Escape to Paradise: Hotel Xauen's Montanejos Magic Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Xauen's Montanejos Magic… Mostly! (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Hotel Xauen in Montanejos, and my brain is still trying to process the sheer gorgeousness of the place. And, well, also the slightly less glorious bits. Think of this review as a messy, over-caffeinated hug from someone who spent way too much time staring at the pool with a view.
The Premise: Montanejos Bliss (SEO Keywords: Hotel Xauen Montanejos, Thermal Baths, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Valencia)
Montanejos itself is a revelation. Nestled in the Valencian mountains, it's all dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and that sweet, earthy scent of… well, nature. Hotel Xauen plops you right in the heart of it, promising an escape. And, for the most part, it delivers. They really lean into the "Escape to Paradise" thing, and, honestly, the views from some of the rooms are enough to make you weep with joy.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Keywords: Wheelchair Accessible, Accessible Hotel, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Facilities for Disabled Guests)
Okay, let's get the slightly less glamorous stuff out of the way first. The website says accessible, and they do have an elevator. (Hallelujah!) But navigating the hotel felt, at times, a little like an Olympic sport for wheelchairs. Some areas were definitely easier to get around than others. I'm not using a wheelchair myself, but I noticed the ramps felt a bit steep in places and the pathways a little narrow. They do have facilities marked, but it would be wise to call ahead and double-check specific needs. Overall, a valiant effort, but room for improvement.
Rooms: Beauty and the… Quirks (Keywords: Non-smoking rooms, Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Internet access, Bathrobes, Mini bar)
My room? Well, let's call it “charming.” It had a balcony overlooking the… the river. Seriously stunning. The air conditioning worked a treat (thank heavens!), and the free Wi-Fi was actually decent (a rarity!). Coffee/tea maker, a mini bar, all the usual trimmings. The bed was comfortable, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in after a long day in the spa.
But… and there's always a but, isn’t there?
The bathroom, bless its heart, felt a tad dated. The shower pressure was a bit… wimpy. And the "complimentary" tea situation was a little sparse – a single teabag per day? Seriously? (First-world problems, I know, I know.) And one day, the key card stopped working, and I had to drag myself back to reception in my bathrobe, looking like a drowned rat. Little things, but they add up.
(Sidebar: the bathrobes were perfect. I basically lived in them. Soft, fluffy, and ideal for wandering around the hotel feeling like a glamorous sloth.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Proofing? (Keywords: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection, Hand sanitizer, Room sanitization, Staff trained in safety protocol)
Here, Xauen deserves serious props. They really took COVID seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff masked and helpful. Rooms sanitized between stays. They even offered an "opt-out" for room sanitization – which, for some, is a big plus. I felt genuinely safe, which is a huge weight off your mind when you’re trying to relax.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food For The Soul… And Sometimes, The Stomach? (Keywords: Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Poolside bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Breakfast [buffet])
This is where things get… interesting.
The breakfast buffet? Solid. Standard European fare – croissants, bread, eggs, fruit, the works. The coffee? Drinkable. (Not great, not terrible.) The real highlight was the view from the restaurant itself. Eating breakfast while gazing out at those mountains… pure bliss.
I had dinner at the main restaurant one night. The food was… okay. I went for the paella, naturally (Valencia, remember?). It wasn't bad, just… a bit bland. Definitely room for improvement there. But the staff were lovely, and the terrace dining was a definite plus. I did appreciate alternatives for me with dietary needs!
That poolside bar, though? Now that's where the magic happened. Cocktails, tapas, sunshine… pure, unadulterated joy. Happy hour was a must-do. And the snack bar? Perfect for lazy afternoons.
(Rant incoming: Why is it so hard to find a truly delicious coffee in hotels? It’s a mystery.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular! (Keywords: Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Massage, Fitness center)
This is where Hotel Xauen really shines. The spa is phenomenal!
Let me tell you about the spa. (I just need to catch my breath. It was worth it.)
The pool with a view? Divine. I spent hours just floating, gazing at the mountains. It's what relaxation dreams are made of!
The sauna? Glorious. The steamroom? Perfect for melting away stress.
The massage? Oh my god, the massage. I had a deep tissue massage that was so good, I almost fell asleep (and I never fall asleep during massages). The therapist was skilled, intuitive, and generally amazing. Highly recommend, I feel amazing.
