Unbelievable Teruel Apartments: Puerta Muralla's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Teruel Apartments: Puerta Muralla's Hidden Gem! - A (Mostly) Raft of Musings
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans (and maybe some sangria) on Unbelievable Teruel Apartments: Puerta Muralla. This place… well, it's a thing. Trying to categorize it is like trying to herd cats made of churros. Let's dive in, shall we?
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- Meta Description: A no-holds-barred review of Unbelievable Teruel Apartments: Puerta Muralla! - Accessibility, amenities, the drama… everything you need to know before you book. Plus, my (slightly dramatic) take on the whole experience. Get ready for a wild ride!
(Deep Breath) LET'S GO!
First things first, the name Unbelievable is a bold move. Does it live up to the hype? Well… sometimes. Let's dissect this thing, bit by glorious bit.
Accessibility: More Than Just a Ramp, Though the Ramp Helps!
Okay, I have to start with the accessibility because, as someone who’s dealt with the joys of dodgy stairs (or the lack thereof), it’s HUGE. Now, the website claims to be accessible, and, generally, that's true. The elevator? Bless you, elevator! Seriously, in a place like Teruel, with its charming but often hilly streets, that’s a lifesaver. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, mostly. I saw ramps in the right places (though my memory is fuzzy and I'm not sure if every single corner was perfectly smooth), so it shows they've put some thought into it. The rooms I saw were… well, spacious enough, particularly the ones I didn't stay in, which is always a plus. Anyway, it's more accessible than many older Spanish hotels. Plus, the doorman (yes, they had a doorman! Fancy!) seemed genuinely helpful, which earns them points.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges This is a bit of a tricky area, as the information doesn't provide much on how many dining options are truly accessible. Best bet: call ahead and grill them on the specifics.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (And Wi-Fi, Because It's 2024!)
Alright, let's talk connectivity. My first thought with any travel is: "Is it going to take me three days just to find a signal?" Thankfully, they've got you covered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Hallelujah! Worked like a charm for me, streaming, video calls, all the essential internet crimes (like, you know, work). The internet [LAN] situation is there if you need a more secure connection. Frankly, I didn't bother, the Wi-Fi was rock solid. And they've got Wi-Fi in public areas, so you're always connected. I'm pretty sure this is the only hotel I've stayed in where the Wi-Fi signal was stronger than my relationship with my ex!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - Let's Get Pampered…or Not
Okay, this is where things get interesting (and where my lack of self-control usually explodes). They have a Fitness center (I didn’t go. I'm on vacation, okay?), Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Pool with view, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Sounds dreamy, right?
The Swimming Pool was lovely - and the view? Stunning. But let’s get real: I spent more time in the pool bar (more on that later). The Spa was… listen, I booked a massage. A massage. I was picturing fluffy robes, cucumber water, the whole shebang. What I got was… a somewhat… enthusiastic masseuse. Let's just say she was very thorough and left me feeling like a noodle that had been through a pasta maker. The Body scrub and Body wrap options? Totally skipped those. Frankly, I was still recovering from the massage! Ultimately, the spa experience was…an experience!
Cleanliness and Safety: Is This Place a Fortress?
Okay, let's get serious (for a moment). Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days. And this place seems to take it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Supposedly. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. The hotel seems to have been working hard to address those post-pandemic anxieties. The Room sanitization opt-out system? Genius, I'm so tired of feeling guilty when I don't want the cleaning crew. The Staff trained in safety protocol? I didn't see them doing any weird safety dances. I think it's all been okay. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], I guess these are all great as well.
One small thing I must point out: the Rooms sanitized between stays. This is fine, of course. But they don't tell you if you can opt out of this. Which, from the sound of it, you can't. But they do have Rooms sanitized between stays!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me, Seymour!
This is where Unbelievable Teruel really shines (or where my wallet complains…I'm not sure).
- Restaurants: Multiple! Including a Vegetarian restaurant (yay!), International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Bar: Obvious, right? (And essential.)
- Coffee shop: They make a mean cortado.
- Poolside bar: My happy place. Seriously. Sun, a cold drink, and a decent view? Perfect.
- Breakfast [buffet]/Breakfast service: Good, not mind-blowing. The Asian breakfast options were an interesting twist.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those late-night cravings… or, you know, a simple pizza after a spa experience.
A quick anecdote: I sat at the Poolside bar one afternoon, nursing a cocktail, and overheard a couple arguing. They were complaining about the A la carte in restaurant options not being varied enough. I mean, come on people, you are in Spain! Embrace the tapas!
