Unbelievable Roses, Spain Escape: Belvilla's Comte de Empuries Apt B Awaits!
Unbelievable Roses, Spain Escape: Belvilla’s Comte de Empuries Apt B - A Love Affair with a Side of Soap Opera (and Glorious Wi-Fi!)
Okay, let's be honest. This isn't your glossy travel blog review. This is real. We're talking about the Comte de Empuries Apt B, a Belvilla-run apartment in Roses, Spain. And let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster of sunshine, sangria, and…well, slightly questionable coffee that somehow manages to win you over.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I don’t have any mobility issues myself, but I did see an elevator, (thank the gods, after lugging my suitcase up four flights of stairs in the previous apartment) which is a huge win. So, score one for accessibility, folks! Even if you're like me, and just trying to avoid a workout you didn't plan for.
Internet Access (aka The Lifeline): Sweet Jesus, the internet! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works. Seriously, I could upload those Instagram stories of me looking effortlessly tanned and holding a glass of something fruity. You know, the important stuff. Internet [LAN] options too, if you’re into that actual productivity thing. I'm a strong believer in the modern miracle that is internet.
Things to Do (or, How I Spent My Vacation): Well, let's see… lots of Swimming pool action. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was, admittedly, the star. The "pool with view" description? Nailed it. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I spent a ridiculous amount of time there, alternating between paddling and plotting my escape from reality. Then there's the whole Roses thing. The whole of the town is a thing to do in its own right.
Ways to Relax (and Pretend I'm a Wellness Guru): There’s a Spa/sauna… which, full disclosure, I didn’t actually hit. My "relaxation" consisted of sunbathing, eating tapas, and occasionally considering a nap. The idea was there, though. This place actually seems to do wellness. You can get a Body scrub or even a Body wrap, but I'm more the "wrap the leftovers in plastic" type. The Gym/fitness centre? Nope, still no. But hey, the stairs to the apartment counted as cardio, right? Right?
Cleanliness and Safety (aka, My Inner Germaphobe Calmed Down): Okay, this is where the Comte de Empuries really shines. They get it. Post-pandemic, I'm a sanitation nut. The Anti-viral cleaning products, the Daily disinfection in common areas, the Rooms sanitized between stays… it’s all there, and it's reassuring. They even go the extra mile to provide Hand sanitizer. They have Hygiene certification. They have Professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt confident that they were taking things seriously, which is a huge win (especially when you've got someone who coughed nearby to the beach).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka My Culinary Adventures): The apartment itself had a functional kitchen, so I was able to make things which is usually disastrous, so I spent most of my time exploring the area. I'm a big fan of the Poolside bar - it's a key part of the Spanish escape. You could get Coffee/tea in restaurant, etc etc etc. The options were numerous and plentiful.
Restaurants: Restaurants. Ah, yes, the restaurants… I tried everything. The A la carte in restaurant options were tempting, and with a decent helping of Spanish I was absolutely able to order everything I wanted!
Services and Conveniences (aka, The Little Things That Make a Difference): The Concierge was helpful, if a little… well, let's just say their English wasn't perfect. But hey, that just made the experience more authentic! There was Daily housekeeping (a massive plus!), and the Elevator, I could kiss it. The Facilities for disabled guests were important. The Laundry service was fantastic. And the *Internet access, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free] was excellent.
For the Kids (aka, My Imaginary Children): While I didn’t have any actual kids in tow, the place seemed pretty Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service options and the pool being a huge draw. Maybe next time, I'll bring the kids to see if that's right.
Available in all rooms (aka, The Necessities): So much that they included. From the Additional toilet to the Air conditioning, the Alarm clock and the Bathrobes (a touch of luxury!).
Getting Around (aka, The Joy of Not Driving): Okay, so Car park [free of charge] available. Car park [on-site] as well. Perfect for everyone!
Now for the juicy bits (aka, My Real-Life Hotel Soap Opera):
Okay, the Room decorations… they were… well, they were there. Not exactly Instagram-worthy, but the apartment was clean, comfortable, and functional. The Air conditioning was a godsend during the August heatwave. And the Soundproofing? Surprisingly good. I couldn't hear my neighbors arguing about who was hogging the sun lounger (a common occurrence, apparently).
Here's the thing: this place isn't perfect. The coffee, as mentioned, wasn't great. And there was a minor incident involving a malfunctioning shower (too hot, then too cold, then too hot again – a real emotional journey!) But the staff were quick to fix it, and honestly, those minor imperfections become part of the charm. It's like, "Hey, this isn't a flawless five-star resort. It's a real place, with real people, where you can enjoy a truly remarkable European town."
