Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain (2014)

Hotel Villa de Ábalos has been among my favorite places to stay in Spain. It is located in the center of a small village with tiny streets and an almost medieval atmosphere.

Facade of Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

Facade of Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

However, the hotel is decidedly modern within its historic shell. You’ll have all the modern conveniences in every room. Here’s a look:

Room 12 at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

Room 12 at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

The bathroom features everything you need to be comfortable:

Bathroom of Room 12, Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

Bathroom of Room 12, Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

You’ll also find inviting common areas where you can gather with fellow travelers to relax and share stories from the journey:

Second floor common area at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

Second floor common area at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

And another similar space on the ground floor:

Salon at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

Salon at Hotel Villa de Ábalos, Spain.

I stayed at this hotel four years ago, and it was a pleasure to return. They added a small bar in the reception area where you can enjoy a glass of wine and various tapas. Locals from the town stop by and it was fun to chat with them, learning a bit about life in the Rioja area. The owner of this hotel makes his own wine, which is not yet available in the United States. While there, you definitely want to try it because it is among the best I’ve had in Spain. I’ll post more about that and the meals at Villa de Ábalos soon. Check back frequently so you don’t miss anything.

Published in: on June 25, 2014 at 10:24 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England

The Clarence Hotel in Windsor, England, was a lucky find. It is located only a few blocks from the beginning of a nice pedestrian shopping/dining area, and only a few minutes more walking to Windsor Castle.

Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

This is a cozy place with friendly and helpful staff. Because I stayed two different nights several days apart, I had the benefit of two different rooms. Here’s a look at the first room:

First floor room at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

First floor room at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

During my second stay, I was in this room, which I believe was called the “Emma Suite.”

Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

And here’s a look at the bathroom, which was kind of like the one you might find on a cruise ship:

Bathroom of the Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Bathroom of the Emma Suite at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

There’s a lovely garden on the grounds, a great place to relax, enjoy a beverage, and recuperate from a day of sightseeing.

Garden at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

Garden at Clarence Hotel, Windsor, England.

As mentioned above, staff are very helpful, assisting me with the printing of my boarding pass, as well as providing a “full English” breakfast that you see in the next photo:

"Full English" breakfast at Clarence Hotel, Windsor England.

“Full English” breakfast at Clarence Hotel, Windsor England.

A big breakfast is part of my day, and The Clarence Hotel did a great job with the one you see above. I would recommend this place for those looking to have the comfortable bed and breakfast experience. Enjoy the journey and all the stops along the way.

Published in: on June 10, 2014 at 5:16 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,