Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Roses, Spain Holiday Awaits at Casacarl!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Let's talk Casacarl and dream roses because, honestly, I’m still trying to scrub the perfect out of my brain. This isn't going to be a sterile travel brochure, okay? We’re diving headfirst into the messy, wonderful reality.
First off, disclaimer: I'm a sucker for an honest review. And Casacarl… well, it's complicated. Like a great love affair with a tiny, slightly clumsy dog.
The All-Important Stuff (and the Stuff That REALLY Matters):
Accessibility: (Important, folks!) Okay, accessibility is a deal-breaker for many, and I'll be brutally honest: I don't have firsthand experience with a wheelchair, but they claim to have facilities for disabled guests. HOWEVER, I strongly encourage you to contact them directly before booking. Get specifics. Ask about ramps, elevators, and clear pathways. Don’t just trust the website – cross-reference, people!
Internet & Tech Stuff: Let's face it, we're all addicted. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! And generally pretty strong. No complaints there. I did see an option for Internet [LAN] too, for the old-school gamer. Internet services are listed, which is great to have on any hotel, and Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep!
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where Casacarl REALLY shines – especially post-pandemic. Like, they weren’t messing around. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE? Check. They've got Hygiene certification (important!), and they've gone the extra mile with Room sanitization opt-out available. They’re clearly taking this seriously. I also appreciated the cashless payment service – smooth and easy. Staff trained in safety protocol – important, right? Made me feel safe to unwind knowing they have my back when bad things happen.
They even had daily disinfection in common areas. That was comforting. It was also kind of… excessive? But hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (My Happy Place):
Right, let's get to the good stuff. Casacarl is a foodie’s dream, but you need to pick through things and be very specific.
- Restaurants? Multiple! (Thank goodness!)
- A la carte in restaurant: Check.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Okay.
- Bar: Yes, a lovely bar with an extensive cocktail menu
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, and it's GOOD. Lots to choose from.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always.
- Desserts in restaurant: YES. You have to try the local pastries. I may or may not have gained a few pounds. (Okay, I definitely did).
- Happy hour: Definitely check the times. Crucial for the unwinding process.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yes, lots of options.
- Poolside bar: Oh, yes. Glorious.
- Room service [24-hour]: A godsend after a long day of… well, existing.
- Snack bar: Handy for when you're peckish between meals.
However:
- Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water: Available.
- Coffee shop: Didn't see a coffee shop, but the restaurant serves coffee.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Didn't see this, but the restaurant serves coffee.
My Personal Foodie Experience: Okay, this is where I gush, because the food. The buffet was insane. Imagine everything you love, and then multiply it by ten. Fresh fruit, pastries that practically melt in your mouth, omelets cooked to order… I was in heaven. And the poolside bar? Forget about it. I spent an embarrassing amount of time sipping cocktails with tiny umbrellas, judging the other guests (and being judged, I'm sure). This is the place to escape.
Services and Conveniences:
Okay, the list here is long, but I’ll hit the highlights:
- Concierge: Super helpful. They arranged tours and gave great local recommendations.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. Seriously, the rooms were pristine.
- Elevator: YES! Essential for getting around.
- Laundry service: Worth the investment.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Present and correct, though I didn't use them.
- Terrace: A beautiful place to unwind alone.
- Luggage storage: Convenient, so I could change before heading out on the road.
- Air conditioning in public area: Great.
- Cash withdrawal: You can find this in a local bank.
Now, here's where I got a little annoyed. I didn't spot an actual convenience store. Needed a snack for a road trip, which was a bit of a pain.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: Listed
- Family/child friendly: Listed
- Kids meal: Listed
- Kids facilities: I didn't see any dedicated kids' areas, but the pool is pretty kid-friendly.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (The Good Stuff)
Okay, here's where Casacarl really shines. This place is a pampering palace.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: The BEST. I had a massage that was so good, I briefly considered abandoning my life and becoming a professional spa-goer.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: They're here.
