San Sebastián's BEST Kept Secret? Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel Review!
San Sebastián's BEST Kept Secret? Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel Review!
San Sebastián's Not-So-Secret Secret: My Rollercoaster Ride at the Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel
Okay, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" is a massive overstatement. Anyone who's googled "San Sebastian hotels with a view" has probably stumbled upon the Mercure Monte Igueldo. But hey, that doesn't mean it isn't worth a visit! Prepare for a rambling, opinionated dissection of my recent stay – the good, the questionable, and the utterly magnificent. Buckle up, buttercups.
First Impressions: View, Damn! (and Some Mild Panic)
Driving up to Monte Igueldo is an experience. Narrow, winding roads and the increasing anticipation… and then BAM! The hotel. Perched atop the mountain, overlooking the breathtaking Bay of La Concha. Seriously, the view is the star. Forget all the other stuff for a moment; that vista alone is worth, like, half the price of the room. (Okay, maybe a quarter.)
My first thought? "Wow." My second? "I hope I packed enough Dramamine for this mountain." The access to the hotel is mostly accessible, by the way. There's an elevator, which is a lifesaver, since the entrance isn't exactly ground level. Accessibility: They try! It’s not perfect, but it's a decent effort given the location. I'd rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5 for wheelchair users, with the caveat that some areas might be tricky on uneven terrain (think a bit of a hike to the pool if you're on wheels).
Check-in Chaos and the Illusion of Calm
Services and Conveniences: Check-in was… interesting. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out are advertised, and… well, they try. But it took a bit longer than "express," primarily because the poor receptionist was clearly swamped. Bless her heart. There was a slight language barrier (my Spanish is… let’s say, developing), so expect a bit of a wait. This probably isn't the hotel for a super-urgent, gotta-be-there-RIGHT-NOW business trip, even with their Business facilities.
Rooms: Promises and Delivery
The rooms? Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, wi-fi [free], window that opens… They've covered the basics, that's for sure.
My room was decent, but not amazing. The Additional toilet was a plus (always is!), and the Wi-Fi [free] actually worked, which is a win in my book. However, I was slightly disappointed that the Room decorations weren't quite as glamorous as the photos online. It felt a bit… functional. A bit… beige. Where's the pizazz? Come on, Mercure! Give me some personality!
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Era Paranoia Relief
Okay, this is where the Mercure really shines. They've clearly taken the pandemic seriously. Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment… it’s all there. I felt genuinely safe. The staff were diligent with masks, and everything felt sparkling. This is definitely a big plus in these times.
And speaking of breakfast…
Dining Delights (and Disappointments)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, the food. This is where things get… varied. Breakfast [buffet]… it was… a buffet. Good, but not mind-blowing. The pastries were decent, the coffee was passable (could have been stronger!) and the Asian breakfast option felt a bit tacked on. I’m not sure why you’d eat Asian food for breakfast in Spain, even if it is offered! The Vegetarian restaurant wasn't my cup of tea (the options were limited). The Restaurants, plural, are actually a fairly decent offering, with a Poolside bar making for a delightful afternoon. A Snack bar is also available.
However, let's talk about that room service. Room service [24-hour] is a blessing and a curse. The first night, I ordered a simple salad. It arrived quickly, and was fresh. The second night? A different story. My order disappeared into the ether. Apparently, there was a mix-up, and I never got my food. (They were apologetic, and comped the meal later, but still. Hungry is hungry!) It's a gamble, people. A gamble.
The Spa and Relaxation: A Touch of Bliss (Mostly)
Things to do, ways to relax: Okay, the spa. This, my friends, is where the Mercure almost redeemed itself. The Pool with view is, again, a showstopper. That view! I spent a lazy afternoon floating around, just soaking it all in. Then there's the spa itself: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom. Excellent. The massage was heavenly. Seriously. The masseuse was a wizard. I almost drifted off into a blissful nap, which is a sign of a good massage, right? But the real highlight? The sauna. The perfect place to sweat out whatever baggage you've brought with you.
