-acquired map (which I later realize is upside down for the first hour), I begin my ascent. The air is crisp, the sun is bright. I stop every ten minutes to gasp at the scenery. I feel like a tiny ant in a giant, green and craggy world. This is what it is all about.
Afternoon: The hike is… let's call it "challenging." At one point, I may have thought I was going to die from a combination of exertion and sheer beauty. I scramble, I slip, I nearly faceplant into a particularly photogenic cow. But the views at the top? Glorious. Absolutely worth it. The entire valley is spread out before me, a patchwork of green and brown dotted with tiny villages. It's humbling, breathtaking, and also leaves me deeply exhausted. I'm pretty sure my legs are screaming for mercy.
Evening: Back at the hotel, I'm too tired, and smelly, to do anything. I contemplate ordering room service, which means a long bath and maybe some snacks. But instead, I do laundry. The ancient washing machine has a mind of its own, and I spend a good chunk of time wrestling with it. I'm pretty sure my clean clothes will come up looking a bit more… vintage. It's a total mess. But somehow, in that mess, there’s something peaceful. Watching my clothes spin (eventually) in the machine, I feel a sense of ridiculous accomplishment. It's the little things, you know?
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 near-death experiences by cheese and spectacular vistas.
Day 3: Caves, Cider, and the End of the World (or at least, my trip)
Morning: Today, caves! I head to the Cueva del Queso (Cheese Cave). I'd been looking forward to tasting the cheese there, aging in a natural cave and the humidity of the place, but they are closed to the public. However, I got to taste the Cabrales cheese which was aged in the cave, and that was a sublime experience.
Afternoon: Because I couldn't enter the cave, I took the scenic route to the hotel. That was when an idea came to my head. A real crazy idea. I decided to head up to the Mirador del Pozo, to stare at the Cabrales Valley. I was there, enjoying the scenery, and something was calling my name. A church. I've never been very religious, but I'm starting to think I did the right thing.
Evening: Sigh. The last evening. I find a restaurant. I'm not sure what to expect. I ask the waiter for the best recommendation. The waiter points at a dish, and I get it. The dish is a slow-cooked Asturian bean stew, fabada Asturiana. The food is wonderful, and is a perfect summary of the weekend. I'm sad, and happy. Eating the food. I take one last walk through the town, one last look at everything. I take one last deep breath of that mountain air. I know that I will be back.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Last Night Regrets.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn’t perfect. I didn’t get everything right. But it was real. It was messy. It was beautiful. And the cheese? Well, the cheese was a religious experience. I left Cabrales with a full belly, a slightly cheese-obsessed brain, and a deep, abiding love for those mountains. And that, my friends, is a win. And what the hotel was like? Absolutely lovely. I highly recommend it. Now, where’s that cheese?
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Principado de Europa - The Truth (and Maybe Some Lies)
Is "Paradise" a bit of a stretch for this hotel? Let's get real...
Okay, but what about the location? Is Cabrales even worth the trek?
The rooms...how luxurious are we talking? Are there turndown services with a tiny chocolate on the pillow?
What about the food at the hotel restaurant? Is it all fancy pants cuisine or something more accessible?
Any tips for maximizing the "paradise" experience?
Okay, the bad stuff. Spill the tea. What actually SUCKED?
Would you go back? Is this paradise?
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