Escape to Paradise: Quito's Hidden Hotel Gardenia Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Quito's Hidden Hotel Gardenia Oasis Awaits! (A Review That's Actually Honest)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on "Escape to Paradise: Quito's Hidden Hotel Gardenia Oasis Awaits!" – and trust me, it’s not your average, sanitized hotel review. I'm talking real experiences, the kind that involve questionable coffee, a near-miss with a rogue pool noodle, and maybe, just maybe, a moment or two of pure, unadulterated bliss.
First Impressions (and the Struggle to Get There): Accessibility, and a Real-Life Mishap
Let's be real, getting to a "hidden oasis" can be a bit of a mission, right? Finding this place involved a taxi ride that may or may not have been a white-knuckle experience. Quito's streets are… charming, let's say, and the hotel's location, while ultimately lovely, required some careful navigation.
- Accessibility: The website promised "facilities for disabled guests". I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did clock the elevator (hallelujah!), and there seemed to be ramps leading to the main areas. However, my own clumsy feet were thankfully unaffected. Real-life accessibility? I honestly can't say definitively, but they seemed to try, and the staff were generally helpful.
Once Inside: The Hotel's Vibe
The "Gardenia Oasis" part? Spot on. The lobby is lush, overflowing with plants, like stepping into a slightly oversized conservatory. This is where I first encountered the aroma of a serious coffee/tea maker, which I knew I’d be indulging in at various points during my stay. It set the tone for a relaxed, almost sleepy atmosphere.
The Amenities: A Chaotic Whirlwind of Awesome and "Meh"
Relaxation Central (Mostly Awesome):
- Pool with a View: Okay, this was a win. Seriously. The pool is on the rooftop, and while it’s not Olympic-sized, it’s perfect for a leisurely float with Quito's stunning backdrop. Pure Instagram fodder, people.
- Spa: I’m a massage addict. End of story. They had a spa. I partook. Excellent body massage! I felt like a wet noodle afterwards (in a good way). The sauna? A little cramped, but hey, free heat!
- Gym/Fitness: I intended to hit the gym. Didn’t happen. Let’s just say the pool was more appealing. But hey, it was there. For the virtuous, I assume.
Food Glorious Food (Mostly, but not Always):
- Restaurants: Yes, plural! I am a sucker for dining, and the restaurants were quite varied. I made it to the international cuisine restaurant, and the western cuisine one and Asian cuisine Restaurant and the food was pretty good at all of them, with the exception of the Asian breakfast - it did not fit my style at all…
- Breakfast is a BIG Deal: I love a good breakfast spread. The breakfast buffet got a gold star for sheer variety, though the coffee could be a bit hit-or-miss. I did enjoy the Asian style breakfast buffet.
- Room Service: 24/7. Bless them. I indulged, more than once, in a late-night snack and a bottle of water.
Internet and Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi in All Rooms! YES! Essential for staying connected, keeping in touch with the world, and posting envy-inducing pictures. The connection was generally strong – no frantic searches for a signal.
- Lan? I didn’t even check. Who uses that anymore?
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room was a very comfortable refuge. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud.
- Essential Comforts: Air conditioning (HEAVEN!), comfy bed, a mini bar (tempting!), and a decent coffee/tea maker. Bonus points for the blackout curtains – crucial for catching up on sleep with Quito’s intense sunshine.
- The "Uh-Ohs:
- My bathroom was a bit tight and small. The water was lukewarm.
Cleanliness, Safety, and All That Jazz:
- Cleanliness: Spotlessly clean throughout. They are serious about maintaining Covid-19 safety protocols (daily disinfection, sanitizing). I saw staff constantly sanitizing everything!
- Safety: The hotel felt very secure. 24-hour security, smoke alarms – the works. I felt safe.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
- Concierge: They were helpful with recommendations.
- Car Park [on-site]: free parking. I was especially happy with this because there's nothing worse than trying to find a place to park after a long day of sightseeing.
Now, For the Honest Truth (and a Few Quips):
- The Staff: Super friendly and accommodating. It’s a big bonus, considering how some hotel staff can be indifferent.
