Don Pedro Aviles: Unveiling Spain's Hidden Gem (You Won't Believe This!)
Don Pedro Aviles: Unveiling Spain's Hidden Gem (You Won't Believe This!) - A Seriously Honest Review
Alright, folks, buckle up! This isn't your sterile, brochure-perfect hotel review. This is the real deal, straight from a travel-worn soul who just spent a week at Don Pedro Aviles. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. (Deep breath). Here we go!
(Metadata: Seriously Consider This Keywords!)
- Title: Don Pedro Aviles Review: Honest & Unfiltered (You Won't Believe the Sauna!)
- Keywords: Don Pedro Aviles, Spain, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Accessibility, Spa, Sauna, Pool, Restaurant, Wheelchair Accessible, Wifi, Free Wifi, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Room Review, Travel, Holiday, Vacation, Best Hotels Spain, Accessible Hotels, Family Friendly, Meeting facilities, Don Pedro Aviles Reviews, Spanish Hotel
(Okay, Here's the Messy Truth - My Truth!)
First things first, I need to be upfront: I'm not a travel expert. I'm more of a chaotic adventurer, a lover of the little details, and someone who's easily distracted by a decent cup of coffee. So, take my words with a grain of Spanish sea salt.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Okay, let's start with a big one: accessibility. Don Pedro Aviles says they're accessible. And yeah, they make an effort. Wheelchair accessible is definitely a thing – they have elevators (thank GOD!) and ramps. However… and this is a big however… some of the hallways are a bit tight, and maneuvering a wheelchair around the restaurants might require a navigational genius. The Facilities for disabled guests are there, they just aren't always seamlessly integrated. It felt a little… patchy.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: There's definitely the attempt, the spirit is present. But be prepared to ask for a table that works for you.
Internet: Bless the Free Wi-Fi Gods!
Seriously, this is a win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works! I mean, I could stream Netflix without buffering. Bless you, Don Pedro Aviles, for that. The Internet [LAN] option is also available – for those of you who still cling to the wired life. I didn't test it. Too busy binging "This Is Us." Wi-Fi in public areas was decent, too. Score!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Sauna Seduction & Poolside Procrastination
Now, the good stuff. The things that almost made me weep with joy. The Spa! Oh, the spa. Let's dive deep here, 'cause I spent far too much time there.
Spa/sauna: They go hand in hand there. The whole vibe is designed for maximum relaxation.
Sauna: Absolute heaven. The heat! The silence! I could have stayed in that cedar-scented box forever. I may have actually considered moving in. (Don’t judge me; I’m easily pleased).
Steamroom: Equally amazing. Great for clearing out those city lungs.
Pool with view: The outdoor Swimming pool is gorgeous. Really gorgeous. The Poolside bar is right there—hello, cocktails! And you can definitely get your Body scrub and Body wrap on – I indulged. Twice. Don't tell my bank account.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful, especially during the golden hour.
Fitness center: Look, I saw the Gym/fitness. I even walked in. And then promptly walked back out and went to the sauna. You can judge me. But don't expect me to apologize.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Sanity (Mostly)
In this post-pandemic world, this is HUGE. And Don Pedro Aviles mostly gets it right.
- Cleanliness and safety: I felt safe.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw it happening. Which is reassuring.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Checked.
- Hand sanitizer: Plentiful. Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, they assured me.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They asked, which is great.
- Safe dining setup: Good spacing, felt comfortable.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Definitely felt clean.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
I wasn't worried. I felt…protected. Which is a HUGE plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Okay, this is where things get a little more…opinionated.
- Restaurants: There's a few. Quality varies.
- Restaurants: The Asian cuisine in restaurant options were pretty darn good.
- A la carte in restaurant: Solid. Reliable.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. The pastries were divine, the coffee was… well, hit or miss (see previous coffee comment).
- Buffet in restaurant: Crowded at peak times. Arrive early to avoid the chaos.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: See above. Seek out a local cafe, just in case.
