Ibis Styles Belém Hangar: Your Dream Belém Escape Awaits!
Ibis Styles Belém Hangar: My Belém Brain Dump - Was it REALLY My Dream Escape? (Spoiler: Kinda!)
Alright, folks, let's talk Belém. Specifically, let's talk the Ibis Styles Belém Hangar. I’d seen the ads, the glossy photos, the promise of a "Dream Belém Escape." And, hey, I needed a dream escape. My life lately felt like a particularly grim, slightly out-of-tune Brazilian samba. So, I booked. And now, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, the messy, honest, and, hopefully, helpful review. This isn't a corporate press release, this is me, your fellow weary traveler, spilling the beans. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy flight.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Did I Stumble or Sizzle?
Okay, from the get-go, Accessibility: I'm not, personally, a wheelchair user, but I did check the info. Elevator: Check. Facilities for disabled guests: It claims to have them, but I didn't personally see specific ramps or anything beyond what was listed, so proceed with caution and double-check if accessibility is crucial for you. Exterior corridor: Yep, you're wandering the hallways, which is fine. Safety/security feature: Seemed pretty good – the place felt safe. CCTV in common areas & outside property: yep – always a plus, makes you feel a bit more secure. Front desk [24-hour]: Super. Arriving at 3 AM after a flight, the smile of the front desk person was a welcome sight. Check-in/out [express] : They offered this- which was great, but the WiFi wasn't working at first, and I had to take ten minutes of my time to connect- definitely not my dream but ok.
Cleanliness & Safety - Germaphobe Approved? (Mostly!)
Daily disinfection in common areas?: Seemed plausible, the lobby was always spotless. Individually-wrapped food options: They were there, for breakfast, which was reassuring. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere! I felt a bit like I was living in a science lab at times, but hey, better safe than… well, you know. Rooms sanitized between stays, professional-grade sanitizing, anti-viral cleaning products seemed to be the deal. I’m still alive, so… success? Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't specifically ask, but I probably would have if I was staying longer. Staff trained in safety protocol: I think so! They seemed to have the basic stuff down. Safe dining setup: Yes, felt that way. The breakfast setup felt safe and the food was good. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Looked clean to me!
The Room - My Oasis… Or Not Quite?
Okay, the room. This is where things get interesting. The "dream escape" part? Let's just say it was… aspirational.
- Available in all rooms: Ah, the essentials, right?
- Air conditioning: Crucial in the Belém heat. Worked perfectly. Thank God!
- Alarm clock: Yep.
- Bathrobes: Nope. Unless you consider the fluffy white towels as "bathrobes."
- Bathroom phone: Ha! Nope.
- Bathtub: No. Just a shower. Which was fine.
- Blackout curtains: Yes, thank the heavens. Slept like the dead.
- Closet: Tiny, but functional
- Coffee/tea maker: There! (And complimentary tea? Score!)
- Complimentary tea: Not a bad addition.
- Daily housekeeping: Check! The cleaning staff were lovely, BTW.
- Desk: Yep
- Extra long bed: Not extra long as promised
- Free bottled water: Yes, essential.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- High floor: I requested it, and got one. Always feels a bit more secure.
- In-room safe box: Yep.
- Internet access – LAN & wireless & Wi-Fi [free]: Well, this is where the dream got a little… glitchy. Internet access – wireless: Wi-Fi worked for a while then it cut out- I had to contact tech support- the internet was slow. Seriously, I was struggling to load a simple Google search at certain times. Internet: They have that. Internet [LAN]: Didn't try it. Internet services: They provided those. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Technically true… when it was working.
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- Laptop workspace: Desk was fine.
- Linens: Fine.
- Mini bar: Yup.
- Mirror: Check.
- Non-smoking: Definitely. Thank god.
- On-demand movies: Nope.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Yes, and thank goodness, I like to read in bed.
- Refrigerator: Yup, great for storing my water.
- Safety/security feature: Check.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Scale: Only if you really want to torture yourself.
- Seating area: Not really a seating area.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nope.
- Shower: Fine.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: Yes, always a plus.
- Socket near the bed: Always essential
- Sofa: Nope.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, to be honest.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Basic but good.
- Towels: Yes. Soft ones too.
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: Didn't use it.
- Wake-up service: They offered this.
- Window that opens: No.