The location, though? Gold. Right in the heart of Roses, close to everything. The Terrace was my go-to spot for morning coffee and evening sunsets. And the views… oh, the views! Stunning.
I'm not going to tell you this is the best apartment in Spain (because I'm not sure that exists), but it gave me a sense of freedom. It’s a place where you can truly relax, unwind, and maybe, just maybe, fall a little bit in love with Spanish life--and a good Wi-Fi connection, of course.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Faults and all. Because sometimes, the imperfections are what makes a holiday truly unforgettable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I’m off to book my return trip! And yes, I’ll be working on my Spanish before I go. Wish me luck!
Luxury Alpine Escape: Sauna & Ski Views in St. Anton am Arlberg
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your typical, pristine travel itinerary. This is going to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick, but still grinning because the view is gorgeous" – a real-life, sometimes-disastrous, absolutely-not-perfect romp through Roses, Spain, courtesy of Belvilla by OYO and, well, me and a whole lotta caffeine and questionable life choices.
Trip Title: Roses & Regrets (Probably More Regrets)
Accommodation: Comte de Empuries Apt B, Roses, Spain (Cross your fingers it's not a total disaster. Seriously, please cross them.)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Almost-Disaster of the Grocery Run
Morning (aka “Whenever the flight finally lands and I've clawed my way out of the seat”):
- Arrive at Girona Airport (GRO). Pray to the travel gods for a smooth flight. (Spoiler alert: they probably won't listen). Seriously, the pre-flight airport panic is REAL. Did I pack enough snacks? Did I leave the iron on? Did I accidentally book a flight for next year? These are the weighty questions!
- The Shuttle Shuffle: Navigate the airport chaos, find the pre-booked shuttle (hopefully it hasn’t spontaneously combusted), and endure the slightly terrifying journey to Roses. Drivers, am I right, with their “personal interpretations” of the speed limit?
- Check-in Hopes and Fears: Arrive at Comte de Empuries Apt B. Fingers crossed it's actually the address I was supposed to go to, and the key isn’t hidden under a surprisingly aggressive ceramic frog.
- First Impressions, and the Fridge's Empty Promise: Unpack, breathe in that glorious Mediterranean air, and do a reconnaissance mission of the apartment. Is the balcony as dreamy as it looked in the photo? More importantly, does the fridge actually work? Because you know, sustenance is key.
Afternoon (aka The Great Grocery Heist That Wasn’t):
- The Mission Impossible: Supermarket Edition: Embark on the perilous journey to the nearest supermarket. Armed with a phrasebook (that I barely understand), a reusable shopping bag that’s seen better days, and a vague idea of what constitutes “edible” in Spain.
- The Language Barrier Tango: The absolute joy of trying to communicate with the grocery store staff. Miming, pointing, and hopefully not accidentally buying a whole wheel of cheese the size of my head. "Queso… grande… no, pequeño!" (Hopefully.)
- Culinary Catastrophe Averted (Maybe): Somehow, miraculously, I leave the supermarket alive and with groceries. Did I buy the right stuff? Who knows! The labels are all in Spanish. We'll figure it out. Pasta, bread, some sort of fruit… what could go wrong?
Evening:
- Balcony Bliss (or the Balcony Blues, Depending): Crack open a bottle of… (I'll figure that out later). Watch the sunset. Contemplate the vastness of the sea and the slightly smaller, but still significant, vastness of my impending laundry pile.
- The First Meal Gamble: Prepare (attempt to prepare) a meal. The only item I know how to cook is pasta, so it might be pasta. Hopefully I didn't buy something that will make me run to the bathroom!
- Sleep, or the Attempt Thereof: Crash into the nearest bed, exhausted but excited for the adventures (and potential disasters) of tomorrow.
Day 2: Roses' Charm & Coastal Chaos
Morning (aka The Sun's Up, And So Am I - Slowly):
- Wake Up To The World: Actually GET UP and try something new. Maybe go to a local bakery for some fresh bread. (This time, I will try to learn a few more words to help me order). Then, enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
- Beachbound: Head to the beach! Feel the sand between my toes, soak up the sun, and try not to get eaten by a rogue wave. The Mediterranean is a temptress, you know?
- The Great Seafood Hunt: Try a local beachside restaurant. Eat something new and try to act like a sophisticated traveler!
