RICE Reyes Catolicos Burgos: Spain's Hidden Gem? You WON'T Believe This!
RICE Reyes Catolicos Burgos: Spain's Hidden Gem? OH. MY. GOD. (Seriously, You Won't Believe This…)
Okay, so I just got back from Burgos, Spain, and I'm still practically buzzing. And trust me, I’m not easily impressed. But RICE Reyes Catolicos? This place…this place is something else. Is it a hidden gem? Let’s just say the glitter is definitely sprinkled on thick.
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First Impressions (And Let's Be Honest, the Hype is Real):
Arrival! After a slightly bumpy flight (that's my life!), I hopped in a taxi from the airport (thank GOD for Airport Transfer, because navigating Spanish train stations after 10 hours is NOT a good look for me). You can tell the hotel’s aiming for fancy from the get-go. Valet Parking – a lifesaver after navigating Burgos's tiny, winding streets. The Doorman practically leaped to grab my bags. The Front Desk [24-hour]? Smooth. Silky smooth. Check-in/out [Express] was a godsend because I’m impatient. And, I mean, Cashless Payment Service? Thank you, modern world. My wallet, and my sanity, were already grateful.
Accessibility – Is It REALLY Wheelchair Friendly?
Alright, let's be real, this is crucial. My partner uses a wheelchair, and finding truly accessible hotels in Europe can be a nightmare. RICE Reyes Catolicos, however… nailed it. Facilities for Disabled Guests, absolutely. Elevator? Check. Wheelchair Accessible? (and crucially) YES! I’m talking ramps, wide hallways, and bathrooms designed for ease of use. This isn't just a "lip service" accessibility; it's genuinely thought-out. This is huge, folks. Because it meant we could actually ENJOY our stay, not constantly worry about whether we could get around. 💯
The Room - Oh, The Room! (And Some Annoying Tiny Issues)
Okay, the room itself? Stunning. Let's just say the Air Conditioning was a lifesaver in the Burgos heat. My room had a High floor with a view. The Window that opens (for some fresh air - a small, appreciated detail) Blackout curtains were EVERYTHING. And the Extra long bed? Oh, my lumbar region sang! I could bury myself in the Linens, the Pillows! Bliss.
But okay, here’s a tiny niggle… or three. The Coffee/tea maker in the room? Not quite as sophisticated as promised. And the Complimentary tea was, let's be honest, a bit of a weak brew. Then, and this is truly petty, there’s an Alarm clock, but it's a bit of a dinosaur. But honestly, these are nitpicks.
The In-room safe box was fantastic, and the Mini bar was well-stocked! Free bottled water - thank you, because staying hydrated is key for a lazy traveller and, the Hair dryer I needed in desperation after a bad hair day!
The Bathroom! Big, bright, and the Shower was Separate shower/bathtub - both were fantastic. The Toiletries felt luxe. Oh, and the Bathrobes and Slippers? Pure, unadulterated hotel comfort.
Internet Life (Or the Lack Thereof - and How I SURVIVED)
Internet access [LAN] and Internet access – wireless? Awesome. I'm a working traveler, so Laptop workspace and Wi-Fi [free] in my room was non-negotiable. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Praise the digital gods! BUT… I did have a bit of a wobbly connection the first evening. After I was able to get the Wi-Fi for special events, but not in my room! I survived, but some of you may struggle - if your job requires constant connectivity, it might be worth checking the signal strength on arrival.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Midnight Snack Crisis)
Right, the food. Where to begin? The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was Buffet in restaurant. The Asian breakfast was a must-try (I'm still dreaming of the kimchi and the miso soup). The Western breakfast was, of course, available. There was an A la carte in restaurant selection too. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Plentiful. And the Bottle of water was always there.
I had dinner at the Restaurants, and I was able to have a Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and a Desserts in restaurant. The International cuisine in restaurant was on point, and the Vegetarian restaurant offering was surprisingly good for a place that doesn't seem to scream veggie heaven. The Poolside bar served up some seriously delicious cocktails. Happy hour? Sold.
Okay, here’s a story. I went to the Bar at midnight and the Room service [24-hour]? Amazing! I was craving something savoury after a night of exploring and the Snack bar was truly great!
I went wild in the convenience store after. I was lucky enough to enjoy the Essential condiments. However, this is where a problem arose. The Convenience store didn't have what I wanted. I had to leave and explore.
