Santacruz Oviedo: Spain's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Santacruz Oviedo: Spain's Hidden Gem You NEED to See! (Trust me. I've been there… twice… and probably will go again.) - A Messy, Honest Review.
Okay, so you're thinking of Oviedo, Spain? Smart move. You've heard whispers of its charm, maybe seen a postcard or two. But let me tell you, it's way better than the postcards. And if you're even considering Oviedo, you absolutely, positively HAVE to check out Santacruz Oviedo. Seriously. Don't even look anywhere else. (Unless, you know, budget is a massive issue… then, fair enough. But still, consider!)
Accessibility & Getting There (or, how I nearly lost my luggage… in a good way).
Alright, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility: This is where Santacruz really shines. Wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities? Check. Elevator? Double check. They actually seem to care about making everything easy, which in a city with cobblestone streets is a HUGE win. I'm not in a wheelchair, but the thought of someone struggling with the city's less-than-perfect infrastructure? Not fun. Santacruz gets it, and that's awesome. Airport transfer? Yep. Thank goodness. The airport is a bit of a trek, and the taxi line the first time I went was… well, let's just say it involved a lot of confused gesturing and a near-miss with a very enthusiastic (and slightly tipsy) group of soccer fans. Valet parking too, so don't worry about that car park nightmare.
Internet, Because We All Need Our Fix (and let's be honest, to Instagram the heck outta this place).
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolutely. And it's actually good Wi-Fi. No buffering nightmares while you’re trying to video call your jealous friends. Internet [LAN]? Yeah, for the old-school folks, they got it. Internet services are solid. You can even get Wi-Fi for special events. So, yeah, you’re covered.
Cleanliness & Safety (because let's face it, we're all a little germaphobic now).
Look, I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I was seriously impressed. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Triple check. They clearly take this seriously. I opted out of the room sanitization one day, (because I’m a little rebellious) and you could tell they’d really cleaned it. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, and staff trained in safety protocol. You can tell. They’re not just going through the motions. It's reassuring, especially these days. They even have individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setups in the restaurant. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Yep, they're on it. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? You betcha. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which is a nice touch, even if you don't need it (and you probably won’t!).
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (or, the part where my waistline expanded… happily).
Okay, this is where Santacruz really got me. The food. Oh, the food. Forget your diet for a week. Just DO IT.
- Restaurants: Multiple. Glorious. Restaurants. Restaurants in the plural!
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet? Mind-blowing. Seriously. Breakfast [buffet] – don't miss the eggs. I think they might have been the best eggs of my entire life. Asian breakfast? They do, for the adventurous. Western Breakfast is a solid option.
- A la carte in restaurant? Yep.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Yes all around.
- Bar: Fully stocked.
- Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes, you just need a late-night snack. Breakfast in room, as well.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for when it's warm.
- Happy hour: It’s a must.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: All delicious.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yep, options!
- International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: They cover everything.
The big thing? The food isn't just good; it’s authentic. You're in Asturias, Spain, which is seriously famous for its cuisine. They celebrate that. I went to the poolside bar one afternoon and had the best damn plate of tapas I've ever tasted. Seriously. I ate the whole thing, including the tiny garnishes, which, let's be honest, I usually avoid. They just get it right. A REAL anecdote: Okay, so one night, I ordered room service (because, jet lag). I was half-asleep, barely managed to open the door, and this amazing plate of food arrives. I’m talking a full-on feast! I devoured it in bed while watching some random movie. Best. Night. Ever.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Because You Need to Unwind… and Possibly Get Pampered).
Right, let’s get to the good stuff. This is where Santacruz goes from “nice hotel” to “oasis of pure bliss.”
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes. The outdoor pool is incredible. The views? Stunning. I spent one afternoon just floating, staring at the mountains. It was pure magic.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna: Their spa is incredible.
- Massage: Book one.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: If you feel the need to work off all that delicious food.
- Foot bath is a nice touch.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Go on, treat yourself.
