Uncover Benasque's Hidden Gem: Hotel Selba d'Ansils Awaits!
Uncover Benasque's Hidden Gem: Hotel Selba d'Ansils Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Hotel Selba d'Ansils in Benasque. This isn’t your glossy brochure-fueled review; this is the truth, raw and unfiltered, from a weary traveler who’s seen a few hotel lobbies in their day (and eaten way too many sad continental breakfasts).
SEO & Metadata Jumble (Because Google Demands It!):
- Keywords: Hotel Selba d'Ansils, Benasque, Pyrenees, hotel review, spa, swimming pool, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, fitness center, family-friendly, clean, safe, modern, luxury, mountain view, hiking, skiing, Spain, travel, vacation.
- Metadata Snippet: Thinking of visiting the stunning Pyrenees and need a hotel? Read this honest review of Hotel Selba d'Ansils in Benasque, Spain. Discover accessibility, spa, dining, and if it's worth your hard-earned cash.
First Impressions: The Arrival - A Bit of a Rollercoaster
Finding the hotel? No problem. Signage was clear, thank goodness, because after a day of driving, my patience was already thinner than a politician's promise. The exterior? Pretty enough, nestled amongst the mountains. The first hiccup? The Elevator. It's a little on the slower side. Let's just say I considered taking the stairs even though I'd be out of breath for the next 20 minutes. Thank goodness for the availability of the elevator! But once I landed, the front desk [24-hour] staff, were really friendly and welcoming. Check-in/out [express] was there, perfect. I got to my non-smoking rooms! And it was a beautiful day!
Accessibility… A Mixed Bag (My Wheelchair's Take)
Okay, let's talk accessibility. The hotel does boast about it, and that's great! The facilities for disabled guests were present on paper. However, navigating the space felt less like a perfectly paved path and more like a slightly bumpy mountain road. The elevator was, thankfully, big enough for my wheelchair (though, as mentioned, patience is a virtue). The facilities for disabled guests are important. The rooms themselves? Spacious, shower with handrails, and overall, well-thought-out. I would not go without the elevator, which is the most important part of accessibility for me.
The Room: Bliss with a Side of… Noise
My room was… lovely. Really. Clean and well-appointed, with a comfy bed and a seating area. I could actually open my window. Ah, the mountains, so close. The view was absolutely killer. Seriously, postcard-worthy stuff. I made full use of the desk, coffee/tea maker, the refrigerator, and the safe box. But the soundproofing… let's just say, it needs some work. I swear I could hear the elevator creaking all night! Still, the air conditioning was a godsend.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Positive!)
The restaurants were a real highlight. The Western cuisine in restaurant was a great option. Dinner was a real treat. The Asian cuisine in restaurant I tried one night. The bar was also fantastic. The coffee shop was great! The snacks bar was a real convenience! I particularly loved the desserts in restaurant. The poolside bar was nice. Room service [24-hour] was available. The Breakfast [buffet] was extensive with a great selection!
Ways to Unwind: Spa, Pool, and… Mountain Glory
- The Pool: This is where Selba d'Ansils truly shines. The swimming pool [outdoor], and the pool with view were amazing! I've gotta say the steamroom, the sauna, and the spa/sauna were the best.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized? Yes. Overkill? Maybe.
- The Sanitizing Protocol: The hotel was clean. I've never seen so much hand gel in all my life. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff was incredibly attentive. They looked a little stressed, to be honest (I don't blame them), but everything was so carefully cleaned. Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: I appreciate the room sanitization opt-out available, some of us hate that kind of sterilizing, I have no problem with it!
For the Kids (Or, How to Survive a Family Vacation)
- Family/child friendly is the motto. There were kids facilities, I did not use them. And babysitting service. It was perfect for a family vacation!
Services and Conveniences: What's Available? (And What's Not?)
- The Good: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage were all excellent. The concierge was helpful.
- The So-So: The Convenience store was handy, but limited. Cash withdrawal was available. Cashless payment service was great!
Getting Around: Wheels, Wheels, and More Wheels
- The Perks: The car park [free of charge] was a massive bonus. Car park [on-site] was convenient. Taxi service was available,
The Verdict: Worth the Trip?
Look, Hotel Selba d'Ansils isn’t perfect. But what place is? You should go! It gets a solid "mostly thumbs up" from me. The view is stunning, the spa is a treat, the dining is delightful, and the staff tries incredibly hard. It's a great base for exploring the Pyrenees.
- Final Word of Advice: Pack earplugs. And maybe a good book to enjoy on the sun-drenched terrace. You won’t regret it!
