- Escape to Paradise: La Casona de la Roza Awaits in Spain!
- Escape to Paradise… Or Maybe Just a Really Nice Hotel? La Casona de la Roza: A Rambling Review
- Okay, okay, so La Casona... Is it REALLY as dreamy as the Instagram photos?
- What's this "Casona" thing all about? Sound fancy. Is this a place where you're meant to whisper and be prim and proper?
- The food... is it all just Michelin-star pretension, or can a simple soul find something to eat?
- What's the deal with the location? Out in the middle of nowhere? Or is there stuff to *do* nearby?
- Give me the pros and cons, quickly! I haven't got all day.
- The Spa! I heard there's a spa. Is it all aromatherapy and cucumber slices on the eyes? Or something more?
- Anything you didn't like, though? Be honest! (I like the dirty laundry)
Escape to Paradise: La Casona de la Roza Awaits in Spain!
Escape to Paradise… Or Maybe Just a Really Nice Hotel? La Casona de la Roza: A Rambling Review
Alright, so I’ve just staggered back from La Casona de la Roza in Spain. And let me tell you, after a trip like that, I need a vacation from my vacation! This isn't your perfectly-polished, sanitized blog post; this is real, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster of impressions, from pure bliss to mild confusion, all fueled by copious amounts of tapas. Buckle up!
First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly Baffling & The Really, REALLY Good
Entering La Casona is like stepping into a fairytale, then realizing the fairytale has a slightly wonky heating system. Seriously, the building itself is gorgeous. Think sprawling, rustic elegance with those ridiculously charming stone walls you only find in Spain. I was practically drooling. The accessibility, though… that was a bit of a mixed bag. They say it's wheelchair accessible, but navigating those cobbled pathways and slight inclines? Let's just say my workout routine got a serious upgrade. (And, yes, I saw what they did for parking…free, baby! And on-site! Score.)
Accessibility - A Little Rough Around the Edges, But Ultimately Kind
Okay, let's get the slightly-less-than-perfect bits out of the way. While they claim accessibility, it's not perfect. The pathways could be a bit challenging for some wheelchairs, and maneuvering around the charming (but sometimes narrow) corners of the hotel was a bit like a game of Tetris. But the staff? Utterly wonderful. They went above and beyond to help. I saw them assisting guests, which completely wins me over. They even had an elevator, which, after a long day of exploring, felt like a heavenly gift. I'd give it a solid B+ for effort and a resounding A+ for heart.
Rooms, Glorious (and Occasionally Slightly Weird) Rooms!
My room was a dream. Seriously, I'm a sucker for a good, deep bathtub, and this place delivered. The bathroom phone? I never understood it, but it was there! They had everything you could possibly need. (Side note: the robes were heavenly. I may or may not have considered wearing them for the entire trip. Don't judge.)
And the internet? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Absolutely crucial. Because, you know, Instagram stories are a priority. But here's a weird thing: internet access - LAN. Seriously? In this day and age? Who even uses a cable anymore? The Wi-Fi was decent, but there was a weird moment where they handed me a cable like it was a magic wand. shrug
The Spa… That’s Where the Magic REALLY Happened (and My Stress Vanished)
Okay, let's talk about the spa. Oh. My. God. It was a total escape. I went in a stressed-out, travel-weary mess, and I came out… well, I came out smelling faintly of lavender and feeling like a cloud. The pool with a view? Stunning. The sauna? Perfect. The steamroom? I think I actually saw my worries evaporate. I indulged in a body scrub and a massage. Forget everything else; this alone is worth the trip. I'm not kidding. I want to go back just for the spa! The staff was incredible - they knew exactly what they were doing. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Seriously, I'm still glowing.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Slightly Confusing Plate)
Alright, let's get into the food. Spain, you do it right. La Casona mostly did it right, too. The breakfast buffet was an absolute feast. The pastries alone could probably shorten my lifespan, but I regret nothing. They had a really good breakfast - Buffet, Western Breakfast, and Asian. The coffee shop was perfect for a quick pick-me-up and the pool side bar was great for that afternoon drink or two.
The main restaurant… well, the food had it's high and lows. I had a melt-in-your-mouth piece of fish one night and a… let's just say, a slightly confusing dish the next. They catered to different Cuisines, ranging from International, Asian, Vegetarian, and Western. The A la carte in the restaurant was a nice option.
And the room service! 24-hour access? Yes, please! Especially after a long day of exploring. I ordered a bottle of water and a late-night snack. Perfection.
