Torre La Arena Gijon Spain

Torre La Arena Gijón: Spain's Hidden Coastal Gem You NEED to See!

Torre La Arena Gijón: Spain's Hidden Coastal Gem - My Honesty Hour (Because You Need This!)

Okay, alright, settle in. I’m about to spill the beans, the fabada beans, about Torre La Arena in Gijón. Forget the glossy brochure, I'm here to give you the real deal. Is it perfect? Nah. Is it worth your time? Absolutely, hands down. Prepare for a truly honest and raw review.

Forget the SEO Stuff for a Second. Let’s Talk Feelings First.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty (and boy do we have some nitty-gritty to discuss), let me just say… This place got to me. I'm not usually one for swooning, but the way the sea crashes against the rocks, the salty air… it's pure magic. Gijón itself is a charmer, and Torre La Arena? It just fits. It's got that understated elegance, the kind that whispers, "Relax, you're home."

Now, Back to Reality (and the All-Important Stuff!)

Let's go category by category, shall we? Hold on tight, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Accessibility: Solid, But Not Perfect.

Wheelchair Accessible: The website says it's wheelchair accessible, and yes, there were ramps and elevators. But, and this is a big but, navigating some of the hallways felt a little… tight. I'd advise contacting them directly to confirm specifics based on your individual needs.
Elevator: Thank goodness for the elevator! My legs were begging for a break after a particularly enthusiastic trek along the coast.

(Feeling) The Good Stuff: A Little Bit of Heaven at the Spa!

Spa/sauna: Okay, the spa, that's where the real magic happens. The sauna! I spent a solid hour in there, sweating out the stresses of… well, everything. The view from the pool was incredible.
Pool with view: Picture this: You’re in a heated pool, the sun is setting, and the waves are crashing in the distance. Pure bliss.
Massage: I swear, I emerged from my massage a completely different person. My masseuse (bless her heart) worked out knots I didn't even know I had. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Worth. Every. Penny.
Foot bath: Ohh the foot bath! Very relaxing.

(The Real Deal) Things to Do, Ways to Relax – It’s a Mixed Bag.

Fitness center: A decent fitness center, but I was too busy eating and drinking to actually use it. (No judgement, okay?)
Body scrub/Body wrap: I didn't try the body scrub or wrap (silly me!). I wish I had.

(The Necessary Bits) Cleanliness and Safety – They're Trying!

Cleanliness and safety: Overall, the hotel felt clean and well-maintained. They clearly took sanitation seriously.
Anti-viral cleaning products/Professional-grade sanitizing services/Rooms sanitized between stays/Daily disinfection in common areas: They really went all out with the pandemic protocols. Felt safe.
Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere.
Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw staff cleaning constantly, and they seemed well-versed in the protocols.

(Eating and Drinking: Food, Glorious Food… with Some Caveats!)

Restaurants/Poolside bar/Bar: Okay, the restaurants in Gijón are fantastic, The hotel food was good, but if you have the opportunity to eat outside of the hotel. DO IT.
Breakfast [buffet]/Asian breakfast/Western breakfast: the breakfast buffet was surprisingly decent, although, let's be honest, I've had better.
A la carte in restaurant: I did my research and the chef is pretty legit.
Room service [24-hour]: Room service was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. And yes, I ordered dessert. Multiple times.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee in the restaurant was acceptable. Nothing to write home about, but it got the job done in the morning.
Snack bar: The snack bar was a lifesaver in the afternoon, and had some pretty decent options.
Bottle of water: I like to have a bottle of water at my reach.

(The Convenience Store) Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing.

Cash withdrawal: There was a cash machine in the lobby, which was super convenient.
Concierge/Doorman: The concierge was incredibly helpful with recommendations!
Laundry service/Dry cleaning: I didn't use these services, but it's good to know they're available.
Car park [free of charge]: Free parking is a big plus!
Air conditioning in public area: The air conditioning in the public areas was a welcome respite from the summer heat.
Elevator: Thank goodness for the elevator! My legs were begging for a break after a particularly enthusiastic trek along the coast.
Facilities for disabled guests: Pretty good… But best to call ahead and double check.

(Kids Stuff - Okay, I Have No Kids, but…)

Family/child friendly: I saw plenty of families there, and the hotel seemed well-equipped to handle them.
Babysitting service/Kids meal: Again, no personal experience, but they do offer it.