Hotel Selba d'Ansils: A Benasque Brain Dump (and a Pretty Meh Itinerary)
Okay, so here's the deal. I tried to plan a trip to Hotel Selba d'Ansils in Benasque. Keyword: tried. What actually happened looks more like… well, you'll see. Prepare for a rollercoaster of mountain air, questionable tapas, and a whole lot of internal monologue.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Sickness (My New Best Friend)
- Morning (Let's call it "whenever-the-hell-I-woke-up-after-packing-at-2-AM"): Finally dragged myself out of bed. Packing was a disaster. I swear I thought I packed hiking boots, but apparently, my brain thought "ballet flats" were an acceptable substitute. Genius. Ryanair, naturally, decided to delay my flight. The airport cafe sold me a coffee that tasted suspiciously like old socks. This already felt like a metaphor for the entire trip.
- Afternoon: (A Slow Ascent): Arrived in Benasque! The Pyrenees are seriously impressive. Like, jaw-droppingly, "I-might-actually-start-crying-because-this-is-so-beautiful" impressive. Except, I was also starting to feel the altitude. Headache, nausea, a slight feeling of being underwater… Charming. Thank you, body, for making the gorgeous scenery a little less enjoyable. Checked into Hotel Selba d'Ansils. The lobby smells faintly of pine needles and someone's grandmother's perfume, which is oddly comforting.
- Evening (A Tapas Tumble): Tried to find a "charming" restaurant. Found one, "Casa Justino," that was mostly charming, until the waiter insisted on me ordering a Tapas plate for one – "like a small snack." My plate could FEED a family! And then I managed to spill half of a Rioja down my shirt while trying to take a picture. Pro Tip: Altitude sickness plus red wine equals immediate doom. I basically crawled back to the hotel. The bed felt like heaven. Pure. Glorious. Heaven.
Day 2: Hiking Hysteria (and a Lost Sock)
- Morning (The "Hiking" Incident): Okay, so "hiking" might be overstating things. More like a brisk, mildly panicked walk. I’d planned to conquer a "moderate" trail (hahaha, I'm laughing at my past self). Made it about halfway before my lungs started feeling like they were trying to escape my ribcage. Needed to turn around. The views were amazing, though. Seriously, the mountains here are something else. Wish I could truly enjoy it, which is the main reason I am not rating this hike more (but it could have been nice). Found a lost sock (mine, of course) by a stream. Added it to the collection of things I inexplicably carry in my backpack.
- Afternoon (A Torrent of Taste): Lunch at a local shop where I found a lovely local cheese so good that I had to go back the next day. Seriously I am not sure if I can get over it. Delicious.
- Evening (A Culinary Comeback - Sort Of): Decided to embrace the local culinary scene. Tried something called "migas," which is basically fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and… stuff. Not a fan. It was, however, followed by some amazing chocolate cake at the same restaurant. And the chocolate cake…oh, it was worth the entire day of hiking and migas-eating.
Day 3: Benasque's Beauty. Double Down!
- Morning (The Cheese Revelation Revisited): Back to that cheese shop, again. I need to buy more! A lot more! This cheese is truly magical. I’m now convinced it's made by mountain gnomes who whisper secrets of deliciousness into the curds. My hotel room smells like cheese, but I don't care.
- Afternoon (Double Down on Beauty): Drove, cautiously, to a mountain lake. The water was this impossibly clear turquoise, reflecting the snowy peaks. Spent hours just sitting there, staring. It’s moments like these that make me realize why I love traveling. Even with the altitude sickness, the lost socks, and the questionable tapas, there's a profound sense of peace. (I might have shed a tear or two. Don't judge.)
- Evening (Hotel Selba d'Ansils, Still): Decided to stick close to the hotel. Spent the evening curled up with a book in the hotel's surprisingly cozy lounge. The air is crisp, clean, and the silence is golden. This is all I require.
Day 4: Departure (And a Promise)
- Morning (Goodbye, Mountains!): Packing again. This time, I swear I actually packed my hiking boots. Said a reluctant goodbye to the mountains. Already missing the views, the cheese, and the feeling of being utterly insignificant in the face of nature's grandeur.
- Afternoon (Airport Agony): Another delayed flight. Another sad airport coffee. Another promise to return to Benasque, prepared (and hopefully with more than ballet flats).
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, awkward, and at times, physically challenging. But it was also beautiful, exhilarating, and truly memorable. Benasque, you have my heart (and probably a lost sock somewhere). I'll be back. And next time, I'm conquering that darn mountain. And buying ALL the cheese.
Uncover Sicily's Hidden Gem: Locanda Re Ruggero's Magical Monreale Escape
Uncover Benasque's Hidden Gem: Hotel Selba d'Ansils Awaits! ...Or Does It? (A Messy FAQ)
So, What *IS* this Selba d'Ansils place anyway? Sounds...fancy.
Okay, picture this: you're in the Pyrenees. Seriously, snow-capped mountains, the whole shebang. And tucked away in Benasque, this little hotel – Selba d'Ansils. They *say* "hidden gem." Okay, fine. I’ll bite. But hidden doesn’t always equal amazing, you know? It's got that classic mountain lodge vibe, wood everywhere, fireplaces you *dream* of. Honestly, the pictures online are pretty legit. I mean, *they get you drooling.*
Is it actually *hidden* hidden? Like, do I need a Sherpa to find it?
