Escape to Paradise: Stunning Orval Holiday Home w/ Garden!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of this hotel. Forget the polished PR speak – we're going RAW, baby. We're talking honest opinions, real experiences, and a healthy dose of "did this actually happen?" Let's go…
First Impressions & Getting Around: A Rollercoaster of Expectations!
So, the website promised heaven, right? Marble floors, endless beaches, and… well, you know the drill. My reality check started the moment the airport transfer showed up. Slight hiccup. The driver was… enthusiastic. Let’s just say the "airport transfer" felt more like a ride on a rollercoaster powered by espresso. Still, they arrived! The car park itself was a breeze to park. The car power charging station was a bonus.
- Accessibility: Honestly, I'm not disabled but I watched on the side with some of their staffs helping a woman into her wheelchair on the elevator. So. Yes. They have facilities for disabled guests, like the elevator. Score one for inclusivity!
- Check-in/out: The website promised express check-in. What I got was… actually pretty swift. Not lightning fast, but certainly better than shuffling your feet for an eternity whilst waiting for the counter. The contact-less check-in/out was a plus.
- Elevator: Necessary. Loved it because its pretty easy to use.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer (that adrenaline ride!), Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking – check, check, check, check! The options make it convenient.
The Rooms: A Sanctuary (Mostly!), And That Wi-Fi Saga…
My room? Pretty decent. Okay, more than decent. It had…
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (thank the sweet baby Jesus!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (always a win), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (yay view!), In-room safe box, 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 (gasp!).
- The Wi-Fi Disaster: Okay, hold up. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Fantastic. Except… I swear, my grandma's dial-up was faster. Let's just say I spent half my vacation screaming internally while trying to stream cat videos. Good thing i had the internet [LAN].
- Room Extras: The little details are what mattered. The bathrobes felt like a hug, and the blackout curtains were lifesavers.
- The Imperfect Moment: One minor quibble, I tried calling the front desk. No answer. I had to go down, but it was my fault as I lost my hotel key. Overall the "room" was a resounding success.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Culinary Mishap):
Okay, the dining. This is where things get really interesting.
- Restaurants: Restaurants, plural! A la carte, buffets (breakfast, lunch, dinner!), a poolside bar, and even a snack bar for those sneaky late-night cravings.
- The Good: The Asian Cuisine was phenomenal. The Western breakfast was a solid spread. And the Vegetarian restaurant was a delightful surprise. The coffee shop was also a win.
- The “Meh”: The buffet… let's just say it was a mixed bag. Some days it was a culinary masterpiece; other days it was a lesson in patience.
- Room service: 24-hour room service? Yes, please! Perfect for those moments when you just can’t be bothered to change out of your pajamas.
- Other points: Bottle of water, coffee/tea, desserts, happy hour, international cuisine, salads, soup – all the good stuff.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams & Fitness Failures?
This is where this place shines.
- The Spa: Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage… oh my god, the massage! I was jelly. It was the best spa experience I've ever had. Seriously, I almost forgot where I was.
- Pools and Fitness: Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view. Gorgeous. The fitness center? Well, I intended to hit it. Then the massage happened.
- Other Fun Stuff: Terrace, and that outdoor venue for special events.
Cleanliness, Safety, And All That Jazz:
- Hygiene is King: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Individually-wrapped food options, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Safety First: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour].
- Doctor/nurse on call: peace of mind.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- The Essentials: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge (super helpful), Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator (thank goodness), Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
- Business Bits: Xerox/fax in business center, Wi-Fi for special events.
- Extras: Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store (needed that late-night snack!).
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and kids' facilities. I didn't have kids, but if you do, sounds like they’re well catered for.
Now, for the Honest Opinion:
This place is a bit of a paradox. At times, it's absolute perfection. Other times… well, let’s just say it has character. But overall? I had a fantastic time.
My "Book Now!" Pitch (Because, Seriously, You Should):
ARE YOU READY TO ESCAPE? Do you crave an escape? A place where you can shed the stresses of daily life and just… breathe? Then, this hotel is calling your name.
Here's why you NEED to book:
- Spa Nirvana: The massage alone is worth the price of admission. Seriously, book a spa day ASAP.
- Culinary Adventures: From authentic Asian cuisine to comforting Western breakfasts, your taste buds will thank you.
- Accessibility and Safety: They’ve got you covered, no matter your needs.
- Overall: It’s not perfect, but that's what makes it so real. It's a place that feels like home, but with a serious dose of luxury.
Final Verdict:
Book it. Just book it. You deserve it. You absolutely, unequivocally, deserve it.
Unbelievable Finds at Schnepfenweg 39: Wangerland's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, ‘cause we're about to get REAL with this Orval adventure. My "holiday home in Orval with garden" – translation: a slightly-too-charming house in the middle of Belgian nowhere – is about to get a serious dose of me. And let's be honest, the house probably won't know what hit it. Here's the, uh, loosely planned itinerary. More like… a suggestion with a heavy dose of "we'll see."
