Unbelievable Bristol Apart Hotel in Mar del Plata: Your Dream Argentinian Escape!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Unbelievable Bristol Apart Hotel in Mar del Plata: Your Dream Argentinian Escape! (or is it?) – a place that promised paradise and, well, delivered something. Let's unpack this experience, shall we?
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First off, the title… Unbelievable? Talk about setting the bar high! I'm not sure if it was unbelievable in the sense of good or the slightly more ambiguous "you've got to be kidding me" kind of unbelievable. Let's find out!
Arrival and First Impressions (The Messy Bits First!)
Okay, picture this: me, jet-lagged, clutching a suitcase that felt like it was filled with lead, and the promise of a dream Argentinian escape. The first thing I noticed? The elevator. Good! Elevator. And it was, blessedly, big enough to accommodate me and my luggage without a wrestling match. Accessibility – Check! Though I couldn't immediately assess for wheelchair accessibility, the presence of an elevator was a HUGE plus. I'm not a saint. My back was already out.
The lobby was… well, let's call it "functional." Not a design masterpiece, but clean enough, and the 24-hour front desk was at least staffed, which is a win in my book after a long flight. The contactless check-in/out was a godsend – seriously, I was barely functioning. The staff? They were undeniably trained in safety protocols (face masks, hand sanitizer everywhere), but the smiles felt… manufactured. Understandable, given the circumstances, but it made the experience feel a little sterile. The Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays definitely made me feel safer in this pandemic-era.
The Room: Expectations vs. Reality (The Good, The Bad, And The "Wait, What?")
My room? Okay, let's be real: it. was. good. Mostly. Air conditioning? Check and yes, needed in the ever-shifting Argentinian temperatures! Blackout curtains? Glorious! They saved me from the merciless Mar del Plata sun. And the bed! An extra long bed! A blessing for my weary bones. My room was non-smoking. Big thumbs up.
The promised free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Mostly reliable. Sometimes it felt like dial-up, but hey, free is free, right? Luckily, the Internet [LAN] was a backup.
The minibar was… okay. The free bottled water was a lifesaver, especially after all that travel. There was a refrigerator, so I could stock up on some necessities. Coffee/tea maker? Yes, thank the heavens. That was my sanity. The private bathroom was clean, well-lit, and had a shower (essential). I'd even go as far as saying it was a really good shower. Bathrobes and slippers were provided, a nice touch.
However… Soundproofing? Hmmm. Let's just say it went up against a very boisterous family next door. The walls were thin. I could hear them laughing, bickering, and apparently re-enacting every single scene from a telenovela, one word at a time. Soundproofing is something that really makes or breaks a stay in a hotel, and here it broke it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food? (Mostly!)
Okay, the food situation… it was a solid meh. The breakfast [buffet] was… a buffet. Not terrible, but nothing to write home about. Asian breakfast or Western breakfast? I couldn't tell the difference. Eggs, some sad-looking pastries, and coffee that tasted suspiciously like dishwater. The Breakfast takeaway service was a great option at least, although I was too lazy to utilize it mostly.
There were restaurants on-site. I tried the a la carte in restaurant for dinner one night. The service was a bit slow, but the food was… fine. The International cuisine in restaurant was a bit generic, but the bar was well-stocked, and a happy hour saved me from a total meltdown. The Poolside bar was a good thing to have.
The biggest disappointment? Desserts in restaurant. Just an insultingly small selection. No decent desserts.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… Or Not (Spa Day… Almost.)
Now, this is where the “unbelievable” part was supposed to kick in. The brochure promised a dreamy escape. Spa? Sauna? Steamroom? Pool with view? Yes, yes, and yes!
The Fitness center was small, but functional. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was lovely, though a little crowded. And yes, there was a pool with view - really great!
I really needed a massage. So, I booked a massage. The massage itself was… okay. The spa, a bit dated, but clean. The staff were friendly and it was a nice hour to be able to relax and unwind.
