Gelendzhik's APART TOP: Unbelievable Views & Luxury You WON'T Believe!
APART TOP Gelendzhik: Views That Will Literally Make Your Jaw Drop… And Other Stuff, For Better or Worse. (A REALLY Honest Review)
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Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m finally going to spill the (slightly salty, probably from the Black Sea air) tea on APART TOP in Gelendzhik. Let me tell you, the marketing is NOT lying. The views? Un-freaking-believable. Seriously. I spent about an hour and a half just standing on the terrace, slack-jawed. The Black Sea stretched out before me, emerald green one moment, deep sapphire the next. It felt like I could almost touch the horizon. They really should put a warning sign up: “CAUTION: May cause extreme envy amongst your Instagram followers.” (Spoiler: They should).
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty, because let's be real, a pretty view only gets you so far, right?
The Good (OMG, The Views!)
- The View, Again (Because It Deserves It): Seriously, that’s the main draw. I can't stress it enough. My room, a "Deluxe Sea View" (cough, cough, ahem, worth every damn penny) had floor-to-ceiling windows. Waking up to THAT… well, let’s just say my internal grumpy cat was instantly replaced with a chirping, sparkly unicorn.
- Service: Generally, the staff were super friendly and genuinely helpful. Nothing felt forced. Someone even anticipated my need for extra towels before I even asked! That's what I call service.
- The Pool with a View: Yes, another view. But from the pool? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Lounging in the water, cocktail in hand (more on that later), looking out at the sea… chef’s kiss. They even have a pool bar – convenience at its finest.
- Cleanliness and Safety (They've Got it Covered): Okay, let's face it, in the post-pandemic world, this is HUGE. They were VERY proactive. All the protocols, the hand sanitizer everywhere, the staff wearing masks. Felt safe. And the room itself was spotless – the "daily disinfection in common areas" actually showed. I’m a bit of a germophobe, and I felt comfortable.
- Amenities Galore: Seriously, this place has everything. They've got a Spa, a Gym/fitness (I never used it, but it was there), a Sauna (yes!), and a Steamroom. It’s like a self-contained paradise.
The Okay (Minor Quibbles and Quirks)
- Getting Around (A Bit of a Challenge): The hotel itself isn't exactly centrally located. Not a deal-breaker, but you’ll rely on taxis and maybe the occasional (provided) Airport Transfer. The Car park [on-site] is free, which is always a bonus!
- Breakfast (Good, But Not AMAZING): The Breakfast [buffet] was solid, with a decent variety of Western breakfast and some Asian breakfast. The coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, but I was REALLY hoping for a barista making fancy lattes. Missed that.
- The Room (Pretty Darn Good, but…): My room was spacious and well-appointed. The Air conditioning worked brilliantly, the Free Wi-Fi was strong (a must), and the extra long bed was a godsend. But… the decor felt a tiny bit generic, you know? Maybe a splash of personality would be nice. Perhaps some local artwork? Just a thought.
- Internet [LAN]: I'm not sure anyone still uses LAN. Let's be honest.
- Things to do (in Gelendzhik): The hotel is fantastic, but remember to consider how easily you can find your way around town. I'm not sure it has any direct relation to the hotel, but it is still important to remember your activities for a fun vacation, without losing the excitement.
The Not-So-Good (A Few Hiccups)
- The Bar (Hit or Miss): Ah, the poolside bar. The cocktails were… inconsistent. One day, a masterpiece. The next? Well, let's just say my tastebuds weren't exactly doing a happy dance. The Happy hour prices were definitely welcome, though! And the Poolside Bar itself was a decent place to sit and relax.
- The Food (Pricing, and Variety): The prices in the Restaurants were a bit… steep. While the Western cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant were good, they could've had more Vegetarian restaurant options.
- Accessibility (A Mixed Bag): While the hotel boasts "Facilities for disabled guests", it's hard to know exactly what that means. I didn't personally need them, but I'm a bit skeptical of how thorough it is. They do have an Elevator, so that's a start. Hopefully, it is better than simply existing.