- Additional toilet: Nope.
Okay, so, the room: It was clean, functional, and air-conditioned. Which, in Belém, is half the battle. The Wi-Fi issues were a definite buzzkill, though. It got better, it got worse etc.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Feed Me, Seymour!
Let's talk food, my friends. This is where things went upward a bit.
Breakfast - Buffet Bonanza! Oh man, the breakfast. Asian breakfast: Yes! Western breakfast: Yes! Breakfast [buffet]: Yes! Breakfast service: Daily! Coffee/tea in restaurant: yes and it was good. Buffet in restaurant: Yes, and it was good. A la carte in restaurant?: No. It was a buffet. Alternative meal arrangement: Not needed. Desserts in restaurant: Not as many as I’d like. Salad in restaurant: Yes. Soup in restaurant: Sometimes. Vegetarian restaurant: They had some options. Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
Now, the highlight? The Pão de Queijo. If you don't know, it's a Brazilian cheese bread. Chewy, pillowy, cheesy… I ate approximately 10,000 of them. Possibly. They were… heavenly. That's the "Dream Belém Escape" I was promised! Also, the coffee? Surprisingly good.
- Poolside bar: Didn't use it. Looked decent though.
- Restaurants: Singular. The buffet.
- Room service [24-hour]: Didn't try it.
Snack bar: Basic
The food was good, and the breakfast really made up for a lot of the other imperfections.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day or Just… Stay in Bed?
Alright, the "relaxation" portion of our program. Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Nope. No spa. No sauna. No steam room. So, scratch that dream. Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I am told there is one, but I did not go. Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! It was lovely. Pool with view: Not exactly a view unless you count the other buildings. But it was clean, and the water was a refreshing temperature in the Belém heat. It was a definite plus, and a great way to relax after a day exploring the city.
Services & Conveniences - The Things That Matter (Sometimes)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars: If you're having an event, there are options.
- Business facilities: If you're on a business
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're heading to Ibis Styles Belem Hangar in Belém, Brazil, and it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's gonna be an experience. Prepare for the glorious chaos. Day 1: Arrival and the All-Consuming Heat (and a Mango Addiction)
Morning (like, way too early): Ugh. The flight. Let's just say I'm not designed for economy class. Cramped legs, a crying baby, and that recycled air… sweet merciful heavens. Finally, we land in Belém. Humidity hits you like a wall. Seriously, I feel like I'm walking through a wet sponge.
Mid-morning: Check into Ibis Styles. First impressions? Clean. Actually, surprisingly modern. The air conditioning kicks in and I'm saved. Now for the obligatory room inspection. Is the bed okay? (Yes, thank GOD!) Does the shower work? (Praying to the heavens). Ok, the shower seems to be working. But I've already noticed that it's not going to be long before I'm going to need a new hairdryer as the cable isn't working properly.
Lunch: I'm ravenous! First, the quest for "local cuisine." I'm in the Amazon, for crying out loud! I need to be adventurous. The hotel staff points me towards a little open-air spot a few blocks away. The food? Okay, I'm going to be honest. I ordered something I couldn't pronounce, and it tasted a bit… muddy. But the mango juice? Oh. My. God. It was pure sunshine in a glass. I think I may have inadvertently consumed three. My stomach is now a happy, mango-filled place.
Afternoon: Okay, let's DO this. Explore! The Mercado Ver-o-Peso! A riot of colors, smells, and noise. Fish, fruits I've never seen before (that look like alien eggs), and a guy selling… medicinal herbs? It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible. I nearly bought a hammock (impulse control, people, I clearly have it). I buy my first pair of Brazilian sandals. And I'm already sweating buckets.
Evening: Dinner at a churrascaria. Meat. Glorious, endless meat. I eat more than I ever thought physically possible. Meat sweats are real, people. I swear I could still feel my stomach expanding. It's absolutely the best, and I love it. Then, I stumble back to the hotel. I need to start learning some Portuguese, it seems. More like, I need to learn to say "another mango juice please" and, oh, to sleep. Day 2: The Art of River Exploration and the Mosquito Massacre
Morning: Woke up. (Yay!). Took a shower. (Hallelujah, the water still works!). Breakfast at the hotel: standard continental fare. I did the fruit bowl again, of course. I think I am going to become a mango.