(Techie Bits: Internet, Wi-Fi, Etc.)

Internet access – wireless/Wi-Fi [free]: Free Wi-Fi was available in all rooms.
Internet [LAN]: I'm old school, I love that there's a LAN connection

(In Your Room - The Goods & The Not-So-Goods)

Available in all rooms: Definitely take advantage of of the room.
Bathrobes, Slippers, Hair dryer, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker: All there, and good quality.
In-room safe box: Essential for keeping your passport safe.
Blackout curtains: Blissful!
Wake-up service: Always a plus.

(Getting Around - Ease of Access and Getting Around)

Airport transfer: I opted for a taxi but the transfer option sounds great.
Car park [free of charge]: Free parking is a huge bonus.
Taxi service: Taxis were readily available.

The Honest Truth: My Biggest Gripe?

My biggest gripe? The inconsistent service. Some staff members were incredibly friendly and helpful, while others seemed… less so. It's a minor quibble, but it's the kind of thing that can stick in your head.

The Bottom Line: Should You Go?

YES.

Forget the minor imperfections. Torre La Arena is a gem. The location is stunning, the spa is heavenly, the food? Delicious. And Gijón itself? It’s a city that sneaks into your heart.

My Unofficial Offer - Just For You! (Don't Tell Anyone)

Okay, here’s my insider tip. Book a room with a sea view (trust me, it’s worth it). And, when you do, tell them… well, just tell them you're a "friend of that slightly unhinged travel reviewer". Maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a little something extra. (Don't hold me to it. 😉)

Don't Wait! Go! You Deserve This!

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Torre La Arena Gijon Spain

Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're heading to Torre La Arena in Gijon, Spain. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, because this itinerary is about to get REAL. This is less "organized chaos" and more "me trying to remember where I left my sunglasses." Let's do this…

Torre La Arena: A Messy, Glorious Adventure (with questionable sleep habits)

Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bliss…or, How I Nearly Missed the Sunset (and Found True Happiness in a €1.50 Ice Cream)

Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Okay, so "morning" is generous. My flight landed at Asturias Airport, which, let's be honest, felt like stepping into a giant, beautifully lit vending machine. The baggage carousel? It was a struggle. I swear I saw my suitcase doing the limbo. Finally wrestled it into submission, though.
(I'm already feeling a little frazzled.)
- Transportation: Taxi to Gijon. The driver, bless his heart, chattered away like a caffeinated parrot in rapid-fire Spanish. I caught about 30% of it, mostly "beautiful," "Gijon," and "football." Excellent.
Check-In (10:00 AM -ish): Hotel Gijón. Beautiful, or It seems. It's supposed to have ocean views! I have a sneaking suspicion I should've asked for a higher floor, but I haven't the energy (and now I'm having a little grumpy!). Rooms are small-ish, but well-kept, and that view isn't a mirage but I would have loved a nicer one… oh well.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Torre La Arena Beach! Sun, sand, waves… pure bliss. I swear, the moment my toes hit that Asturian sand, YEARS of stress melted away. * The Great People Watching Incident: Spotted a family building a sandcastle that looked like a cross between a medieval fortress and a giant ice cream cone. The little girl, bless her heart, kept "accidentally" destroying parts of it with her tiny shovel. Glorious.
- The Sunset Dash: Okay, here's where things got slightly chaotic. I lost track of time, got completely absorbed in a book (a trashy romance novel, don't judge!), and nearly missed the sunset. Panic mode engaged. I scrambled out of my sandy haven, nearly tripping over a sunbather. Good job.
  - Redemption: Made it just in time! The sky exploded with color. Pink, orange, a hint of purple… it was breathtaking.
- Also, the ice cream. On the way to the beach, and on the way home, I grabbed a cone from a little shop on the corner. It had that perfect creamy texture and the €1.50. It was life-changing. I ate it like my life depended on it.
Dinner (8:00 PM -ish): Sidrería. I'm told that's what the locals do. So, naturally I order a cider. Oh. My. Goodness. It's like nothing I've ever tasted. This weird, amazing kind of cider, they pour it from high above, which (of course) I completely messed up the first time. Got cider EVERYWHERE – on my new WHITE shirt I stupidly wore, the table and my face. It was hilarious, though, and the food was fantastic. Seafood heaven.
- Post-Dinner Rambling: This region, Asturias…feels different. It feels…magical. Like a place where time stretches and the sea whispers (or maybe that's the cider, actually…).
Night: (10:00 PM -ish). Now that I have a full belly of cider and seafood, and a mind full of excitement, I will go for a walk with a bit of thought…
- The moon, the light, the walk:
  - I saw a couple of couples holding hands, watching the waves…I can't hold back, I feel lonely, sad, but at the same time, I feel free.
  - I will write in the sand, I will leave a message for the waves.
  - If the waves take it, it is to be forgotten.
  - Tomorrow, my life can have another meaning, I feel like the stars shine more than ever.
  - I'm glad I came…