Diving Deeper, The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Spa:
Okay, I have to tell you what happened with the Spa. Because, honestly, I needed a massage. Seriously. Days of travel, the unbelievable stress of booking this trip (because let's face it, traveling can be a huge hassle), and unpacking took a toll. I booked a massage. The ambiance was perfect - low lighting, calming music (I’m talking the good kind, not the elevator music). The sauna was, in a word, divine. Perfect heat, perfect humidity. And the Spa itself, the whole experience was very nice - except for… the masseuse.
Bless her heart, she tried. But I swear, the massage bordered on aggressively mediocre. It was… perfunctory. Like, she was going through the motions. I felt like I was starring in a massage-themed robot show. I tried to relax, but I kept thinking of how the experience could be better. It's like she had the techniques, but lacked any soul. I will avoid rambling on this a long time, but the point is: you're paying a premium price, and you expect magic. I didn't get magic. I got a massage. It's still a decent place to relax and feel a little more refreshed.
The Verdict
Despite a couple of minor flaws, I would ABSOLUTELY recommend APART TOP. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The overall experience is luxurious, comfortable, and genuinely relaxing. The service is excellent, and the sanitization protocols are reassuring. Just… maybe, skip the massage. Or, if you’re feeling brave, ask for someone with a bit more… passion. The overall experience makes this hotel a strong recommendation without a doubt.
My Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (And a giant thumbs-up for those views!)
Sapporo Sunshine: 2 Sunny Rooms, 5 Mins to Subway & Airport!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning a trip to Apart TOP GELENDZHIK (Gelendzhik, Russia) with me is going to be… an experience. More experience-y than just “trip planning,” I mean. Let's see if I can actually keep this coherent. Probably not.
The Gelendzhik Gauntlet: A Mostly-Planned Itinerary (Emphasis on "Mostly")
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Beach Debacle
- Morning (6:00 AM - Flight): Ugh. The pre-dawn airport ritual. Why do planes always take off at the crack of stupid? Coffee, lots of it. Pray to the travel gods my luggage arrives with me (a constant state of fear, honestly).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - Arrival and Apartment Chaos): Touchdown in Gelendzhik! The air smells… different. Maybe a mix of sea salt and… something else. We shall investigate. Taxi to Apart TOP GELENDZHIK. Fingers crossed it actually looks like the photos. (Spoiler alert: it never does. Ever.) Check-in… hopefully smooth. Last time, I had to argue with a lady who swore I booked a room for a family of twelve. I swear, I’m still traumatized.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Apartment Survival and Panic Snack): Apartment acquired! Survey the damage… or the charm, depending on my mood. Did they forget the coffee maker? (Panic sets in). Right, deep breaths. Find the nearest grocery store. Buy bread. Buy cheese. Buy something suspiciously Russian-looking. Eat all of it. This is my travel philosophy: fueled by carbs and anxiety.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - BEACH!!!!): Gelendzhik is known for its beaches. And, thank God. After the flight, I NEED the beach. The plan: walk to the beach, find a spot, and relax. The reality: it’s PACKED. People everywhere. Kids screaming. Dogs chasing seagulls. I feel overwhelmed immediately. This is NOT the serene beach experience I envisioned.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Beach Redemption Attempt): Find a relatively less-crowded spot, near a beach bar, and order a ridiculously overpriced cocktail. Watch the sunset over the Black Sea (which is admittedly STUNNING). Maybe… maybe this is worth it.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (or Delight?)): Find a restaurant. A real Russian restaurant. (Maybe). I want authentic. I want blinis. I want EVERYTHING. This is where things get… interesting. Last time, I attempted to order something. My Russian is… non-existent. Pointing and hoping for the best. The result? Probably not what I ordered. Probably delicious.
- Night (9:00 PM - Gelendzhik Stroll): Wandering along the promenade. The air is warm. The lights are twinkling. A guy is playing an accordion. It’s… cheesy in the best possible way. This is what I came for. Pure, unadulterated, tourist-trap charm.
Day 2: Cable Cars, Cat Cafes, and Culinary Calamities
- Morning (9:00 AM - Cable Car Climb of Doom/Joy): I’m not great with heights. But Gelendzhik has cable cars! Up we go! Pray the cable wires don’t snap. The view, assuming I can pry my eyes open, is supposed to be incredible. (I'm starting to think the views could be better, but I'm a sucker for it).
