Escape to Paradise: Siesta Suites Gran Canaria Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Siesta Suites Gran Canaria Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Siesta Suites Gran Canaria Awaits! - A Rambling Review from Someone Who Actually Went (Finally!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little sangria) on my recent escape to the promised land – Siesta Suites Gran Canaria. I’ve been dreaming of this trip for ages, picturing myself slumped on a sun lounger, a cocktail perpetually in hand, and the worries of the world dissolving into the ocean breeze. Did it live up to the hype? Well, let's just say it was… an experience. And you're gonna get the unfiltered truth, folks. Buckle up.
Location, Location, Location (and My Unpaid Flight Attendant)
First off, getting there was a mission. My chosen airline, let's call them "Hollow Air," apparently thought "luggage" was just a suggestion. But hey, finally, GRAN CANARIA! The airport transfer was thankfully smooth – the thought of navigating that chaos after an eight-hour flight? Shudder. And the Siesta Suites? Easy peasy to find, thankfully.
Accessibility: Blessing or Blunder? (The Good and the Slightly Awkward)
Right off the bat, I have to applaud their commitment to accessibility. I'm not exactly running a marathon these days, and the elevator was a godsend. Elevator, essential! They also have facilities for disabled guests. They say it's all wheelchair accessible, which generally seems true, but navigating some of the pool areas felt… a little tight at times. The pathways, though, were nice and smooth, or rather, they were until I tripped over a rogue sunbed, while sober. Note to self: focus on the smooth surfaces, not the sunbeds of chaos.
The Suite Life: Oh, the Rooms!
Okay, the rooms themselves? Clean, CLEAN! I mean, the level of cleanliness was pretty impressive – I'm talking anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, the works. They clearly take hygiene seriously and they should after all the times I nearly choked on a cough on the plane. And the room itself? Well, it was…fine. Air conditioning that actually worked (halleluiah!), a comfy bed, complimentary tea and coffee (essential!), and a mini-bar stocked with enough essentials to get you through your morning after (and then some). Air conditioning, a lifesaver!
They also had all the little things – hair dryer, robes (always a win!), and a safe box for your valuables (which I promptly forgot the code to… more on that later). I loved that they offered an extra long bed and you could also get an interconnecting room if you went 'family sized'. I was on my own thank god. There was an easy to find socket, which is an absolute win in this day and age, and the window opened! Fresh air, people! My personal tiny victory.
The bathroom was decent, though the shower pressure could have been a little stronger. I'm a shower person, so maybe I'm biased. The provided toiletries were surprisingly good. And here's a pro-tip: always check for slippers. They're a gamechanger when you're recovering from too much sun.
And…oh gosh…the view. The view! I wouldn’t say it was the most unforgettable view of my life, but it was pretty decent, and the blackout curtains, well, they're heaven sent if you enjoy a lie in - I on the other hand, have to get up to write these reviews!
Internet, Internet Everywhere! (And Mostly Working, Praise Be)
Free Wi-Fi? In all rooms? YES! And it actually worked! I mean, mostly. There were a few moments of "are we even connected?" but for the majority of the time, I was binge-watching my guilty pleasure shows. They also offered Internet [LAN] if you're into that sort of thing. I am not. And the Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent, perfect for a quick social media check.
The Food: A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Hiccups)
Okay, let's be honest, one of the main reasons I booked this place? THE FOOD.
Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] was where I initially lost it. The buffet was, and I have to be honest, massively disappointing. The Asian breakfast? I was expecting something AMAZING, but it was frankly… bland. the Western breakfast? Better, but still not the stuff of dreams. I'm still traumatised by the soggy bacon. BUT, they have breakfast takeaway service for those who want to eat in the room! The breakfast service was fast enough.
Restaurants & Bars: I did one dinner in the Asian cuisine restaurant and it was…meh. (I need to stop using the word meh, I know). The Salad in restaurant was actually not bad. I guess they're better at what they know. There are several restaurants and a bar, and a poolside bar. The prices were reasonable. I did enjoy the happy hour.
Snacks & Extras: They had a coffee shop, a snack bar, a poolside bar, and bottle of water included. I made excellent use of the poolside bar on more than one occasion (and the bottle of water was handy when you'd had a few too many cocktails).
Dining Safety: This is where Siesta Suites really shines. Safe dining setup? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. I felt genuinely safe eating there. A huge relief, after getting so ill on the plane on the way over.
Things to Do: Swim, Spa, and… More Swimming?
