Escape to Italy: Family Fun at El Cid Campeador Hotel!
Escape to Italy: Family Fun at El Cid Campeador Hotel!
Escape to Italy… or, My Chaotic Adventure at El Cid Campeador (and Why I'm Still Dreaming of the Poolside Bar)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans – and the sfogliatella crumbs – on my recent family adventure at the El Cid Campeador Hotel. Let me preface this by saying: Italy. Family. Chaos. But also: Pure. Bliss. Somewhere in the middle, you'll find a hotel review. Maybe.
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Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Accessibility is a HUGE deal for us. My amazing Aunt Millie uses a wheelchair, and scouting a hotel that actually gets accessibility can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. I'm happy to report that El Cid Campeador makes a darn good attempt. Wheelchair accessible rooms were available (we double-checked!), and getting around the public areas seemed mostly doable. The elevators were, thankfully, operational (whew!), and the hallways were generally wide enough. However, maneuvering sometimes felt…tight. There were a few ramps, but the occasional steep incline proved a bit challenging. Look, it’s Italy. Perfection is a myth. But the effort was there, and that counted for a lot. My aunt really enjoyed the elevator! I remember her face lighting up.
Internet – because, let’s be honest, we all need to Instagram that perfectly posed gelato shot - Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And, thank the heavens, in the public areas too!) Internet [LAN] was also available, in case you’re old school like my dad. The Wi-Fi, however, was a bit… temperamental, let's say. Some days were smoother than a freshly made tiramisu, other days… well, let’s just say I felt like I was back in the dial-up era. But hey, it's Rome. You're not going to be glued to your phone the whole time, right? Right?! (I say, scrolling through photos of the pool… more on that later.)
Cleanliness and safety were top of mind (as they should be, post-pandemic). I appreciated the obvious efforts. Anti-viral cleaning products were in use, and there was daily disinfection in common areas. Also, staff trained in safety protocol – you could see they were trying. Hand sanitizer dispensers abounded, and the sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me some peace of mind. I even noticed there were individually-wrapped food options at breakfast. They also had a doctor/nurse on call--you never know. I loved the constant reminders about physical distancing as well!
Dining, drinking, and snacking…Oh, Italy! This is where El Cid Campeador really shines. And, I’m not even sure if shining is strong enough! The cornerstone of the hotel's greatness is the poolside bar. (Sorry, I'm not sorry, I'm leading with this.) Picture this: the Roman sun, dappling through the olive trees… a refreshing Aperol Spritz in hand… the sounds of laughter and splashing… and that view! Seriously, the pool with a view is practically legendary. I spent an embarrassing amount of time there. Embarrassing. I even snuck away from the family, after a particularly stressful morning of trying to figure out the train system, to just… breathe. Best decision ever.
The restaurants themselves were pretty darn good, too. The breakfast buffet deserves a medal. And the coffee shop was a lifesaver for those morning caffeine cravings. They offered Western breakfast and Asian breakfast options. While my heart still belongs to the poolside bar, the food at the hotel was amazing. The desserts? Forget about it. I gained five pounds just looking at the menu, but you know what? Worth it.
We enjoyed the A la carte in restaurant and the buffet in restaurant for dinner. They also had options for alternative meal arrangement.
Things to do, ways to relax… Okay, so the hotel had a whole host of ways to pamper yourself. There was a spa, with a sauna, steamroom, massage services, and even body scrub and body wrap treatments. Alas, my budget (and my kids’ needs!) didn’t quite stretch to that. However, I did manage a very quick dip in the swimming pool [outdoor], which was bliss. They also had a Fitness center, which I bravely glanced at once (and then promptly retreated to the aforementioned poolside bar).
For the kids, there was a babysitting service (which we didn’t use, because… hello, family vacation!), but the hotel was definitely family/child friendly. They had kids facilities and even kids meal options. My kids loved the swimming pool – needless to say!
Services and conveniences: The hotel offered a laundry list of services. They had concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, a convenience store, luggage storage, safe deposit boxes, and dry cleaning, which came in handy after a particularly messy gelato incident. They even offered food delivery! The elevator was helpful when the stroller needed to be lifted.
