Tenby's BEST Sea View Apartment: Waterstone House 8 Awaits!
Tenby's BEST Sea View Apartment: Waterstone House 8 Awaits! - A (Slightly Chaotic) Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some spilled coffee) on Waterstone House 8 in Tenby. They claim it's the "BEST Sea View Apartment," and, well, let's just say I've got some THOUGHTS. This isn't your sanitized travel brochure, people. This is REAL.
Accessibility: Can a Clumsy Person Survive?
Okay, first things first: accessibility. They do list "Facilities for disabled guests," but I'm going to be honest, I didn't specifically test those out myself. I'm more of a… perpetually clumsy traveler. The elevator was a lifesaver, though, considering how many stairs I'd likely tumble down otherwise. And there were handrails in some places. Phew.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: MIA?
I didn't see any specific accessible restaurants or lounges inside Waterstone House itself. That said, Tenby is pretty compact, and there are SO MANY restaurants (and pubs!) nearby. Just… check ahead for ramps or step-free access, yeah?
Wheelchair accessible: Unverified (Sorry!)
Again, I can't give a definitive answer. Call the hotel directly and ask if you need that level of specificity. I was more focused on navigating the treacherous path to the perfectly placed sofa…
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Hallelujah!)
Thank the digital gods! Free Wi-Fi. In ALL rooms. And it actually WORKED. (Unlike some places I've stayed, where the Wi-Fi signal was weaker than my self-control around free biscuits). It’s a lifeline. Internet [LAN] access is also listed, though I didn't personally use it (who even uses LAN anymore?). Internet services? Standard stuff like email access. Overall, a thumbs up on the connectivity front. It's crucial, you know? Gotta post those sunset pics. Gotta stalk my ex. You know, the essentials.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Pool with a View vs. My Own Personal Meltdown
Okay, here's where Waterstone House almost won me over. They've got a swimming pool…with a view! Sounds dreamy, right? And they list a bunch of spa-like things: Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, even a gym/fitness center. (I shudder to think how neglected my gym membership is).
Here’s the thing: I didn't actually use the pool. Don't judge! I planned to. I really did. But life, and my utter lack of time management skills, got in the way. One day I got there…it was raining! Another day, I was too busy staring at the ocean, convinced I'd spot a passing mermaid (it's never happened, don't ask). And the thought of all that lovely relaxation made me…stressed? Seriously. The irony is not lost on me. BUT, it looked beautiful from the windows! And hey, at least I knew it was there. Ready for my lazy bum to use it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Anxious Girl Approved (Mostly)
This is IMPORTANT. In these…interesting times, cleanliness matters. Waterstone House seems to get this. They boast Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They have Hand sanitizer stations. They even (according to the list) offer Room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch. Safe dining setup is listed as well.
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I was constantly sniffing out any potential threats. (Which, let's be honest, made me look like a weirdo.) But I’m giving it a tentative thumbs up. The place seemed clean. I didn’t find any rogue dust bunnies plotting to take over the world. Staff trained in safety protocol - I found the staff to be friendly and helpful.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Or My Attempts At It)
So, this is where things get…complicated. The list is LONG. Restaurants, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Room service [24-hour]. And for the adventurous, Asian cuisine in restaurant and Vegetarian restaurant.
Here's the raw deal: most of the restaurants and cafes around Tenby are fabulous. Waterstone House itself offered little I took advantage of. I did order room service once. Fine, I ordered room service twice. Delicious food, though the late-night food run gave me a tummy ache. My own fault. The bottle of water provided in the room was a lifesaver for those late-night snack attacks (I snuck in my own cheese and crackers, naturally).
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Really Weird
Okay, buckle up, because this list is LONG. Air conditioning in public area (thank god, especially when you've been walking all day). Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping (bless them, they cleaned up my mess!). Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Doorman, Laundry service. All essential to my survival.
There's also Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events… which, honestly, made me picture some weird corporate team-building exercises. Did I want to participate? Surprisingly, no! I wanted to be on the beach, people!
But here's the thing that made me chuckle: a Shrine. Seriously? A shrine? In my apartment? Okay, Tenby, you're officially weird and wonderful.
For the Kids: Did Someone Say Babysitting?
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal. This is fantastic if you're traveling with little ones. I, however, came alone, so… yeah. More for the kids!
