Escape to Paradise: Hotel Ecos del Sella Awaits in Stunning Cangas de Onís, Spain
Escape to Paradise? My Chaotic Adventure at Hotel Ecos del Sella (And Did I REALLY Escape?)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – or, you know, the locally sourced apple cider, which is WAY better, by the way – on my recent stay at Hotel Ecos del Sella in the breathtaking Cangas de Onís, Spain. This place promised paradise. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say it was a beautifully messy, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately unforgettable experience. Prepare for a bit of a ramble, because honestly, that's how I felt throughout this whole shebang.
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- Title: Hotel Ecos del Sella Review: Cangas de Onís Paradise? (Accessibility, Spa, Dining & Honest Thoughts!)
- Keywords: Hotel Ecos del Sella, Cangas de Onís, Spain, Asturias, Accessible Hotel, Spa Hotel, Pool with a View, Restaurant Review, Family-Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Things to do, Best Hotels Spain, Travel Review.
Getting There & Initial Impressions (The Chaos Begins):
Getting to Cangas de Onís? Purely gorgeous. We opted for a rental car, and the drive through the Picos de Europa National Park was a sensory overload of craggy peaks and emerald valleys. It felt like driving through a postcard. Finding the hotel? A bit of a treasure hunt. The signage could use a little… oomph. But hey, eventually, we arrived, and the first sight of the hotel, nestled amongst the lush greenery, was genuinely impressive. It's got that old-world charm with a modern twist – a beautiful, if slightly imposing, façade.
Accessibility (A Mixed Bag):
Alright, let's dive into the accessibility stuff, because this is important. The hotel claims to be accessible, and they tick some boxes. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Mostly check. The biggest issue was the uneven terrain around the property. Navigating the pathways with my friend Alex was a bit of a workout, especially when heading to the pool. While the main areas were generally smooth sailing, some of the outdoor spaces (like the terrace) presented challenges. The hotel does offer facilities for disabled guests, but it's worth calling ahead to double-check specific needs and room availability. I would rate it at 3 stars in terms of accessibility (of 5).
Rooms & Amenities (The Good, the Bad, and the Beautifully Chaotic):
Our room? Oh, the room. It was spacious, clean-ish (more on that later), and had a balcony with a drop-dead gorgeous view of the mountains. Air conditioning? Yep. Free Wi-Fi? You betcha! And, for the record, the Wi-Fi in all rooms was actually good, which is a small miracle in some places. Loved the blackout curtains – essential for a good night's sleep after all that hiking and tapas! I also appreciated details like the bathrobes and slippers. The in-room safe box was a nice perk. Then came the coffee maker, it was so much better, and cleaner when compared to some I had at other hotels.
But the Daily housekeeping… well, let's just say they weren't exactly obsessed with microscopic cleanliness. Once, I saw a smidge of… something… on the floor. Not earth-shattering, but it made me scrutinize everything a little more closely. The rooms were sanitized between stays (supposedly), and the hotel really seemed to emphasize cleanliness as much as possible, they provided Hand sanitizer, and Individually-wrapped food options.
And speaking of scrutiny, the mini bar was… well-stocked. Maybe too stocked. Or maybe my wallet wasn't quite ready for the prices. It did have free bottled water, thank goodness.
The Bathroom was pretty standard for a hotel of this caliber, with complimentary toiletries.
Spa & Relaxation (Finding My Zen… Then Losing It):
This is where things get… interesting. I was SO excited for the spa! Pool with a view? Check. Sauna? Check. Steamroom? Check! The Massage was on my to-do list, and I was already dreaming of a good long treatment.
Let's be honest, the spa was gorgeous. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a stunner, and the views from the Spa/sauna were worth the price of admission alone. I went for a body scrub and a massage. I’m no stranger to the spa life, I have to say, the Body scrub session was quite decent, and the person running it was an absolute delight. But… the massage? It felt like someone had forgotten to turn on the relaxation setting. Like, I was barely touched. I'm a big fan of good deep tissue, and this was lighthearted and barely there. I left feeling more… confused than relaxed. I told them and got a discount, though.
And the Gym/fitness center? Let’s just say I peeked my head through the door and quickly turned around. It looked like something out of the 1980s. It was, in all honesty, a bit sad. The Foot bath was never used (due to lack of time).
