Alicante Getaway: Unbeatable Ibis Budget Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of [Hotel Name] that’s less "sterile travel brochure" and more "late-night chat with a travel-weary friend." Seriously, I've got opinions (and a whole lot of experience) on navigating hotels, and this one… well, let's just say it's got some serious potential, a touch of brilliance, and a few, shall we say, eccentricities.
First Impressions & Getting In (Accessibility & Check-In Chaos!):
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. That's always a biggie for my crew, and this is where things get a bit muddled. The listing says "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator," which is a huge plus! I'm checking for that for family members that might have mobility issues. However, a more detailed inspection is needed. Are all areas truly accessible, including the restaurants and the pool? Are there accessible rooms? And what about the specifics? A note of caution for the hotel: get this nailed down. Clarity is key in accessibility, people!
Check-in, though… Honestly, I’ve had smoother experiences wrestling a greased pig. I'm a sucker for "Contactless check-in/out," because, let's face it, who wants to stand in line when you've been cramped in an airplane for hours? But even with that option, the receptionist seemed slightly… distracted. (Maybe they’d had a very long day.) Eventually, though, I got my key, and the elevator, thankfully, worked.
The Room – A Sanctuary… or Just a Room?
My room? Ah, the room. Now, this is where [Hotel Name] really starts to shine, or at least, hint at shining – depending on the room. The listing screams luxury in the "Available in All Rooms" section: Air Conditioning, that's essential. Blackout Curtains. YES! Thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for blackout curtains. Free Wi-Fi (thank you!), Hair Dryer (praise!), and Slippers. Nice touch. The extra-long bed was a welcome relief, and the soundproofing held up pretty well. A major bonus, for me, was the window that opens. I hate being stuck inside without fresh air.
But and there's always a "but," isn't there? The decor was a bit… beige. Generic. Like someone took a Pinterest board of "hotel rooms" and just… replicated it. But hey, at least it was clean. Cleanliness and safety is a huge deal right now, and the listing notes Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. A real sigh of relief. That stuff matters!
The Wi-Fi Saga:
Wi-Fi [free] is listed. And, praise be, it was free. However, I found the speed a bit… leisurely. Let's just say streaming a movie in the evening was more an act of patience than entertainment. And the listing notes "Internet Access – wireless," and also, "Internet Access – LAN." Seriously? LAN? In this day and age? Reminded me of the early 2000s!
Dining & Drinking - Will It Be Gourmet or Grumble-Worthy?
Okay, the food situation is where things get really interesting. The listing has a ton of options listed, but let's break it down.
- Restaurants: Plural! Good start.
- [A la carte in restaurant]: Yep. Standard.
- [Breakfast in room] and [Breakfast service]: Sounds lovely, but how does it taste?
- [Buffet in restaurant]: I enjoy a good buffet, but I am picky. This listing also notes "Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant." This is exciting.
- [Snack bar] and [Coffee shop] are always welcome.
- [Room service [24-hour] is essential for late-night cravings.
- It also list [Poolside bar], which is nice.
So, lots of promises. The reality? I'll be frank. The food itself was… uneven. The buffet was pretty standard fare, The desserts were average, and the coffee was mediocre. The poolside bar was a highlight. I did find a good salad at the restaurant.
If I could bottle the single experience of my favorite, it would be the pool side bar. I sat down there one afternoon, hot, tired, and ready to complain about everything. Then, a waiter brought over some ice with a bottle of water. I asked for a cocktail, got some good suggestions, and sat and relaxed. It was so nice. I don't remember what I ordered; I may be thinking of multiple visits. The only thing I remember is everything just became a little rosier in that moment.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation – Spa Days or Just a Dream?
Okay, this is where [Hotel Name] really promises to deliver. The listing is loaded with spa options: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. That all sounds AMAZING!
The pool itself was a treat! A view! Clean water! Plenty of space! Pure bliss. The fitness center/gym was decent. The spa… well, I didn't get to the spa/sauna/steamroom on this trip, but it sounds promising.
The Nitty Gritty: Services & Conveniences, & Staffing
Here's where the hotel offers some solid benefits, but again, with some quirks.
- "Concierge." Great! But how helpful are they, and how busy are they? I had to wait quite a while.