This is where my dream started to crack. The spa was okay, but not the haven of relaxation I'd hoped for. It wasn't luxurious. There were no fresh flowers. No aromatherapy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Can I Relax? (Mostly… With Caveats.)
On the plus side, the hotel seemed clean. The Daily housekeeping kept the room tidy, and the Anti-viral cleaning products were reassuring. The Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere! The pandemic era did a number on the world and hotels had no choice but to adapt and I was glad to see it. The Staff trained in safety protocol made me feel a bit more secure. Rooms sanitized between stays.
The safety aspects were solid: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Security [24-hour].
Accessibility: Getting Around (The Good and the Potentially Tricky)
For someone with limited mobility, the Elevator was a MAJOR bonus. The hotel also boasted Facilities for disabled guests. I can't fully assess the overall accessibility of the entire hotel. It looked promising overall, but I'd suggest a thorough inquiry before booking if accessibility is a top priority.
The Verdict: Dream Escape? (Eh, Not Quite.)
Okay, so the Unbelievable Bristol Apart Hotel? It's not unbelievable in the sense of a mind-blowing, five-star experience. It's more like a solid, decent option. A reliable place to rest your weary head in Mar del Plata.
The Good:
- Clean and Mostly Comfortable Rooms: Good, functional with some genuinely nice touches.
- Convenient Location: Depending on your needs, but it's relatively easy to get around.
- Safety Conscious: Very reassuring in the current climate.
- Pool and Spa (Sort Of): A good way to relax despite the lack of a luxury feel
The Bad:
- Soundproofing (or lack thereof): The biggest issue by far.
- Food (Meh): Breakfast, in particular, was disappointing.
- Spa (Decent, but Not Luxurious): The spa could use some work to justify its price.
- Lack of Charm: The hotel felt a little… sterile.
Would I recommend it?
If you're looking for a safe, clean, and reasonably priced hotel in Mar del Plata, and you're not overly concerned about luxury, then yeah, sure. Just pack some earplugs. And maybe your own dessert.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
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Unbelievable Duas Aguas Arribes Bemposta: Portugal's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic adventure at the Bristol Apart Hotel in Mar Del Plata. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue; this is the raw, slightly burnt-around-the-edges truth. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread & Empanadas
- Morning (Okay, more like mid-afternoon): Arrive in Mar Del Plata. Flight was delayed. Of course. You'd think after all these years of flying, I'd have mastered the art of chill airport lounging. Nope. Still pacing like a caged tiger, muttering about lost luggage and the meaninglessness of existence. Found the Bristol Apart Hotel finally, which was a decent enough looking building from the outside, but something felt off, as if everything was going to fall to pieces.
- Afternoon: Check-in. Sweet baby Jesus, the guy at the front desk looked like he hadn't slept since the Falklands War. He handed me the keys, squinted at me, and murmured something about the wifi. Turns out the "wifi" was more of a whispered promise than a functional reality. Ugh. The room, however, was decent - a bit dated but spacious, with a balcony that looked straight onto…another building. Not exactly the ocean view I'd dreamed of, but beggars can't be choosers, I guess.
- Evening: Wandered aimlessly trying to find food. Which, let's be honest, is the crux of any successful travel day. Stumbled upon a hole-in-the-wall Empanada place, the kind where the aroma of fried dough and sizzling onions hangs heavy in the air. Ordered every flavor they had - beef, cheese, chicken, ham, the works. Absolute bliss. Sitting there on a plastic stool, devouring empanadas, feeling the warmth of the Argentinian sun against my face, everything finally felt…okay. Maybe this trip wouldn't be a complete disaster after all.
- Night: Back at the hotel, attempted to use the non-existent wifi to contact back home. Give up and go to sleep.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & a Brush with the Bizarre
- Morning: After a sleepless night (blame the unfamiliar bed and that noisy seagull outside my window), I dragged myself to Playa Grande. The sand was golden, the water chilly, and the air was filled with the salty tang of the ocean. Ah, rejuvenation! People-watching heaven! I saw the full spectrum of humanity – sunbathers, volleyball enthusiasts, and the inevitable hoard of couples holding hands as if their lives depended on it.