Getting around: Conveniently, they offer airport transfer which we gladly took. They also have car park [free of charge] and valet parking on-site. The hotel made getting around Rome relatively easy. The taxi service was super helpful for those times when we just couldn't face another bus.
Available in all rooms: The rooms were perfectly fine. They all had air conditioning (Praise the heavens!), free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker and mini bar, along with a safety/security feature, safe box, and the usual amenities. Some rooms had a terrace --very nice.
(Rambling Time!) Okay, so, the hotel wasn't perfect. The bathroom in our room (the kids' room) was a little… compact. Like, you had to shimmy sideways to not bump into the sink. And the Wi-Fi, as I mentioned, was a bit of a crapshoot. But honestly? Those were minor quibbles. The location was great, the staff was friendly (even when dealing with our chaos), and the pool… the pool! That’s what I’ll remember. The way the sun hit the water, the taste of that Aperol Spritz, the feeling of utter relaxation…
(The Verdict): El Cid Campeador is a solid choice for a family trip to Rome – especially if you value Accessibility and want a hotel that gets the needs of a family. It's not flawless, but it’s charming, reasonably priced, and has a damn good poolside bar. Is it perfect? No. Is it memorable? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I’m already planning my return. Just… maybe I'll book two weeks next time, just to be safe. El Cid Campeador: Four out of five cannoli! (Taking one point off for the iffy Wi-Fi and the slightly tight bathroom.)
Escape to Paradise: Hillstone Inn Tulare's Unforgettable Getaway
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups! You're in for a rollercoaster ride through my "almost-perfect" vacation to El Cid Campeador - Family Hotel in Bellaria-Igea Marina. Prepare for a schedule that's more like a suggestion, seasoned with a healthy dose of Italian chaos and my own unique brand of travel neuroses.
El Cid Campeador: My Italian Odyssey (or, "How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gluten")
Day 1: Arrival & the "Screaming Sardine" Situation (and Italian Ice Cream, obviously)
Morning: The flight. Let's just say it involved a crying toddler, a window seat I didn't actually want, and the lingering scent of airplane peanuts. Arriving at the hotel…well, the pictures online were slightly better than reality. But hey, the sun was shining, and the beach was calling. The hotel reception guy, Fabio, was a total babe. He gave me the key and told me to "Enjoy!" and I nearly swooned.
Afternoon: Unpacking. Always a logistical nightmare. My suitcase exploded its contents like a poorly constructed piñata. Managed to wrestle everything into something resembling order. Lunch. Oh, the pasta! First impressions of the hotel restaurant: a bit chaotic, but the food… Mamma Mia! (And yes, I already violated my "low-carb" resolution).
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Beach recon. The sand! Glorious, golden sand. The sea was a beautiful teal color, and my inner child instantly re-emerged. Found a sun lounger, and then things went downhill. There were so many people! It was like a scene out of a…I don't know, a screaming sardine can? The waves were too much for my delicate temperament. Gave up.
Evening: Pre-dinner aperitivo… IT WAS ICE CREAM!!! The gelato place down the street had flavors I could only dream of. Pistachio, hazelnut, Stracciatella. I ate approximately three scoops. Dinner was a blur of pasta, pizza, and me desperately trying to remember some of my pathetic Italian. Eventually, I settled on "Grazie!" being my go-to response.
Day 2: Beach Days, Pizza, and the "Great Towel Heist"
Morning: Woke up to the sound of seagulls and the faint scent of…seaweed mixed with something else. Breakfast at the hotel. The bread was AMAZING. I am pretty sure I ate an entire loaf. Decided to be a beach bum, armed with sunscreen and a book I probably wouldn't read.
Mid-Morning: Attempted to conquer the crowded beach again. Managed to secure a prime lounger (Victory!), and then… the "Great Towel Heist" happened. Someone, SOMEONE snatched my towel. I spent a good 20 minutes muttering curses under my breath and glaring at anyone who even remotely resembled a towel thief. (Spoiler alert: I never found my towel).
Lunch: Pizza. We found a little family-run pizzeria off the main drag. The pizza was insane. Thin crust, bubbly cheese, and the most delicious tomato sauce I've ever tasted. The owner, a tiny, apron-clad woman, kept pinching my cheeks and calling me "bella". I was in love.