Safety and Cleanliness - Pretty Impressive, Honestly
Look, in these uncertain times, safety is a big deal. La Casona took things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocols. They had all the bells and whistles. Seeing the effort put into keeping things clean and safe put me at ease. They even had individually-wrapped food options. I felt comfortable and safe, which is a massive win. Room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice - because if you feel comfortable, why not?
What Else is There to Do? (Besides Eat and Spa, Obviously)
Plenty! They had a gym (I didn’t make it; the spa was far more appealing). There was a fitness center - I didn't use, but I saw. Things to do seem endless. And if you're the "relax and do nothing" type, they have that covered too.
Amenities and Services: A Mostly Smooth Ride, With a Few Surprises
The convenience store? Useful when you need a midnight snack. The gift shop? Dangerous for a souvenir addict like myself. The concierge? Incredibly helpful. Seriously, these guys knew everything about the area. They had a safety deposit box, which felt good. They offered currency exchange.
And the elevator! So clutch.
They had a place for a car park - free of charge! The Hotel does provide a car power charging station, if your into that. A few strange things, though: They had a shrine. A shrine. Okay. And they had a proposal spot. Am I missing a memo?
For the Kids… (Maybe Skip This Part if You Dislike Cuteness)
They’re clearly family-friendly. Babysitting service? Check. Kids' meals? Check. Kid facilities? They really thought this through. It looked like a fantastic place for families. But me? I'm good just being a solo traveler.
Getting Around - A Bit of Spanish Adventure
They offer airport transfer, which is a lifesaver. The taxis and bike parking are a nice touch. Valet parking is also an option - but I mostly just went with the free parking.
Things I Loved:
- The Spa. Need I say more?
- The staff. Seriously, they were amazing.
- The overall ambiance. That rustic charm really got to me.
- The breakfast buffet. (Okay, I'm sensing a theme here.)
- The feeling of escape. Even with the minor imperfections, it was a truly relaxing experience.
Things That Could Be Better:
- Accessibility could be improved.
- The slightly confusing food dishes.
- The occasional need to navigate those cobbled pathways.
- The LAN cable. Just… why?
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. The spa alone makes it worth it. But honestly? I'd go back for the staff, the atmosphere, and the chance to escape and recharge. La Casona de la Roza isn’t perfect, but it's real, it’s beautiful, and it's got a whole lot of heart. It's an experience I am very glad I had. Go. Treat yourself. And maybe bring a friend. Or don't. You'll need someone to compare notes with. That's all I'm saying.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because Gotta Do It!):
- Keywords: La Casona de la Roza, Spain, hotel review, spa, accessible hotel, Asturias, travel, vacation, spa hotel, luxury hotel, restaurant, food, travel review, wheelchair accessible, free wifi, pool, relaxation, romantic getaway, family friendly, [Add relevant keywords based on popular search terms].
- Meta Description: A candid, unfiltered review of La Casona de la Roza in Spain! Dive into the pros and cons: the stunning spa, the delicious food (and the occasional confusing plate), the accessibility, the amazing staff, and that overall escape. #LaCasonaDeLaRoza #Spain #HotelReview #Spa #Travel
- Titles:
- La Casona de la Roza: A Rambling Review of a Spanish Paradise (with a Few Wrinkles)
- Escape to La Casona de la Roza: Paradise Found (and a Few Cobblestones to Conquer)
- La Casona de la Roza: Is it worth the trip? A brutally honest review.
- Image Alt Tags: Descriptive, focused on the specific feature in the image: "La Casona de la Roza exterior," "Stunning pool view at La Casona," "[Hotel room description] at La Casona," "Massage at the La Casona Spa."
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-curated itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered glimpse into my potential adventure at La Casona de la Roza in Villaviciosa, Spain. And let's be honest, things rarely go as planned, especially when I'm involved.
La Casona de la Roza: My Asturian Epiphany (Maybe)
(A loosely-structured, highly-opinionated, and probably-forgetful plan)
Day 1: Arrival and Asturian Anticipation (Oh, God, Please Let Me Like It)
- Morning (Very Early): Flight from… wherever I am. Probably delayed. I'm already picturing myself, hunched over a lukewarm airport coffee, grumbling about baggage fees. Ugh, the soul-crushing pre-vacation dread is real. I swear if I see another screaming toddler…
- Afternoon: Arrive in Asturias! Finally! Now, the real adventure begins. Or, you know, figuring out this rental car situation. Pray for me. Pray the GPS works and that I don’t end up in a sheep pasture. Finding La Casona… that feels like a gamble.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Check in. Ooh, proper check-in… I imagine it's all old-world charm, stone walls, and a friendly host who doesn't make me feel like a total idiot. Or, y'know, I'll spend 45 minutes awkwardly trying to decipher Spanish instructions. Either way, I'm looking forward to it.