- Morning (11:00 AM - Mountain Air and Existential Dread (Maybe)): At the top! Successfully not died! The air is crisp. The scenery is… well, I can’t actually see it that well, because I’m clinging to a railing. But I'm alive. Maybe a small sense of accomplishment.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - Cat Cafe!!): Okay, this is the most important thing on the list. Gelendzhik must have a cat cafe. It has to. I'll find it. I will cuddle all the cats. I will drown in purrs. This is NOT negotiable. (If there's no cat cafe, I might cry. Don't judge me.)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - Market Madness): Navigate a local market. Attempt to haggle. (Spoiler alert: I’m terrible at it.) Buy things I don’t need, because… souvenirs. And maybe some weird, delicious snacks.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - Culinary Adventure Part Deux): Another dinner. Another brave foray into the unknown. This time, I'm determined to try… Pelmeni! Or maybe… something else I can’t pronounce.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Gelendzhik Promenade Again): Stroll and soak in the atmosphere. Maybe people watch, and find a nice bar for drinks.
Day 3: The Black Sea Blues and Farewell Snaps
- Morning (10:00 AM - Beach Time or…Beach Trauma Redux?): Back to the beach! But this time, I'm prepared. Sunscreen? Check. Book? Check. Tolerance for screaming children?… We'll see. Perhaps going to a farther-away beach, or a less crowded spot.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - Souvenir Shopping – The Desperate Dash): Last-minute souvenir panic! Find some babushkas, or matryoshka dolls, or a Russian hat that looks ridiculous on me. Because… memories, right?
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - Farewell Gelendzhik Lunch): One last meal. One last chance to savor the flavors. Maybe finally figure out how to order something properly. Probably not. But hope springs external.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - The Black Sea Experience! (Attempt #2!)): I have to swim in the Black Sea, at least once. It's… briny, or maybe just cold? Regardless, it's the Black Sea.
- The Great Black Sea Revelation: Okay, here's the REAL story. The first time I tried to go into the water, it was freezing. Like, teeth-chattering. Then the waves were surprisingly rough. I think I swam for, like, two minutes and then ran back to the shore, shivering. But it was… exhilarating? In a way? This time, I'm fully prepared. Wetsuit, check! (Okay, maybe not the wetsuit, but this time, I will be brave, and swim.)
- Evening (7:00 PM - Packing and Pre-Departure Anxiety): Packing is my Achilles heel. Will I have enough space for all the junk I bought? Will I forget something crucial? Will I accidentally leave my passport? Cue the internal freak-out.
- Evening (9:00 PM - Final Gelendzhik Promenade Walk – With Tears?): One last walk along the promenade. Savoring the moment. Feeling all the feels. Realizing that, despite the chaos, the crowds, and the language barriers, I had an amazing time.
Day 4: Departure and Post-Trip Meltdown
- Morning (7:00 AM - Departure Disaster (or Maybe Just Mild Inconvenience)): Taxi to the airport. Last-minute souvenir buy (because, of course). Hope to board the plane. Pray that my luggage will arrive with me. And pray I don't get stuck next to someone with a crying baby.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change (read: completely and utterly likely to change) based on my whims, a sudden craving for pierogi, or a rogue cat cafe. Be prepared for the unexpected. Embrace the mess. And for the love of all that is holy, pack a sense of humor.
And now, I need a nap. Gelendzhik, you beauty, you.
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Gelendzhik's APART TOP: Your Dream Vacation (Maybe?) - An FAQ (That's Probably Too Honest)
Okay, seriously, is APART TOP as ridiculously amazing as the pictures make it out to be?
Listen, those promotional shots? Glammed up, darling. Like, *heavily* glammed up. Don't get me wrong, the view? Unbelievable. Seriously. I almost choked on my morning coffee the first time I saw it. The Black Sea shimmering, the mountains hugging the coast... it's breathtaking. But, and this is a big but, the photos conveniently leave out the *other* things. Like the construction noise that sometimes wakes you at 7 AM. Or the fact that the "luxury" sometimes feels a little... strained. Like, the towels were fluffy, but the hairdryer sounded like it was about to explode. My first impression was "wow" then my second was "well, this is going to be a long vacation!"
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient to anything?