Relaxation Station: The Spa and Beyond (My Body's Happy Place)
Oh. My. God. The spa. Seriously. I spent a whole afternoon there. I dove right into the Spa/sauna, the Steamroom, and the Foot bath. The Massage was so good I think I almost fell asleep IN the Pool with view. They also have a Sauna, and a Gym/fitness center, which I Fitness center - but I spent all my time there. Forget the Body scrub and Body wrap, I was fine with just melting into oblivion in that Swimming pool which was a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Even the Poolside bar gets you.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid Era (And Did I Feel Safe?)
Yeah, you bet, Cleanliness and safety is a big deal for me right now. RICE Reyes Catolicos took all the necessary precautions seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. I also noticed Physical distancing of at least 1 meter being respected. They ticked all the boxes. I also felt incredibly safe, which allowed me to relax and enjoy my trip even more. They have Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Other Services & Quirky Bits (Like, Where's the Shrek Statue?):
Daily housekeeping was flawless (they folded my clothes! Not sure how I felt about that, though) and the Concierge was super helpful and the Luggage storage was perfect. I found great items at the Gift/souvenir shop, and I used the Laundry service which was great since I was travelling alone.
The thing is, this hotel just oozes charm. The Exterior corridor, for instance, is so Spanish that it's almost a caricature. I loved the Terrace. I think they have a Smoking area. There's even a Shrine. No, really! I also can't leave out the details like the Couple's room, the Proposal spot and the Meeting/banquet facilities! (For the record, I didn't see any proposals happening. But, hey, maybe I missed it). I did not use the Babysitting service.
The Verdict: Is RICE Reyes Catolicos Worth the Hype?
Absolutely, positively, YES. It’s a bit more expensive than other hotels in Burgos (but definitely offers value for the price), but you're paying for a truly exceptional experience. The accessibility, the cleanliness, the spa—it all combines to create something special. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax and feel pampered.
Would I Go Back?
In a heartbeat. Seriously, I'm already planning my next trip. This place? It's a game-changer. Just go. You won't regret it.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to go on a whirlwind tour of my absolutely bonkers, likely-to-be-delayed, and definitely-going-to-involve-a-hangover trip to RICE Reyes Catolicos in Burgos, Spain. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real, messy deal. Consider this a warning.
Day 1: Arrival (or: When Did I Say Yes to This?)
- 6:00 AM: The Wake-Up Call from Hell (aka My Phone) Oh sweet Jesus, let me just… snooze… NO! Burgos! Flight! Right, right. Already regretting every life choice that led me here.
- 9:00 AM: Airport Chaos: I'm pretty sure the airline thought "organized chaos" was a virtue. Finding my luggage was a Herculean effort. My suitcase decided to take a solo trip to… well, I have no idea. (Praying the clothes I packed were decent, because I seriously doubt there is a decent Zara in this airport!)
- 10:30 AM: The Rental Car Fiasco: "Yes, I am sure I booked an automatic. No, I don't speak fluent Spanish. No, I don't want to pay extra! This is where the adventure really begins, right? (Hint: It wasn't.)
- 12:00 PM: The Drive of Doom: Google Maps, bless your heart. I swear, it's trying to kill me with those hairpin turns that are literally hugging the edge of a cliff. Also, I'm pretty sure I'm going the wrong way. Again. (Side note: Scenic! Definitely scenic. But also, white-knuckle terrifying.)
- 2:00 PM: RICE Reyes Catolicos - Attempted Check-In: Okay, the hotel is actually gorgeous. Like, old-world charm that makes you want to curtsy at everything. Now, the staff, bless their friendly hearts, seem utterly baffled by my existence. It's a language barrier, I know, but I swear she just stared at me for a solid minute before smiling and then started speaking in Spanish (again). Finally, the key!
- 2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance (and Meltdown): The room is lovely! Seriously, the bed looks incredible. Time to unpack – Wait! Where are my… oh, for the love of all that is holy, my suitcase! Yep, still missing. That's just great. This is definitely going to change my itinerary. First to the shop to buy some clothes.
- 3:30 PM: Lunch at a local café: Okay, this is what I'm talking about. Tapas! Wine! Delicious bread! Slowly coming back to life after that travel nightmare. Trying my hand at some Spanish (more like butchering it beautifully). I'm pretty sure I just ordered "everything" (because, you know, gestures).
- 5:00 PM: Reconnaissance of the City: Burgos Cathedral. Holy moly! It's spectacular. Truly. (Also, my neck is starting to ache from looking up so long.) Definitely taking a million pictures and trying to not look like a complete tourist. Failed miserably.
- 7:00 PM: Lost again! I try to navigate the streets and get completely and utterly lost. What is the best way to find your way around? I find a lovely square, sit down with a coffee and watch the world go by. That little break was what I needed.
