Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza San Sebastian, Antequera, Spain

Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza San Sebastian, Antequera, Spain
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the "Paradise" that is the Hotel Plaza San Sebastian in Antequera, Spain. And let me tell you, after a week there, I feel like I need another vacation just to recover from reviewing this vacation. Ready? Let's GO!
First, the Logistics: Is This Place Even Accessible? (And Does It Matter?)
Alright, let's be real. Accessibility is HUGE. And while I don't personally use a wheelchair, I know how important it is. The official word is: the hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests. The actual, lived experience? Well, it was a little bit of a mixed bag. The elevator was a savior, bless its little metal heart. But I noticed some doorways seemed a tad narrow, and I didn't personally see any Braille signage. So, while they claim accessibility, call ahead and get the lowdown on specific room and facility access. Don't take my word for it!
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Now, this is where it got murky. There definitely WAS on-site dining, but I'd recommend contacting the hotel in advance because there can be a few stairs here and there.
Cleanliness and Safety - Or, The Pandemic Diaries:
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the COVID-19 era. This hotel, bless its heart, was trying. They were clearly doing something – anti-viral cleaning products, individually wrapped food, hand sanitizer everywhere. They even had those “professionally sanitized” stickers all over the place. My room? It smelled vaguely of bleach. Which, honestly, felt… fine? Comforting, even. The staff… they were masked up and diligent.
The Food…Oh, The Food! A Love Story, Mostly.
- Restaurants: Several! Big plus.
- Breakfast: Buffet. Yes! But also, you could order room service breakfast? My brain exploded with options. The buffet itself was… well, it was a buffet. Standard fare – eggs, bacon, some suspicious-looking sausages (I skipped those), pastries that were surprisingly delicious, and a coffee machine that dispensed (mostly) drinkable coffee.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: Let's talk about the tapas! The tapas, my friends, were heaven. The "happy hour" was a must, offering delicious snacks and drinks. I am pretty sure I tried every single desert in the restaurant. Definitely try the local Antequeran specialties.
- The International Cuisine: I'm a sucker for local food, but their international selections were fantastic!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… AKA, "Bliss Out Mode Activated!"
- Spa/Spa/Sauna: Okay, the spa deserves its own paragraph. It really does. Because I went to the sauna… and I almost fell asleep. The pool with a view? Magical. Seriously. Floating there, looking at the sunset over Antequera? Pure bliss. The steam room? Heavenly. The sauna? The perfect place to reflect on life (and maybe plan your next tapa run).
- Gym/Fitness: I, uh, walked by it. Didn't go in. I was on vacation, people! Let yourself have a moment.
- Body Scrubs and Wraps: Because why not pamper yourself?
- Pool with view. The pool was a slice of heaven. The view was insane. I spent most of my days there, just swimming and staring at the sky.
- Other things to do: I'd already fallen in love with Antequera. If it wasn't obvious.
The Rooms: A Place to Crash (and Maybe Dream of Tapas)
- Wi-Fi in all Rooms!!! Praise be! Reliable, strong, perfect for binge-watching shows in bed after a day of, uh, researching local wines.
- The Bed: Comfortable. Slept like a baby. The blackout curtains actually worked, which is crucial when you're trying to sleep off a tapas coma.
- Bathroom and Slippers: Everything was clean and well thought out. They have slippers!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make the Big Difference
- Air Conditioning? YES! Crucial for the Spanish heat.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always cleaned and refreshed, which was amazing to come back to every day.
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and reservations.
- Laundry Service: Essential! I swear, I needed it every single day.
For the Kids (Or, Keeping the Little Monsters Entertained)
- Babysitting Service: Available! Essential for a romantic getaway (or just some peace and quiet).
- Family/child friendly I did see other children and families, but the atmosphere was pretty quiet.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer: Yes. Easy peasy.
- Car Park: Free! Huge bonus. Not always easy to find parking in Spain, so this was a lifesaver.
My Unfiltered, Slightly Crazy Conclusion & The "Escape to Paradise" Offer:
Look, the Hotel Plaza San Sebastian isn't perfect. Nothing is. But it's charming. It's well-located. The food is GOOD. The pool is amazing. And the overall vibe is relaxed and… well, it kind of lives up to the "escape to paradise" thing.
My Offer to You:
Escape to Paradise: Your Antequera Adventure Awaits!
We're offering a special deal to experience the magic of the Hotel Plaza San Sebastian:
- Book a minimum 3-night stay and get:
- Welcome tapas and a bottle of local (amazing!) wine. Start your vacation in style!
- Complimentary daily breakfast. Fuel up for your adventures!
- A 20% discount on spa treatments. Pamper yourself! You deserve it!
- Free parking. Stress-free travel!
- Free Cancellation
But wait, there's more:
- Book within the next 7 days and we'll add a complimentary late check-out (subject to availability).
Why Book Now? Because Antequera is calling. Because you deserve a break. Because sometimes, you just need to soak in a beautiful pool, eat amazing food, and pretend, for a few glorious days, that you have zero responsibilities. Book now. Paradise awaits.