Here's the good stuff. The swimming pool [outdoor] was incredible. They have a pool with a view which is amazing. Swimming pool (check!), Steamroom (check!), Sauna (check!), A Spa/Sauna (check!), Foot bath (check!) and they do Body scrubs and Body wraps which, yeah, I'm game.
The fitness center was pretty decent, I didn't use it. I did, on the other hand, get a massage. The massage was one of the highlights of the whole trip. It helped to iron out all the knots in my back from carrying around a suitcase the size of a small car, and from sitting on a plane for hours. The massage was worth the trip on its own.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Bliss, and… My Wallet's Sobbing
The spa. Oh, the spa. I lived in the spa. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. But I did spend a glorious afternoon in the steam room and sauna. They had a bunch of fantastic spa treatments. However, it wasn't cheap. But hey, a little bit of luxury never hurt anyone, right? Right. Especially when you're this burnt.
Cleanliness and Safety: They're On It!
Honestly, I felt safe here. COVID precautions were serious. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff consistently wearing masks. They really make an effort. I'd give them a solid A+ in this department.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- The Concierge: Extremely helpful. They even managed to find a replacement for my lost luggage, eventually (thanks, Hollow Air!).
- Daily Housekeeping: The staff were amazing. The rooms were spotless every single day.
- Laundry Service & Dry Cleaning: Essential! Especially after forgetting to pack enough clean clothes.
- Food Delivery: Convenient if you don't feel like venturing out.
- Cash Withdrawal: Essential, unless you are on a budget!
The Quirks and the Mishaps (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
Okay, here's the truth: It wasn't perfect. There were a few hiccups.
- The Safe Code Blunder: Remember the safe? Yeah, I forgot the code. Spent a solid hour trying to remember it before I had to get the concierge involved. It's a me problem, really.
- The Sunbed Incident: Okay, so I mentioned the near-trip-over-sunbed moment earlier, right? I'm clumsy.
- The Pricey Souvenirs: The gift shop had some interesting items, but they were a bit pricey. I ended up getting a cheap keyring from a local shop for my Aunt Brenda.
In Conclusion:
Siesta Suites Gran Canaria? It's a mixed bag, but in a good way. It's not perfect. It has its quirks, its imperfections, and its moments of utter brilliance. But overall, I had a fantastic time. The staff are amazing, the facilities are top-notch, and the location is pretty darn great. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe next time, I'll remember the safe code. And try the body wraps, again!
Indore's Hidden Gem: Treebo Daksh Residency - Unbelievable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, sunshine-soaked journey to Siesta Suites Gran Canaria. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this is the real, slightly sunburnt, and probably wine-stained story.
Siesta Suites Shenanigans - Gran Canaria: A Mostly Wonderful Mess
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic
Morning (ish): Landed at Gran Canaria Airport. The air? Glorious, thick with the promise of… well, something better than British rain. Found the transfer (it was a pre-booked shared shuttle, which, I've learned, is basically a gamble with other people's sanity). The driver, a man who looked like he'd wrestled a shark and won, blasted some Spanish pop I knew but couldn't quite place. I'm already sweating, not from the heat, but from the fear of accidentally getting off at the wrong resort.
Afternoon: Success! Found Siesta Suites. The reception was… let's say it: functional. The woman behind the desk, bless her, had the air of someone who'd seen a thousand bleary-eyed tourists. Check in was painless enough. The room? Pretty standard - clean, a decent balcony, and a minibar that I promised myself I wouldn't raid immediately. (Spoiler alert: I lied.)
Evening: Okay, THIS is where things started to get… interesting. The hotel had a little tapas restaurant. I was starving, so I ordered EVERYTHING. Seriously. Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, chorizo… the works. It was divine. Then I made a very impulsive decision and opted for a Sangria. Two glasses down, and suddenly I was giddily chatting to a couple from Scunthorpe about the merits of competitive knitting (don't ask). Walked back to the room feeling like I could walk on the water. Accidentally spilled some of my remaining Sangria all over the balcony. Yeah, the perfect start.
Day 2: Sand, Sea, and Self-Doubt
Morning: Walked down to the beach. The sand was scorching! And the waves were much bigger than I'd anticipated. Spent way too long faffing around with sunscreen and a beach umbrella that kept attempting to escape to the sea. Finally, I submerged myself in the ocean. Wow. It was cold. Then I was hit by a wave that knocked my bikini top askew! I wanted to run back to the hotel, I really did! But I had to let it go. The sea was the sea. It was worth it.