Anecdote Time: One of the best parts of the trip was the spa. I'm not normally a spa person; I’m more of a "rough it" kind of traveler. But I heard their massage was amazing, so I caved in. Best. Decision. Ever. I went straight from the massage to the sauna, then the steam room. I felt like a new person. It was like they’d managed to scrub away all the stress of the past year. I left feeling like… well, like I belonged in a luxurious hotel.
Services & Conveniences (because sometimes, you just need someone to do the admin for you).
Santacruz covers pretty much everything. Concierge? You bet. Doorman? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Obviously. Laundry service? Yes. Dry cleaning? Yes. Cash withdrawal? You can take out cash.
- Business facilities: if you have to work.
- Gift/souvenir shop, Convenience store: great for last-minute gifts and snacks.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars, Outdoor venue for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events: For those needing to mix business.
- Smoking area: If you need it.
- Elevator: Always a plus.
- Safe deposit boxes: for security.
- Invoice provided: For expenses.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Very well done.
- Luggage storage: Easy.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Bicycle parking, Valet parking, Taxi service: Transportation sorted!
For the Kids (because even parents deserve a holiday… and possibly a babysitter).
Family/child friendly: Yes! Babysitting service: Yes. Kids facilities, Kids meal: They make it easy.
Available in all rooms (because you're going to want to stay put!)
Okay, the rooms. They’re gorgeous. Seriously. Comfortably elegant. Everything you need, and more.
- 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.
They’re spotless, comfortable, and designed for relaxation. Trust me,
Springdale Getaway: Your Perfect Residence Inn Stay (AR)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a ridiculously chaotic, opinionated, and probably slightly hungover tour of Santacruz, Oviedo. Don't expect a perfectly polished travel brochure; this is more like that overly-honest friend who spills all the tea… and occasionally trips over their own feet.
Santacruz & Oviedo: A Hot Mess Express Itinerary (Prepare for Mild Trauma and Major Deliciousness)
Day 1: Arrival - "Holy Cow, It's Cobblestones!"
- Morning (or, more accurately, "Whenever I Can Drag Myself Out of Bed After That Red Eye"): Arrive at Oviedo Airport (OVD). First impressions? Small. Cozy. And the baggage claim belt looks like it's powered by a hamster wheel. Pray to the travel gods your luggage actually appears. (Mine did. I felt a surge of actual, unadulterated JOY.)
- Transportation: Taxi to your accommodation. Note: the taxi driver will likely think you're an idiot for not speaking fluent Spanish. Embrace the awkward silence. (Pro tip: learn "Por favor" and "Gracias" and you're 80% of the way there.)
- Accommodation Check-In: I'm staying in a charming (read: slightly creaky) pension in the old town. The woman at reception looks like she's seen it all, and probably has. She pointed me to my room with a weary smile. My first thought? "Does this bed actually look like it's from the 18th century?" It probably is.
- Lunch (the Moment of Truth): Okay, so I'm starving. Like, "hangry" levels of starving. Wander into a nearby sidrería, the traditional Asturian cider houses. This is where things get… interesting. They pour the cider from a great height to aerate it for you, and I watched with a mixture of fascination and sheer terror, afraid some of it'll splash onto me. I order some fabada asturiana (bean stew). Seriously, it's a heart attack in a bowl, but I'm pretty sure it's the tastiest heart attack I've ever had. The cider? It’s… an acquired taste, alright? After the first few slugs, I'm practically sloshing. And the waiter is making it look so easy!
- Afternoon: Exploring the Chaos: Time to wander. Oviedo's old town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, and I swear, I've already gotten lost like five times. The buildings are beautiful, and I'm trying very hard not to trip on the uneven pavement. Seriously, the cobblestones are out to get me!
- Quirky Observation: So many little dogs! Tiny, pampered dogs with ridiculously ornate collars. Oviedo is officially the dog-loving capital of the world.
- Sightseeing, the "Must-Sees":
- Catedral de San Salvador: (Oviedo Cathedral) I'm not usually one for cathedrals, but this one is stunning. Even for a grumpy old man like me, I got lost in the magnificence. The stained glass is breathtaking.
- Camera Santa: A smaller, supposedly holy chamber. I don't know what it is, but I wasn't very impressed.