Haha! No Sherpa required. Benasque is small, charmingly chaotic in a good way. The Selba d'Ansils isn't *that* hidden. You just stroll through the town, maybe ask a local for directions (they're usually super friendly), and bam! There it is. Okay, maybe a slight incline. Be prepared for a bit of a climb... my calves were screaming after exploring the village. I blame the patatas bravas I ate the night before. Worth it.
Alright, the rooms. Spill. Are they comfy? Clean? Does it smell like old socks?
Okay, the rooms… This is where it gets interesting. Clean? Generally, yes. Old socks? Thankfully, no. Comfy *enough*. I had this *amazing* view of the mountains from my balcony! Like, wake up and just… *breathe*. Seriously, the air is so crisp up there. The bed? Hmm, it wasn't *the* most luxurious bed I've ever slept in, but it was perfectly serviceable after a long day of hiking. Remember, this isn't a Ritz-Carlton. It's a rustic, mountain hotel. And honestly? That's part of the charm. Don't expect everything perfect. Expect character!
Food! Let's talk food. Tell me about the eating experience.
The food... Okay, this is where I get REALLY opinionated. The *restaurant* at Selba d'Ansils... it's good. Not mind-blowing, Michelin-star good. I mean, I'm a huge food enthusiast, and honestly, the breakfasts were a bit... predictable. Toast, ham, cheese, yogurt. But the dinners? That’s where the magic *sometimes* happened. They do a mean *chuletón* (big, juicy steak) and their local stews! OMG. But there was one night... one night, the service was *slow*. REALLY slow. We waited, and waited, and I started getting hangry. It was testing my patience. I almost went and helped myself from the kitchen! (Kidding... mostly.) It just goes to show, perfect is a myth.
What's there to *do* around the area? Besides eating and breathing mountain air?
Oh, Benasque is a haven for outdoor junkies. Hiking, obviously. There are trails everywhere. Seriously, you could spend weeks exploring them. Skiing in the winter (I haven't done this, I'm more of a summer gal). Climbing, cycling... Anything involving mountains, really. And the town itself is super cute. Wandering around the little shops, and the ancient churches... it's a vibe. One memory that always sticks out to me? I was exploring the ruins of a castle, and I’m a klutz, and I almost fell! But a kind local helped me. It wasn't on the 'must-do' list, but it definitely made the experience.
Can I take my kids? Is it family-friendly?
Yes, Selba d'Ansils is pretty family-friendly – the kids will *love* the wide open spaces. There were definitely families there when I visited. The staff were nice to the little ones, they seemed to be used to it. There's nothing super 'kid-centered' like a playground or kids' club, but there's plenty of space to run around, and the surrounding nature is a huge playground. Just be prepared for the mountains: it might be hard to keep the younger ones occupied on long hikes. And the meals may be a little bit more challenging.
So, is it worth it? Should *I* book the Selba d'Ansils?
Okay, the million-dollar question. Is Selba d'Ansils a perfect hotel? No. Does it have its quirks? Absolutely. Will you have some incredible moments? Probably. Will you have some 'hmm...' moments? Maybe. Here's my take: if you're looking for a luxury palace, look elsewhere. If you want authentic mountain charm, a good (if occasionally slow) meal, and a base for exploring an absolutely stunning region? YES. Book it. Just... lower your expectations ever so slightly. And maybe pack some snacks for those hangry moments. You'll thank me later. I'm already planning my return. Just for that stew, you know?
Any insider tips? Like, what to pack, what to avoid, etc.?
Okay, listen up! Insider tips! 1. **Pack layers.** Mountain weather is unpredictable. One minute sunshine, the next... well, let's just say you'll need a jacket. 2. **Bring good hiking boots.** Seriously. Your feet will thank you. 3. **Learn a few basic Spanish phrases.** The staff are super friendly, but not everyone speaks fluent English. "Por favor" and "gracias" go a long way. 4. **Embrace the slow pace.** Things move a bit more... leisurely up there. Don't be in a rush. Relax! Seriously, just chill. 5. **Avoid rushing the dinner service.** Just accept that it may be slow, order a glass of wine, and enjoy the atmosphere. It all adds to the experience, honestly. 6. And finally... **Book early!** The *good* rooms with the amazing mountain views go fast. You're welcome. Seriously. Go. Eat. Breathe. *Enjoy.*
I've heard mixed things about the wifi... Is it usable?
Okay, the wifi. *Deep breath*. Let's just say it's... spotty. Occasionally it works brilliantly. Other times, you might as well be trying to connect to the internet using carrier pigeons. Remember that feeling of being disconnected, where the world has to wait and see what you're up to? Sometimes, the lack of internet is a gift. Seriously, switch off, forget the world, and just…Smart Traveller Inns