Dining & Drinking (A Rollercoaster of Flavors):
Food! Where do I even begin? The hotel had multiple dining options, including a Buffet in restaurant, the A la carte in restaurant, the Poolside bar, and the Snack bar.
The main restaurant had an Asian breakfast, which was fun to try, and also had a Western breakfast. This was definitely a plus. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was reliably good.
I had some amazing meals, and some… not so amazing ones. The International cuisine in restaurant was generally solid, and some of the local Asturian dishes were heavenly. We had this amazing fabada (bean stew) that I'm still dreaming about. But the service? It could be a bit… slow. And sometimes, the waitstaff seemed a little overwhelmed. I think the Coffee shop could be better as they only have limited beverage options. They have a full-service Bar to cater to all your beverage needs.
The pool side bar was my favorite. The Happy hour was a godsend after a long day of exploring. The Bottle of water came in handy, and I think that it's a must for any hotel. Also, the Salad in restaurant was a good option if you're trying to be health-conscious, but for the most part, I stayed clear of it.
The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver one night when we were exhausted, and the Breakfast in room was a nice treat on our last day. The Breakfast [buffet] was standard, it's not great but it's good.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter… or Don't):
The hotel offered a ton of services, which is great. They had Daily housekeeping, which, as I mentioned, could be a bit hit-or-miss in terms of thoroughness. There's a Concierge service, Laundry service (expensive, but convenient), and Currency exchange. Also, they have a Gift/souvenir shop, but it's not that great.
For the kids they have a Babysitting service.
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls):
Cangas de Onís is a playground for adventure! From hiking in the Picos de Europa National Park to white-water rafting on the Sella River, there is something for everyone. There's also a lot of history to explore – the Holy Cave of Covadonga, the Roman bridge… the list goes on. The hotel staff were happy to provide suggestions and arrange excursions.
Cleanliness and safety: (The modern concerns)
They sure did take the safety precautions seriously. They are offering Anti-viral cleaning products, had Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. However, It felt a little bit overkill.
Overall Impression (The Messy Conclusion):
Would I recommend Hotel Ecos del Sella? That's the tricky question. It's got a lot going for it: the stunning location, the beautiful spaces, the generally friendly staff, and the delicious food (when it was good). The Cashless payment service made it easier to settle the bill. But the inconsistencies – the spotty cleanliness, the sometimes-flustered service, and the uneven accessibility – held it back from being perfect.
Here’s the naked truth: It wasn’t the polished, flawless “paradise” I’d envisioned. It was better! It was real! It was a beautiful, chaotic adventure that I will never forget. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing my own magnifying glass and a very detailed packing list.
Rating: (Because it's expected):
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my "Asturian Adventure" - a trip to the Hotel Ecos del Sella in Cangas de Onís that was supposed to be a relaxing, picture-perfect getaway but, as you'll soon see, was anything but. Think Bridget Jones meets a grumpy mountain goat, and you're halfway there.
Day 1: Arrival and Asturian Ambush
- 14:00 - Arriving at the Hotel (ish…eventually). The drive in was supposed to be idyllic. Rolling green hills, the Picos de Europa looming majestically… blah, blah, blah. In reality, I spent half the journey wrestling with a dodgy rental car GPS that kept rerouting me through cow-filled fields. Cows! Apparently, they're a thing in Asturias. Who knew? Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I chugged into Cangas de Onís, a town that felt like it was ripped straight from a postcard. The Hotel Ecos del Sella was a charming, rustic building that promised peace and quiet. Famous last words, right?
- 15:00 - Check-in. The "Welcome" that Came with a Sniff. Okay, so it wasn't exactly a "welcome" as much as an extremely professional "Welcome". Fair enough, the desk staff were pleasant. The room…well, the room was fine, clean, and simple with a view. It was the air that got me. You know that slightly musty, old-book smell hotels often have? This was amped up to a level I affectionately nicknamed "Grandma's Attic".
- 16:00 - Exploring Cangas de Onís. After the initial "room experience", I decided a stroll was in order. First thing: the Roman Bridge. Beautiful! I took a selfie with it. I'll admit, I was getting into it. Then, I stumbled into a local market. Food! I needed food! I grabbed some local cheese and some weird (but delicious) sausage, and ate it as I walked, thoroughly enjoying my tourist-ness.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant. The real deal breaker. The first course was good, and I was like "ah yes! this is the life!". Then the second course came. Let's just say that the waiter had to come and explain what was in it. I then asked him to explain what was inside the second course again. Even then it was a challenge. The quality wasn't terrible, but my stomach wasn't used to it. I spent the night in the bathroom, convinced I was having a food-borne catastrophe.