- Swimming pool: Several.
- Pool with view: Absolutely. Heaven.
- Sauna: Yes. A nice option to unwind.
- Foot bath: Available.
My Anecdote: I had the most amazing massage at the spa. The therapist, a tiny woman named Elena, had magic hands. She kneaded out every knot of stress I had. It was so good, I almost fell asleep mid-massage, embarrassing I know.
In-Room Amenities:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer:
- Bicycle parking:
- Car park [free of charge]:
- Car park [on-site]:
- Car power charging station:
- Taxi service:
- Valet parking:
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: YES! Definitely recommend. They're efficient and stress-free.
- Car park [free of charge]: A huge plus! Parking can be a nightmare in some areas, but not here.
- Car park [on-site]: Also available.
- Car power charging station: Now that's a modern hotel.
- Taxi service: Readily available
- Valet parking: A luxurious option, if you fancy it.
Safety/Security:
Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
Exterior corridor: Be aware, because some rooms are accessed this way.
Fire extinguisher, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Comforting and essential.
The Verdict (and the Slightly Harsh Truths):
Casacarl is a gorgeous place. Seriously. The setting is idyllic, the staff is lovely (mostly), and the food… well, the food is worth the price of admission alone. BUT! It's not perfect.
- The service can sometimes be a little slow during busy times.
- Things are marked as Available in all rooms but sometimes I would find it wasn't.
- Rooms sanitized between stays made me happy
Alright, buckle up, Buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. We're going to Roses, Spain, and it's going to be a glorious, messy, and probably slightly wine-soaked adventure. This is for Casacarl – that comfy holiday residence they promised us. Let's see if they delivered on the "comfy" part, shall we?
Roses, Espagne: Operation Relax (or, the Attempt Thereof)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Unpacking Debacle
Morning (ish): Fly into Girona (GRO). Pray the flight isn't delayed. I'm already picturing myself, slightly hungover from that airport prosecco, wrestling a suitcase the size of a small car.
Mid-day (ish): Arrive at Casacarl. Expectations: High. Reality: Potentially something involving a frantic search for the key, a slightly musty smell, and me immediately kicking off my shoes and flopping onto… the sofa, probably. My first impression of the place is HUGE! I mean, the building is larger than my apartment! This is a good sign. I hope…I better not start regretting the booking already!
- Anecdote: Remember that time I booked an "ocean view" apartment in Italy that turned out to face a parking lot? Yeah, I'm bracing myself.
Afternoon: The Great Unpacking. This is where the fun really begins. Or, the chaos. I'm a serial over-packer (judge me, I dare you) so expect mountains of clothes and a general feeling of "where does it all go?!" Oh, and did I mention the wine? Gotta find that wine opener immediately.
- Quirky Observation: I bet there's going to be that one drawer in the kitchen filled with random utensils, like a cheese grater from the Jurassic period and a spatula that's seen things.
Evening: Reconnaissance mission! Wandering around Roses, finding somewhere to eat. It's a seafood town, right? I'm craving fresh paella. Pray to the culinary gods for a restaurant that avoids the dreaded tourist traps.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety. I need this to be good. I deserve this to be good!
Day 2: Coastline Crazy, and the Curse of the Sun Cream
Morning: Beach attack! Roses boasts some seriously stunning beaches. Suncream is essential, even though I will inevitably miss a vital spot, turn lobster-red, and spend the next day looking like a boiled beet. I'm already cringing at the thought.
- Rambling thought: What's the deal with suncream anyway? It's sticky, expensive, and somehow always gets in your eyes! But also, you kinda need it. The eternal struggle.
Mid-day: Trying out watersports, or perhaps a boat trip. I'm picturing myself on a paddleboard, gracefully gliding across the water. The reality is probably closer to me flailing around like a beached whale. Either way, Instagram gold!