- The Pre-Romanesque Churches: They are beautiful and a world away from the city.
Day 2: Cider, Sidewalks, and Self-Loathing
- Morning: Woke up with a slight cider-induced headache. Ate breakfast at the pension, which consisted of slightly stale bread and questionable coffee. The woman in charge gave me a look that read, "Don't even think about asking for seconds."
- The Great Sidewalk Showdown: Spent the morning mostly being frustrated by the uneven sidewalks, struggling to keep up with the locals who navigate them with an innate grace I'll never possess. Seriously, they're like parkour experts, effortlessly gliding over the bumps and dips. It's humbling. And probably good for the glutes.
- Lunch:
- The "Best Steak I Ever Had" Illusion: Stumbled upon a restaurant called "Casa Eladio" (or something similar – I'm not exactly known for my memory). Ordered chuletón (a giant, perfectly cooked steak). It was, without a doubt, the best steak I've ever eaten. Melt-in-your-mouth tender with a smoky char. I closed my eyes, took a bite, and almost wept with joy. Worth every single euro.
- Afternoon: Diving Deep into the Sidrerías: Right, so, let's talk about cider. I went on a sidrería rampage. Just went from bar to bar, trying the cider, getting better with the pour, and accidentally befriending everyone in a 10-meter radius. It's a social lubricant of the highest order. One anecdote: at one point, I was attempting to help a local pour a cider. I failed. Miserably. Cider was everywhere. We all laughed. It was perfect.
- Quirky Observation & Emotional Reaction: People are surprisingly generous with their time and patience despite my awful Spanish. I am touched, and slightly embarrassed at my lack of skills.
- Evening : The "Almost Fell Into a Canal" Scenario. After a solid day of food and some serious cider consumption, I attempted a stroll. I say "attempted" because I more or less staggered through the streets, narrowly avoiding a serious plunge into a canal. My balance? Non-existent. Self-loathing? At an all-time high. But the stars were out, and laughing with my new friends, I started to feel a little better.
Day 3: A Bit of Culture, A Dash of Regret, and the Airport Run
- Morning: Okay, so, I may have overdone it yesterday… Let's just say my head is pounding. The fabada and cider were a match made in Asturian heaven, but my liver is currently petitioning for a divorce.
- Art Museum.
- Lunch: Back to Casa Eladio which was good.
- Afternoon: Final wander through the town, buying some souvenirs. Finally a relaxing afternoon.
- Evening: The Airport Dash of Doom: The dreaded airport run. Trying to squeeze everything into my suitcase. My brain is fuzzy. Pray to the travel gods everything gets back home. Taxi to the airport and the end. I vow to return I absolutely loved it.
Final Thoughts:
Santacruz and Oviedo, you magnificent, chaotic, slightly inebriated places. You charmed me. You tested my balance. You filled my belly with the most delicious food and drink I've ever tasted. And yes, I might have slightly overdone it on the cider, and I'll need a week to recover. But would I do it all again? Absolutely. See you again, Oviedo.
Griesalp Hotels: Your Unforgettable Swiss Alps Escape (Reichenbach)
Santacruz Oviedo: Spain's Hidden Gem You NEED to See! (Seriously, You Do!)
Okay, so I’m *slightly* obsessed with Oviedo. Like, bordering on unhealthy. But listen, if you’re thinking of a trip to Spain and you’re *not* considering this little city, you're making a HUGE mistake. I'm talking colossal. This isn't your run-of-the-mill tourist trap. This is the real deal. So, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Here's the lowdown. And yes, I'm going to gush. Get ready for it.
What *is* so special about Oviedo, specifically Santacruz? Isn't it just another Spanish city?
Alright, so "Santacruz" *isn't* a town. It is actually the older part of Oviedo. The term is often used to refer to the old town and some of the historic sites. And, no, it's *not* just another Spanish city. I get that. Spain, beautiful country, loads of great places. But Oviedo… ah, Oviedo... it's got a different vibe. Think cobblestone streets, buildings that have seen centuries, and a feeling like you've somehow stumbled into a fairytale. Seriously, the *feeling*? It's hard to capture. It's a blend of history, culture, and a certain… *je ne sais quoi* that just sucks you in. It starts with the cathedral. Which, side note? It's stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. The best views, the quiet streets... it's a real treat!