The fitness center exists, but… let’s just say I didn’t spend much time there. You know, priorities. Sun, spa, siesta.
I also saw the hotel’s shrine and gave a small donation, good karma is necessary, I guess.
Services and Conveniences: Always a Helping Hand (Keywords: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Cash withdrawal)
The staff were universally friendly and helpful. The concierge was ace at recommending restaurants and activities. Daily housekeeping kept everything sparkling clean. The laundry service was efficient. They even offer cash withdrawal (super useful). The hotel chain is one of the highlights, so I wasn’t surprised.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly… Mostly? (Keywords: Family/child friendly, Babysitting service)
My trip was a solo adventure, so I didn't utilize these facilities. However, I did see plenty of families enjoying themselves. The kids' facilities seemed decent. Babysitting service available, which offers respite to spend more time at the spa.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Keywords: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service)
I drove, so I can vouch for the free car park being super convenient. They also offer airport transfers and taxis, which is handy for most visitors.
The Verdict: Montanejos Magic, With a Few Quirks. (Final thoughts)
Hotel Xauen is, overall, a fantastic place to escape. It’s not perfect, there are definitely a few niggles. There are things that could be refined, polished and tweaked. The spa is amazing, the location is breathtaking, and the staff are lovely.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I’m already planning my next visit. Just maybe I’ll pack my own coffee. And maybe bring a spare teabag or two, just in case. Metadata
- Title: Escape to Paradise: Hotel Xauen's Montanejos Magic Awaits! (A Rambling Review)
- Description: A detailed, honest, and slightly messy review of Hotel Xauen in Montanejos, Spain. Discover the magic of the spa, the beauty of the location, and the quirks of this charming hotel. Includes SEO keywords for accessibility, spa experiences, and more.
- Keywords: Hotel Xauen Montanejos, Montanejos, Valencia, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Thermal Baths, Hotel Review, Spa, Sauna, Massage, Pool with view, Restaurant, Bar, Relaxation, Travel, Vacation.
- Author: A very enthusiastic traveler.
- Date: July 25, 2024.
- Category: Travel Reviews, Hotel Reviews, Spain, Valencia.
- Tags: Hotel, Spa, Accessible, Travel, Vacation, Spain, Valencia, Montanejos, Relaxation, Review.
Hotel Xauen: My Mountain (and My Meltdown) in Montanejos - A Very Real Itinerary
Okay, so I'm not exactly a seasoned travel blogger. More like, a slightly frazzled human trying to escape the crushing weight of… well, everything. My escape plan? Hotel Xauen in Montanejos, Spain. Sounds idyllic, right? Let's see how it actually went. Brace yourselves, buttercups, because this is gonna be… messy.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Mostly Kidding)
- 10:00 AM: Left the city on a very optimistic high. Packed way too much stuff, convinced I needed a "formal dining outfit" (who am I kidding?). Thought I'd be all "Zen hiker" by the end of this trip. Narrator's voice: spoiler alert.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Hotel Xauen. Beautiful. Seriously. The kind of place that makes you instantly question your life choices (should you be a landscape photographer? A yoga instructor? A better person?). The view? Mountains, mountains, glorious mountains. And a swimming pool that beckoned. It was a total "Instagram vs. Reality" win! I felt a swell of optimism that I would actually be a good human today…or at least a slightly less stressed one.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The receptionist (bless her patient soul) had to repeat everything slowly, because my Spanish is atrocious. Lost a whole lot in translation. Turns out the "rustic charm" of the room also means thin walls and a distinct lack of air conditioning. Internal scream. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch on the terrace. Ordered gazpacho (delicious!) and then got incredibly confused by the menu. Pointed at something that looked like chicken. Ended up with… well, it tasted like chicken, but the texture was… questionable. My internal dialogue: “Is this…a chicken-shaped rock? Am I being punked?” Decided to just drink more wine. This is what I was going to do here, drink more wine; that will solve everything.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempted "relaxation" by the pool. Got stung by a bee. Had to awkwardly run inside, looking like a complete idiot, because I don't do well with bees. My initial Zen was officially shattered. I was pretty sure I was going to dissolve into a pile of tears.
