**Santander Plaza: Unveiling Spain's Hidden Gem!**
Santander Plaza: Spain's Not-So-Hidden Gem (But Still Pretty Good!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, alright, settle in, buttercups! Get ready for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about Santander Plaza. Forget the glossy brochures and Insta-perfect photos. I'm laying it ALL bare. This ain't just a review; it's an experience. And buckle up, because it's going to be a bumpy ride.
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Accessibility - The Good, The Bad, and the "Almost"
First things first, because, well, it's important. Accessibility at Santander Plaza? Let's just say it's a mixed bag. The elevator is there, thank goodness! Getting around the common areas was pretty smooth. Wheelchair accessible? Okay, yeah, technically. Ramps are present. BUT, and it's a big but, the hallways felt a teensy bit narrow, and navigating the restaurant… well, let's just say I saw a few puzzled faces as I tried to maneuver around tables. The bathrooms in the common areas (I'll get to the rooms later) were…adequate. Not necessarily spacious, but usable, yeah? Just a smidge cramped for the bigger, more robust wheelchairs.
Rooms and Wi-Fi - My Digital Sanctuary and My Tiny Prison
Thankfully, the room itself was generally designed for those with disabilities, and in great shape with the space one needs. That’s a HUGE plus. Now, the Wi-Fi… sigh. Look, they claimed Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! AND Internet [LAN]! They weren't lying, technically. The Wi-Fi was free, and it did work (mostly). BUT, it was like having a temperamental toddler. One minute it was streaming HD movies, the next, it was buffering like it was stuck in dial-up hell. The Internet services themselves were also a bit… limited, so I’m not entirely sure what I could have done in here beyond the free Wi-Fi. Then again, the option to have Internet [LAN] was there, too. Now I had to find a cable so here I was back to the slow Wi-Fi again. What a tease.
My saving grace? The Air conditioning was a GODSEND. I was thrilled – and the Free bottled water? That was a nice touch after a long day of exploring. Also, the Desk, Laptop workspace AND multiple Socket near the bed that was a relief!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - An International Buffet of, Well, Everything!
Okay, let's talk food. The heart of any vacation, right? The Asian breakfast wasn't spectacular, mind you, and the Asian cuisine in restaurant was a bit bland, honestly. The Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant was good! What I liked was the Buffet in restaurant the variety. The Coffee shop served a decent latte, thank goodness. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver for a midday cocktail, and I definitely indulged in a few Happy hour specials. The quality of drinks overall was top-notch.
I did however get a little weary of the options. It was a buffet. You know, you just grab whatever there is and go for it. But you do get used to it, and it wasn’t a bad choice. The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend at 3 am when my stomach decided it wanted a pizza party. The Bottle of water was ALWAYS appreciated.
Cleanliness and Safety - Masks on, Friends!
Listen, I came here during a time when the world was a little sketchier, to put it mildly. So, the Cleanliness and safety protocols were hugely important. They took it seriously. The staff was on top of it with masks, lots of Hand sanitizer, and Daily disinfection in common areas. I still remember seeing someone with Professional-grade sanitizing services cleaning the door handle of the elevator. The Rooms sanitized between stays seemed legit as well. It really put my mind at ease, to be honest. I saw a First aid kit too, which was a nice touch, but didn’t use. The only thing they missed was Anti-viral cleaning products.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa, Spa, Spa! (And Maybe a Sauna if You're Lucky)
This is where Santander Plaza really shines. Their Spa is the stuff dreams are made of. They had a Pool with view! The Sauna, the Steamroom, the Massage -- all pure bliss. I splurged on a Body scrub and Body wrap – and for a few glorious hours, I forgot all about the world outside. If you’re into it, get it. The Fitness center/Gym/fitness was surprisingly well-equipped, and I actually managed to drag myself in there a couple of times. The Swimming pool [outdoor], was a major plus.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
Look, the Doorman knows how to greet you, but the details made the stay. The Front desk [24-hour] were always helpful and kind. The Concierge made a few restaurant recommendations (some were great, some… not so much). The Elevator! My savior. The Food delivery was a bit hit and miss, but hey, options are good! The Laundry service was life-saving (especially after a particularly messy tapas experience), and the Luggage storage was convenient.
For the Kids - Bring the Family!