- Afternoon: Decided to try my hand at surfing. (I have zero experience, but hey, why not?). Rented a board, paddled out, and promptly spent most of my time swallowing seawater and looking like a beached walrus. Somehow, I still enjoyed it. The sheer absurdity of my flailing attempts was strangely liberating.
- Late Afternoon: On my way back, I saw a street performer. He was dressed as a mime. A mime who was very enthusiastically acting out the motions of drinking mate. It was an experience. I'm still not sure if it was brilliant or just plain weird. I watched the mime, drank mate, and felt like I was in some absurdist play.
- Evening: Tried to order dinner. Failed miserably to communicate with the waiter. Gave up and ate bread and cheese in my room. Again, and decided to order delivery. One of the best pizzas I've had in years.
Day 3: The Casino & a Lesson in Tango (and humility)
- Morning: I'm ready for some action. I decided I would try my luck at the Casino Central. The air was thick with excitement and desperation. I lost a lot of my money (and a lot of my dignity).
- Afternoon: Feeling battered but determined to make the most of the day. I stumbled upon a tango class. I’m pretty sure I’ve got zero rhythm. My feet felt like lead weights. The instructor, a woman with eyes that could melt glaciers, tried her best to guide me, but I honestly think I was a lost cause. My dance partner, a patient and kind local, looked like he was trying not to laugh. By the end of class, I was sweating, bruised, and humiliated, but also strangely exhilarated. I can’t dance, I'm probably going to lose all my money again, but I don’t care -- I'm experiencing life.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, I went to the balcony and decided to attempt a view of the sunset. The ocean looked beautiful. I sat for a while and reflected on the day. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine. Got ready and slept.
Day 4: Escape and Regret
- Morning: Woke up, packed (this time I was much organised than the prior days), and checked out.
- Afternoon: Back at the airport again. The airport seemed empty.
- Evening: Arrived back home. I miss the empanadas already. I miss my hotel. I miss dancing tango. Regretting not bringing all my money to the casino.
Final Thoughts:
The Bristol Apart Hotel wasn't perfect. It had wonky wifi, and the view wasn't the best, but it was mine. It was a base camp for a trip filled with laughter, some cringe, and a whole lot of adventure. I wouldn't go back. That is to say, I would if I could. Mar del Plata is a place that sneaks into your heart, one empanada, one tango step, and one bizarre mime performance at a time. Do I recommend it? Absolutely. But, maybe learn a few basic Spanish phrases beforehand. And definitely pack your sense of humor. You're gonna need it.
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Unbelievable Bristol Apart Hotel: Seriously, Is It *That* Good? Mar del Plata Edition!
(Spoiler Alert: Maybe! Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups, it's a rollercoaster of opinions... mine!)
Okay, spill it... Is the Unbelievable Bristol Actually, you know, Unbelievable?
Alright, alright, settle down! Look, "Unbelievable" is a *strong* word, right? Expectations are high. My experience? It's... complicated. Let me put it this way: I went in expecting something pristine, like a hotel straight out of a travel magazine. I'M a skeptic, and always try to prepare myself to experience the worst, so I can only be pleasantly surprised. Instead, I got... well, a story. Yes, absolutely, it was generally great, if you're prepared to roll with the punches! My first impression upon arrival? The lobby was clean, but the elevator creaked like a grumpy old sea lion. And later, it got stuck for thirty minutes, with four of us inside. THAT was an experience. Is it *Unbelievable*? Not in a picture-perfect, flawless way. But it's certainly memorable. And hey, it’s Mar del Plata! Things are a bit more... *spirited* here.
The Rooms! Are they as stylish as the pictures suggest? Or is it all Instagram trickery?