The Food: The food itself was generally good, though occasionally inconsistent. The Soup in restaurant was a bit bland one day, but the Salad in restaurant was surprisingly good. the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always reliable. The Desserts in restaurant (don't get me started).
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Essentials
Here's a rundown of the extras:
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and surprisingly good at finding obscure tapas bars.
- Daily housekeeping: Keeping those rooms sparkling, even after that massage.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yay!
- Business facilities (meetings, etc.): Looks like they cater to the corporate crowd.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For those last-minute "I-forgot-to-buy-souvenirs" panics.
For the Kids: Can They Survive My Stay? (Just Kidding…Mostly)
They have Babysitting service (good to know!), and are, according to claims, Family/child friendly. I saw some kids, they seemed happy.
Available in all rooms
- Additional toilet: I didn't actually see one but I would have looked for one.
- Air conditioning: Always a must!
- Alarm clock: Helpful.
- Bathrobes: Yes, finally a plush robe.
- Bathroom phone: I didn't use mine. Probably should have.
- Bathtub: I didn't use it but I saw it.
- Blackout curtains: Yes!
- Carpeting: Comfy.
- Closet: Perfect.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Complimentary tea: Excellent.
- Daily housekeeping: Keeps things perfect.
- Desk: Useful.
- Extra long bed: A bonus!
- Free bottled water: I actually got a bunch.
- Hair dryer: Great.
- High floor: Nice view.
- In-room safe box: Great.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good.
- Internet access – LAN: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Solid.
- **Ironing
Teruel, My Love (and Occasional Headache): A Messy Adventure
Alright, so, Teruel. Who even goes to Teruel, right? My friends practically choked on their tapas when I announced this trip. "Teruel? Isn't that… in Spain?" (eye roll). But hey, I needed a break from the relentless Instagram influencer crowd of Barcelona (seriously, are avocado toasts the only food group now?), and a friend raved about the Mudejar architecture. Plus, Apartamentos Puerta Muralla looked charming, promising a slice of real Spanish life. Famous last words, those.
Day 1: Arrival… and the Great Key Hunt (or, How I Almost Slept in the Plaza)
3:00 PM: Arrived in Teruel via the, shall we say, rustic train from Valencia. Picture this: ancient seats that probably predate the Spanish Civil War, a symphony of coughing, and the lingering aroma of… well, let's just say it wasn't lavender. My backpack felt heavier than a small child at this point.
3:30 PM: Found Apartamentos Puerta Muralla. Charming from the outside, like a postcard. Now, the instructions for key collection? Let's just say "cryptic" would be an understatement. After pacing the cobblestone streets for a solid 45 minutes, nearly giving myself a stress-induced nosebleed, I finally managed to decipher the cryptic message. "Look for the… hidden gnome? No, that gnome! And the… red door?…" Seriously, it could have been a treasure hunt by Indiana Jones.
- Emotional Reaction: Complete. And. Utter. Frustration. My phone battery was at 10%, my feet ached, and I was picturing myself curled up on a bench in the Plaza del Torico (don't even get me started on that plaza – it's a beautiful bull statue, by the way. Just the bull, in the middle of the square, no bullfighting, not even a rodeo, just…the bull)
4:15 PM: Victory! I finally got the key! The apartment was even better than the pictures. Tiny, but with a balcony overlooking the winding medieval streets. Score! Though, I am still suspicious about the gnome.
5:00 PM: Unpacked, showered (bliss!), and then… the water heater gave out. Not a full give-out, more of a, "Hey, I'll give you like 2 minutes of hot water, tops, then it's freezing showers for you!" I did not know that this apartment would have this kind of drama unfolding.
- Quirky Observation/Emotional Reaction: "Welcome to Spain, you freezing, slightly disgruntled American."
5:30 PM: Slogged down the street to try to report the problem. I had a vague translation of the problem written in Spanish, but I still don't understand why it had to take me 3 tries to make the person understand what I meant by "water heater".
6:30 PM: Walked along the streets of Teruel. It was like stepping back in time. The architecture was amazing. The amount of small shops still selling traditional crafts from some 100 to 200 years ago amazed me.
- Opinionated language: The architecture in Teruel is amazing. It would seem that the Moors are still ruling the city.
7:00 PM: Ate at the restaurant recommended by the apartment owner. The food was very good, but it got very crowded as time went. I was too tired to keep it very long.