- Evening: Unpack (or dump things in a pile). Take a deep breath of Asturian air. (Hopefully, it smells of pine and… something good. Possibly cows. I'm oddly okay with cows.) Explore the grounds a bit if I'm not too shattered. Find the best spot to watch the sunset… and mentally prepare for a week of questionable food choices and questionable Spanish language skills. A toast to adventure, even if it's a slightly terrifying one.
Day 2: Villaviciosa and the Glorious Coast (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Cider)
- Morning: Explore Villaviciosa! Apparently, it's a town of history and charm. I'll be honest, my history game is weak, but I'm strong on charm-assessment, so hopefully, I don't offend the locals. The plan is to find a market, get lost (on purpose!), and stumble upon something amazing.
- Mid-morning: Cider time! Asturias is famous for its cider. I'm picturing myself mastering the escanciar (pouring from a height) with grace and flair. Reality? I'll probably splash cider everywhere and end up looking like a clumsy fool. But hey, at least I'll be hydrated.
- Afternoon: Coastal drive! The pictures make it look like paradise. Cliffs, beaches, the whole nine yards. I'm envisioning myself, wind in my hair, dramatic music playing in my head (because, why not?). The reality… well, if I even make it that part. Maybe I'll get lost. Maybe the car will break down. I'm already planning how to handle the stress of finding a tow truck in a foreign language. If I make it to the coast without a full meltdown, it'll be considered a victory.
- Evening: Seafood dinner. I have to try the local specialties. I have two fears: the first is ordering something I don't like, and the second is getting food poisoning. But I'll take a gamble (as always).
Day 3: Back to Basics or Hiking Hell (Pray For My Knees)
- Morning: Option 1 (The sensible Susan option): Relax. Read a book. Enjoy the quiet. This is the most likely outcome; I can be a creature of comfort and laziness.
- Morning: Option 2 (The slightly insane adventure seeker): Hiking! There are trails around. I'm envisioning myself like a super fit explorer; I'll carry a backpack, conquer mountains, and be all triumphant. Reality? I'll probably get lost, struggle with the incline, have a slight existential crisis halfway up, and then get eaten by mosquitos.
- Afternoon: Relax. Recover from my (potential) hike. Nap. Maybe indulge in a bit of cheese and wine. Because balance, right?
- Evening: Trying another restaurant. Because, food! This time, I'll try to order something that, in theory, I understand.
Day 4: The Art of Doing Nothing (and Maybe Failing Miserably)
- Morning: Sleep in! Hurrah! It’s time to channel my inner sloth.
- Mid-morning: Wander around the grounds of La Casona. Imagine myself in some fairytale.
- Afternoon: See. Relax. Repeat.
- Evening: Maybe write about the day. Or maybe just stare at the ceiling.
Day 5: A Day Trip to Somewhere (Probably a Mistake)
- Morning: Decide on a day trip. I need a bigger goal. If not, I'll succumb to the dark forces of laziness.
- Rest of the day: Driving. Getting lost. Discovering. Trying to see everything. The usual. The key: Keep the map open. If not, the adventure seems to become a challenge to get back to the La Casona.
- Evening: Eat. Relax. Repeat.
Day 6: My Last Stand in Asturias (Cue the Nostalgia Already)
- Morning: Wander. Soak it all in. Try to commit every sight, sound, and smell to memory.
- Afternoon: Final cider! A last attempt at escanciar perfection (probably futile). Maybe buy some souvenirs (assuming I haven't blown my budget on food).
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Reflect on the week. Feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving. (It's a love-hate relationship; the idea of leaving always makes me sad. But, oh boy, do I want to go home.)
Day 7: Departure and Post-Trip Meltdown (The Good Kind, I Swear)
- Morning: Pack. This is the worst part of all vacations. I guarantee I'll have brought too many clothes and not enough useful things.
- Afternoon: Drive to the airport. (Cross all fingers and toes that it's not a repeat of the arrival.)
- Evening: Fly away.
- Late Evening: Processing the trip. Thinking about all the food I ate. The people I met. And planning the return trip, because, let’s be honest, I'm already daydreaming.
Escape to Paradise: La Casona de la Roza Awaits - Seriously, Is It Worth It? (FAQ...and Rant)
Okay, okay, so La Casona... Is it REALLY as dreamy as the Instagram photos?
Ugh, Instagram. Don't even get me STARTED. Yeah, the photos are gorgeous. But here's the thing, and this is coming from a total cynic: it's even better. I walked in, nearly tripped on a ridiculously ornate rug (seriously, how do they keep those things CLEAN?), and just... stopped. Like, "Wow. I did *not* expect this." The pictures barely do it justice. Think less 'hotel room,' more 'charming, ridiculously well-appointed castle wing.' I mean, I had a fireplace, people! In SPAIN! And it actually *worked*! (Unlike my sad little rental apartment's that was so broken, you could only put a fake log in and feel like a fool).
