Have you ever ever needed to pack your luggage, hit the open street, and discover the gorgeous landscapes of Europe? We did simply that on our latest street journey by way of France, Spain, and Portugal, stopping at some fascinating resorts alongside the best way.
Whether or not you’re planning an analogous journey or simply interested in these distinctive stays, this information is for you. We’ll provide the inside scoop on every lodge, sharing the highs and lows of our experiences, so you may resolve which locations could be price a go to.
Our first cease was within the charming city of Poitiers, the place we stayed on the Contact Lodge Come Inn. Should you’re on the lookout for luxurious, this may not be your first alternative, however it definitely has its personal allure. The rooms have been fairly fundamental, virtually feeling like a hostel. Sadly, our wardrobe door took a tumble once we opened it, including a contact of slapstick comedy to our keep. No air-con, however followers have been offered—one with a cracked casing.
Whereas the lavatory mild determined to take a everlasting trip, breakfast saved the day. Easy, but filling, it provided a comforting begin to our travels. For 2 rooms, we paid £135 for one night time. Our verdict? A strong 5/10. It was a spot to relaxation our heads, however not far more. I didn’t bear in mind to take any photos however that is the nightmare junction I discovered while on the lookout for someplace to park and get meals in Poitiers. It was a stunning space however laborious to park particularly as we had solely started our street journey driving in France that day!
Valladolid’s Lodge Conde Ansurez
Subsequent, we travelled to Valladolid, driving into Spain for the primary time. We checked into the Lodge Conde Ansurez on the outskirts of the town. Right here, we discovered consolation and a contact of luxurious that made us really feel at dwelling. The rooms have been thoughtfully designed, providing each necessities and some surprises, like plush pillows. Priced at £126 for 2 rooms per night time, it felt like a steal.
The one draw back was the restaurant, the place vegetarians would possibly really feel as if they’d entered a meat lover’s paradise. Beef cheeks, anybody? There was actually nothing vegetarian obtainable and the employees had no concepts the place we might go for one thing. We ended up driving to a Burger King!
Regardless of the culinary hiccup, we rated this lodge 8/10. With a greater eating expertise, it might have simply been a 9.
Muthu Oura Praia Lodge, Albufeira
Who doesn’t love a very good beachside escape? After driving from Valladolid in Spain by way of the mountains we entered Portugal and drove by way of Portugal right down to Albufeira. By the point we arrived it was sizzling and we have been prepared for a number of days off driving! In Albufeira, we stayed for six nights on the Muthu Oura Praia Lodge. Our all-inclusive expertise was each a success and a miss.
The lodge was good, moderately clear however the all inclusive was very disappointing because the lodge itself solely had one restaurant that was not obtainable each night and was fairly particular (a sushi restaurant) and solely had a pool bar 11-6, no different meals or drinks have been obtainable with out having to go to different resorts within the chain.
One of many resorts was subsequent door however others have been a 20 minute stroll away down (after which again up!) a particularly steep hill. The meals within the different resorts have been good however this was very sneaky I felt calling our lodge all inclusive when it truly wasn’t. The pool was pretty and the room had all the pieces we wanted. General I might give this lodge 7.5/10 because of the food and drinks points.
The room and pool, nonetheless, have been good and enjoyable by them was good. Regardless of the food and drinks points, we gave this lodge a 7.5/10. It’s a stunning spot when you don’t thoughts a little bit of an journey to discover a meal.
Ibis Madrid Fuenlabrada
In Madrid, we have been warmly welcomed on the Ibis Fuenlabrada, a lodge that ticked all our containers. The service was impeccable, and the rooms have been each comfy and inexpensive—£187 for 2 rooms over two nights, with breakfast included. It’s laborious to beat that sort of worth.
We loved the scrumptious breakfast and the lodge’s proximity to Madrid’s sights. We acquired an Uber into Madrid which was good as we needed a break day driving. Our ranking? A well-deserved 9/10, making it a must-visit for anybody heading to Spain’s capital.
Bordeaux’s Consolation Aparthotel Bordeaux Begles Enviornment
Heading again to France, we spent a while on the Consolation Aparthotel Bordeaux Begles Enviornment. This hybrid between a lodge and an condo provided practicality and house, though privateness within the condo was a bit missing with its open-plan structure. The kitchen space was a pleasant contact, good for many who prefer to prepare dinner fundamental meals within the room.
Breakfast wasn’t included, however we tried it as soon as—and as soon as was sufficient because of the additional value. the meals was good however definitely not price the additional we paid. We paid £185 for 2 nights, discovering it honest worth. General, we rated it 6/10. It’s superb for a brief keep, particularly when you plan to spend your days exploring Bordeaux. It’s in all probability an ideal lodge for employees doing enterprise in Bordeaux and fewer appropriate for households.
Look how lovely Bordeaux is although – no image of the lodge because it didn’t look that thrilling!
Premiere Classe Le Havre Centre les Docks
Our ultimate cease was in Le Havre on the Premiere Classe Le Havre Centre les Docks. This lodge, situated in a residential space, provided easy however comfy rooms. We recommend paying for parking until you get pleasure from neighbourhood soccer!
Although it lacked air-con, the continental breakfast was a nice shock. For £118 for 2 rooms over two nights, it was unimaginable worth. We gave it a 9/10, it might have been extra with air-con.
Reflecting on Our Lodge Journey
General, our street journey by way of France, Spain, and Portugal launched us to a blended bag of lodge experiences. Every cease provided one thing distinctive, whether or not it was the quirky allure of Contact Lodge Come Inn or the welcoming heat of Ibis Madrid Fuenlabrada.
For these planning an analogous journey, we hope our experiences present helpful insights into selecting your street journey stays. And when you’re interested in any of those resorts, be at liberty to succeed in out, I’d like to share extra tales from our travels!