- The Vibe: Relaxed, not overly posh. This isn't a place for those who like to be seen.
- The Downsides: The price isn’t the cheapest, but you do get what you pay for.
My Quintessential Escape: The Pool
(This is where the stream-of-consciousness begins.) I spent a good chunk of one sunny afternoon just existing poolside. The view was incredible. The pool was warm. I had a cocktail in hand. And for a few glorious hours, I forgot all my worries. It was utter bliss. (Note: I did almost take out a fellow guest with a rogue pool noodle at one point - apologies to the man with the sunglasses!)
Final Verdict: Should You Book "Escape to Paradise?"
- Yes! If: You want a relaxing escape, don't mind a few minor imperfections, value great service, and appreciate a good view and some awesome food.
- Maybe Not If: You're ultra-fussy, your holiday budget is next-to-nothing, and all you care about is a 5-star experience without any character.
My Quirky Recommendation: Go. Book it. Dive into a world of relaxation, delicious food, and a pool with a view that'll make you forget all your troubles!
Special Offer: "Your Quito Getaway Awaits!"
Book now and receive:
- Complimentary breakfast for two.
- A 15% discount on spa treatments.
- A welcome bottle of wine in your room.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- And a free cocktail upon arrival to get your relaxation started sooner
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Click here to book your Escape to Paradise!
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Alexia's Volos Villa: Unbelievable Greece Getaway You Won't Believe!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary! We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and completely unpredictable heart of Quito, Ecuador, with Hotel Casa Gardenia as our (hopefully) tranquil base. Prepare for tears, laughter, existential crises over empanadas, and enough coffee to make a hummingbird explode.
Hotel Casa Gardenia: My Quito Asylum (and the Beginning of Everything)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Sickness, and a Date with Destiny (or Just a Bowl of Soup)
- Morning (or what felt like morning after that red-eye): Landed in Quito. Holy moly, is that air thin! Wheezed my way through immigration, convinced I was about to perish from oxygen deprivation. Found the designated driver, Jose, who was probably used to seeing tourists looking like they'd wrestled a bear (we're not all glamorous travelers). He was really cool, in a low-key, "seen-it-all" kind of way.
- Mid-Morning: Arrived at Casa Gardenia. OMG. The picture on the website definitely didn't do the courtyard justice. Vibrant flowers spilling everywhere, hummingbirds buzzing around like caffeinated jewels, and a general sense of… serenity? I promptly dropped my bag in the lobby, went straight into the nearest antique armchair that smelled like old books and slightly dusty orchids, and decided to live there forever.
- Lunch: The hotel had a small restaurant. Okay, the truth? I was starving. Altitude sickness was creeping in (headache, slight nausea – the works), but food felt vital. Ordered a comforting bowl of locro de papa (potato soup) – pure, creamy, potato-y heaven. I swear, it tasted like a warm hug. It was SO good, that I almost cried. Don't judge. Exhausted, hungry, and 9000 feet above sea level does that to a person.
- Afternoon: Tried to unpack. Failed. The allure of the courtyard was too strong. Sat outside, watched the clouds roll over the city, and felt a profound sense of… not caring about the mess in my suitcase. This is what vacations are for, right?
- Evening: Dinner. The hotel recommended a nearby restaurant, "Mama Clotilde's." It was a bit of a walk, and I considered just eating another bowl of soup, but something drew me out. Best. Decision. Ever. The place was a chaotic symphony of laughter, clinking glasses, and the most incredible ceviche I've ever encountered. It was sour, spicy, fresh… I swear, I could taste the ocean even though Quito is landlocked. This is what I came here for. This raw, pulsing energy.
- Night time – the first (and many to come) existential questions. Is this the way I was meant to live? Should I stay? Leave my life behind and become a ceviche connoisseur? The answer, fueled by a couple of glasses of red wine, was a resounding YES.