Penang's BEST Heritage Loft Studio: Washer, Kitchen, & Unbeatable Views!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, pristine itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving a trip to Hotel Plaza San Sebastian in Antequera, Spain. Wish me luck, I'm notoriously bad at this…
The Somewhat-Organized Chaos: Antequera & Me (and Possibly a Breakdown or Two)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Iberian Ham Debacle
- Morning (Slightly Delayed): Touchdown in Malaga. Alright, plane was late, of course. Already sweating from the humidity, even though the plane’s A/C blasted me like a polar bear. And the airport… oh, the airport! Filled with families wrestling luggage and tiny toddlers wailing. I swear, I saw a woman chasing a runaway suitcase down the corridor. Gave me a chuckle.
- Mid-Morning (ish): Train to Antequera. Supposed to be a breeze. Found out real quick the Spanish don't run on my schedule. A delayed train…classic. But the scenery! Olive groves stretching for miles, terracotta roofs gleaming in the sun. Gorgeous, even if I was grumpy about the train.
- Afternoon (aka "The Ham-ageddon"): Arrive at Hotel Plaza San Sebastian. Charming! Well, the lobby is. My room… let's just say it's "compact." But the view of Plaza San Sebastian is amazing! Check-in was a disaster, obviously. Couldn't find the key card at first. Classic. Then, the great Iberian ham hunt began! I'd heard legends. "Best ham in the world!" They said. "A religious experience!" They shrieked! I ventured out, excited, and spent a good hour searching for a decent tapas bar that was OPEN. Eventually, found one… and the ham? Overhyped, I say! Not bad, mind you, but the texture was strange. Maybe I'm just a philistine. Or maybe, just maybe, I'm already craving a greasy burger.
- Evening: Stumble upon a little tapas bar that made me feel more like a proper Spaniard with some local wine. Emotional State: Optimistic about the ham, slightly annoyed with the train, pleasantly surprised, and ready to eat.
Day 2: The Alcazaba & Getting Utterly Lost (and Loving It)
- Morning: Get my bearings and start my discovery of the Alcazaba. This castle… wow. Seriously, the view from the top? Worth the climb. It's like a history lesson and a postcard rolled into one. Just try not to get dizzy, okay? I'm starting to see why they built these things.
- Mid-Morning: Wander the streets of Antequera. My phone is in my pocket. I'm trying it out for the first time, and the screen doesn't show bright enough. I'm lost! Utterly, gloriously lost. It was the best part of the day. The winding alleyways, the hidden plazas, the delicious aroma of baking bread… pure magic. I might never find my way back. I consider the possibility but don't act on it.
- Afternoon (The Church of Santa Maria and the "Dolmen Panic"): Find the Church of Santa Maria. It was so stunning. I felt tiny but more than that, I felt peaceful. After a while, I was in the mood for something else. I had to go to the Dolmens. I got a taxi. The Dolmen site was closed. Well, at least I thought I was going to get myself a taxi back. The driver never appeared. I panicked a little.
- Evening: I found myself by myself back in a little tapas bar near the hotel. I took a seat and ordered some wine, and a few plates of tapas. I sat there, enjoying the views, and the food, and the wine.
Day 3: El Torcal & A Questionable Decision
- Morning: The incredible El Torcal, a lunar landscape carved by wind and time. The formations are so weird. It's like walking on another planet. Absolutely breathtaking! The path was easy, and I took it slowly. I took loads of pictures.
- Mid-day: I decided it was time for a swim. The hotel pool looked alright, so I decided to take a dip. I took my sunglasses off, and suddenly the sun blinded me. I found I was enjoying my swim despite the sun.
- Afternoon: I had lunch at a nice little restaurant. The owner was charming. The food was outstanding. I overate.
- Evening: I took a walk around the Plaza. I sat there in a restaurant and watched the people. I had a few glasses of wine.
Day 4: Departure & The Unfinished Business
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Mediocre at best. I packed my things.
- Mid-day: A final wander around Antequera. I wanted to buy a souvenir.
- Afternoon: Back to the station. Back to Malaga.
- Evening: Back on the plane. I am planning the next trip, where I am going to do just about everything. I will see you all. I am looking forward to it.
Final Thoughts (aka The Post-Trip Meltdown):
This trip wasn't perfect. There were delays, disappointments, and moments where I wanted to throw my phone (and myself) into the nearest fountain. But you know what? It was real. It was messy. It was human. And despite the ham and the lostness, it was absolutely worth it. Antequera, you delightful, confusing, beautiful place, you almost broke me, but I secretly loved every minute. I might even come back. Eventually. Maybe. After a very long nap.
Belfast's BEST Views? This 4-Person Apartment PROVES It!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza San Sebastian - Your Burning Questions (and My Ramblings!)