They seemed very Family/child friendly.
Getting Around - You Gotta Get There First!
Airport transfer was available but I didn't try it. The Car park [free of charge] was a massive bonus. Car park [on-site] too! The Taxi service was reliable and readily available, but I opted to walk mostly. I should have used the Valet parking, to be honest.
The Nitty Gritty… and My Random Thoughts
- Non-smoking rooms? YES, thank goodness!
- Pets allowed? Nope. Sorry, Fido.
- Cashless payment service was super convenient.
- Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher was present and a good security measure!
The Verdict: Worth a Stay?
Honestly? Yes, absolutely. Despite the few hiccups with accessibility and the occasionally wonky Wi-Fi, Santander Plaza is a solid choice. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the spa is pure magic. It's not perfect, but it's got heart. And, let's be real, sometimes that's all you need. I definitely left feeling more relaxed and refreshed than I arrived.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars (Would be 5 if the Wi-Fi behaved and the accessibility was perfect)
Click Hotel Jaipur: Raja Park's BEST Kept Secret!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to plunge headfirst into the swirling, salty, sun-drenched chaos of Plaza Santander! Forget those perfectly curated travel brochures, because this is the REAL Santander, baby. Expect things to go sideways, expect me to get lost, and expect to maybe, just maybe, shed a tear or two (happy tears, naturally… probably).
Day 1: Arrival, Alfajores, and Existential Dread (aka, Attempting to Find My Hotel)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Landing in Santander. Already sweating like a pig in a sauna. Air conditioning on the flight? Non-existent. First impression? Dusty. Second impression? Gloriously dusty, like a well-loved antique shop. Okay, let's navigate the airport… which, let's be honest, resembles a particularly beige waiting room.
- 9:30 AM: Taxi procured! Or at least, a taxi that claims it knows where my hotel is. Praying to the patron saint of lost travelers.
- 10:00 AM: Oh. My. God. The hotel does exist. And it's… well, it's definitely a place. Let's call it "charming in a slightly crumbling way." The receptionist looks like she hasn’t slept since the invention of the wheel.
- 10:30 AM: Unpack… or attempt to. My suitcase exploded. Clothes everywhere. Already considering just living in the damn suitcase.
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Alfajores Pilgrimage! Crucial. Must. Find. Alfajores. So, I'd read online about this bakery, "Pastelería Sol, " supposedly the best. Found it! The aroma alone could cure all ailments. Chose a couple of alfajores. Took a bite. My life… changed. Seriously. The sweetness, the melt-in-your-mouth texture… I'm gonna be honest, I think I might be in love. And I bought a box. And another box. Don't judge me. This is survival.
- 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Wander. Aimless, glorious wander. Plaza Santander beckons. Found the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) - gorgeous, but also, a little imposing. Felt a sudden overwhelming urge to write a sonnet about the pigeons. Resisted. Mostly. Instead, bought a ridiculously overpriced coffee and sat. And watched. And felt… a weird sense of peace. Maybe this Santander thing will be okay.
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Lunch. Tapas! Tried some gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) which, naturally, I managed to spill down my front. The waiter, bless his heart, just smiled and brought me more napkins. Embarrassed, but also, delicious.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: A stroll around the Plaza, taking in the sights. The architecture is stunning, the sea breeze is blissful and I can see the ocean!! The sun is shining! I am SO happy here.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a shower. Then a nap. Or maybe just curl up into a ball and disappear. The alfajores are calling.
Day 2: Beach Mayhem, a Seafood Debacle, and the Search for the Perfect Sunset
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Hotel breakfast. Let's just say, it's… continental. Suspect the "fresh" fruit might be older than me. Alfajores to the rescue!
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Beach Day! Playa del Sardinero. This. Place. Is. Stunning. The waves! The sand! The sheer audacity of the seagulls! Decided to be a proper tourist and attempt to learn to surf. Epic fail. Ended up mostly face-planting into the Atlantic. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch. Seafood. Ambition got the better of me. Saw a place by the docks promising the "freshest catch." Ordered the paella. Big mistake. HUGE. The rice was… gummy. The seafood… slightly suspect. Spent the afternoon battling indigestion. Lesson learned: stick to the tapas. And the alfajores.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap Time! The paella did me in.