- 6.00 PM: Decided to walk around the hotel; after all, a change of scenery. The mountains were gorgeous, all the same. I saw a really handsome looking man by the river. I pretended I didn't see him, but then I ended up taking a wrong turn and almost fell into a ravine. I didn't feel Zen; I felt like the world's biggest dork.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. More wine. Actually, the food was pretty good this time. Maybe the chicken-rock incident was a fluke? Hoping for a good night's sleep, despite the heat and the thin walls.
Day 2: Conquering the Gorge (and My Own Anxiety)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up… surprisingly well-rested! (Maybe the wine helped?) Ate a breakfast of bread and jam on the terrace. The sun was shining, the mountains were majestic, and I felt… cautiously optimistic.
- 10:00 AM: Ventured out to do a walk in the gorge. The hotel had a map, and I, feeling particularly brave, decided to wander off on my own. I had an emotional breakthrough in the mountains. I got to a place where I could look down on the valley. The sun was right on my face, and the blue of the sky was so bright it seemed like it didn't really exist. For the first time in a while, I really felt happy.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch by the river. Found a tiny, perfect little restaurant with tables right by the water. The water was crystal clear, the air smelled of pine, and the tapas were incredible. This is what I came for. This is what I needed! I was suddenly deeply, madly in love with Montanejos.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel Pool. Another attempt at relaxation. Actually managed to read a book (YA fantasy – don't judge!). This time, no bee attacks! Victory!
- 6:00 PM: Went to the pool. Finally felt warm and relaxed at the hotel pool. It felt like a vacation.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Met a lovely (and thankfully loud) family from Madrid. Practiced my (terrible) Spanish, and they were very kind and patient. Discussed the merits of paella versus fideuà. Ended up getting invited to play a game of cards; it went downhill from there, because I am terrible at cards.
Day 3: Almost a Failure, but Then…(The Redemption Arc?)
- 9:00 AM: Slept really badly. Thin walls. Loud snoring from the neighboring room. Had to have multiple mental pep talks to avoid a total breakdown.
- 10:00 AM: Tried to walk the same path on the gorge again. My emotional problems and anxieties caught up with me, because after all the mountain, I felt like I would have to turn around. It was not for me, even if I had that emotional breakthrough on the way there just yesterday.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. The food was not quite as good than the other days, and I had a total breakdown, starting to think that my emotional problems and anxieties were following me, and that I will never find peace.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Decided to book a massage. The masseuse was a tiny, fierce woman who clearly knew her stuff. She kneaded my shoulders until they were soft, and the world suddenly felt… manageable again. Maybe there's hope for me, after all.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The waiter, who was also super nice, let me have a little bit of paella. I was happy because I felt I was going to have a good day.
Day 4: Departure
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Surprisingly happy about leaving.
10:00 AM: Said my goodbyes to the mountains, hoping for next time. They were super beautiful.
Overall Impression:
Hotel Xauen in Montanejos? Beautiful. Challenging. A rollercoaster of emotions. Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I'm bringing earplugs, a bee suit, and maybe a therapist. But even with all the messy bits, the moments of pure beauty, the kindness of the locals, and the feeling of almost conquering my own anxieties made it worth it. Montanejos, you magnificent beast, you almost broke me, but you also made me feel something real. And for that, I'm incredibly, imperfectly grateful. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to make paella tonight.
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Xauen's Montanejos Magic Awaits! - Or Does It? (A Slightly Unhinged FAQ)
Okay, so Montanejos... is it *really* paradise? Like, actual, cloud-nine, harp-playing angels paradise?
Alright, let's be real. No, it's not *actual* paradise. Unless your idea of heaven involves slightly chilly swimming and the constant drone of cicadas. Montanejos is beautiful, yes. Think dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and air so fresh you feel like you’ve accidentally snorted a lungful of eucalyptus. But paradise? Let's call it **"Excellently above average and potentially soul-rejuvenating, with a healthy dose of reality."** My first trip? I was convinced I *would* find a harp-playing angel (maybe just a particularly enthusiastic lifeguard? Nope) and the second? Well, let's just say I brought a book and a hefty dose of patience to negotiate the (minor) crowds.
What's the Hotel Xauen like? Does it live up to the hype (and the pictures)?