The Gym and Fitness: Squeezing In a Workout (If You Dare)
I'm not much of a gym bunny, but I did peek into the Fitness center. It was… adequate. Gym/fitness is provided… equipment-wise, it was a bit sparse. Okay for a quick workout but not for a serious gym goer.
The View: Still Worth It.
Ultimately? Despite the minor hiccups, the Mercure Monte Igueldo is a worthwhile stay, especially if you snag a room with a good view. The staff are generally friendly, the cleaning standards are impeccable, and the location is simply stunning.
The Verdict:
- Overall: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for the uneven room service and slightly bland room décor.)
- Would I return? Absolutely. But I’d probably bring my own snacks (just in case!).
- Best for: Couples wanting a romantic getaway, anyone wanting a spectacular view.
- Worst for: Those who demand perfection, or anyone who needs a super-fast Wi-Fi connection.
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Meta Description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of the Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel in San Sebastián, Spain! From the breathtaking views to the questionable room service, get the inside scoop on this iconic hotel. Accessibility, Spa, Pool & More!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because here's an itinerary for Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo, Spain, that's less "polished brochure" and more "scribbled on the back of a napkin after too much txakoli."
The (Un)Official San Sebastián & Monte Igueldo Adventure (AKA: Pray for Me)
Day 1: Arrival & Panic! (aka “Where’s the Ferry?”)
- 9:00 AM (Or thereabouts): Land in Bilbao. Oh, the relief! I've never been so happy to kiss the ground… even the airport ground. The drive across the countryside. I'm already getting that "Spanish sun on my face" vibe.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo. First impressions? Stunning. Seriously, the views from this place… gasp-worthy. And the hotel itself? Not bad either, though, it's already giving me the "slightly-too-fancy-for-my-sweatpants" vibe.
- 1:00 PM: Check in. Try and fail to look sophisticated while fumbling with my passport. Discover my room is on the third floor… guess the stairs are an option for the workout, though, after the journey, I will not.
- 2:00 PM: Reconnaissance mission: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. I swear, ordering “the local specialty” often leads to either culinary genius or utter, horrifying disaster. Today, it's… decent. Nothing to write home about (yet), but the view is spectacular, and for that, I'm grateful.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the hotel grounds. Find the funicular. This is it. The key to my view. But is it working? That's the question.
- 3:30 PM: The funicular is working! I take the first climb. I get to the top and the views are breathtaking.
- 4:30 PM: Wander aimlessly around Mount Igueldo. It's a theme park! Who knew? Rides, arcades… and I'm already considering the practicality of a giant roller coaster at the top of a mountain. It's the perfect place to think.
- 6:00 PM: The sun starts going down. The colours hit the sky, and I feel a connection to this moment.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a pintxo bar nearby. Oh, the pintxos! So much to choose from. So much to eat. And yes, I already feel the delightful, over-full sensation of a successful pintxo crawl.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Exhausted. Happy. Possibly slightly tipsy. Tomorrow? More adventures. Or maybe just more pintxos. I’ll make a decision later.
Day 2: San Sebastián, San Sebastián! (and the Battle of the Beach)
- 9:00 AM (or, you know, whenever I feel like it): Breakfast at the hotel. This is the perfect excuse for my day. I sit, looking out the window, just thinking.
- 10:00 AM: Head down the funicular into San Sebastián. Holy moly, this city is beautiful. I am completely and utterly smitten already. This place is a movie set.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to locate La Concha beach. "Just follow the crowds," they said. "You can't miss it," they said. Yeah, well, apparently, I can miss it because I wandered around for a good hour, muttering to myself and generally embarrassing myself.
- 12:00 PM: La Concha ACHIEVED! Okay, so, the beach is spectacular. But the water is… Baltic. Still, I wade in. For about 30 seconds. Brrr!
- 12:30 PM: Pintxo round No. 2. This time, a little place tucked away in the old quarter. The jamón? Divine. The croquettes? Perfection. My inner food critic is extremely happy. I'm pretty sure I could live on pintxos alone.
