Have you ever ever wished to pack your baggage, hit the open highway, and discover the gorgeous landscapes of Europe? We did simply that on our latest highway journey by France, Spain, and Portugal, stopping at some fascinating inns alongside the way in which.
Whether or not you’re planning an identical journey or simply interested in these distinctive stays, this information is for you. We’ll provide the inside scoop on every lodge, sharing the highs and lows of our experiences, so you possibly can resolve which locations may be value a go to.
Our first cease was within the charming city of Poitiers, the place we stayed on the Contact Resort Come Inn. Should you’re searching for luxurious, this may not be your first alternative, nevertheless it actually has its personal appeal. The rooms have been fairly primary, virtually feeling like a hostel. Sadly, our wardrobe door took a tumble once we opened it, including a contact of slapstick comedy to our keep. No air-con, however followers have been supplied—one with a cracked casing.
Whereas the toilet gentle determined to take a everlasting trip, breakfast saved the day. Easy, but filling, it provided a comforting begin to our travels. For 2 rooms, we paid £135 for one night time. Our verdict? A stable 5/10. It was a spot to relaxation our heads, however not way more. I didn’t keep in mind to take any footage however that is the nightmare junction I discovered while searching for someplace to park and get meals in Poitiers. It was a beautiful space however arduous to park particularly as we had solely started our highway journey driving in France that day!
Valladolid’s Resort Conde Ansurez
Subsequent, we travelled to Valladolid, driving into Spain for the primary time. We checked into the Resort Conde Ansurez on the outskirts of town. Right here, we discovered consolation and a contact of luxurious that made us really feel at house. The rooms have been thoughtfully designed, providing each necessities and some surprises, like plush pillows. Priced at £126 for 2 rooms per night time, it felt like a steal.
The one draw back was the restaurant, the place vegetarians would possibly really feel as if they’d entered a meat lover’s paradise. Beef cheeks, anybody? There was actually nothing vegetarian obtainable and the workers had no concepts the place we might go for one thing. We ended up driving to a Burger King!
Regardless of the culinary hiccup, we rated this lodge 8/10. With a greater eating expertise, it might have simply been a 9.
Muthu Oura Praia Resort, Albufeira
Who doesn’t love an excellent beachside escape? After driving from Valladolid in Spain by the mountains we entered Portugal and drove by Portugal all the way down to Albufeira. By the point we arrived it was scorching and we have been prepared for a couple of days off driving! In Albufeira, we stayed for six nights on the Muthu Oura Praia Resort. Our all-inclusive expertise was each a success and a miss.
The lodge was good, fairly clear however the all inclusive was very disappointing because the lodge itself solely had one restaurant that was not obtainable each night and was fairly particular (a sushi restaurant) and solely had a pool bar 11-6, no different meals or drinks have been obtainable with out having to go to different inns within the chain.
One of many inns was subsequent door however others have been a 20 minute stroll away down (after which again up!) an especially steep hill. The meals within the different inns have been good however this was very sneaky I felt calling our lodge all inclusive when it really wasn’t. The pool was beautiful and the room had every little thing we wanted. Total I’d give this lodge 7.5/10 because of the foods and drinks points.
The room and pool, nevertheless, have been good and enjoyable by them was excellent. Regardless of the foods and drinks points, we gave this lodge a 7.5/10. It’s a beautiful spot for those who don’t thoughts a little bit of an journey to discover a meal.
Ibis Madrid Fuenlabrada
In Madrid, we have been warmly welcomed on the Ibis Fuenlabrada, a lodge that ticked all our containers. The service was impeccable, and the rooms have been each snug and reasonably priced—£187 for 2 rooms over two nights, with breakfast included. It’s arduous to beat that sort of worth.
We loved the scrumptious breakfast and the lodge’s proximity to Madrid’s sights. We obtained an Uber into Madrid which was good as we wished a break day driving. Our score? A well-deserved 9/10, making it a must-visit for anybody heading to Spain’s capital.
Bordeaux’s Consolation Aparthotel Bordeaux Begles Area
Heading again to France, we spent a while on the Consolation Aparthotel Bordeaux Begles Area. This hybrid between a lodge and an condo provided practicality and area, though privateness within the condo was a bit missing with its open-plan structure. The kitchen space was a pleasant contact, excellent for individuals who wish to cook dinner primary meals within the room.
Breakfast wasn’t included, however we tried it as soon as—and as soon as was sufficient because of the additional price. the meals was good however actually not value the additional we paid. We paid £185 for 2 nights, discovering it honest worth. Total, we rated it 6/10. It’s fantastic for a brief keep, particularly for those who plan to spend your days exploring Bordeaux. It’s most likely an ideal lodge for employees doing enterprise in Bordeaux and fewer appropriate for households.
Look how stunning Bordeaux is although – no image of the lodge because it didn’t look that thrilling!
Premiere Classe Le Havre Centre les Docks
Our last cease was in Le Havre on the Premiere Classe Le Havre Centre les Docks. This lodge, positioned in a residential space, provided easy however snug rooms. We propose paying for parking except you take pleasure in neighbourhood soccer!
Although it lacked air-con, the continental breakfast was a nice shock. For £118 for 2 rooms over two nights, it was unimaginable worth. We gave it a 9/10, it might have been extra with air-con.
Reflecting on Our Resort Journey
Total, our highway journey by France, Spain, and Portugal launched us to a blended bag of lodge experiences. Every cease provided one thing distinctive, whether or not it was the quirky appeal of Contact Resort Come Inn or the welcoming heat of Ibis Madrid Fuenlabrada.
For these planning an identical journey, we hope our experiences present helpful insights into selecting your highway journey stays. And for those who’re interested in any of those inns, be at liberty to achieve out, I’d like to share extra tales from our travels!