Day 2: The Old Town – A Sensory Overload (in the Best Way Possible)
- Morning: Attempted to get up at a decent hour. Failed. Blamed the ceviche. But finally got myself on the street to The Old town. It was gorgeous! Saw the best-preserved colonial downtown in the Americas, the Plaza Grande. I was able to see and get lost in the beauty of the place for hours.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local cafe somewhere nearby. (I’ll be honest, I forgot the name, but the food was incredibly tasty and authentic Ecuadorian cuisine!) and then I went to the Calle de la Ronda. It was the perfect place to grab some fresh juice and the most amazing ice cream I have ever had. Then I went back to the hotel and crashed because I was exhausted.
Day 3: Quilotoa Lake – The Volcano's Embrace (and My Inner Drama Queen)
- Morning: The planned hike to Quilotoa Lake, a stunning turquoise crater lake formed in a collapsed volcano. Booked a tour. I'm not a "hiker" in any traditional sense, so I was a little apprehensive. I mean, the pictures looked gorgeous, but reality… well, reality often involves me stumbling over my own feet and complaining dramatically.
- Afternoon: The hike? Let's just say it was… challenging. The altitude hit hard. Found myself gasping for air, feeling my muscles scream with the effort, and questioning every single life choice that led me to this moment. But. The view from the top? Oh. My. God. The lake was a mesmerizing turquoise against the stark volcanic landscape. It was breathtaking. It was actually worth the near-death experience.
- Evening: Back at Casa Gardenia, I luxuriated in a long, hot shower (bliss!) and ordered room service. The exhaustion morphed into a profound sense of accomplishment. I conquered a volcano, dang it! (Okay, I walked up a volcano, but still!)
Day 4: Chocolate, Museums, and the Subtle Art of Doing Nothing
- Morning: Found this chocolate shop nearby. Did a chocolate tasting. Spent a good hour completely immersed in the nuances of the different flavors – dark, milk, with hints of spice, the works. Ate enough chocolate to make a small child hyper.
- Afternoon: The Museo Nacional del Ecuador. It was filled with pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial art, and a whole heap of Ecuadorian history. My attention span, however, proved to be tragically short. I was, surprisingly, captivated by the artifacts.
- Evening: The afternoon had been full of information and I needed a breather, but I also had some time. I have finally had time out in the city and visited a few locals. Just chilled out in the courtyard with a book, the warmth of the evening, and the friendly hotel cat who seems very fond of me. Pure contentment.
Day 5: Farewell Quito, Farewell Ceviche Dreams (For Now)
- Morning: Woke up with that bittersweet feeling – the one where you're incredibly sad to leave, but your body can no longer tolerate another empanada. Had a final, luxurious breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
- Afternoon: One last stroll through the courtyard, breathing in the scent of the flowers and burning this memory in my brain. Said goodbye to the staff – the wonderfully warm and helpful souls at Casa Gardenia.
- Evening: Headed back home with a suitcase full of souvenirs, a heart full of memories, and a desperate craving for ceviche. Quito, you were a glorious mess. I cannot wait to come back.
Postscript: If you're looking for a flawless, predictable vacation, this itinerary is not for you. If you want adventure, humor, and a healthy dose of human imperfection, then welcome to the ride. Quito's a wild place, and Casa Gardenia, with its tranquil oasis, is the perfect place to come to terms with how perfect imperfection can be. Go. Explore. Let the chaos wash over you. And for the love of all that is holy, eat the ceviche!
Escape to Paradise: Quito's Hidden Hotel Gardenia Oasis Awaits! (…Maybe?) - FAQs, Straight From My Messy Brain
Okay, so… is this place *actually* paradise? The brochure is laying it on THICK. Reality check, please.
The website mentions a "secret garden." Is it *actually* secret, or just… a garden behind a locked gate?
What about the food? Hotel food can be a gamble. Is it worth the risk? (I'm a picky eater, FYI.)
Is it noisy? I need silence to recharge my soul. (And my phone.)
Tell me about the rooms. Are they clean? Comfortable? Do they have those weird, over-decorated hotel beds that feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud made of rocks?
Is the service good? Do the staff speak English? I am notoriously terrible at languages.
Okay, so… the *downside*? Spill the tea. Because every place has a catch.
Would I recommend it?