Ah, the rooms. The eternal question. Okay, confession time: I'm picky. Very picky. And sometimes, the room pictures are a bit… *optimistic*. The Bristol's pics are *mostly* accurate, but with a healthy dose of "artistic license." My room was spacious, yes. The balcony? Glorious, if you're not afraid of a bit of seagull symphony every morning. The decor? Modernish, but with touches that felt... well, *vintage*. Think: a slightly-worn armchair that I swear had seen a thousand Argentinian afternoons and a TV the size of a postage stamp. But hey, I wasn't there to watch TV. I was there to breathe ocean air and eat *medialunas*. The bed? Comfortable. The view? Absolutely stunning. (If you get a good one, avoid facing the back of the building, I heard...) So, it’s a mixed bag, really. Accept what you can’t change, and revel in the view. That balcony, I swear, almost made me cry a little. Pure bliss.
What's the deal with breakfast? Is it a glorious feast or a sad little continental offering?
Breakfast… *sighs dramatically*. Look, I'm a breakfast person. I *need* my morning fuel. The Bristol's breakfast is fine. Competent. Does the job. Not exactly a "glorious feast." It's a standard continental buffet: some pastries (the medialunas were pretty good, thankfully), fruit, yogurt, cereal, coffee (which, admittedly, wasn't the worst I've ever had), and some questionable scrambled eggs. My first morning I was totally unimpressed, then I took a break, let my blood glucose and hunger stabilize, went back and just *embraced* it. It's the kind of breakfast that fills you up, but won't necessarily send you into raptures of culinary delight. Be prepared to supplement with a nearby cafe if you're a breakfast snob (guilty!). Honestly, the friendly staff made up for any breakfast shortcomings. The woman making coffee clearly knew her stuff. I tried to learn Spanish from her, but it’s a work in progress.
Location, Location, Location! Is it close to the beach and all the fun stuff?
Okay, YES! The location is a HUGE win. The Bristol is right on the beach. And I mean *right* on the beach. You can practically roll out of bed and onto the sand, assuming you're staying on the front side of the hotel! It's close to all the action, too – restaurants, shops, the casino (if you're into that sort of thing... I'm not), and the famous Rambla. You can hear the ocean. Smell the ocean. You feel like you’re living right on the beach. During my stay, I walked the beach EVERY day. I also went on a bus tour from the hotel which was really great. Everything you want to do in Mar del Plata is within a short walk or taxi ride. Absolute perfection on the location front. That's the most unbelievable part of it actually!
Any hidden fees or sneaky charges I should look out for?
Nothing outrageous. Standard city taxes, of course, and maybe a small charge for parking, but that's pretty much standard. Read the small print, as always, but I didn’t feel like I was getting nickeled and dimed. They were pretty upfront with everything. Just be aware of the usual stuff, like late check-out fees (which, I admit, I may have tried to finagle my way out of... unsuccessfully). Otherwise, the pricing was transparent and honest, at least in my experience.
The Staff: Friendly or apathetic? And how's their English?
The staff... ah, the heart of any hotel. Generally friendly. Smiling faces, helpful when you asked. Not *overly* effusive, but definitely not apathetic. Their English varied. Some spoke excellent English, some needed a little help. My Spanish is terrible, so I relied on a bit of phrasebook-fu and my phone's translation app. They were always patient, even when I mangled the language. I actually found it charming, even though I was the one making a fool of myself most of the time. And I met a lot of people from around the world. The staff, the location, the view… it’s an Argentinian experience!
Okay, the "Unbelievable" part again. What *really* made the Bristol stand out?
Hmm... what *really* made it stand out? It wasn't the pristine perfection; it was the imperfection. It was the *vibe*. It was that slightly-grumpy old elevator, that creaked and groaned, but *always* got you where you needed to be. It was the balcony view, the morning seagull symphony, the friendly staff. It was, overall, an authentic Argentinian experience. Yes, there were quirks. Yes, it wasn't flawless. But it was *real*. It felt like Mar del Plata, warts and all. And honestly? That’s what made it “unbelievable” in its own way. I left feeling like I’d actually *experienced* something, not just consumed a pre-packaged vacation. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just remind me to take the stairs sometimes, okay?
Any Tips for the Unbelievable Bristol?
My top tips?
