Girona's WILDEST Stay: Zoo Loco Guest House!
Hold on Tight, You’re About to Go WILD at Zoo Loco Guest House! (Girona – Seriously, It’s Bonkers!)
Okay, so I just got back from… well, let's call it a "Girona Adventure" at Zoo Loco Guest House. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget your sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. Zoo Loco is like stepping into a fever dream designed by a zookeeper who loves a good party. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna be a wild ride.
First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly Odd, and the "Wait, WHAT?"
Finding Zoo Loco was easy enough (thanks, Google Maps!). The exterior… let’s just say it hints at the chaos within. Think vibrant murals, maybe a few strategically placed stuffed animals (I swear I saw a llama peeking from a balcony), and an atmosphere that screams, "Leave your inhibitions at the door!"
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But They're Trying!)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Wheelchair accessibility? Well, it’s a mixed bag. Elevator?: Yes! Thank the travel gods. Facilities for disabled guests? They do have some features, but honestly, it felt like they were still figuring some things out. The staff were incredibly helpful (more on that later), pointing me towards the more accessible areas, but navigating some of the spaces wasn't exactly a cakewalk. The Facilities for disabled guests could use some serious overhauling.
Cleanliness and Safety: They’re on Top of It (Thank Goodness!)
Okay, I’m not gonna lie, with a name like "Zoo Loco," I was a little worried about sanitation. But! Major props to their commitment. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? CHECK! They were obsessed with cleanliness, which was reassuring. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff were clearly trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitization opt-out available? They offered it, but who would want to? Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly adhered to, though, with the spirited guests, enforcement wasn’t always strictly followed.
Rooms: Quirky Comfort and Wi-Fi Freedom!
My room? It screamed "personality." Think vibrant colours, quirky artwork, and a general sense of organized chaos. Additional toilet? Nope. Air conditioning? Yes! Thank heavens. Alarm clock? Yep, though I didn’t need it; the excitement of the place woke me up every morning. Blackout curtains? Essential for those post-sangria naps! Closet? Perfectly adequate. Coffee/tea maker? A lifesaver! Complimentary tea? Yes! Daily housekeeping? Yes! Desk? Yup. Extra long bed? Oh yes! Free bottled water? Definitely. Hair dryer? In the bathroom. In-room safe box? The only thing I hid it was my passport and wallet. Internet access - LAN? No, but with Wi-Fi [free] in every room, who needs a cable? Internet access - wireless? YES! Ironing facilities? I gave it a miss. Laptop workspace? There was space, technically, but it was hardly ideal. Linens? Clean and comfy. Mini bar? A decent one. Mirror? Plenty of them. Non-smoking? Of course. Private bathroom? Absolutely. Reading light? Always a plus. Refrigerator? Yes! Satellite/cable channels? If you felt like it. Seating area? A comfy couch! Separate shower/bathtub? I had both! Shower? Powerful! Slippers? No, but I brought my own. Smoke detector? Present and accounted for! Soundproofing? Not stellar, to be honest, so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Telephone? Yep. Toiletries? Decent quality. Towels? Plenty of them. Umbrella? No, but Girona doesn't usually rain, right? Visual alarm? No, I think. Wake-up service? Probably, not sure. Window that opens? YES!
Internet access was fast and reliable, which was a lifesaver for me since I needed to stay connected for work. Plus, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a huge bonus these days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun!
This is where Zoo Loco really shines. The food? Excellent! The atmosphere? Electric! A la carte in restaurant? YES! Alternative meal arrangement? Definitely! Asian breakfast? Asian cuisine in restaurant? No, not really. Bar? Oh, yes! The bar is the heart and soul of this place. Breakfast [buffet]? YES! Breakfast service? YES! Buffet in restaurant? YES! Coffee/tea in restaurant? YES! Desserts in restaurant? Absolutely! Happy hour? Every day! What’s not to love? International cuisine in restaurant? Yup! Poolside bar? You BET! Restaurants? Several, offering different menus.. Room service [24-hour]? YES! Salad in restaurant? A good one! Snack bar? Yes! Soup in restaurant? Absolutely! Vegetarian restaurant? Several vegetarian options. Western breakfast? Yup. Western cuisine in restaurant? Yes!
I spent a particularly delightful afternoon by the Swimming pool [outdoor], sipping sangria from the Poolside bar, and chatting with the very friendly bar staff. The Pool with view? It wasn't quite the infinity pool of my dreams, but the atmosphere was fantastic.
And that breakfast buffet? Forget about it! I was stuffed for hours! Omelets made to order, fresh fruit, pastries… it was heaven. One morning, I even managed to snag a table on the Terrace, enjoying my coffee while watching the world (and all the slightly hungover guests) wake up.
Now, let’s talk about the bar. The bartenders were amazing, whipping up creative cocktails and keeping the good times rolling. I even tried their signature drink, the "Zoo Loco Zinger," which was… well, let’s just say it packed a punch. One night, I saw someone doing shots off of a miniature rhino, which tells you everything you need to know.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, Maybe, Both at the Same Time!)