- "Daily housekeeping." Definitely appreciated.
- "Laundry service" and "Dry cleaning." Useful, especially for longer stays.
- "Cash withdrawal," and "Currency exchange." Always handy.
- "Doctor/nurse on call." Comforting to know, though I hope I don't need them.
- "First aid kit." Awesome.
- "Luggage storage." Essential.
- "Safety deposit boxes." Smart.
- "Doorman": Nice touch! But how present are they?
- The staff, in general, was trying their best. Their smiles felt a little forced at times, but who can blame them?
For the Kids.
The listing does note it's family/child friendly and offers Babysitting service and Kids meal. However, there isn't a lot of detail. Kids facilities? A playground? A splash pad? More details needed!
The Verdict (And My Honest Recommendation)
Look, [Hotel Name] isn't perfect. It's got some quirks. Some rough edges. A few things that need serious improvement. But, and this is a big "but," it also has a lot of potential.
What I Loved:
- The location
- The pool
- The (potential) spa
- The staff, even if a bit stressed.
What Needs Work
- The Wi-fi speed
- More details (and certainty) about accessibility.
- More polish with the food, the decor.
Who is [Hotel Name] For?
- Anyone who wants a relaxing getaway, even if it isn't perfect.
- People who appreciate pool views and convenience.
- Those who value cleanliness and safety (especially right now).
My Final Recommendation:
If you're looking for a hotel that’s not just a place to sleep but an experience, book it! But, keep those expectations real and maybe pack a good book.
To Book or Not to Book?
I’d book it. Just manage your expectations, pack a good book, and be ready for a mix of "wow" and "meh."
Econo Lodge US: Unbeatable Deals & Surprisingly Amazing Stays!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-polished, Instagram-ready travel itinerary. This is a real person's plan to maybe, possibly, survive Alicante and the relentless Spanish sun. And it could all go spectacularly sideways. In the best way.
Day 1: Arrival, Panic, and Paella - Oh My! (Ibis Budget, You're My Only Hope…)
10:00 AM (ish) - Alicante Airport - The "Where's My Luggage?!" Dance: Arrive. Drag my weary, jet-lagged self through the airport, praying my suitcase hasn't embarked on a solo adventure to, I don't know, the Canaries? The anticipation is KILLING me. The only thing worse than travel is thinking you've lost all of your stuff on the first day. Success! (For now.) That "easyJet" logo mocks me, though - I swear they charge extra for air.
11:00 AM - Ibis Budget Alicante – The Tiny Room Revelation: Honestly, the room is… compact. Let's call it "efficient." It's got everything I need - a bed that hopefully won't spontaneously combust, a bathroom that (fingers crossed) doesn't leak, and WiFi that actually works. I'm not asking for the Ritz, but I'm suddenly craving a proper hotel with a pool, you know? Must. Resist. The. Urge. It's going to be alright. It's going to be alright.
12:00 PM - Wandering the Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Okay, time to find some tapas and try to blend in. My Spanish is… well, let's just say I can order a beer and ask where the bathroom is. That's the extent of my conversational skills. The maze of cobblestone streets is gorgeous, though - so instagrammable. I instantly get lost, naturally. I asked a local for directions to a specific restaurant, and I'm pretty sure he just laughed and pointed me in the general direction of "somewhere."
1:00 PM - Tapas Trial and Error: Found a place with a bustling outside seating area. Ordered, pointed, and crossed my fingers. Ended up with a plate of something deep-fried and vaguely seafood-like. Delicious. Next I ordered something else that tasted like heaven. I am in love with tapas already.
3:00 PM - Beach Blunders and Sunburn Shenanigans - Playa del Postiguet: This beach is… glorious. Golden sand, crystal-clear water, and people-watching that could entertain me for hours. I attempted to apply sunscreen. The ocean feels perfect. Except I forgot to put sunscreen on my shoulders… sigh. Lesson learned, yet again. The Spanish sun is NO joke. The waves pulled me under once, twice, and I lost my sunglasses. At least I felt refreshed…and slightly humbled.
7:00 PM - Paella Pursuit: Time to eat. Found a recommended restaurant, but it was booked solid. Damn. Walked around, hungry and grumpy. Found a place that was open (score!) and ordered the paella. It took forever, but oh sweet baby Jesus, it was worth it. The rice, the seafood, the saffron… I can barely breathe. Best meal. Ever.