Afternoon: Tried to read a book. Failed. Too distracted by the sheer beauty of the ocean, the sun, and the screaming children. (Honestly, kids are great… but they scream so much.) Had a half-successful nap on a sun lounger, waking up with a stripe of sunburn across my face. Definitely need more sunscreen… and possibly a stiff drink.
Evening: Ventured out to find dinner. Got lost in the labyrinthine streets of… somewhere. Asked for directions, in a language I don't understand, to a restaurant I'd heard was excellent. The adorable elderly lady (who I am convinced thought I was slightly loopy), gave me a very specific way to the place, and I think I made it. The food? Worth the potential passport-related problems. Garlic prawns were heaven. And then, (because I'm incapable of learning my lesson), more Sangria. This time, the conversation was with myself, mostly about how amazing the food and island were.
Day 3: A Deep Dive into… Feeling Things?
Morning: Determined to be productive. I signed up for a sightseeing tour. The bus, which I was certain was going to be late, was actually on time. The tour guide was a local, full of fascinating facts. I discovered the history of the island. I was intrigued by the landscape. This started to give me that feeling - you know the one. When travel really connects with you.
Afternoon: The tour took us around some stunning cliffs and mountains. I started to reflect on things. I am not going to bore you with the details, but I had a little personal breakthrough. It was completely random (and possibly fueled by more Sangria).
Evening: Back at the hotel, I had dinner alone. Took a long shower, then sat on the balcony and enjoyed the sunset, thinking about how amazing it would be to stay for ever. Then I started to get sentimental and emotional about my best friend, and my life back home, and then I got scared. I started to wonder if I'm the only one who ever feels a little… wobbly while travelling.
Day 4: A Crash Course in… Everything
Morning: My jet lag decided to kick in. I have no idea how. Woke up at 5 am, wide awake, with a sudden craving for churros. (The craving was satisfied).
Afternoon: Decided to learn to surf. (I have never surfed before). It was hilarious! I spent more time getting pummeled by waves than actually riding them. But I loved it. The feeling of the sea, the sun, the salt… and the sheer absurdity of my wobbly attempts. Didn't take a single photo. I was too busy being terrible.
Evening: The sunset. Oh. The sunset. I found a spot overlooking the beach, ordered a glass of local wine (I’ve officially given up on trying to avoid Sangria), and watched the sky explode with colour. It was one of those moments, you know? Where everything feels… right. The feeling was so deep, and intense. I decided I would never forget the sunset.
Day 5: Departure and Reflections
Morning: The dreaded packing. I have a knack for leaving things behind. (Wallet? Phone charger? Passport? – Check, check, and… oh dear.) Got everything together with frantic last minute efforts. Said goodbye to the lovely lady at reception.
Afternoon: Airport. The flight was delayed which meant more nervous pacing, but the plane eventually left.
Evening: Back home. The sun is gone, and the fridge is depressingly empty. But there is the glow of the island in my heart. I am already planning my return. And I've made a vow: next time, I’m bringing twice the sunscreen, a better Spanish phrasebook, and a bigger appetite for adventure (and Sangria).
Final Thoughts:
Gran Canaria, Siesta Suites: not perfect, not flawless, but absolutely unforgettable. It was messy, it was chaotic, it was real. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look at photos, and dream of the sea, and plan for my inevitable return. And maybe, just maybe, try to learn fluent Spanish… yeah right, that will never happen!
Bogor's Hidden Gem: Cozzy Kostel - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Siesta Suites Gran Canaria Awaits! (Or Does It?) - The Unvarnished Truth Edition
Okay, spill the beans. Is "Siesta Suites" really paradise? I'm picturing white sand, infinity pools... you know, the WORKS.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the truth is... it's complicated. Yes, there's sand. And yes, there *might* have been a pool involved. But "paradise"? Let's just say my expectations, fueled by Instagram, were running pretty darn high. I'm talking "sun-kissed goddess lounging effortlessly" vibes. The reality? More like "sun-burnt tourist frantically searching for the shade" vibes. Seriously, bring sunscreen. And maybe a hat. And maybe learn Spanish, because my attempts at "Hola!" got me precisely... nowhere.
Look, the place *is* pretty. The architecture is vaguely appealing, but remember that's after a week of sunshine and a lot of Sangria. Don't go expecting some gleaming, pristine resort. Think... slightly worn charm. Think "a little bit of paint could go a long way." Consider this an advanced warning: it's not *faulty*. It's just… character is a nice word for things.
The rooms! Are they actually "suites"? And more importantly, did you get a good view?