Okay, so Zoo Loco isn't your typical spa resort. However, there are ways to unwind. A good ol’ Massage is always a good idea! They had a Spa/sauna which was awesome! Plus there was a Steamroom. Fitness center? Kind of. It was more like a small room with a few machines. Gym/fitness? Don't expect too much. Pool with view? The pool was lovely for swimming, though, the view might not have been spectacular.
The Staff: Quirky, Kind and Utterly Dedicated
This is where Zoo Loco truly earns its stripes. The staff? They were AMAZING. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to love their jobs. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone was having a good time, and they were always up for a laugh. They even managed to remember everyone’s names, which is pretty impressive considering the constant flow of guests.
Services and Conveniences: Perks and Quirks
Air conditioning in public area? Yes! Audio-visual equipment for special events? Probably. Business facilities? They have some, including a meeting/banquet facilities and Meeting stationery. Cash withdrawal? Yes! Concierge? Kind of. It was more like a cool dude at the front desk offering suggestions for places to eat and drink. Contactless check-in/out? Yep (much appreciated!). Convenience store? Yes! Currency exchange? Yes! Daily housekeeping? Yes! Doorman? No, but they had a friendly face manning the front desk 24/7. Dry cleaning? Yes! Elevator? Yes! Essential condiments? Yes! Food delivery? Yes! Gift/souvenir shop? Yes! Indoor venue for special events? Yes! Invoice provided? If you ask. Ironing service? Yes! Laundry service? Yes! Luggage storage? Yes! On-site event hosting? Yes! Outdoor venue for special events? Yes! Safety deposit boxes? Yes, at the front desk. Smoking area? Designated! Smoking area? Yes! For the Kids:
Babysitting service? Yes! Family/child friendly? Yes! Kids facilities? Yes! Kids meal? Yes! Although, I don't think it's a priority.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer? Yes! Bicycle parking? Yes! **
Unbelievable Alpe d'Huez Apartment with Stunning Mountain Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a glorious mess – my potential trip to Zoo Loco Guest House in Girona, Spain. This isn't going to be some pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is going to be the sweaty, tapas-stained, slightly-hungover truth.
The Zoo Loco Girona: A Pre-Trip Nervous Breakdown (in Itinerary Form, Sort Of)
Day 0: The Phantom Luggage & Pre-Trip Freakout
- Morning (aka "The Doom Scroll"): Wake up. First thought: Did I actually book this? Second thought: What if I've booked the wrong Zoo Loco? There's probably a secret one in the bowels of a bullfighting ring, right? Third thought: Okay, deep breaths. Check confirmation… Confirmation! Good. Then proceed to spend THREE HOURS staring at the weather forecast, convinced I've packed the wrong shoes.
- Afternoon (aka "Luggage Apocalypse"): Attempt to pack. End up with a pile of clothes that looks like a fashion crime scene. Realize I'm probably overpacking (as usual). Decide to "just wing it" with my packing. But later take it out again, and finally realize I've forgotten to pack my favorite socks.
- Evening (aka "The Pre-Flight Meal of Regret"): Order takeout pizza because, let's face it, healthy eating is for future me. Maybe. Consume entire pizza with a healthy dose of anxiety. Reminisce over past travel mishaps. That time I forgot my passport in Budapest, and the panic sweat… Oh, and make sure I set my "Out of Office" message. Because, obviously, I'm so important.
- Late Night (aka "The Sleep-Deprived Nightmare"): Re-check flight details. Again. Question life choices. Fall asleep at 2 AM, dreaming of lost luggage, crowded buses, and a rogue flamenco dancer with a ridiculously large fan.
Day 1: Girona Arrival & The Charm Offensive
- Morning (aka "Surviving the Airport"): Land in Girona. Pray the airport staff doesn't see me as a complete idiot. Somehow navigate passport control (success!), locate luggage (miracle!), and find the shuttle/bus to Girona. This is it. No turning back now.
- Mid-Morning (aka "Girona, Holy Crap"): Arrive in Girona. First impressions: cobblestone streets, charming buildings, and a general air of “Wow, I'm actually here.”
- Late Morning (aka "Zoo Loco Quest"): The real fun begins. Find Zoo Loco Guest House. GPS gets lost? Probably. Google Maps decides to take me through a maze of tiny alleyways. I'm pretty sure I passed a butcher shop and a cat that looked suspiciously like it knew the way. Find it anyway.
- Afternoon (aka "Unpacking & Initial Assessment of the Room"): Check into Zoo Loco. Cross fingers for a decent room (I'm not expecting luxury, I'm expecting clean!). Settle in. Unpack (or shove things haphazardly into drawers). Stare out the window. Observe the view. Do a happy dance if the room is cool. Start wondering what local snacks can be found. Make friends with the other guests? Maybe… or not (I’m still deciding.)