It's...complicated. The view is killer, that's the main draw. You're perched up on the hill, gazing down on Gelendzhik. You get to enjoy that beautiful view, but that also means you're not *in* the thick of things. The beach is a bit of a hike, definitely not a quick stroll. There's a shuttle service, which is cool, but sometimes it feels like you're waiting for a unicorn. And I once tried to walk down to the town, thinking "hey, fresh air!" *Big mistake.* That hill is steeper than it looks, and by the time I got to the bottom, I was practically begging for a taxi. So, bring comfortable shoes, download some taxi apps, and accept that you're somewhat secluded up there. Personally, I spent more time at the hotel than I wanted, and felt a bit trapped. And that construction noise? Yeah, that's part of the "convenience" too.
The "luxury"... what's the reality check on that?
Alright, let's dissect this. Luxury, right? Well, the rooms are spacious, the beds are comfy, and they *do* have a balcony. The cleaning staff does a good job. But... and there's always a but... it's a kind of "aspirational luxury." Think IKEA meets opulent. The marble floors are sleek, but a bit cold under bare feet. The bathroom had a jacuzzi, but I didn't use it because it felt a little...plasticky. One of the best qualities was the air-conditioning which was great. It all felt designed to impress, not necessarily to *pamper*. The first day, I was impressed and delighted! The last day, I felt as though I was missing out. The "luxury" label felt a bit forced, like they were desperately trying to be something they weren't quite pulling off. It was more like a fancier version of a hotel room you'd find anywhere else, just with a seriously amazing view.
What about the food? Anything worth writing home about?
Okay, the restaurant situation. Breakfast was included, which was decent. The usual suspects: eggs, pastries, some suspicious-looking sausages. Nothing to write home about, honestly. Lunch and dinner? The menu was varied, but the quality was... inconsistent. One night the seafood was divine, the next night, it tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for a week. Service was a crapshoot. Sometimes charming and attentive, other times... well, let's just say language barriers and cultural differences played a part. I remember one waiter looking utterly bewildered when I asked for a side of ketchup. It was a whole *thing*. So, my advice is to sample the local cuisine outside of the hotel at least once! Find a restaurant, go, and enjoy the food. That definitely made the vacation better!
Is there a pool? And is it as Instagram-worthy as it looks?
Yes, there's a pool! And yes, it's photogenic. That infinity pool overlooking the sea? Killer. You can get some truly stunning shots, especially at sunset. But... be prepared for a crowd. Everybody wants that perfect Instagram photo, and it can get a bit crowded, and you'll be sharing it with others. Also, you might want to check the pool schedule for cleaning. There was one morning when I was *dying* for a swim but the pool was closed for maintenance. (Oh, the humanity!) And sometimes it seemed like the pool was more of a photoshoot location than a place to actually *swim*. So, yes, it's beautiful, but manage your expectations.
What about activities? Can I get bored there?
Alright, let's be honest. Without getting out of the hotel, boredom could *absolutely* become an issue. There's not a whole lot *directly* at APART TOP. They offer spa services (which I didn't try, because I'm cheap) and maybe some basic fitness stuff. The real fun is exploring Gelendzhik itself. The beach is a must-do, of course, but be prepared for crowds. There are boat trips, hiking trails, and restaurants galore. If you have a car or are willing to organize a trip, there are amazing vineyards nearby, which I didn't get a chance to do. But if you're the type who likes to just chill by the pool and stare at the view, you'll be fine. However, if you crave excitement and adventure, you'll need to venture out.
Would you go back? And why (or why not)?
Hmm... that's a tricky one. The VIEW. Is. STUNNING. Like, seriously, worth some of the hassle. I'm a sucker for a good view, and that one is hard to beat. And the staff was, overall, really nice and helpful. But... the imperfections. The construction. The slightly underwhelming "luxury". The food sometimes. I might go back, but with *very* realistic expectations. And I'd probably book a room on the opposite side of the building to try and avoid some of the noise. I'd also invest in some serious travel-sized snacks. Maybe. Maybe. Look, it's a complicated relationship. APART TOP is like that slightly-too-high-maintenance boyfriend who's gorgeous and makes you laugh but also drives you crazy sometimes. You know? So maybe... maybe not. I'm genuinely torn.
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