Day 2: Cathedral, Castles, and Possibly a Breakdown (or: My Sanity is Hanging by a Thread)
- 9:00 AM: Wake-up call: Today is the day the suitcase arrives! Or at least I hope.
- 10:00 AM: A Cathedral Immersion Experience: Back to the Cathedral. Seriously, this place keeps on giving! But today, I'm actually going inside. Exploring the interiors. Trying to find a way to not lose my mind with all the history and beauty. The details are absolutely insane. (I swear, I’d need a week just to photograph all of it.) Took a very long time here.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a crowded restaurant: Found a cute restaurant near the church, full of locals. I ordered the "Menu del Dia," because when in Rome… Err, Burgos. It was fantastic! Stuffed myself silly, and it barely cost anything.
- 2:30 PM: Attempted Castle Visit: The Castillo de Burgos! Oh, the views! (And the insane climb to get there.) I swear my legs are going to turn to jelly. The history is fascinating, but mostly my brain is just going "Wow, high! Wow, old!" Okay, this is amazing.
- 5:00 PM: Rest Time: I need to rest and recharge. What else can I do? Headed back to the hotel. Then ordered another Coffee and sat by the window to people-watch.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner and Wandering the streets: I have a big appetite after climbing the castle and I really want to try more good food! I went for a walk again. Just enjoying the ambiance.
- 8:30 PM: Some kind of Spanish celebration: I ended up in the town square and some people, I think they are celebrating! I had the pleasure of taking part. Great way to end the day!
Day 3: Seriously Considering Running Away (or: My Suitcase Saga Continues)
- 9:00 AM: The dreaded phone call: "Your suitcase has been located!" A glimmer of hope! It's in Madrid. It will be here… eventually. I am still wearing the clothes I wore the first day.
- 10:00 AM: The Monastery of las Huelgas: This place is incredible! It's like stepping back in time, but… I forgot my camera at the hotel. Ugh. (I swear I'm more disorganised than a herd of cats.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch (and my continued obsession with bread): Back at the same cafe, because it's the only place I could find that I felt comfortable with. It's like reliving the first day, but with a more jaded attitude. Love the bread!
- 2:00 PM: Relaxation: I need some serious me-time. So I went and chilled at the local park and read a book. Beautiful. I never read books, I would like to continue to do so!
- 4:00 PM: The Museum of Burgos: I don't know why I picked this place. This is not my kind of thing. Fine, some of it was interesting, but it was very tiring.
- 6:00 PM: The River Arlanzón: The river walk! This is when I started feeling like I actually knew this place. Walking along the river, with the trees, the bridges, and hearing the water. This is the real Burgos!
- 8:00 PM: I tried, and succeeded at making some friends: After a couple of glasses of wine, I'm in the mood to meet people. There was a very friendly couple who helped me practice my Spanish! Now I have some friends.
Day 4: Realizations and Departures (or: I Think I Survived!)
- 9:00 AM: Suitcase! Suitcase!: The suitcase arrives! FINALLY! (I did a little happy dance in the hotel lobby.)
- 10:00 AM: Last Bites: I'm going to savor those final bites (and sips) of coffee and pastries, because everything tastes more delicious when you're leaving.
- 11:00 AM: Souvenir Shopping: Okay, time to grab some gifts. The most appropriate souvenir stores are the best!
- 2:00 PM: Goodbye Burgos: Time to bid farewell to this crazy, chaotic, and ultimately enchanting city. I'm not sure I've mastered the art of seamless travel, but I've definitely mastered the art of embracing the beautiful mess!
- 3:00 PM: Airport departure: This is where I start thinking of how to come back.
- 8:00 PM: Home: Back home, time for a good sleep!
Well, that was my Burgos adventure. It wasn't perfect. I got lost a lot. I had some meltdowns. But I also saw some amazing things, ate amazing food, and had some experiences I'll never forget. That's the point, right? So, cheers to the mess, the chaos, and the unexpected adventures!
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RICE Reyes Catolicos Burgos: Spain's Hidden Gem? OH. MY. GOD. (Maybe)
Okay, so... RICE Reyes Catolicos. What IS this place, and why should *I* care?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. RICE Reyes Catolicos (or more formally, the "Real Instituto de la Calidad Educativa Reyes Católicos") is basically a giant, ridiculously beautiful building in Burgos, Spain. Think castle vibes, but, like, way more intricate and less...military-y. It's technically a hotel, and a pretty fancy one at that. The *hidden gem* angle? Well, that’s what the travel bloggers all say, right? Me? I'm still on the fence. More on that later...