9:00 PM - Evening Stroll and Cat Nap: Wandering along the Explanada de España (the seaside promenade). Gorgeous. Lots of people. I'm exhausted. Might actually go back to the hotel, charge my phone, and pass out. Maybe I'll actually survive this.
Day 2: Castle Climbs, Market Mayhem, and the Deepest of Regrets (Maybe I Shouldn't Be on Vacation…)
9:00 AM - Breakfast Disaster (or, My Attempts at Coffee): The Ibis Budget breakfast is… well, it's available. Instant coffee. Sigh. Managed to survive on toast and something that might have been fruit.
10:00 AM - Castillo de Santa Bárbara - The Battle for Oxygen: Okay, this castle is impressive. The views are spectacular, overlooking the whole city, I loved that. The climb is brutal. Every step is a battle. My legs are screaming. I'm pretty sure my lungs are plotting to stage a coup. The views up here though make it totally worth it. I felt like I was on top of the world.
12:30 PM - Mercado Central - Sensory Overload: Time to hit the market. The smells alone could knock you out; Fresh seafood, cured meats, spices, and olives. The colors are insane. I want to buy everything. My Spanish is useless, but I somehow managed to buy some olives and some cheese. The vendors are so friendly and patient with me, which is wonderful because I'm pretty sure I look like I'm about to faint from sheer sensory overload.
2:00 PM - Lunch - The "I'm Going to Screw This Up" Experience: Found a small restaurant near the port. Ordered some seafood. It looked amazing. It tasted…interesting. Not bad, but I was pretty sure I'd ordered the wrong thing. Second-guessing is my superpower.
4:00 PM - Attempted Siesta and Book Reading: Back at the hotel. The sun is a killer. It's siesta time. Closed the blinds, curled up with a book. Fell asleep within seconds because of exhaustion. The book is untouched. This is exactly how I pictured myself relaxing.
6:00 PM - El Barrio - Wanderlust and the "Wrong" Bar: I had an intense craving for something fancy, so I tried to pick a bar. I walked for so long, got lost, and felt awkward. Found a bar. Ordered something that was probably a disaster. I am sure it was the worst thing I've ever put in my mouth.
8:00 PM - Sunset Stroll & Regret: Walking along the marina. Feeling all introspective. Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? Thinking about the terrible drink from an hour ago. Should I have stayed home? Nope. Maybe this is the actual best experience ever. I am pretty sure I lost some of my sunglasses, and am back to square one.
Day 3: Day Trip Disaster? (And the Return to Reality)
- 9:00 AM: Time to check out and head for the train but after the fun of Spain: I am still not sure what to think of it, but I am sure the experiences are something I'll never forget. I am exhausted, but I am also full of joy. And for now, that's enough.
This is just a start. The rest? Well, who knows what awaits. And isn't that the best part?
Indonesian Paradise Found: Travelibu's Bassura City Apartment Awaits!
Why am I even reading this? What IS this about, anyway?
Honestly? I'm not entirely sure! This is meant to be some sort of...guide? An exploration? A therapeutic purge of thoughts? (Mostly the last one, likely.) Thing is, I’ve been wrestling with [INSERT THE TOPIC HERE; Let’s pretend it’s... learning to cook Indian food, okay?]. And, well, the struggle is real. So, this is about my bumbling attempt at mastering the art of butter chicken, samosas, and the general concept of not setting the kitchen on fire. Consider it a cautionary tale. A slightly fragrant, often burnt, frequently hilarious cautionary tale.
Okay, fine, Indian Food. But why *Indian* food? What drove you to this? Did you have a transcendent experience?
Transcendent? Hardly. More like... intense craving-induced desperation. See, it all started with this *amazing* Indian restaurant down the street. Seriously, the butter chicken was, like, a religious experience. Fluffy naan, fragrant rice, and that sauce...oh, that sauce. Then, the crushing realization hit: it's ridiculously expensive to eat there every night. My wallet wept. My stomach, however, continued to rumble. So, naturally, I thought, "How hard could it be?" Famous last words, people. *Famous. Last. Words.*
What's the *hardest* part of learning to cook Indian food, in your oh-so-humble opinion?