- Messy moment: I need to take a picture of me trying this. I'll probably make an idiot of myself and fall in the water. What a memory!
Afternoon: Exploring the Citadella, supposedly a historic fortification. I'll try to absorb some culture, but also probably get distracted by the cute shop and the smell of fresh bread. Oh, and getting lost. Yep, it's going to happen.
Evening: Paella perfection (fingers crossed!) Trying to find the BEST Paella in town. Maybe I'll try on some local spots, away from the more touristy areas. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a restaurant with live music to entertain me as I enjoy my meal.
- Opinionated Language: Ugh, I loathe over-priced tourist traps! I want authentic, delicious food! If the paella is not brimming with seafood and flavor, I will send it back!
Day 3: The Wine Country Wild Card and the Great Beach Misadventure
Morning: Seriously? Okay, screw this. We should hit the Empordà wine region. I love this idea! It's a must-do when in Roses, I think. We'll do some tastings, learn a thing or two (hopefully), and probably buy way too many bottles.
- Emotional Reaction: The anticipation is almost too much! Wine! Wine! Wine! 🍷
Mid-day: The Great Beach Misadventure, Part 2! Today, I am prepared! I've got a hat, suncream applied meticulously, and a book. I'm ready to relax and soak up the Spanish sun.
- Imperfection: I'm pretty sure I'll fall asleep on the beach, wake up with sand everywhere, and probably get sunburned on my nose again.
- Opinionated Moment: Ah, don't be such a Debbie Downer, I will enjoy it.
Afternoon: More wine! I might not remember much, but who cares? Dinner at the apartment. Hopefully, I can turn on the stove without starting a fire.
- Messy moment: I'm thinking about making a huge, delicious mess. I can't cook for shit, but I can grill a steak.
Evening: An evening walk on the beach, watching the sunset. A good time for some self-reflection and quiet contemplation.
Day 4: Hiking and the Quest for the Perfect Churro
- Morning: Hiking around Cap de Creus Natural Park. Gorgeous views guaranteed. I'll be huffing and puffing, but the scenery should make it all worthwhile. We might even take a little bit of time in Cadaqués.
- Quirky Observation: Is it just me or is EVERYONE in hiking gear these days? Like, do people even own normal clothes anymore?
- Mid-day: Lunch somewhere with a view. Something light. Salad. Actually, screw the salad. Churros.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, now I really want churros! With chocolate, obviously. The quest for the perfect churro begins!
- Afternoon: Exploring the local shops, maybe finding a souvenir or two.
- Evening: Another great dinner! This time, something different. And probably a few more glasses of wine.
- Imperfection: I'll probably spend the evening regaling anyone who will listen with my hilarious (in my mind) adventures.
Day 5: Packing, Regrets (Maybe), and Promises to Return
- Morning: The dreaded packing. Trying to squeeze everything back into my suitcase. I'll probably end up sitting on it, wrestling with the zipper. A few things will inevitably be left behind.
- Mid-day: One last wander around Roses, soaking up the atmosphere, and trying to memorize every little detail.
- Afternoon: Back to the airport. Saying goodbye to the Spanish sunshine.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of sadness and exhaustion. But also the promise to return.
This is just a rough outline, of course. The beauty of a holiday is in the unexpected moments, the spontaneous detours, and the utter chaos. Bring it on, Roses! Let's make some memories – even if they are a little bit messy. Oh, and somebody, please remind me to drink water!
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Bavarian Getaway Awaits
Okay, so... why Mr. Whiskers? Is there a story? And is he *actually* a cat?
Does he... like, *do* anything? Besides plotting world domination from the top of the bookshelf?
What's his personality like? Is he cuddly? (Be honest!)
Alright, fine. What's his biggest quirk? Give me something specific.
Has he ever… hurt you? Physically, I mean?
Would you recommend owning a cat? Actually, scratch that. Would you recommend owning *this* cat?