Day 2: The Search for Hidden Gems and a Lesson in Patience (and Maybe More Cider)

Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Okay, maybe I should rethink this "wake up with the sun" routine, I said it was "the best", but I now think I need more sleep. A very late start. Breakfast at a local cafe - a delicious tortilla de patatas (potato omelet).
The "Lost in Translation" Episode: Trying to order coffee. The barista (very patiently) repeated "café con leche" about five times before I finally understood. My Spanish is… a work in progress.
Exploring Gijon Old Town (11:00 AM -ish): Wandered through the narrow, cobbled streets. Found a tiny, hidden art gallery. It was full of quirky local art.
- The Statue I Fell in Love With: There's this statue of a guy reading a newspaper by the sea, and it just…spoke to me. I sat next to it for ages, just soaking in the atmosphere.
Lunch (2:00 PM): tapas at a busy restaurant: Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). The garlic was intense, but totally worth it.
Afternoon (3:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Beach time, because… more beach time! (I'm starting to think I should just buy a bungalow here.) This time, I brought a book and actually READ it. Success!
The "Getting Lost" Incident: Decided to explore a bit away from the busier parts of the beach… and got a little lost. Wandered down some side streets, ended up in a residential area. It was actually kind of nice, seeing a different side of Gijon. Eventually, I managed to navigate my way back to the main promenade.
Pre-Dinner Ritual (7:00 PM -ish): Another ice cream. It's become a necessity.
Dinner (8:30 PM -ish): Trying a different sidrería, (I think) again with the family. My Spanish improved or maybe I'm just getting more confident. The cider, as usual, was divine.
- Emotional Overflow: Gijon is starting to work its magic on me. I feel a sense of peace I haven't felt in ages. This silly, imperfect trip is somehow exactly what I needed.
Evening: Walking by the beach
- I watched the waves… I cried. I'm not sure why, but I did. So much to think about. I love traveling. Tomorrow, I'm moving to another destination, I wish I could stay here, however… I have to keep going.

Day 3: Farewell (for now) and a Promise to Return (and Maybe Take Spanish Lessons)

Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Last breakfast at the cafe. One last farewell tortilla de patatas.
The "Shopping Spree" (brief): Tried to buy souvenirs, but got distracted by a cute little bookstore. Ended up with a book of Asturian poetry (yay!).
(11:00 AM -ish): One last walk along Torre La Arena. The beach was just as beautiful as ever. This is such a beautiful beach… and the seagulls are annoying.
- The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye: Saying goodbye to Gijon was hard. Even after three messy, cider-fueled days, the city feels like a friend.
(1:00 PM): Departure for my next destination
- The Promise: I'm already planning my return. Next time, I'll learn more Spanish, pack less, and probably bring more ice cream.
- Final Thoughts: This trip wasn't perfect. It had hiccups, moments of chaos, and a lot of questionable life choices. But it was real. It was fun. And it was exactly what I needed.

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Torre La Arena Gijon Spain

Torre La Arena Gijón: FAQ - Because Let's Be Honest, You Probably Need This

Okay, so you're thinking about Torre La Arena in Gijón, eh? Smart move. This place is a *vibe*. But let's get real, planning any trip is a minefield, and Google can only get you so far. So, here's the lowdown, sprinkled with my own chaotic experiences... because let's be honest, I've made *plenty* of mistakes, so you don't have to!

What is Torre La Arena anyway? It sounds suspiciously... Spanish.

Alright, so "Torre" means tower, and "Arena" means sand. Groundbreaking, I know. But it's more than just "tower on the sand." It's a historic tower right on the gorgeous Playa de San Lorenzo in Gijón, Asturias. Think stunning coastal views, a proper beach, and that fresh Atlantic air that just *slaps* you awake. Honestly, it's breathtaking.