Afternoon: Beach-adjacent activities. Gave up on sunbathing and joined the hustle and bustle. Then, just kind of wandered, taking it all in.
Evening: Dinner. Some more pasta. Some more wine. I may or may not have started conversations with strangers that may or may not have included me gesticulating wildly. Sleep comes quick.
Day 3: The Market, The Ferris Wheel, and "The Almost-Disaster"
Morning: Market day! The local market. Fruits, vegetables – glorious, vibrant, everything I wanted to buy. The smells. The energy! It was overwhelming but amazing!
Mid-Morning: The Ferris Wheel. My favorite thing! So magical. I decided I wanted to do this as many times as possible.
Lunch: Back at the hole, but this time I tried some of the local, fresh fruits. Some things I can't pronounce, some things I could not eat, but the rest was amazing.
Afternoon: The "Almost-Disaster." I decided to attempt a cooking class at the hotel. I thought I'd excel. NOPE. I nearly set the kitchen on fire while trying to make tiramisu. The chef, a very patient man, just sighed and took over. He's cute, too. (Note to self: stick to eating, not cooking).
Evening: Dinner in-house. The chef (the cute one) gave me extra tiramisu. What a guy!
Day 4: Day Trip & "The Lost Wallet Incident"
Morning: Organized a day trip to Ravenna. It was beautiful! Stunning mosaics, glorious history and I felt inspired!
Mid-Morning: The "Lost Wallet Incident." It was about as dramatic as it sounds. Panic, tears, more Italian than I thought I knew, and then… it turned out to be in my other purse. Facepalm. Lesson learned: always double-check your bags.
Lunch: A charming little trattoria in Ravenna, where I scarfed down a delicious plate of pasta, desperately trying to salvage my dignity.
Afternoon: More sight-seeing. Ravenna's back story. I was in awe.
Evening: Back to the hotel. I fell asleep before dinner.
Day 5: Last Day & Heartbreak, and Packing Like A Pro (Sort Of)
- Morning: Sun, sand, and a desperate attempt to soak up every last drop of Italian sunshine. My heart was breaking just a little bit.
Mid-Morning: Tried to find the owner of the lost towel, failed.
Lunch: One last pizza. One last gelato. Sob.
Afternoon: Packing. A nightmare. My suitcase looked like it had been attacked by a clothes monster. Managed to get it zipped. No way it would survive the flight home.
Late Afternoon: Checking out. Fabio's absence. Say goodbye to Fabio for me…(sniff).
Evening: The trip home. The long flight, the sad realization that real life was waiting.
Reflections & Lessons Learned:
- Italian food is an addictive drug.
- Never trust your suitcase after a week of holiday.
- Always carry spare towels.
- The best memories aren't in the "perfect" moments, they're in the messy ones.
- I need to brush up on my Italian. (Or just keep saying "Grazie!")
Ciao, Bellaria-Igea Marina. You were a whirlwind of sunshine, pasta, and questionable decisions. I'll be back one day…when I've learned to pack properly and can find my towel.
Sydney's BEST Backpacker? Nate's Place Awaits!
Escape to Italy: El Cid Campeador Hotel - FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, You Need More Than Just Brochure Speak)
Okay, spill the beans. Is El Cid Campeador REALLY family-friendly, or is "family-friendly" code for "screaming kids everywhere"?
Alright, buckle up, because the truth is a wild ride. Yes, El Cid Campeador *tries* to be family-friendly. They plaster that word all over their website, right? "Family-friendly!" "Perfect for kids!" And on a *basic* level, sure. There's a kids' pool, a playground, and they offer high chairs. But let's talk reality, shall we?
It's like...imagine a slightly chaotic but well-intentioned aunt who tries to organize a family reunion. You're *grateful* for the effort, but things aren't always smooth. During peak season? Forget about peace. The kids' pool? More like a splash zone of epic proportions. Honestly, I saw one kid try to build a sandcastle using a half-eaten gelato cone. The playground? Pretty basic, unless you count the endless squabbles over the swing set.