- Room service [24-hour]: Amazing. I ordered fries at 2 am. No regrets. Worth. Every. Euro.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Cocktail game is strong.
- Snack bar: Handy for quick bites.
- Desserts in restaurant: Fantastic!
The Western cuisine in restaurant was fine. Kinda… bland one night. But International cuisine in restaurant was better. The happy hour was a definite highlight. (I may have taken advantage). The bottle of water provided daily in the room was a simple but well-appreciated gesture.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual, With Some Quirks
- Concierge: Helpful, mostly. They booked the amazing spa treatments.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. The cleaning staff are wizards.
- Laundry service – So so useful.
- Dry cleaning: Again, perfect.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Convenience store: Useful. Expensive.
- Currency exchange: A bit of a markup, but hey, convenience.
- Cash withdrawal: Fine.
- Safety deposit boxes: Reassuring.
- Air conditioning in public area: Blessed relief.
- Luggage storage: No problems.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Looked very professional, did not need them
- Invoice provided: Yes
The Food delivery option was present.
They Doorman was helpful.
For the Kids: Fam-Friendly, or Not?
- Family/child friendly: I saw kids around.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids meal: I did not try it
Rooms: My Cozy Cave (and Its Minor Annoyances)
Okay, let's talk about my room. The Available in all rooms items were.
Air conditioning: Essential.
Alarm clock: Present.
Bathrobes: Luxurious.
Bathtub: Great for a long soak.
Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleep.
Coffee/tea maker: A lifesaver.
Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
Desk: Functional.
Extra long bed: Comfy.
Free bottled water: Essential, especially in the Spanish heat.
Hair dryer: Powerful.
In-room safe box: Safe!
Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
Ironing facilities: Worked.
Laptop workspace: Adequate.
Mini bar: Standard.
Non-smoking: Yes.
Private bathroom: Of course.
Reading light: A nice touch.
Refrigerator: Useful for the Free bottled water.
Safety/security feature: Present.
Satellite/cable channels: Fine.
Seating area: Comfy.
Shower: Good pressure.
Smoke detector: Important.
Sofa: Cozy.
Telephone: Used it to order fries at 2 am.
Toiletries: Basic but sufficient.
Towels: Soft.
Wake-up service: Reliable.
Wi-Fi [free]: Amazing.
But… and there's always a but.
- The Soundproofing wasn't perfect. I heard a lot of conversations.
- The Socket near the bed
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're not just visiting Don Pedro Aviles, Spain… we're experiencing it. And trust me, it's going to be a right royal mess. Prepare for tears (probably mine), laughter (hopefully yours), and enough tapas to sink a small boat. Here we go:
Don Pedro Aviles: My Completely Unreliable & Utterly Chaotic Itinerary (AKA, the Plan That's Bound to Fail)
Day 1: Arrival - "Hola, Disorientation!"
Morning (or, more accurately, whenever the plane finally lands after being delayed by a gaggle of screaming toddlers): Touchdown in Asturias airport! The first hurdle? Luggage. Always the luggage. Pray to the travel gods that my suitcase, packed with all the essential (and non-essential) things, arrives in one piece. (Chances are slim. I overpacked, of course. I always do.)
- First impression: Well, it looks like Spain. Pretty sure I'm in Spain. Exhausted, but in Spain. The air smells faintly of… something good. Maybe chorizo? Hope that's the smell.
Mid-Day: Taxi chaos. Negotiate the price (badly). The driver probably thinks I'm an idiot tourist. Probably right. Arrive at the Hotel El Faro. It seemed charming online… looks a bit… well, let's call it “rustic.” This is where the "getting lost" stage begins. Finding the best way to go to the hotel.
- Emotional reaction: Oh god, the bedspread. It's floral. Very floral. I think my grandmother might have had this. But, the view! The view has a glimpse of the ocean. Okay, I'm recovering, mostly.