- 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Sunset Quest. Determined to find THE perfect sunset viewing spot. Rambled along the Paseo Pereda, getting blissfully lost. Found a charming little chiringuito (beach bar), ordered a glass of local wine, and waited. The sunset? Okay, it was beautiful. Not life-altering, but definitely nice. Realized I'd left my phone on the bar. Scrambled back. It was still there! Faith in humanity = restored… for now.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Tapas again! This time, I know exactly where to go. The smaller the place, the better the food. Found a local gem, the place stuffed. The anchovies were heavenly. I could eat anchovies for every meal.
Day 3: Exploring, Museum Madness, and a Final Alfajor Farewell
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. See above (re: hotel breakfast and alfajores).
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Culture time! Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria (Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology). Okay, I'm not a museum person, usually. But this place? Actually fascinating. Cave paintings that are thousands of years old! Gave me the chills. Spent way longer there than I anticipated.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch. Tapas. (Surprise!)
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Walk the Plaza, maybe buy some souvenirs.
- 4:00 PM -6:00 PM: Alfajores farewell. That bakery again! It's become something of a ritual. This time, I bought a box for the plane, a box for "later" and another box just in case. I also had another one. My last one.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Prepare for departure.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Walk the Plaza a final time, and say goodbye.
- 8:00 PM: Goodbye Santander. You absolute beauty.
Final Thoughts:
Santander? It’s not perfect. There were slightly questionable meals, moments of utter confusion as I tried to navigate the streets, and the constant fear of sunburn. But… it was perfect. The people, the food, the beaches, the weird little quirks of the city… It got under my skin. I feel a little bit changed, and a lot more in love with alfajores. I’ll be back. Probably to buy more alfajores. And maybe finally learn to surf. Wish me luck.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ji Hotel Changchun - Xi'an Ave.
Santander Plaza: You Won't Believe What I Saw (and Almost Stepped In!)
Okay, so, Santander Plaza... What *actually* is it? Sounds fancy.
Is it worth the hype? Is it REALLY a hidden gem? Because everyone says everything is a hidden gem these days. Grrr.
What can I *do* there? Besides, you know, exist.
- People-watch: My personal favorite. Find a cafe, order a drink (maybe two… or three), and just *observe*. The fashion, the conversations, the inevitable arguments about parking. Gold.
- Eat all the tapas: Seriously. Go. Eat. All. The. Tapas. From salty anchovies to creamy croquetas, your tastebuds will thank you. Just pace yourself. Trust me.
- Visit the Cathedral: It’s right there, practically staring you in the face. It’s beautiful, and it has history oozing out of every stone. Even if your religious beliefs are… let’s say, flexible, it’s worth a peek. Plus, it’s cool inside, and that’s always a bonus in the Spanish sun.
- Take photos: Obviously. Duh. It's Instagram gold. Just try not to get *too* caught up in it. Remember to actually *experience* the place, not just document it. (Says the person who took approximately 300 photos.)
- Wander aimlessly: This is key. Get lost. See where the streets lead you. You might find a hidden bar, a tiny shop, or a particularly grumpy cat. Adventure!
Tell me about a *memorable* experience you had there. The good, the bad, the ugly! Spill!
Any food recommendations? Besides, you know, 'eat everything'. Be specific!
- El Riojano: For those tapas, especially the patatas bravas – the best I've ever had. Seriously, I dream about those potatoes.
- Casa Lita: If you're in the mood for something heartier, try their seafood paella. Utter heaven. Just be prepared to fight for a table.
- Any cafe that serves churros with chocolate: This is non-negotiable. It's a crime to visit Spain and not indulge. Find the place with the longest queue. Trust me. It’s worth it.
- And honestly, just wander and pop into whatever looks inviting! The best discoveries are the unplanned ones.
When's the best time to visit? Is there a "bad" time?
- Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn): PERFECT. The weather is usually glorious, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are a bit more reasonable. My absolute favorite.
- Summer: It's hot, it's crowded, but the atmosphere is electric. Be prepared to sweat. A lot. And book everything in advance.
- Winter: Quiet, cool, and maybe a bit rainy. Still charming, but bring a jacket! Many restaurants might have reduced hours.
Speaking of crowds, any tips for avoiding the tourist hordes (if there *are* any)