Okay, okay, the "vibe". Be more specific! What can I *do* in Santacruz, Oviedo?
Oh man, buckle up. There's SO much. First off, the Cathedral. Spend serious time there. Like, more than you’d think you need. Go inside. Go outside. Just… be there. Then, wander! Seriously, just wander. Get lost in the narrow, winding streets. That's where the magic happens. You'll stumble upon little plazas, cafes overflowing with locals, and shops selling everything from handcrafted leather goods to… well, a surprising number of bagpipes (Asturias is big on the bagpipes, FYI). Don't forget: spend a full day, at minimum, exploring the city. I found myself lost in the most wonderful way, by accident!
Here's a list, if you need one (and I totally judge you if you *do*):
- The Cathedral of San Salvador: Seriously, go see it, it is spectacular.
- The Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo Church(es): This is a must for architecture buffs, and it's a nice walk from the centre, too.
- The Campoamor Theatre: Stunning architecture and a great place to catch a performance.
- The Sculpture Park: An outdoor art gallery with some really cool pieces!
And, do not be shy with the tapas. I’m still dreaming of the tapas… more on that later.
What about the food? Because, let’s be honest, that's important.
FOOD. Oh, the food. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Asturian cuisine is… something else. Hearty, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Forget your "light and airy" diet. You're *in* Asturias. You have to eat, seriously. Think: fabada asturiana (the bean stew. To die for), cachopos (giant breaded steak), and sidra (the local cider).
The cider deserves its own section, actually. It's poured from a height, which is a whole *thing*. Don't be alarmed when your server raises the bottle above their head and expertly pours a small amount into your glass. It's an art form! And the cider itself? Dry. Tart. Perfect. Just, be warned: it's strong. I may have learned that the hard way, whilst laughing over my first one... I'm just saying, pace yourself!
My biggest regret? Not eating enough of all the tapas! I had one amazing experience, at this little place, whose name, unfortunately, I forget. Okay, more than one! Honestly, it's all a blur of flavors and laughter! But trust me, find a place with a bustling atmosphere, order a few tapas, and prepare to be amazed. The food is just amazing. The best part of all!
Is Oviedo a good base for exploring other parts of Asturias?
Absolutely! Oviedo is perfectly positioned to explore all of Asturias. It's a fantastic base. Rent a car (if you're comfortable driving in Europe - the roads are… interesting), and you can easily day trip to the Picos de Europa mountains (breathtaking!), the coastal towns of Gijón and Avilés, and countless other charming villages. I regret not traveling to more places. Maybe I'll go again soon!
Okay, so what's the catch? There's *always* a catch, right? The "bad" bits?
Alright, okay. Nothing's perfect. The weather can be a bit… unpredictable. Asturias is known for its rain. Pack accordingly! And maybe bring an umbrella just in case. I was there, and it drizzled the whole time, but the atmosphere was magical. But, you know, it can be drizzly.
Also, not everyone speaks English. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way. Even if you butcher them (I definitely did!), the locals appreciate the effort. They're generally very friendly and helpful, even if communication is a struggle. It certainly helped me! I had one awkward moment, when... well, I ordered the wrong thing. But hey, the food was still good!
Finally, and this is a small one, but the accommodation options aren't quite as plentiful or varied as in some of the bigger, more touristy cities. Book in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. It's not the end of the world, and it is worth it!
What's one memory that really sticks out from your time in Oviedo?
Okay, buckle up, because this is a long story. This is going to be long... and a little embarrassing.
I spent an afternoon wandering around the old town. Just wandering. No agenda. No map (mistake!). I stumbled upon this little shop, a *tiny* place, tucked away on a side street, selling *only* local cheese and cider. And the owner? This amazing, jovial woman with a smile that could light up a room. Find Your Perfect Stay
Post a Comment for "Santacruz Oviedo: Spain's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!"