Mid-morning: The Amazon River Tour! Time to get my inner Indiana Jones on! We board a rickety boat with a guide who speaks about 2% English and 98% Portuguese. But it's fine. The scenery is otherworldly: lush green jungle, the wide, brown river, the occasional glimpse of wildlife (a monkey! maybe a dolphin! Or just a large log that looked like a dolphin)
Mid-day: The first stop on the Amazon River Tour is a floating restaurant. They serve fried fish. More mango juice. I'm starting to wonder if mango is all I'm meant to consume.
Afternoon: We get back on the boat, and the mosquitoes arrive. By now, I am well over a dozen mosquito bites! I'm itching, I'm swatting, I'm basically a moving buffet for blood-sucking insects. The river is still pretty, though! But my appreciation is definitely being hampered by my discomfort. I begin to curse.
Evening: Back at the hotel. I’m applying every insect repellent known to humankind. Seriously, if I glow in the dark tonight, don’t be surprised. Dinner is a quiet affair. I'm exhausted and itchy. I end up ordering room service: a simple salad. I'm too tired to be adventurous. I need an early night and to contemplate my life choices, and if they led me here.
Day 3: History, Chocolate and the Long Journey Home
- Morning: A coffee. The hotel breakfast is almost enjoyable now. I'm starting to get the hang of the tropical fruit situation. Today, I decided to try the local food I'd been avoiding. I was nervous. But it was good, and the servers looked happy.
- Mid-morning: A visit to the Forte do Presépio, a 17th-century fortress. The history is fascinating, even if I'm still struggling with the heat. I can almost hear the ghosts of the past! I picture the conquistadors, but also the slaves… my mind takes a walk and I am grateful to the guides.
- Lunch: I find an amazing chocolate shop. Brazillian Chocolate. Pure, decadent, rich. I buy a mountain of it. No regrets. It's my reward for surviving the mosquito apocalypse.
- Afternoon: The flight home looms. Ugh. More cramped seats, more recycled air. I am mentally preparing for the Mango Juice Withdrawal. I am also hoping, praying to the heavens, that I don't get stuck next to the crying baby on the plane again.
- Evening: Back at the hotel… just a few more hours. More hotel room. But at least I can recharge. This time, I order some local dishes, and the service staff is smiling.
- Night: Departure, and what is the best about Belém? The beauty of the Amazonian nature. The sounds, the tastes, the smells! I will miss them all.
Final Thoughts (a Messy Conclusion):
Belém. It was hot. It was humid. I itched like a flea-ridden dog. But it was also beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. The mango juice saved me. The people, despite the language barrier, were incredibly kind. This wasn't a perfect trip. I got lost, I sweated, and I ate entirely too much meat. But it was real. It was messy. And it was absolutely unforgettable. Would I go back? In a heartbeat! (Maybe with a hazmat suit and a lifetime supply of bug spray… and mango juice.)
Seoul's Hidden Gem: Ravi Hotel Jamsil - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
So, like, what *IS* this thing anyway? (Let's say it's about "Learning to Knit")
Alright, convinced. Where do I even *start*? Like, what needles, what yarn, HOW MANY?!?
Start small. Get a pair of straight needles (size 8 or 9 will probably work fine), some cheap acrylic yarn (seriously, don't splurge at first, you'll probably frog everything), and... a good beginner's guide. Like, one that actually *shows* you the steps. Not just, "cast on, knit one, purl one." I needed the *how*. Like, *actually* HOW. I learned from YouTube… it was a *journey*.
What's the hardest part, honestly? Don't sugarcoat it.
But seriously... the hardest part? Patience. And learning to accept that your first attempts will look... *rustic*. Let me tell you about my first scarf. It was… well, let's just say it resembled a lumpy, misshapen dishcloth more than a scarf. Full of holes. Missed stitches. And a distinct trapezoidal shape. My cat loved it. That’s all I can say.
I keep messing up. Like, *constantly*. Is this… normal? Is there something wrong with me?
What kind of knitting project should you start with?
Start with a simple scarf. It's the cliché for a reason. Or maybe a washcloth. Something flat, relatively small, and forgiving. You're going to make mistakes. You're going to drop stitches. You're going to hate it, at one point or another. But if it's small, you can get to the end of it quicker and feel that sweet, sweet sense of accomplishment that will keep you going.