Access: Quick and Easy (Mostly)
They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and Check-in/out [express]. It made me feel safe. Fire extinguisher? Check. Smoke alarms? Check. Front desk [24-hour]? Another check. The security [24-hour] felt reassuring.
Available in all rooms: The Checklist of Comfort
This section gets down to the nitty-gritty. Air conditioning, check. Alarm clock, check (though I set my phone, because #modernproblems). Bathtub, check! Bathrobes! Woohoo! I love a good bathrobe moment. Blackout curtains, YES! Because sleep is critical. Coffee/tea maker – GOLDEN. Hair dryer – essential for these unruly locks. In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, I made good use of those channels.
And let's not forget: Wi-Fi [free]. Did I mention that?
Getting Around: Parking Bliss (for a Fee)
Airport transfer, I didn't need, as I drove. They have Car park [free of charge]! HUGE. This is a BIG DEAL in Tenby, where parking spaces are rarer than a sensible tourist. Taxi service? Yes. Valet parking? Unnecessary for me.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Well, waterstone House needs some work! I would give Waterstone House 8 a solid 7.5/10. Especially for that view. It's genuinely breathtaking. The apartment itself was well-equipped, clean, and comfortable. The location is perfect for exploring Tenby. I just hope I actually use the pool next time. And maybe learn a thing or two about time management. Maybe.
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Jing Lai Hotel Jiading - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get a dose of real travel planning, courtesy of yours truly. We're talking about a trip to Apartment 8 at Waterstone House in Tenby, and let me tell you, just the idea of those luxury sea views is enough to send me into a pre-trip daydream. This isn't going to be some sterile, perfectly-formatted itinerary – this is how it really goes down when I pack my bags (which, let's be honest, usually involves stuffing everything in at the last minute).
The Tenby Tango: A Chaotic Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious (and Slightly Overhyped) Sea View
- Morning (aka "The Hour Before I Have to Leave"): Okay, so this is where the chaos really starts. I always overestimate how much time I have. Cue the frantic rummaging for my passport (where is that thing?!), the eleventh-hour washing machine cycle (hoping those jeans will dry by some miracle), and the inevitable swearing at my luggage for its refusal to close. I swear, that suitcase is actively plotting against me.
- Afternoon: Flight/Train/Car - The Great Escape! (Gonna assume driving, 'cause I’m a planner so I didn't book anything yet…oops). The car journey… well, it's a love-hate relationship. Love: the freedom. Hate: the constant "Are we there yet?" from the imaginary backseat passengers. This time, I'm aiming for a truly zen driving experience: audiobook on, snacks at the ready, and a complete refusal to be stressed by traffic. (Ha! Famous last words.)
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Apartment 8 Arrival, Take One! FINALLY! Waterstone House! (Fingers crossed the parking is easy… Tenby parking is always a lottery). Finding the right apartment door is a victory in itself after a journey. Then, the moment of truth: the sea view. (And breathe). Honestly, I may actually cry. The pictures online looked perfect – the pressure! – but… YES! It's actually better. The wide, uninterrupted stretch of ocean… Okay, I'm already planning on spending the first hour just gazing out the window, probably with a cheeky (possibly early) glass of wine.
- Evening: The Tenby Orientation & Fish and Chips of Dreams (Maybe). After settling in, the grand Tenby exploration begins. First, a walk to get my bearings. I'm aiming for a gentle stroll along the beach, breathing in all that salty air, and trying not to get completely blown away by the wind. Dinner? Fish and chips, obviously. Gotta find the perfect chippy. I've heard tales of glorious, golden-battered haddock, so the search is ON. (Note to self: check for online reviews beforehand…but maybe not, spontaneity is key!) If I’m feeling ambitious, perhaps a brief wander through the town, scoping out the pubs and hoping for a lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Boat Trips, and Questionable Decision-Making
- Morning: Sands, Sunscreen, and the Siren Call of the Sea. This is where reality meets the Instagram filter. Breakfast on the balcony (those sea views again!) Then, beach time. Sunscreen, check. Hat, check. Book, check. And a healthy dose of optimism that I won't get a lobster-red burn. (Fingers crossed I remember the sunscreen application routine…). I'm imagining myself lounging on the sand, lost in a book, occasionally glancing up at the waves and feeling truly, utterly relaxed. In reality, I'll probably spend half the time chasing rogue towels and wondering if I've got sand in my sandwich.