BUT, and it's a big but, I got royally confused on my first trip. Thought it was just some old ruins and a beach. Nope! It's a *vibe*! And don't even get me started on finding a decent parking spot. More on that later. Let's just say, my first attempt involved a LOT of circling and some truly questionable driving on my part.

Is it actually worth the hype? I've seen some Instagram photos...

Okay, Instagram. We all know the score. But YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Those photos? They're real. I mean, maybe the colors are slightly enhanced (we're all guilty, right?), but the beauty? Undeniable. I spent an entire afternoon sprawled on the beach, staring at that tower with my jaw practically dragging on the sand. It was pure bliss, interrupted only by a rogue seagull who *clearly* wanted my sandwich.

The hype IS real. But also, prepare for crowds. Especially during peak season. And definitely wear sunscreen. Learned that one the hard way (peeling is NEVER a good look).

What's there to do at Torre La Arena? Besides gawk, obvs.

Alright, so gawking is a perfectly valid activity. But! You can swim (the water *is* cold, mind you, but refreshing!), sunbathe, stroll along the boardwalk, eat tapas (essential!), people-watch (also essential), surf (if you're feeling brave – I am NOT brave in the ocean), visit the nearby aquarium (Aquarium of Gijón, its awesome!), and explore the city of Gijón itself. It's a vibrant city, totally worth exploring.

One tip? Go for a sunset walk. Seriously. The way the light hits that tower... *chef's kiss*. I almost cried (happy tears, I swear!). It’s a moment. Just make sure you bring something warmer than I did. Asturian evenings on the coast can surprise you. I basically froze my butt off and had to run back to the hotel, defeated.

Tell me about the food! I'm a foodie. My stomach is already excited.

Oh. My. God. The food! Prepare to gain a few pounds (totally worth it). Asturian cuisine is legendary. Think seafood EVERYTHING, the freshest you've ever tasted. Fabada Asturiana (a bean stew that's comfort food in a bowl). Cidra (cider, poured from a height – watch out for the splash!). And the tapas... *swoon*.

Pro-tip: Explore the restaurants in the Cimadevilla neighborhood nearby. Get lost in the narrow streets, follow your nose, and don't be afraid to try something new. The portions are usually generous, so pace yourself! And for the love of all things delicious, try the *cachopos* – a massive, breaded steak stuffed with ham and cheese. You’ll need a nap after. Speaking from experience obviously.

Okay, but the practical stuff. How do I get there? Is parking a nightmare?

Right, the reality check. Getting to Gijón is relatively easy. Fly into Asturias Airport (OVD) and take a bus or taxi. From there, getting *to* Torre La Arena is pretty straightforward. It's right on the beach! But... PARKING. Yes, it's a nightmare. Especially during summer. I spent a solid hour circling the block on my first trip, getting increasingly desperate.

My advice? Leave the car at your hotel and walk, take a bus (there are good public transport options), or, best of all, take a taxi. Seriously, save yourself the stress. Embrace the Spanish way of life: relax, take your time, and don't sweat the small stuff (like, you know, parking). Otherwise you'll regret it. I speak from painful experience.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Depends on what you're after. Summer (July/August) is peak season – sunshine, crowds, and everything open. Expect to pay more for accommodation. May/June and September are also great. The weather is still nice, the crowds are smaller, and it's easier to find a parking spot (hallelujah!).

But honestly, even in winter, Torre La Arena has a special charm. Imagine dramatic storms, crashing waves, and cozy cafes serving hot chocolate. It's beautiful. Even if you're bundled up like a Michelin Man.

Should I learn some Spanish? I’m terrible with languages.

You absolutely *should* learn some Spanish. Not because you "have to" but because your experience will be a million times better. Even a few basic phrases – "Hola," "Gracias," "Una cerveza, por favor" – will go a long way. People appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is a train wreck (mine certainly is!). Plus, it's just a more respectful way to travel.

I get it, languages are hard. I mostly muddle through. But even stumbling through a conversation, trying to order tapas, is part of the fun! And, okay, maybe I did accidentally order a plate of fried squid when I thought I was ordering potatoes. But hey, I ate it! Live and learn.

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Torre La Arena Gijón: Spain's Hidden Coastal Gem You NEED to See!