Day 2: Mudejar Madness and My Love Affair with Jamón
9:00 AM: Finally, a HOT shower! The water heater gods must have been appeased. Coffee on my balcony, watching the city wake up. Life is good. Until the construction noise started across the street. Seriously, what IS it with construction in Europe?
9:30 AM: Breakfast at a café. My Spanish is still shaky. I ordered something that sounded like "tortilla con something", ended up with a potato omelet that tasted like heaven. I can't stop thinking about it! So. Delicious.
Rambling: Tortilla! Oh, sweet, eggy, potato-y goodness. In Madrid, it was just good. Here, it was an experience. This is why you travel, right? To eat different things, new flavors, new experiences. Not just the avocado toasts (I'm still not over seeing avocado toast everywhere.)
Opinionated language: If you don't like potato omelets, then you're a bad person. I don't care, it's just that good.
10:30 AM: Mudejar Architecture Tour. Honestly, the architecture in this town is crazy. The details! The colors! The entire place is a testament to the Moorish influence. I spent about two hours just pointing and saying, "Ooh!" and "Wow!" The tour guide was a gem – so passionate! I even pretended to understand some of the technical jargon.
1:00 PM: Lunch. More jamón. I'm becoming a jamón addict. It's a problem. But a delicious problem. Found a tiny little shop with the most amazing selection. The owner looked at me with a smile as I ordered another plate. "You like jamón, eh?" he asked. "I love jamón," I replied, practically drooling.
- Doubling Down: Jamón. Jamón. JAMÓN. I could write a novel about jamón. The texture, the saltiness, the delicate dance on your tongue. I'm going to need a bigger suitcase. Seriously, this shop owner had varieties I didn't even know existed. And the best: the cheese! It was out of this world!
2:30 PM: The Lovers of Teruel Mausoleum. Now this is a story! The tragic tale of Diego and Isabel. Absolutely crushing. I almost cried. Okay, I did cry. There's a statue of the lovers, perfectly sculpted, but the story? A total tearjerker. Honestly, the whole experience was pretty depressing.
- Messy Structure: The statues were great. The story? Crushing. I had to go for a walk after this. Everyone should come.
5:00 PM: Wandered and got lost. The best part of exploring a new city, right? I went from one narrow street to the next, trying to remember what they were called to later remember and tell everyone the directions.
7:00 PM: Dinner. More jamón, obviously.
Day 3: Wandering Around and Heading Out
- 9:00 AM: One last stroll through the Plaza del Torico. The bull is growing on me. Actually, I like the fact that it's only the bull itself, in complete silence.
- 10:00 AM: Visited one of the museums I missed yesterday. The art wasn't bad.
- 12:00 PM: Sadly, I had to pack. My flight was soon so I needed to go.
- 1:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found some lovely ceramics.
- 2:00 PM: Left for the train station.
- 3:00 PM: On the train. Heading away.
Final Thoughts:
Teruel. It's not perfect. There are moments of frustration, the slightly off-putting smell of the train, and the struggle of finding the apartment. But the beauty, the history, the jamón… it's all worth it. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Maybe. Depends on how well you handle cryptic keys, cold showers, and a potential jamón addiction. Honestly, I'm already planning my return. Maybe I'll go straight to the jamón shop this time. And find out more about the gnome.
Rating:
- Architecture: 10/10 (Mudejar Magic)
- Jamón: 11/10 (Seriously, it's that good)
- Ease of Travel: 6/10 (Bring your patience and a translator app)
- Overall Experience: 9/10 (Would definitely get lost again)
And remember: Don't forget to try the potato omelet!
Escape to Paradise: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Teruel Apartments: Puerta Muralla's Hidden Gem! (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cobblestones) - FAQs, Rants, and Rambles
So, What Actually *Is* "Puerta Muralla"? Sounds like something from a fantasy novel...
Okay, okay, you got me. "Puerta Muralla" *does* sound like something out of a Tolkien novel. It's actually the name of the building housing these Teruel apartments, and it’s right smack-dab next to a medieval city gate in the heart of Teruel. Imagine stepping out your door and BAM! History. Cobblestones. And a distinct feeling like you've accidentally wandered onto the set of "Game of Thrones." (Minus the, you know, dragons and constant threat of beheading. Mostly.) It's the kind of place that makes you want to dust off your rusty Spanish and pretend you're a local, even if, like me, you butcher the pronunciation of "churros con chocolate" within the first five seconds.
I remember the first time I saw it. The pictures online were gorgeous – those exposed brick walls, those balconies overlooking the city… My expectations were dangerously high. And, for the most part, they were met! ...Except for the fact that I nearly twisted my ankle on the way in. Those darn cobblestones... more on that later.