Day 2: Rafting & Regret (and More Cheese)
- 09:00 - Breakfast: The "Continental" Compromise. After the food poisoning of the last night, I tentatively approached the breakfast buffet. A few hard-boiled eggs, some bread, and the most intensely strong coffee I've ever encountered. Did it help? I'm not sure.
- 10:00 - Rafting the Sella River. The "Epic" Fail. Ah, rafting. Sounds adventurous, right? Wrong. After a 30 degree walk, I was so hot. So hot. I was looking forward to being cooled down. They told us to listen to the guide. When we got into the water, our boat was being hit by the rapids, hitting a tree, and overall I was terrified. I was convinced I was going to drown. And the water? Freezing! Not exactly the refreshing dip I'd envisioned. I spent the next two hours clinging onto the side of the boat, screaming like a banshee, while everyone else seemed to be having the time of their lives. Even the cows on the banks seemed to be laughing at me.
- 13:00 - Recovering with Cheese. The ultimate therapy. After the rafting "experience", I was a shivering, traumatized mess. So, naturally, I sought comfort. In cheese. Lots and lots of local cheese. I went on a cheese-fueled bender at a cute cafe, and I swear, the cheese was the only thing that saved me. Seriously, Asturian cheese is a gift from the gods.
- 19:00 - Dinner at a local restaurant. We ate at a local restaurant, the food was delicious, and the waiters were very kind. They helped me with the food, and gave me tips on how to manage the local culture.
Day 3: Mountains, Misadventures, & a Much-Needed Nap
- 10:00 - Hiking in the Picos de Europa. The "Breathtaking" Struggle. The sun was bright, the mountain views were breathtaking, truly. But my legs? Not so enthusiastic. Up, up, up we went, which I was now starting to regret. The climb was brutal, and by the time I reached the top, I was less "conquering the mountain" and more "looking like I needed medical attention".
- 13:00 - Lunch with a View. After a long hike, I was starving. I had this idea of having a picnic with a view, and it was amazing.
- 15:00 - Nap time. The ultimate recovery. After the terrible rafting and the endless hiking, I needed a nap. I was so tired, and I slept so deeply. The sun from outside was shining, and it was the best nap of my life.
- 19:00 - Dinner, and packing for departure. Tonight was my last dinner, and I ordered the same order I did the first night and gave it a shot. It was delicious. I could have eaten it all night. Packing was a challenge.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections
- 09:00 - Breakfast: The Farewell Feast. Okay, I might have gone back for thirds of that cheese. No Regrets.
- 10:00 - Check-out and Departure. Washed in memories. After a lot of thought, it was time to leave. I drove out, waving goodbye to the hotel and its funny little quirks. But you know what? Despite the food poisoning, the near-drowning experience, and the general chaos, this trip was actually pretty great. Why? Because it was real. It wasn't a perfect postcard-worthy vacation. It was messy, hilarious, and filled with moments I'll never forget.
- 11:00 - Drive home. Still thinking about the cheese.
So, would I recommend the Hotel Ecos del Sella? Absolutely. But bring Dramamine, prepare for the unexpected, and definitely, and I mean DEFINITELY, eat the cheese. And, most of all, embrace the mess. Because sometimes, the imperfections are what make the best memories.
Escape to Paradise: 7-BR Beachfront Koh Samui Villa!
Okay, so, "Escape to Paradise: Hotel Ecos del Sella"... is it *actually* paradise? Because, let's be honest, marketing tends to fib a little, right?
Alright, deep breath. Paradise? Well, it's not like you're walking on clouds and getting fed grapes by winged cherubs. BUT... and this is a big but… Ecos del Sella in Cangas de Onís, Asturias, is pretty darn close. Think of it more as… a deeply satisfying respite from the usual chaos. Specifically, the view from my balcony? Unbelievable. The Picos de Europa mountains? Breathtaking. I mean, seriously, I sat there staring at them for, like, an hour just… existing. That, my friends, is a good start. It's not *perfect* paradise. It's paradise that still needs you to remember your sunscreen.