The only downside? You'll spend half your time just wandering around, mouth agape, bumping into things. Like, "Is this real life?"
What's this "Casona" thing all about? Sound fancy. Is this a place where you're meant to whisper and be prim and proper?
Okay, "Casona" basically means a big, fancy manor house, right? And "la Roza" is, I *think*, the name of the place. But let's talk about the vibe. Yes, it's fancy-fancy, but it doesn't feel stuffy. Honestly, the owners (who I suspect are secretly geniuses) have created this atmosphere where you can relax and be yourself. I mean, I spilled red wine on the tablecloth during breakfast (it was the *perfect* shade of rouge, actually... a minor distraction), and the staff just chuckled and offered to replace it. No judgement. No horrified stares. Pure class, with a side of "stuff happens." That kind of understanding is worth more than all the fancy silverware in the world. You could roll in there covered in mud (okay, maybe not *covered*, but you get the idea), and they'd still make you feel welcome.
The food... is it all just Michelin-star pretension, or can a simple soul find something to eat?
Oh. My. GOD. The food. Don't even get me STARTED. Okay, deep breaths. It's not *just* tiny portions and foams and things you can't pronounce. Yes, the presentation is exquisite - I'm talking edible flowers, sauces swirled into perfect patterns (honestly, I'm still trying to figure out how the chef *does* it). But the *flavors*... they're incredible. I'm not exaggerating. The breakfast buffet ALONE is worth the trip. Seriously. The Iberian ham... the fresh fruit... the pastries that practically melt in your mouth... okay, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. And the dinner… they have a tasting menu, which I highly recommend (even though it's a commitment, and I'm notoriously bad at commitments, if you get my drift). Every single dish was perfection. And the wine pairings? Don't even get me STARTED. I may have overindulged slightly... but that's what vacations are for, right?! I'm pretty sure I saw the chef at one point, and he's this tiny, wizened man who looks like he's been cooking for centuries (and probably has). Pure culinary magic.
Oh, and on a lighter note: my friend ordered the burger (yes, there's a burger, in the heart of the fancy!) and said it was one of the best she has ever eaten. So, there’s THAT. Even the simplest of souls are taken care of.
What's the deal with the location? Out in the middle of nowhere? Or is there stuff to *do* nearby?
Okay, so it's in Asturias, which is gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous. Rolling hills, stunning coastlines... it's postcard material. La Casona is a little bit off the beaten path, which is part of its charm. You're not surrounded by hordes of tourists. You can actually breathe. But, there IS stuff to do! You can easily do day trips to charming little towns; there's hiking trails, beaches... the works. But honestly? I spent a *lot* of time just wandering around the grounds, reading in the garden, and generally avoiding human contact (which is what I really wanted, if I'm being honest). The main reason I left my comfy chair was probably to see the local cheese factory (cheese is a serious issue). You'll probably need a car to get around, but seriously, just driving through that landscape is worth the rental fee. And then you can easily drive back to the hotel feeling relaxed and happy with yourself.
Give me the pros and cons, quickly! I haven't got all day.
Alright, alright. Here's the *very* condensed version:
Pros:
- Stunningly beautiful. Like, jaw-dropping.
- Food that will change your life. Seriously.
- Super-relaxing atmosphere. No stuffiness.
- Gorgeous location (Asturias is amazing, even if it's rainy!)
- Comfy beds, fireplaces, staff that treats you like royalty.
Cons:
- It's not cheap. (But, I'd argue, worth it if you can swing it.)
- You may never want to leave. (A serious problem, I'm told)
- You'll spend the whole time thinking, "Why can't *my* life be like this?"
The cons are basically just... life issues. So, yeah. Go.
The Spa! I heard there's a spa. Is it all aromatherapy and cucumber slices on the eyes? Or something more?
Oh, the spa. Okay, I’m not a huge spa person, usually. I get weirded out by the whole "relaxing" thing. But this spa… it was… well, it was heavenly. Yes, there was aromatherapy (which, admittedly, did smell rather nice), and yes, there were cucumber slices (which I, in full disclosure, mostly ate – is that allowed?). But it was more than that. The atmosphere was calming without being pretentious. The massage was amazing – I actually fell asleep (which is a *miracle* for me). And the best part? The indoor pool. I spent a solid hour just floating around, staring at the ceiling. Pure bliss. It's not just some add-on. I think the Spa is a huge part of the La Casona experience.