- Afternoon: Boat Trip to Caldey Island, or the Great Ferries Fiasco. Oh, the joy of boat trips! The promise of exploring a new island, seeing the coastline from a different perspective… (Also, I might get seasick). I'm aiming for a trip to Caldey Island this afternoon, a haven of monastic peace. The brochures promise stunning beaches, charming villages, and delicious chocolate (chocolate is a MUST). Alternatively: I am quite happy to let the wind take me and just find a new spot on the beach somewhere. (Again, spontaneity!)
- Evening - The Pub Crawl (or a Very Early Night). Pub time! I'm envisioning a proper Tenby pub crawl, sampling local ales, soaking up the atmosphere, and maybe even attempting some karaoke. We're talking proper, rough-and-ready karaoke. (Sorry, fellow pub-goers). The reality? Could be a raucous night of laughter and questionable singing. Or, after a long day of exploration, I could be asleep by 9 pm. Either is, honestly, fine.
Day 3: Castle Conquest, Coastal Walks, and Souvenir Shenanigans
- Morning: Castle of Tenby - The Battle Begins. A visit to Tenby Castle. More history, more views (!), and a chance to pretend I'm a medieval queen surveying my kingdom. I probably will have a slightly irrational urge to climb the highest tower and declare myself ruler of all I survey. (Don’t judge).
- Afternoon: The Coastal Path and the Murmuring Tide. A coastal walk! This is where the real beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast comes alive. I'm thinking a decent hike, breathing in the fresh sea breeze, and trying not to fall off any cliffs. (Seriously, need to watch where I'm stepping). Maybe I'll discover a hidden cove or a secret beach. (Highly unlikely, but a girl can dream).
- Evening: Souvenir Shopping and a Final Sunset. The quest for the perfect souvenir. Sea glass? A quirky Tenby t-shirt? A ridiculous "I Heart Tenby" mug? The hunt will begin this evening. And, of course, a final, lingering look at that breathtaking sunset. I’ll try to capture it with a photo, but I know it’ll never do it justice. I’ll just stand there, quietly, soaking it all in – that air, those colours, the memory making.
Day 4: Farewell, Tenby! (But I'll Be Back!)
- Morning: Last Breakfast, Last Look. One final breakfast with that sea view. I'll linger, trying to imprint every detail into my memory. And a final lingering gaze out the window, one last moment to savour that incredible view before the journey home.
- Departure: The Long Good-Bye. The sad packing ritual, the final check of the apartment, the long route back home. I will swear I will return because this experience was the best trip of my life. (Or I maybe I won't say that because I'm a bit of a cynic. But I'll definitely want to come back.)
The Fine Print (aka the Messy Bits):
- Weather: Let's be honest, this is the UK. The weather is always a wild card. Rain is practically guaranteed. So, pack waterproofs, embrace the wind, and prepare for sunshine to appear at the most unexpected moments.
- Food: I'm open to culinary adventures. But mostly, I'll be fueled by fish and chips, ice cream, and copious amounts of tea. (And maybe a sneaky pasty or two).
- People: I'm hoping to meet some cool, interesting people. But I'm also perfectly content with my own company. The beauty of a solo trip!
- Flexbility: This itinerary is a suggestion. Feel free to throw it out the window at any moment. Spontaneity is key, and the best travel experiences are often the unplanned ones.
- The Reality: This is just a rough outline. Every trip has its unexpected moments. Embrace those moments, laugh at the mishaps, and remember the best part is the journey. And, of course, those incredible sea views. Don’t forget to book!
Now, wish me luck! And maybe send a postcard!
Katowice Dream: 1-Bedroom Francuska Park Apartment Awaits!
Is Waterstone House 8 REALLY as good as it looks in the pictures? Or is it all smoke and mirrors?