Afternoon: Tapas exploration! The Calle Galiana here should have tons of bars, and they better have good food. I'm starving. I'm going to eat everything. Everything. Expect me back in the hotel room with my pants undone and an entire plate of pulpo a la gallega.
- Quirky Observation: Watching the locals. They move with a certain… grace. I trip over a cobblestone. Grace is not in my vocabulary.
Evening: Sunset at the Cabo Peñas. The only plan. I'm going to watch the sun and maybe just… maybe… cry a little at the beauty.
- Messy Detail: Assuming I don't get lost on the way there. GPS is my only savior here. And if there is no sunset? Tears. Real, actual tears.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Coastal Capers
Morning: Breakfast! (Hopefully, it's not just toast. I need pastries and coffee.) Wander around Aviles and get a sense of the town.
- Emotional Reaction: Excited to finally go out for sightseeing.
Mid-Day: Centro Niemeyer. I'm expecting to be underwhelmed, because often I am. The building is so modern. I'll probably take a lot of pictures, stare in awe at the architecture, and then wander the inside.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, I'm going to be honest. Modern architecture: I sometimes don't get it. But, the pictures online look cool, so here's hoping for something spectacular.
Afternoon: BEACH TIME! The most important part of trips. Find the Playa de Salinas. I'm going to try surfing. Try. (More likely, I'll end up face-planting in the sand. But hey, at least I'll try.)
- Rant: I’m already dreading the wetsuit. Why is it so hard to get those things on? I deserve a medal just for that, honestly.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ask the server – in my very broken Spanish – for their recommendation. Embrace the unknown and whatever happens.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, food. My greatest weakness. Expect me to be thinking about what to eat the entire day.
Day 3: A Deep Dive into Memories (and More Food, Obviously)
Morning: Diving deep into history. I am going to go to the church. I am going to look around and take a ton of pictures.
- Opinionated Language: If it is ugly, I'm going to say it. Don't like the architecture. I will say it.
Mid-Day: Day Trip to Oviedo. Taking the train.
- Rant: I'm not a train person. But, I am going to do it.
Afternoon: Exploring Oviedo.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in Oviedo.
Stream-of-Consciousness: I'm starting to feel like I am a good traveler. Everything has been so exciting so far.
Day 4: The Farewell (Or, "Saying Adios To My Waistline")
Morning: Last tapas. This is it. This is the moment I face the music and the weight.
Mid-Day: Wandering around, getting that one last souvenir.
Afternoon: Going back to the hotel.
Emotion: I'm going to miss this place.
Evening: The final meal.
Quirky Observation: Is it wrong that I'm already planning my trip back? Probably not.
Remember, this is just a loose guideline. Real life happens. Plans change. I might get horribly lost. I might become obsessed with a specific type of pastry. The joy is in the chaos! So, let's embrace it, shall we? And don't worry. I'll be sure to report back (probably covered in sand, crumbs, and a healthy dose of existential dread).
Wish me luck. I'll need it.
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Don Pedro Aviles: The Hidden Gem (That Actually Bit Me!) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, Okay... What *IS* Don Pedro Aviles Anyway? Is it a mythical creature? Some lost city? Spill!
Alright, alright, settle down, Indiana Jones. Don Pedro Aviles isn't a temple brimming with gold, thankfully. It's a *town*, people! A little town snuggled away in Asturias, Spain. And when I say "little," I mean, like, blink and you'll miss it little. For years, I'd seen the pictures, the glossy travel brochures promising charming cobblestone streets and quaint cafes. Lies, all lies! (Mostly. There *are* charming cobblestone streets... sometimes.)
Think of it like this: some old fisherman’s village that time forgot. And the fish… well, they're *amazing*. More on that later. Oh, and the people? Forget the friendly smiles of tourism hotspots. Expect directness, fierce loyalty, and a healthy dose of skepticism. They probably sized me up in ten seconds flat.
So, is it *actually* a hidden gem? Because those things are usually overrated. I'm onto you!