Afternoon (aka Exploring the Old Town and Maybe Getting Lost):
- Wanderlust Unleashed: Explore the charming old town of Roses. Get blissfully lost in the narrow streets, admire the architecture, and try not to get run over by scooters.
- The Castle's Call: Visit the Citadel of Roses. Marvel at its history, take photos, and imagine myself as a conqueror. Or, you know, just a slightly clumsy tourist.
- The Art of People-Watching: Find a café, order a caffeinated beverage, and spend an hour watching the world go by. Absorb the local culture, make up stories about the people around me, and probably eavesdrop on conversations I don’t understand.
Evening (aka Taps, Sunset Views, & The Importance of Good Advice):
- Tapas Time! Dive headfirst into the tapas scene. Sample everything that looks remotely delicious, and try not to get carried away with the sangria.
- Sunset Spectacle: Find a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the bay. Breathe in the beauty, and try to remember that this is why I'm here.
- The "Best Advice Ever" Debacle: After I asked a local for advice, I went to a specific restaurant, and well, it wasn't the right choice. The place was crowded, the staff was overwhelmed, and my meal didn't go as plan, because that's life. But hey, at least It's a story to tell!
Day 3: Day Trip Delight (or Day Trip Disaster?)
Morning (aka The Early Bird Gets… the Overcrowded Bus):
- Destination Decision: Decide on a day trip. Maybe Cadaqués? Figueres (home of the Dalí Theatre-Museum – yes, please!)? Or maybe just stay in Roses and eat more bread. The possibilities are endless (and potentially overwhelming).
- Transportation Trouble: Figure out the transportation. Buses? Trains? Rental car? Whatever I choose, brace myself for delays, misunderstandings, and the constant struggle to decipher the timetable. (Pro tip: download Google Translate).
- The "I Forgot to Pack X" Syndrome: (Don't forget to check my backpack three times!)
- Historical Exploration (If all goes well): Arrive at the destination and try to soak up the local history and culture. Visit museums, walk among historical buildings, and attempt to avoid the crowds.
Afternoon (aka The Art of the Unplanned):
- Improvisation Nation: Embrace the spontaneity of travel. Get lost, stumble upon hidden gems, and let the day take me where it may.
- The Foodie Adventure: Find a local restaurant and try the local cuisine. Try something new, be adventurous, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. (And then ignore them. Just kidding).
- Photo Op Frenzy: Capture the day in photos. Document all the beauty, the chaos, and the moments.
Evening (aka Travel Fatigue, and the Sweetness of Home):
- The Long Journey Back: Return to Roses, tired but happy. Reflect on the day's adventures, and tell myself it really was good.
- Relaxing & Recharging: Have something light to eat and relax in the apartment.
Day 4: Roses & Relaxation
Morning (aka the slow, steady one):
- Sleep in: Wake up late and enjoy a lazy morning in the comfort of the apartment.
- Local Market: Explore the local market. Enjoy the colors, experience the tastes, and practice my Spanish.
Afternoon (aka Adventure):
- Boat Tour: Take a boat tour of the coast. Relax and enjoy the views.
- Restaurant time: Go to a nice restaurant and enjoy the time.
Evening (aka the farewell):
- A final meal: Visit a nice restaurant for one last meal. Say goodbye to the beautiful place.
Day 5: Departure & The Already-Forming Memories
Morning:
- Last Sunrise: Wake up, watch the sunrise, and try to soak in the beauty one last time.
- Pack it up: Pack my bags, and get ready for departure.
Afternoon:
- The Sad Goodbye: Say goodbye to the apartment. Check out the place, and make sure everything is okay.
- Homeward Bound: Head to the airport. Pray for a smooth flight back home.
Evening:
- Reflect & Remember: Look back on the trip and the memories.
- Make a plan: Start to plan my next trip.
Important Notes & Disclaimers:
- **This itinerary is
Unbelievable Roses, Spain Escape: Belvilla's Comte de Empuries Apt B Awaits! (…or Does It?) – A Messy FAQ
So, is this apartment actually... believable? Or is it another picture-perfect lie?
The photos. Are they… accurate? (Be honest!)
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: The location? Worth the hype?
What about the facilities? Is there Wi-Fi that works? (Asking for a friend… who needs to work remotely.)
Any tips for dealing with the apartment? (e.g., parking, local supermarket etc.)
Would you go back? Honestly?
Seriously, though, about that toaster…