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Cheese Catastrophe (and a lot of sighing)
- Morning (God willing): Brussels airport. Ugh. Airport. I hate airports. The fluorescent lights, the forced cheeriness, the sheer volume of people who clearly haven't mastered basic personal space. The flight? Delayed, naturally. This already feels… ominous. We're running late. I'm regretting my decision to pack only "comfy" clothes. And I've already started the internal monologue of, "was this a good idea?"
- Afternoon (Eventually): Pick up the rental car. Pray it's not a clunker. Pray I remember how to drive a stick shift. Pray I don't accidentally drive into a cow. Driving instructions: Google Maps is my only friend. I am convinced it actively enjoys torturing me with convoluted routes. We get lost. Three-quarters of an hour. The Belgian countryside, while quaint, is also littered with tiny, confusing roads. The GPS lady's voice starts to grate on me. I feel like I am going to be late. And the house is not going to be ready!
- Late Afternoon (Finally, Dear God, Finally): Arrive at the holiday home. The garden is… well, it’s charming. The house itself looks like something straight out of a fairytale, which is both enchanting and slightly terrifying. Because "fairytale" usually means "creaky floorboards and spiders." Unpack. Find out where things are and get settled.
- Evening (Cheese-tastrophe): Grocery store run. Discover a cheese shop. My eyes widen. I'm a total cheese fiend. I buy ALL the cheese. Seriously, a whole wheel of something pungent. Back at the house, I attempt a cheese and wine pairing. Utter failure. It all went downhill fast. The cheese was… well, let's just say the “pungent” description was an understatement. The wine wasn’t helping matters. By the end of it, I was basically face-to-face with a massive, overwhelming cheese situation I didn't know how to deal with. I had cheese and wine. And a headache. And I was alone. This isn't the "romantic getaway" I had in mind.
- Night: Collapse in bed, defeated by cheese and the weight of my flawed life choices. Maybe I should have ordered takeout.
Day 2: Abbey Ambition & Beer-Soaked Regret
- Morning: I swear I'm a decent person! Wake up. The sun is shining. Decide to be optimistic. Today, we Visit Orval Abbey. "Ah, the beer!" I exclaim, because I am that cliche. The place is beautiful, even with the lingering cheese-induced haze in my brain. The cloisters are serene. The monks are probably judging my cheese choices from yesterday, but they are nice enough not to say anything.
- Afternoon: The BEST part. The beer tasting. I'm in heaven. This isn't just beer, it's an experience, a liquid sacrament. I sample. I savor. I buy multiple bottles. This trip is turning around! Lunch at a local cafe, where I attempt (and fail) to order in French. The server laughs, but in a friendly way. He's probably used to tourists butchering his language.
- Late Afternoon: The Great Beer Regret Cometh. Back at the house, I… well, I overdo it. Who knew beer could make me so emotional? I start waxing poetic about the beauty of the Belgian countryside, followed by a passionate (and probably slightly slurred) monologue about the importance of appreciating brie. Then, I accidentally spill beer on my favorite book. Cue tears.
- Evening: Eat cold cheese. I watch a bad movie. I go to bed earlier this time.
- Night: Wake up at 3 am and feel the beer's impact.
Day 3: Forest Frolics & Existential Dread
- Morning: Hike! Fresh air, scenic views, the promise of a clear head. The Forest is beautiful, and I'm starting to actually enjoy the peace and quiet. The only problem? I'm terribly out of shape. What I thought would be a leisurely stroll quickly turns into a sweaty, panting ordeal. I keep tripping over roots. I feel very much like a clumsy woodland creature.
- Afternoon: Visit a local market. I have a new appreciation for the local produce. I buy some apples and a baguette.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the house. Another cheese snack. The fridge is a cheese graveyard. I contemplate the meaning of life while staring at the garden.
- Evening: I think I'm homesick. I try to call my friends, but the internet is patchy. I decide to embrace the solitude. I light a fire in the fireplace. I have a small amount of hope. I read a book, eat more cheese. Life is complicated
- Night: Sleep.
Day 4: The Long Road Home (and the inevitable cheese withdrawal)
- Morning: Prepare to leave. Clean the house as best as possible. Think to myself "I should have eaten more cheese."
- Afternoon: Drive to Brussels airport. The traffic is dreadful. I silently curse Google Maps and the entire Belgian road system.
- Late Afternoon: The flight is delayed. Again! I buy a magazine. I eat a terrible airport sandwich. I begin to dream of cheese. Lots and lots of cheese.
- Evening: I am home. I feel like something is missing. I realize what it is. Cheese.
- Night: I sleep. And I dream of Orval. And cheese. Mostly cheese.
Best Stay Blogspot
Lovely holiday home in Orval with garden Florenville Belgium
Lovely holiday home in Orval with garden Florenville Belgium