Why *should* you care? Honestly, if you're a history buff, architecture nerd, or someone who just really digs a bit of drama (and Spain has PLENTY, trust me), you *might* care. The history within those walls is thick enough to cut with a knife. Also, the Instagram opportunities? MASSIVE. Just saying.
Is it REALLY a hidden gem? I see it on *every* travel website.
Ugh, the "hidden gem" thing. It’s a bit of a loaded term, isn't it? Let's be honest, it's not *exactly* a secret. Everyone and their dog seems to be clamoring to get a room there. It's on all the popular touristy routes. I mean, it’s gorgeous, sure, and it's not as *mobbed* as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, but hidden? Mmm, questionable.
I think the "gem" part still holds up, but the "hidden" part is more of a... polite exaggeration. Still, sometimes, even if everyone *knows* about it, things can still feel a little… magical. Sometimes.
The architecture! Spill the tea! What's it like? Is it *really* as swoon-worthy as the pictures?
Okay, FINE. I'll admit it. The architecture is… breathtaking. *Breathtaking!* It's like they took all the best bits of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and blended them with a sprinkle of wizard dust. Seriously. The courtyard? Majestic. The staircase? Instagram gold. The intricate carvings? You could spend hours just staring at them. Actually, *I* did. My neck hurt for days.
But… (and there’s always a but, right?) The pictures are edited, people! The lighting is *always* perfect. The angles are strategically chosen. Don’t go expecting a perfectly pristine, airbrushed experience, okay? Some of the rooms are a little… tired. A bit on the small side. And the noise from the courtyards? Let me just say, light sleepers beware!
The Rooms: Are they worth the price tag? (Because I saw that price tag!)
Right, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. Okay, here’s the brutally honest truth. They're *expensive*. And yes, you're paying for the atmosphere, for the history, for the bragging rights.
My room, for example… (deep breath) was… fine. It was clean, the bed was comfortable, and the view *was* stunning. But it was also… small. And the air conditioning? Let's just say it had a personality of its own. Sometimes it worked fantastically. Sometimes it sounded like a dying whale. I swear, I almost asked for a different room, but I didn’t want to seem like *those* people. You know the ones.
So, are they worth it? If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or you’re loaded, or you simply MUST experience the magic, then maybe. Otherwise, you might want to look at other options in Burgos that are a little gentler on the wallet. Though, maybe you should splurge. My own experience was a bit mixed, but I kinda still have fond memories.
The Food: Is the dining experience as grand as the building itself?
The food situation... oh, the food. Let’s just say it wasn’t the highlight of my stay. The breakfast buffet was… plentiful, but, well it was typical hotel buffet fare. Sure, there was a decent spread of Spanish ham (yay!), but the croissants were a bit stale, and the coffee? Let's just say it didn't exactly transport me to a sun-drenched Parisian cafe. I’ve had better coffee from a vending machine.
The dinner situation? Uh, I didn’t opt to eat in the restaurant. The menu looked… ambitious, and the prices… well, let’s just say I wasn’t willing to take the risk with my limited budget. I found a fantastic little tapas bar in the old town, though! Much better. So, my advice? Explore Burgos's food scene. The hotel restaurant? Consider yourself warned.
What’s the *vibe* like? Is it stuffy and formal?
Honestly, it could go either way. It *can* feel a little stuffy and formal, yes. There are a lot of people in designer clothes wandering around, taking pictures like they’re models for a magazine. And the staff, while undeniably polite, sometimes seemed a bit… detached.
However, I also saw families laughing, kids running around (shhh!), and people genuinely enjoying themselves. So, I think it depends on your expectations and what you're looking for. If you’re expecting a relaxed, laid-back experience, you might be slightly disappointed. If you’re prepared to embrace the grandeur and the slight pretentiousness, you might just have a blast. I'm still undecided.
Okay, so… should I go? Give me the straight answer!
This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Here’s the deal. You need to decide what you want from your trip. If you want to be blown away by incredible architecture and Instagrammable moments, then absolutely, YES, go! Prepare to be amazed, even if you're prepared to be a bit underwhelmed in some areas!
But, if you're on a tight budget, prioritize food, or prefer a more relaxed vibe, you might want to think twice. Burgos itself is lovely, and there are many other cool places to stay. But even the little annoyances of the RICE Reyes Catolicos Burgos can be overcome for the sake of memories! So, yeah. Go. And then tell me what *you* think. I'm still working it out.