Okay, the pictures…yeah, they’re good. They're Instagram-worthy. And the hotel *is* nice. It's clean, the rooms are spacious enough (unless you're lugging around a suitcase the size of a small car, which, guilty!), and the staff are generally lovely. But… and there's always a *but*, right? My first impression? It was perfect. A bit of a "wow!" moment with a balcony that had a view to die for (seriously, beautiful). Then, I got REALLY into the mini-bar (a definite win). The second? Well, I think I got a room right next to the elevator, which was a slightly less "wow!" But the breakfast was good! Seriously good. And honestly... the magic of Montanejos still eclipsed any small niggles. It's a solid choice, not a palace, but a comfortable base camp for your adventures.
What's the best thing about Montanejos, like, the *absolute* must-do, the thing I can't miss?
The hot springs, *hands down*. Forget everything else for a moment. Seriously. Forget the hikes (though they're great). Forget the cute little shops (though they're worth a look). The hot springs are the *reason* you go. There's this one spot… it's a bit of a walk down a rocky path, and sometimes you'll swear you're heading straight to Mordor (depending on how the sun hits the rocks, maybe?). But then… you get to this incredibly clear, warm water. It’s like slipping into a giant, natural Jacuzzi. I remember the first time. I spent hours bobbing in the water, gazing up at the cliffs. I forgot all my worries. Literally. I forgot my phone, I forgot my responsibilities… it was bliss. Just a small, messy, wonderful moment of pure relaxation. Pro-tip: Go early to snag a good spot, or be prepared to share with a few others, maybe with some splashing kids. Embrace the chaos! You'll quickly forget once you're in the water.
What about the food? Am I going to starve or is there actually some decent grub?
Okay, let’s be brutally honest: Montanejos isn't exactly a foodie paradise. But it's not a culinary wasteland either. The Hotel Xauen's restaurant is... fine. Comfortable, reliable, nothing to write home about, but completely acceptable. There are some lovely little restaurants around the town. Expect Spanish staples: paella, tapas, some grilled meats. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable. My advice? Stick to the tried-and-true. Order the local specialties. One time, I tried to get fancy and ordered something complicated, and well…let’s just say my tastebuds were deeply disappointed. Keep it simple, keep it local, and you'll be golden. And absolutely, absolutely don't skip the post-swim ice cream. You *need* it.
Is it kid-friendly? Should I bring the little terrors, or leave them at home?
Kid-friendly? Mostly, yes. The pools are lovely, there's plenty of space to run around, and the water is usually calm and safe. My advice? It depends on your kids. If you have little angels who are happy to splash and explore, then absolutely bring them. If you have the kind that are prone to meltdowns and hate being near water (yes, I know they exist!), maybe reconsider. The rocky paths to the hot springs are not exactly stroller-friendly. And sometimes, peace and quiet are worth more than gold. But honestly, I saw plenty of families having an amazing time, and the kids seemed to adore it. Just... pack extra snacks. Always pack extra snacks. And maybe noise-canceling headphones for *you*.
Are there other activities besides swimming? I get bored easily.
Yes! Thank goodness. There are hiking trails, varying in difficulty. You can rent bikes. You can explore the charming (albeit small) town. You can simply sit and stare at the mountains and contemplate the meaning of life. Or, if you're like me, you can spend an embarrassing amount of time people-watching by the pool (don't judge!). There's also the "Chorro" or waterfall to marvel at, and you can even try some rock climbing. One time, I tried to hike a bit too far, and ended up completely lost. Let's just say Google Maps saved the day (thank you, Google!). Another time, I spent an entire afternoon reading a book under a tree near the river. Total bliss. Honestly, the beauty is in the freedom to *choose*. From lazy relaxation to active exploration. You'll find something to keep you entertained, even if it's just the sheer beauty of the scenery.
How do I get there? Is it a nightmare to navigate?
Getting to Montanejos is... manageable. If you’re flying into Valencia, you can rent a car (that's my recommendation). It's a pretty drive – a bit twisty-turny in places – but nothing too terrifying. Public transport is *available*, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you're a seasoned traveler with a lot of patience. The roads are well-maintained, thankfully. The worst thing is probably the parking. It can get *tight* during peak season. So, be prepared to walk a bit, or embrace the challenge of parallel parking like a pro. And don't rely on your GPS completely. Sometimes, it will lead you down backroads that look like they belong in a spaghetti western. Trust your gut, and your trusty map app. And pack snacks. You'll always need snacks.
What's the best time to visit Montanejos? Avoid the crowds, please.
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