Are the Apartments Really as Charming as They Look in the Photos?
Mostly! Look, let's be real, travel photos are like Instagram filters for reality. They make the food look ten times tastier, your friends look ten times more sophisticated, and your temporary accommodation… well, we’ve all seen *those* Airbnb nightmares. But honestly? Puerta Muralla is pretty darn close to the photos. I mean, the exposed brick? Check. The cozy, slightly-rustic-but-still-modern vibe? Check. The feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a secret hideaway? Double-check.
The *one* thing the photos don't always capture? The *slight* wonkiness of it all. Think old buildings, which means, well, things aren't always perfectly level. The floors might creak. The doors might stick. My bathroom, for some reason, had a tiny, tiny window, which, if I'm being honest, I'm pretty sure led directly to… a different apartment? I never quite figured that out. But hey, that's charm!
Okay, Tell Me About the Location. Is it Actually Good?
The location is… both fantastic and a minor form of cardio. Imagine the center of Teruel, right? You're right *there*. Restaurants are a stone's throw away (literally, if you're a particularly good stone-thrower). Tapas bars? Abundant. The famous Lovers of Teruel sculpture? A short, picturesque walk. You can practically *smell* the history. It's that good.
BUT (and there’s always a but, isn't there?), it's Teruel. Which means hills. And cobblestones. And more hills. And more cobblestones. So, if you're packing a suitcase the size of a small car, or if you're not a huge fan of a workout disguised as a casual stroll, be warned. My calves were screaming a little by the end of my trip. And the cobblestones… oh, the cobblestones. They're beautiful, genuinely, but they're also the mortal enemy of anyone wearing anything other than sturdy boots. I learned this the hard way – after attempting to navigate them in, ahem, *fashionable* sandals and nearly taking a header into a delicious-looking tapas bar. Embarrassing, but I'd highly recommend it... they had croquettes.
What About the Amenities? Was the Wi-Fi Okay? (Because, let's be honest, that's important...)
Okay, okay… the Wi-Fi. Yes, it existed. And, praise the internet gods, it was reasonably reliable. I managed to upload some photos (mostly of food, naturally), and even streamed a movie or two. So, thumbs up on the Wi-Fi front.
The apartments themselves are generally well-equipped. You'll find a kitchen (which I mostly used for making coffee and warming up leftovers… I was on holiday, after all!), a washing machine (thank heavens, after all that walking!), and a decent bathroom. They even had… wait for it… a hairdryer! A small victory, but a victory nonetheless. They had the basics, and that's what matters, right? But don’t expect a dishwasher. Or a Nespresso machine. Or, you know, a butler. This isn't a five-star hotel. This is a charming, slightly-rustic apartment in the heart of Teruel.
Is It a Good Choice for Families?
Hmm… that’s a tricky one. It *could* be, depending on your family. The apartments are generally spacious, which is a plus. The location is incredibly convenient for sightseeing, which is also great when you're trying to wrangle restless kids. And there's a playground nearby, I think? I didn’t have kids with me, so I can only go off of what I saw.
However, let's consider the cobblestones. Pushing a stroller would be an exercise in pure, unadulterated masochism. The hills, too. And the fact that the apartments are in an old building. If your children are the type to run around and scream and generally wreak havoc (and let's face it, many children *are* that type!), you might find yourself constantly worried about disturbing the other guests. You know what? Maybe try a hotel with a bit more soundproofing. Unless, of course, your kids are zen masters in disguise. In which case, go for it!
Any Downsides? Like, Seriously, What's the Catch?
Okay, fine. Here's the unvarnished truth. The downsides… let’s not call them "downsides," let's call them "quirky realities of staying in a charming, historical building"… are a couple of things.
First, the noise. Teruel is a lively city, and the apartments are right in the thick of it. Expect to hear the occasional chatter of people outside, the clatter of dishes from the nearby restaurants, the distant strumming of a guitar… and, on one particularly memorable night, a very enthusiastic karaoke rendition of "Livin' on a Prayer" that seemed to last for hours. Earplugs are your friends. Trust me. I learned this the hard way. (And yes, I did consider going out and joining them... it sounded *amazing*.)
Second, the parking. Parking in Teruel in general is a bit of a nightmare. Parking near the apartments? Even more so. Be prepared to walk a bit (remember those hills?), or to potentially circle the block a few times before finding a suitable spot. Or, like me, park illegally and then spend the entire timeSerene Getaways