- Late Afternoon (aka "Girona Exploration - Phase 1"): Right, let's do this. Stumble out of the guesthouse and wander the streets. Get hopelessly lost. Marvel at the colorful houses along the Onyar River. Seriously, are these real life? Snap a million photos. Buy a gelato. Eat it even though it's already starting to melt down my hand. Resist the urge to buy a souvenir that I won't use. (Challenge, accepted.)
- Evening (aka "Tapas, Lost & Found"): Dinner. Seek out a tapas bar (or three!). Order everything. Maybe order something I can't pronounce. Spill something on myself. Laugh (or cry). Get slightly lost on my way back. Stumble back to the guesthouse, full of food and even more excitement for my time here.
Day 2: Girona's Secrets & The Unintentional Hike
- Morning (aka "Cathedral Crack & Morning Coffee"): Explore Girona Cathedral. Wow, the architecture! Marvel at the architecture. The details… unbelievable. Climb the stairs. Attempt to do a few prayers. Reward myself with a delicious cortado at a local café. Attempt to decipher the menu. Accidentally order a pastry shaped like a tiny pig. Eat it anyway.
- Mid-Morning (aka "The Enchanting Jewish Quarter"): Explore the Jewish Quarter. This is where history comes alive. Walk the narrow streets. Admire the beauty and the atmosphere. Read plaques. Feel a sense of peace and wonder.
- Afternoon (aka "The Accidental Hike, or "Why Did I Wear These Shoes?"): Oops. Decide to hike up to the city walls. Maybe. Start walking. End up choosing a more dramatic route after seeing a sign. This definitely wasn't what I was expecting. My legs! Amazing views. Breathtaking, yes. My shoes? Not so much. Should have brought those hiking boots… Try not to die. Reward myself with a large ice-cold drink.
- Late Afternoon (aka "Relax and reflect"): Back at Zoo Loco. Sit on the guest house terrace (if it has one). Write in my journal (if I can find a pen). Reflect on the day. People watch. Start planning for tomorrow. And maybe take a nap.
- Evening (aka "Food Adventures, Round 2 & The Zoo Loco Social Life?"): Dinner. Try a different restaurant. Or maybe go back to the tapas bar for old-time sake? Attempt (and probably fail) to converse with the other guests. Maybe start a conversation. Discover someone from the same country as me… Or some other incredible coincidence. Or just hide away in my room and watch Netflix.
Day 3: Dali's Influence, Beach Bliss (Maybe), & The Lingering Regret of Not Buying That Souvenir
- Morning (aka "Dali, Dali, Everywhere"): Day trip to Figueres to visit the Dali Theatre-Museum. I have no idea what to expect!!! Get slightly overwhelmed. Spend way too long in one section and miss the rest. Question my sanity. Question Dali's sanity. Come to the conclusion that maybe he was a genius. Or maybe he was just… eccentric. Buy a Dali-esque souvenir.
- Afternoon (aka "Beach Day? Or Not?"): Okay, beach time! Consider a trip to the Costa Brava. Look up at the weather. Realize it's cloudy. Sigh. Abandon beach plans. Instead, browse through some shops. Maybe buy that souvenir I regret not buying yesterday.
- Late Afternoon (aka "Back To Base" & The End of the World"): Scramble back to Zoo Loco. Have a quick rest. Begin slowly packing. Face reality: the trip is ending. Panic about returning to reality.
- Evening (aka "The Final Goodbye to Girona"): Final tapas feast. Try to soak in the atmosphere. Buy some last-minute gifts. Say goodbye to the locals (if I made any friends). Have one last drink.
- Late Night (aka "The Pre-Departure Meltdown"): Stare out the window one last time. Wonder when I can come back. Try to get some sleep. Fail.
Day 4: Farewell Girona
- Morning (aka "The Airport Dash"): Get up. Check passport. Double check all pockets. Say goodbye to the Zoo Loco. Travel to the airport. Hope for no flight delays.
- Afternoon (aka "Homeward Bound"): Fly back home.
- Evening (aka "Post-Trip Depression and Memories"): Arrive home. Unpack. Start planning next trip. Go home and start writing a blog. Relive all the delicious memories.
Important Notes:
- Flexibility is Key: This itinerary is more of a suggestion. Go with the flow!
- Imperfect Planning = Perfect Memories: Don't worry if things don't go according to plan. The best travel stories are often born from the unexpected.
- Embrace the Mess: This is not about perfect. It's about experiencing.
- Food is Life: Eat everything. Don't be shy.
- Have fun!
There you have it. My (probably slightly chaotic) Girona adventure!
Arnsberg Getaway: Luxurious FeWo Freiken 28 Awaits!
Zoo Loco Guest House: You've Got Questions, We Got (Mostly) Answers!
Okay, seriously, is this place ACTUALLY like a zoo?! My friend's been talking about it like it’s the freaking Amazon!
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they clean? I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!).
Is it noisy? I REALLY need my sleep.
Is there free Wi-Fi? Because, you know, Instagram.
What kind of people stay there? Are they weird?
Is it safe? I'm travelling alone.
What's the food situation like? Is breakfast included?
Is it easy to get to the city center?
Tell me the craziest thing that happened to you there. Spill the tea!