Alright, so the "suites" part… It *is* larger than your average cramped hotel room, sure. You have, like, a living area and a slightly raised sleeping area which looks like the place the cat would sleep. But spacious? Luxury? Maybe if you're comparing it to a broom closet. The bathroom? Functional. Not breathtakingly so. Also, the plumbing decided to have a little… "discussion" with itself on the first night. Let's just say I've developed a newfound appreciation for the simple elegance of a working toilet.
The view… Okay, *that* was a mixed bag. We requested, with the utmost professionalism and sincerity (I mean, I *asked* nicely!) a sea view. We got... a partial sea view, and a view of the parking lot. I'm not even kidding. It was like the universe was playing a cruel joke on me. The ocean was *there*, tantalizingly close, but also blocked by some strategically placed palm trees and… other buildings. Look, I’m not going to lie, my initial reaction was pure, unadulterated *rage*. I may have muttered some things involving the words "false advertising" and "broken promises." But then, you know, Sangria. And the view was kind of pretty during golden hour. And the parking lot did give great people-watching opportunities.
Okay, food situation? Is there at least good food? I cannot survive on sad hotel breakfasts.
The breakfast situation… Ah, yes. This is where Siesta Suites truly challenged my inner Pollyanna. It wasn't *terrible*. There was bread. There was… some sort of sliced meat product. There were pre-packaged pastries that looked suspiciously like they'd been through a time warp. And the coffee? Let's just say it tasted vaguely of brown water and regret.
My first morning, I was brimming with optimistic energy. By the third day, I was pretty much surviving on whatever I could smuggle from the local supermarket. Which mostly meant cheese and crackers. Look, I *like* cheese and crackers. A lot. But a week of cheese and crackers is not my idea of a luxury culinary experience. I swear, the only reason I didn't starve was the abundance of Tapas and Paella that the local towns offered. You can get a wide variety of good food, but I swear, the breakfast was not one of the highlights. I guess I'm just not a "pre-packaged breakfast pastries" kind of gal. Or maybe I just needed more Sangria in my system at that point. It was a sad show... I should have brought my own coffee machine.
The pool! I need the pool details. Clear water, sunshine, cocktails... the works.
The pool... Okay, the pool *mostly* lived up to the hype. It was clean. The water had that perfect turquoise shimmer. There were, in fact, sun loungers. There was even a poolside bar, which, THANK GOD! I'm not going to lie, a few days were spent almost exclusively horizontal, cocktail in hand, pretending I was a glamorous movie star.
BUT! (There's always a "but," isn't there?) Finding a sun lounger was like competing in the Hunger Games. Seriously. People were up at dawn, staking their claim with towels and… I swear, I saw one person even put a small inflatable flamingo out to reserve their spot. The poolside bar was also a little slow, which is absolutely not helping my cocktail needs. I spent a LOT of time staring longingly at the bartenders, willing them to make my Mojito faster. And eventually, they did. I should've bought stock in the local pharmacy because there was a lot of sunburning. I mean a LOT. Look, the pool was good. But paradise? It's a process. And a competitive one at that.
What's the vibe of the area like? Quiet relaxation or party central?
Depends what you're after! Siesta Suites itself is generally pretty chilled out. More quiet relaxation than all-night raves. You know, the kind of place where you can actually hear the waves crashing and your own thoughts… which, after a while, might make you crave a bit of party action. No judgment.
The surrounding area is, let's say, enthusiastically touristy. Think restaurants catering to all tastes (and budgets), shops selling everything from souvenirs to… well, more souvenirs. The beach is within walking distance, and it's definitely worth a visit (that sand is amazing, no lie). You've got options to go get "tours" and things. But mostly everything is focused around people trying to relax, or party, depending. So, a bit of everything, really. Just be prepared for the crowds. And the occasional overly enthusiastic karaoke performance down the street. Some things are better left unseen... (especially when the Sangria is flowing!)
Any other tips for surviving/thriving at Siesta Suites? What would you tell someone going there?
Okay, final thoughts, because I feel like I've developed a deep, complex relationship with this place. This is my wisdom, take it or leave it:
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and extra sunscreen. Seriously, don't skimp on the SPF. You'll thank me later. Unless you're into the lobster look. No judgement.
- Learn some basic Spanish. "Hola" is a good start, but "¿Dónde está el baño?" is a *must*. And maybe "Una cerveza, por favor."
- Lower your expectations slightly. It's not the Four Seasons, but it'Pefkos Paradise: Your Dream Rhodes Resort Awaits!Siesta Suites Gran Canaria SpainSiesta Suites Gran Canaria Spain
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Siesta Suites Gran Canaria Awaits!"