Look, I’ll be honest. "Hidden gem" is a cliché, I know. And I’m usually *super* cynical about them. But... Don Pedro? It's different. It’s raw. It’s… real. It's not polished for tourists. And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn captivating.
My first impression? A chaotic mix of fishing boats, the salty air, and the persistent sound of seagulls vying for… well, anything edible. I almost choked on a baguette crust the second I stepped off the train. And the train? Don't get me started. Think broken AC, and a conductor who *definitely* hadn’t slept in 48 hours.
But then… you stumble into a tiny bodega, order the local cider (sidra - be prepared to pour it from high!), and the chaos starts to make sense. It’s invigorating! It's like the quiet before a storm. And that storm can be absolutely beautiful.
Tell me about the food. Because let's be real, that’s what matters, right?
OH. MY. GOD. The food. Where do I even begin?
First, the seafood. Fresh. Incredible. You can practically *taste* the ocean. Imagine the freshest sea bass, grilled to perfection, so juicy it practically melts in your mouth. Or the *fabada asturiana*: a hearty, bean stew that will warm you from the inside out (and probably put you in a food coma!). This is the stuff legends are made of.
But there were *challenges*. One night, I bravely (and I’m using that word *loosely*) ordered a plate of percebes (goose barnacles). They looked like something out of a sci-fi movie (tiny, dark claws...). The locals were watching, waiting for my reaction. Well, one of them started laughing when my face twisted in a mixture of disgust and fascination. The taste? Oh, a salty, oceanic explosion. It was… unforgettable! The *whole week* was a blur of food adventures!
What's the atmosphere like? Is it all sleepy fishing village vibes?
"Sleepy" would be putting it mildly. Don Pedro has its moments of frenzy, mind you, especially at the fish market. But mostly, it’s a place to *unplug*. No neon lights. No chain restaurants. Just the rhythmic lapping of waves, the clinking of glasses in the bodegas, and the general feeling of, "Eh, tomorrow will do."
Except… one night. I remember it clearly. We were at the *Fiestas de San Pedro* (the patron saint of the town) and the plaza came alive! I was swept up in a wave of loud music, the smell of grilled chorizo, and the sight of everyone just… *dancing*. I couldn't understand a word, but I felt more connected than I have in years!
It's a place where you walk, breathe, and eventually, sync up with the rhythm of life. It’s a place where you lose yourself and find more parts of yourself than you thought existed.
Any disasters? Because, you know, I'm a cynical traveler. Give me the dirt!
Oh, honey, where do I *start*? Firstly, I should've known better than to hire a beat-up, old bicycle from that guy with the handlebar mustache. On a scenic coastal road? I ended up tumbling down a small embankment, covered in mud (classy, I know). My knee is still bruised!
And there's the "sidra" incident. Remember that? The pouring? Yeah, I'm *terrible* at pouring sidra. The first few tries involved most of the drink landing on the table. And I accidentally spilled the whole bottle on a sweet old lady one time. She didn't look amused. But she did laugh. Eventually.
But the *worst*? (deep breath) The language barrier. My Spanish is… basic. Ordering food was like playing charades with a grumpy waiter who clearly wanted me gone. I once ordered a dish I thought was "pork chops." Turns out it was a plate of something that looked... *questionable*… and tasted even more so. Let's just say, I ate very little that evening. And the next day, it was the same. But that's what makes the experience, right?
Would you *really* go back? And why? Don't lie to me!
Hell yes, I'd go back! Despite the mud, the questionable food, and the linguistic mishaps, Don Pedro Aviles got under my skin. It’s not perfect - it’s far from. There are zero hipster coffee shops, and the internet is spotty (bliss!).
But it's the real deal. It's a place where you can disconnect, escape the grind, and *actually* experience something authentic. Where you can mess up, stumble, and laugh at yourself; where a simple plate of grilled fish at sunset is the best meal you've ever had, and maybe, just *maybe*, you'll even learn how to pour "sidra" properly. And I'm willing to bet the locals will remember me the moment I walk in the door. I’m a part of their story now.