Okay, let me be straight with you. Those pictures are GOOD. *Really* good. But… they don’t capture the *feeling*. The pictures show the view – which IS breathtaking, by the way. But they don't capture the way the morning sun just *pours* in, turning the whole living room gold. They don't convey the *smell* of the sea (and sometimes a whiff of chip shop, let's be honest - pure Tenby!). The apartment itself is… mostly accurate. It's clean, it's modern. BUT! Don't expect perfection. I saw one review saying "faultless." Mate, if you're after faultless, go to the bloody Ritz. Real life, and this apartment, has character. A tiny bit of sand on the balcony? Happens. A slightly temperamental shower at peak times? Maybe. But the view? The view erases ALL of it. Absolutely. ALL of it. Seriously. I took a mug of coffee out there one morning and nearly wept. Wept with *joy*. Okay, maybe a tiny bit of sleep deprivation, too. Whatever. The view. It's worth dealing with a slightly wonky shower. Deal. With. IT.
What's the parking situation like? Because, let's be honest, that's a HUGE deal in Tenby.
Parking. The bane of a vacationer's existence. Waterstone House does have allocated parking, which is a HUGE win! You get your own spot, which means you don't have to circle the town like a vulture, praying for a space to open up. However... and this is a big "however"... the access road is...shall we say... *cosy*. You're talking narrow lanes, potentially some reversing, and a general feeling of "please don't let me scratch someone's car". I drive a relatively small hatchback and I *still* held my breath a few times. Seriously, if you're driving a tank, maybe consider a taxi. Or, you know, walking everywhere. Which, in Tenby, is actually *amazing*. The beach is so close, it's practically calling your name. I parked up and then *forgot* about the car for days! Bliss. Absolutely blissful.
The listing says "Unrivalled Sea Views." Is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, this is where I get a little… dramatic. Because that statement? Is NOT marketing fluff. *It’s the damn truth!* I’ve seen some sea views in my time (I consider myself a connoisseur, honestly) and this one... this one is *special*. You're practically ON the beach. You can see Caldey Island! You can watch the boats bobbing! I spent a solid hour on the balcony once, just… *staring*. Honestly, I think I scared the seagulls. I’d recommend taking binoculars though. Even with the naked eye, you can actually see everything. You can even spot the crazy surfers out there. It's a constant, changing painting. It’s calming. It’s exhilarating. It's… just… *wow*. On a clear day, you can see forever! I spent so much time staring out the window, I almost missed the sunset entirely. Almost. I caught it, luckily. It was *unforgettable*. Unrivalled? Absolutely. 100% true. Believe the hype.
Is it kid-friendly? Or strictly for romantic getaways?
Hmm, this is a tricky one. The apartment itself is modern and relatively well-equipped, but it’s not exactly *kiddie-central*. There's no playground downstairs, no dedicated kids' area. It might be suitable for older, well-behaved children, but I wouldn't recommend it for toddlers who still have a penchant for running amok. The balcony has a decent railing, but still… tiny humans and high-up places… you know the drill. That said, Tenby itself IS incredibly family-friendly. The beach is amazing for building sandcastles, the little harbour is full of interest, and there are ice cream shops on *every* corner. So, it depends on your family. I'd say older kids, or a romantic escape, are probably the best fit.
What's the kitchen like? Can you actually cook in it, or is it just for show?
The kitchen? It's actually pretty decent! It's not a professional chef's kitchen, but it has all the essentials. I mean, I managed to successfully cook a full English breakfast (a testament to the quality of the bacon, I'll tell you what) and even attempted a pasta dish (slightly less successful, thanks to over-enthusiastic seasoning). There’s a fridge, a microwave, a hob, and plenty of utensils. Enough to get by, certainly. It's not a kitchen you'll brag about on Instagram (unless you *really* like washing up), but it's perfectly functional. It's good for preparing a quick snack before heading out on a hike, as you'll be needing that energy! If you are really planning on a big meal, just buy a takeaway; you're on holiday, after all!
Anything else I should know? Any hidden secrets?
Okay, here's a couple of insider tips. Firstly, pack layers. Welsh weather is… *unpredictable*. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're dodging a rogue shower. Secondly, bring some binoculars. Seriously. You'll get much more fun out of the sea views. Spotting dolphins is a thing! Finally... and this is the most important... Take. Your. Time. Tenby is not a place to rush through. Sit on the beach, breathe the sea air, eat a fish and chips and just relax. You're going to Waterstone House 8, so relax and enjoy the sea views from the comfort of your apartment, because the sea view is all that matters! And yes, pack the wine, too. You'll want to drink wine!