- 2:00 PM: A long walk on La Concha beach. Taking pictures of the people around me, laughing, smiling.
- 3:00 PM: Shopping time! I try to resist souvenir shops. And fail. Miserably.
- 4:00 PM: Return to the hotel. After the walk, I head back up into the funicular. I admire the view above as I head back to the hotel. It's the perfect excuse to sit down and think about how beautiful San Sebastián is.
- 6:00 PM: A nap. The beach and the pintxos were a winning combination.
- 7:30 PM: An hour on the outside. I enjoy the weather and my surroundings.
- 8:30 PM: Dinner. This time, a slightly fancier place. I order the seafood paella. Is it authentic? Probably not. But it's damn delicious. Then, I remember the pintxos. I go back for more, and have a few drinks along the way.
- 10:00 PM: Stumble back to the hotel, happy and content. Tomorrow? More of the same, I hope.
Day 3: The Monte Igueldo Obsession & Departure (AKA: I Never Want to Leave!)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast with the view. I cannot get enough of this view.
- 10:00 AM: Last Exploration of Monte Igueldo. Maybe I'll even try a ride at the theme park! Maybe not. But I walk around, enjoying the view.
- 12:00 PM: Packing. The dreaded task. I'm already mourning the fact that I have to leave this beautiful place.
- 1:00 PM: Last Lunch. One last pintxo crawl before I have to leave!
- 3:00 PM: Check out, with a heavy heart. The staff seem nice, but I haven't actually bothered to learn a single word of Spanish. Pathetic, I know.
- 4:00 PM: Head to the airport. One last glimpse of the city.
- 6:00 PM: Flight. Goodbye, Spain. I will be back.
Post-Trip Thoughts (written on the plane, fueled by wine):
San Sebastián and Monte Igueldo…WOW. Beyond the stunning beauty, the food was amazing, the people were friendly, and I managed to relax. It’s a place that somehow managed to feel both luxurious and laid-back at the same time. The hotel, despite my initial "sweatpants" reservations, really did grow on me. Yes, I probably ate too many pintxos. Yes, I probably walked around looking completely bewildered at times. But here's the thing: I wouldn't trade a single, messy, imperfect, absolutely human moment for anything. This trip was pure magic. And I'm already plotting my return.
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Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel Review: The "Secret" That Doesn't Quite Stay Secret (But Still Kinda Should) - My Honest Rant
Okay, spill the beans. Is this place REALLY the best kept secret in San Sebastián?
Alright, alright, settle down! "Best kept secret" is a bit of an overblown marketing ploy, let's be honest. The Mercure Monte Igueldo isn't some hidden, dusty shack that you need a secret handshake to enter. It's actually...pretty well-known. But! Here’s the deal. It's not *everybody’s* go-to. And that, my friends, is its saving grace. You get this incredible vista, almost a 360-degree view of the Bay of La Concha, the Atlantic, and the city sprawling below. Seriously, the *view* alone almost made me weep. Almost. I'm not a crier. Unless the tiny bar fridge in the room *isn’t* stocked with proper txakoli, then I might just silently sob.
Let's talk about the location. Is it a pain in the butt to get to?
Okay, honest moment. Getting *up* to Monte Igueldo – the mountain on which this hotel sits – is a bit of a journey. You can take the funicular – which is charming as heck, and costs a few euros – or if you’ve got a car, you can drive (winding roads, hold on tight!). We, being the savvy tourists, decided on the funicular. It's an experience, a vintage contraption clanking its way up the side of the mountain. But once you're *there*…oh man. The air is different. The light is different. You feel above the city. Literally and figuratively. It's worth the slight logistical hassle. Just remember to check the funicular’s operating hours. I almost got stranded up there once, and it involved some serious tap-dancing with a very grumpy Spanish waiter who didn't speak English. Not my finest hour.
The rooms! What are they like? Are they worth the price?