Alright, so you're thinking about the Hotel Plaza San Sebastian in Antequera, Spain? Good choice! Or... maybe not? Let's get into this, shall we? I've stayed there. I have opinions. Be warned, this isn't your slick, perfectly polished travel brochure! This is real life, people.
1. Seriously, is it even a 'paradise' like the name kinda hints?
Okay, "Escape to Paradise." Let's unpack that. Antequera itself? Beautiful. The rolling hills, the cave paintings, the *dolmens* (seriously, check them out!), the history... It's got potential. But the hotel? "Paradise"... hmmm. It's more like... a comfy, slightly creaky, well-worn pair of really good slippers. You know? Not the shimmering sandals of some mythical, tropical island. Honestly, my first impression? "Ah, bless. It's... *charming*." Which is code for "a little dated, sweetheart, but with heart." Don't get me wrong, there’s history in those walls, but I wouldn’t expect to find myself in a Disney movie.
2. What are the rooms actually like? Spill the beans!
The rooms. Right. Okay, so I stayed in a 'Superior Double' (naturally, because I deserve luxury, right?). It wasn't exactly the 'superior' of my dreams. Think more... 'pretty decent'. It had a balcony which was a GODSEND because I got to sit out there in the evening and listen to the local kids shouting at each other in Spanish - which, by the way, is fantastic. The view? Meh. A courtyard. But the room itself? Clean. Beds? Comfy enough. The air conditioning... needed a little fiddling. And here's the kicker: The walls are kinda… thin. I'm not saying you'll hear your neighbor's every sneeze, but let's just say I knew when the couple next door were having a *very* enthusiastic pillow fight. It's part of the charm, I guess?
3. The Pool. Is the pool any good? Because without a decent pool, what are we even doing?
Alright, the pool. The *pool*. This is where things get... interesting. The pool is a decent-sized pool, I'll give it that. Cleanish. They have loungers. However... don't expect a resort-style extravaganza. It's not the kind of place where people are Instagramming their perfectly tanned legs. More like: it's a pool! You can swim in it! It's refreshing in the Spanish heat. The important thing about the pool is this: It's *there*. Which is a big win. I recall one afternoon where I lost my entire concept of time just floating around the pool as a woman behind me started speaking to me. We talked for nearly an hour. Turns out she'd travelled across the world to get to Antequera and wouldn't stop talking about the food. A very Spanish woman.
4. What about the Food? Do they have a good breakfast? Tell me everything!
The breakfast situation is… well, it's breakfast. Honestly, I'm a breakfast girl. A *big* breakfast girl. And this wasn't the sort of breakfast that makes you want to do the Macarena with joy. It’s a buffet. There was fruit, some cereals, some decent bread, the ubiquitous Spanish ham (yay!), and… lukewarm scrambled eggs. The coffee? Strong. Which is always a plus. But don’t go expecting a Michelin-star experience. It’s functional. Filling. Gets the job done. I spent a good solid ten minutes staring at the orange juice, trying to decide if it was freshly squeezed or not. Spoiler: I’m still not entirely sure. The thing is, you're in Spain! Get yourself out to a local bakery!
5. Location, Location, Location! Is it easy to get around?
Location, location, location! YES. The Hotel Plaza San Sebastian is pretty damn well-situated. It's smack-dab in the middle of Antequera, close to the Plaza del Coso, which is the really pretty square where you get your bearings. You're within walking distance of pretty much everything. Restaurants abound – you wouldn't BELIEVE the tapas options! Plus all the historical stuff is right there. The only downside? Parking can be a bit of a nightmare. Prepare for a little circling and a lot of hoping for a miracle on the street (which, by the way, happened to me. Every. Single. Time.) My advice? Take a taxi if you're arriving by train or plane, and walk everywhere else.
6. The Staff - are they friendly? (because honestly, it makes or breaks a trip!)
The staff... Ah, the staff. Generally, they were lovely. Helpful. And patient with my terrible Spanish. One particularly sweet lady at reception, I think her name was Maria? (I'm terrible with names, sorry!), she went above and beyond to help me locate a good map of the area. Which, let me tell you, was essential because my sense of direction is utterly appalling. There seem to be a lot of very nice people working there, to be honest. They are all Spanish, and speak Spanish, but are very patient and helpful.
7. Okay, so the big question: Would you go back?
Would I go back? Hmmm... That's a tricky one. If I'm being completely honest? Yes. Probably. It's not the Ritz, but it's comfortable, it's in a great location, and it has a certain *je ne sais quoi* – that slightly faded, lived-in charm. The pool is a plus. The staff are lovely. And Antequera itself? It's a hidden gem. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of what makes it real. Not paradise, but a damn good escape. And let's face it, who looks for perfection anyway? What I took away from the trip was a sense of well-being and belonging... And that I really do need to improve my Spanish.
8. Any random weird thoughts? Hit me with the truth!
Okay, random weird thoughts. Here we go. One night, I swear, I heard a cat fight outside my window that sounded like a full-blown opera. I mean, the caterwauling! Unbelievable!Escape To Inns


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