Let's get real. The rooms. Are they… decent? Or are we talking musty carpets and dodgy plumbing? Because I've been scarred before…
Okay, rooms. This is important. No, thankfully, no dodgy plumbing. Thank the travel gods! The rooms at Ecos del Sella are… comfortable. Not overly fancy, mind you. This isn't a five-star, gold-plated-toilet-seat situation. It’s… clean. Spotlessly clean, thankfully. The bed? Actually comfortable. Which, after a day exploring the Sella River, is a GODSEND. My first room had a little issue with the lock on the balcony door, and I had to call down, but someone fixed it in like, five minutes flat (the small bit of bad, but fixed in time). Another thing, you can hear the other doors opening and closing at times. It's not a big deal, but it's something to keep in mind if you're a super light sleeper. And the decor? It's functional, not a design magazine spread. But really, you're not going to be spending *that* much time in your room, are you? The view from the balcony kinda helps you get over anything else.
That Sella River stuff... is it actually worth it? Seems a bit… adventurous. I'm more of a "stay-inside-with-a-book-and-tea" kind of person.
Okay, YES, the Sella River is worth it, even if you're a book and tea person. TRUST ME. I am a book and tea person. Mostly. I like my routines and I'm not that confident in the water. But, I did it. I saw a huge grin on every single face whilst they kayaked down the river and I was tempted. I’ll be honest, I almost didn't do it. I found out about how to buy a kayak, how to get to the river, and all of the practicalities of it all, and it was starting to freak me out... It's a total sensory overload. The water is crystal clear, the scenery is stunning (seriously, Jurassic Park vibes), and the whole thing is just… FUN. It's exhilarating! Yes, there are rapids. Yes, you might get wet. Yes, you might end up capsizing (which, I almost did thanks to a rogue boulder… but that's a story for another day!) But really, it's not *that* scary, and it’s an experience you’ll remember forever. Seriously. It's a chance to connect with nature. I felt so alive, and I’m pretty sure I saw a kingfisher! I might not have, though, but the point is, I was out there loving nature and the amazing river and all of its glory. Do it. Just… do it. Do it more than once, even!
Food! Tell me about the food. Is it the usual bland hotel fare? Or are we talking actual, delicious Spanish cuisine?
The food is… *fantastic*. Forget bland hotel fare! This is Asturias, people! Think… hearty. Think… flavourful. Think… mountains of deliciousness. The breakfast buffet is a solid offering, with fresh bread, local cheeses, and of course, the mandatory Spanish tortilla. But the *real* glory is the restaurant. The *fabada asturiana* (bean stew) is a must-try. I have dreams about it. And the seafood! OMG, the seafood. So fresh, so perfectly cooked… I could eat it every single day. And make sure you try the cider! They pour it from up high and if you, like me, are clumsy, you will likely miss the glass at first and end up covered in it. But hey, it's all part of the experience, right? I felt bad about the mess, but the waiter was super patient with me. Totally worth it. I remember a particular dinner of grilled octopus... *chef's kiss*. I miss it right now.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Or are they the kind that just make you feel guilty for existing?
The staff at Ecos del Sella are… lovely. Seriously. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs. I am not the easiest person to be around in the mornings. I tend to need several cups of tea before I'm able to formulate sentences. But the staff were unfailingly kind, even when I probably looked like I'd just woken up from a nightmare. They went out of their way to help with recommendations, directions, and anything else you needed. I asked them a million questions about the area and they were so patient with me. They feel like locals and you can actually connect with them, something you don't often see in big chain hotels. It just makes you feel welcome which is so important when you are far away from home. They're not perfect (no one is!), but they *care*. And that makes all the difference.
Is there anything I *shouldn't* do? Any hidden pitfalls to avoid? Gimme the inside scoop!
Okay, here's the lowdown:
- Don't skip the Sella River. Seriously. Do it. Even if you think you can't.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. The staff is there to help.
- Pace yourself on the cider. It's *strong*. And you'll be laughing way too much.
- Be prepared for slightly unpredictable weather. Pack layers! One minute it can be glorious sunshine, the next, pouring rain.
- Don't be afraid to get lost. Seriously. Wander around Cangas de Onís. You'll stumble upon something amazing.
- And, for the love of all that is holy, don't be 'that' tourist. Be respectful of the local culture, try to speak a little Spanish (even if it's just 'hola' and 'gracias'), and embrace the experience.
Oh, and one more thing: Don't overpack. You'll be fine. Seriously.
Okay, okay, you've convinced me. Anything else? What's the overall vibe you'rePremium Stay Search
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