Alright, rooms. Let's be real. They’re… solid. They're clean, the beds were comfy (a huge plus!), and the view from *every single room* is the main event. Don't expect a luxurious, over-the-top experience. This isn't the place for gold-plated anything. The decor is… functional. Think "comfortable, slightly dated, and totally overlooking a postcard." The price is… well, it fluctuates. Check the rates! It's sometimes a steal, sometimes a little pricier. But that view… that’s the thing you're paying for. Seriously. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, convinced I was dreaming. And if you get a room with a balcony? GOLD. Pure gold. My advice: book the room *with* the balcony, even if it means eating instant noodles for a week beforehand. You won't regret it.
The pool? Tell me about the pool! Is it Instagram-worthy?
Okay, the pool. Ugh. It's a bit of a mixed bag, I have to admit. The *view* from the pool? Unbeatable. Seriously, you feel like you're swimming on top of the world. The pool itself? It's… fine. Nothing spectacular but definitely a welcome respite after a day navigating the pintxo bars. And yes, it is Instagram-worthy. Just make sure you get there early to snag a sunbed. I’m talking before the crack of dawn. Those sunbeds are like gold dust. And the noise! Oh god, the noise! Don't expect serenity. If you're easily annoyed by kids splashing or the endless chatter of other tourists, this might be your downfall. Bring earplugs and a serious dose of Zen. Or, you know, a giant margarita. Works wonders.
Food and drink. How's the restaurant and bar?
Alright, let's talk fuel. The restaurant… look, the food is good. It's not Michelin-star amazing, but it's perfectly acceptable, and the service is generally quite friendly, if a little… leisurely. The view from the restaurant? Again, mind-blowing. Seriously, the theme of this place is "amazing views," in case you hadn't noticed. We had a particularly good paella one night. And a particularly *bad* one the next (consistency is key, people!). The bar is a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. They do a decent gin and tonic. And that's a *must* before wandering the city. However, the bar service can get a bit… slow, especially when it's busy. Pro-tip: learn a few basic Spanish phrases – it helps. Trust me. I once had to mime ordering a beer for about five minutes. It was less than graceful, but I got my beer.
Is there anything else about the hotel (or San Sebastián) people should know?
Here's the thing. San Sebastián itself? Absolute magic. The Mercure Monte Igueldo just gives you the *best* possible vantage point from which to enjoy it. Seriously, wander around the old town, sample all the pintxos, take a dip at La Concha beach (that’s the beautiful shell-shaped beach you're staring at), and climb Mount Urgull for even *more* amazing views. San Sebastián is a truly special place, and this hotel, despite its minor flaws, provides an excellent base for exploring it.
And one more thing: pack comfy shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking. And don't forget sunscreen! And maybe learn a *little* Spanish. And…oh, just go! Go to San Sebastián! And if you can snag a room at the Mercure Monte Igueldo, even better. You might not find a "best kept secret," but what you *will* find is a truly unforgettable experience. Just try not to get stranded on a mountain again, okay? (Said to myself).
A single experience that REALLY stuck with you?
Okay, brace yourselves. This is going to get a little… embarrassing. There's a reason I'm still talking about this hotel. It's not just the views, the okay pool, the mostly okay food. It’s the time I tried to order a coffee. In Spanish. And utterly failed.
I'd been trying to sound more confident, and, for some reason, I thought I was being clever. I marched up to the bar, head held high, and attempted to order "Un café, por favor." Simple, right? Apparently, the barista (who, by the way, looked like a brooding Spanish god) understood not a single syllable.
He stared. I stammered. I repeated myself, louder this time. Nothing. Panic started to set in. I started gesturing wildly, pointing at the espresso machine, miming the act of drinking. He looked puzzled, and honestly? Like he was about to call security.
Finally, in desperation, I blurted out something that *I thought* meant "coffee, please," but whichLuxury Escape: Xianyang's Shell Hotel Near Sanyuan Bus Station!
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