Oh, God, where do I even *begin*? The spices, man! The sheer *volume* of spices! I went to the Indian grocery store, and I swear, I felt like I’d wandered into a magical portal. I spent, like, twenty minutes just staring at turmeric. Turmeric! I mean, it’s yellow. It’s…yellowish. And there were, like, *twenty different kinds*. Which is the real deal? Which one will make my food taste... edible? I still can't reliably tell the difference between cumin and coriander. I made a curry with far too much cumin last week. It was... robust. Let's leave it at that. The spice racks remain my mortal enemy.
So, about that butter chicken… How's that going? Be honest.
Butter chicken? *Sigh*. Let’s just say it’s a journey. A long, often sputtering, sometimes tear-inducing journey. My first attempt? Absolutely disastrous. The chicken was dry, the sauce tasted suspiciously of…burnt onions. I’m pretty sure I single-handedly created a smoke alarm emergency. My partner had to open every window in the house. Said it smelled “…rustic.” I think that's code for "burnt offering". I’ve gotten better, *much* better, but I still occasionally get the "burnt onion" blues. The other day I almost nailed it, but then I added too much chili powder. My mouth felt like it was possessed by a dragon. I’m still working on finding the right balance of heat, cream, and… well, not setting everything on fire. Each attempt is... an adventure. Some are edible, some are not. But hey, at least I'm learning, right?
What equipment do I ABSOLUTELY need? Is that giant wok a must-have?
Oh, the pressure! The sheer *pressure* of kitchen gadgetry! The wok, for me, is a no. Not immediately, at least. You *could*, but I'm keeping it simple, a flat-bottomed pan works great for the type of cooking I do. You will need a good set of measuring spoons and cups, a decent saucepan, a good non-stick skillet (trust me on this one), and a blender or food processor is *super* handy. And a cutting board… because chopping vegetables is… well, unless you order them pre-chopped... it's part of the process. Also, consider an immersion blender for blending sauces directly into the pan. I didn't know I wanted one of those until I had one, and now I'm in love. And, seriously, a quality spatula. You’ll need it to scrape the bottom of the pan, repeatedly, after you inevitably burn something. (See butter chicken saga, above.)
Alright fine, but what about the ingredients? Are we back at the scary spice rack?
Okay, the spice rack *is* scary, but it’s also the heart and soul of Indian food. You'll want basics for starters, like garam masala (obviously!), turmeric (the yellow one!), cumin, coriander, chili powder (start *small*), ginger, garlic. Fresh is better, but pre-ground is fine to start. Then you need some good quality tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes are your friend!), onions, and chicken. Butter (shocking, I know), yogurt (plain, unsweetened), and cream are your best friends when it comes to rich, creamy goodness. And don’t be afraid to experiment! Taste as you go. And by "taste," I mean cautiously dip your finger in, because some of those spices are potent little devils.
Any recipe recommendations? Something for a complete beginner?
Butter Chicken is the obvious one. There are a million recipes online (and I'm probably going to write my own, eventually; when a recipe hasn't ended that much with burnt onion). Palak Paneer (spinach and cheese) is surprisingly easy and is my go to. Dal (lentils) is another great beginner-friendly dish. Just find a recipe that speaks to you, and be prepared to stumble, learn, and possibly set off the smoke alarm. And whatever you do, don't give up! Remember that amazing Indian restaurant? You can get there! (Or, you know, just order takeout. That's an option too.). But seriously, try it. Embrace the mess. And let me know if you find a foolproof butter chicken recipe. Mine still needs work. Send help (and maybe some naan).
Seriously, what's your biggest cooking fail so far? Be honest.
Okay, *fine*. You want the truth? The absolute, unadulterated truth? It wasn’t *just* the burnt butter chicken. Nope. There was a time, early on in this adventure, when I decided to get ambitious. I thought I'd try making samosas from scratch. *Samosas*. I’d seen them, I’d eaten them, how hard could it be, right? (See "Famous Last Words" previously.) I spent, like, *hours* in the kitchen. Rolling the dough, making the filling, learning about all the spice I failed to buy. When the time came toMountain Stay