My advice? Go off-season, or embrace the chaos. Pack earplugs. And maybe a flask of something strong. Just saying.
The food! Is it actually good? Or is it the dreaded "hotel buffet" situation?
Ugh, the food. This is a mixed bag, people. The dreaded buffet? Oh, it's there alright. Row upon row of... well, let's be kind and call it "variety." Breakfast was usually okay, the pastries were actually pretty decent. But lunch and dinner? It could veer into "meh" territory pretty quickly. I swear, the pasta sauce tasted suspiciously like it came from a giant can. I saw a kid once try to feed a raw carrot to a pigeon. I think I still have PTSD.
But, BUT, there were glimmers of hope! The little trattoria-style a la carte restaurant they have? *That* was a lifesaver. Real, honest-to-goodness Italian food: pasta, pizzas, the works. And the *gelato*...oh, the gelato. Worth every single calorie. Seriously, I think I gained five pounds just from gelato. But hey, Italian gelato is practically a national treasure, so I'm not even sorry!
My recommendation? Load up on the gelato and hit the a la carte anytime your stomach's rumbling. And pray for mercy from the buffet gods.
The rooms...are they cramped? Clean? Do they have enough outlets to charge EVERYTHING?
The rooms. Okay, picture this: a reasonably sized space, decorated in a style that's best described as "functional." Clean? Generally, yes. I mean, I didn't find any creepy crawlies, which is a win in my book. The cleaning staff worked tirelessly and were super friendly. The view from our balcony (we lucked out and got a sea view!) was spectacular.
But those outlets... oh, the OUTLETS! It's a struggle, people. We were battling for charging space like it was some kind of Hunger Games situation. I had to strategically unplug things all the time. My phone, my kids' tablets, my wife's curling iron… It's a tech-filled warzone. Pack a power strip. Seriously. You'll thank me later. And maybe learn a little bit of Italian, because calling reception about anything is a bit of a task. But the views! Don't forget about the stunning views. They do help make the lack of outlets somewhat bearable.
Is there anything to do *besides* sitting by the pool? I mean, gotta escape the sun sometime, right?
Okay, yes! Finally, something more exciting than chlorine-soaked swimsuits! The hotel itself has a few things, like a game room, but let's be honest, it's all about getting out and exploring!
First, the beach is RIGHT THERE. Sure, it can get crowded, and you *will* get sand everywhere, but it's beautiful. We spent hours building sandcastles, collecting seashells (my youngest is obsessed), and just generally messing around. Then, there's the town (I think it's Vieste, right? I struggle to remember anything. The sun is a powerful enemy) – it's charming, with cute little streets, shops to browse, and restaurants to get lost in. And the coastal walks... oh man. Those are what I miss the most.
Also, we took a day trip to the Tremiti Islands! It was one of the most beautiful experiences. The boat ride was choppy, my kid was screaming, my phone died, and my wife kept saying about "leaving me on the island" but the islands were amazing. Crystal clear water, little coves to swim in... It's worth the effort, even if you come back exhausted. Seriously, the islands are reason enough to go.
How's the overall vibe? Relaxing? Frenetic? Somewhere in between?
The overall vibe? Let's call it "a beautiful, slightly stressed-out Italian family photo." There's definitely a certain… *energy*. Maybe you'll find yourself relaxing? Possibly. You'll be in Italy! But the family side is also present, and the hotel is big, so be prepared for some noise and a lot of activity.
Sometimes, you stumble upon moments of pure bliss - the sun on your face, a delicious meal, laughing with your kids. Those are the moments you'll treasure. Other times, you'll be battling crowds, dealing with grumpy kids, and trying to find a peaceful spot by the pool. That's just life, and particularly family life, right? And in Italy!
So, embrace the chaos. Pack your patience and your sunblock. And remember to laugh, even when things get a little…crazy. Because, let's face it, that's what you'll remember most.
Anything to avoid? Red flags, people?
Okay, here's the lowdown: try to avoid the peak of summer if you can. The crowds are insane, and the heat is brutal. Seriously. We're talking multiple meltdowns a day kind of brutal. Also, be prepared for some… interesting… plumbing. Nothing major, but the water pressure can be a bit erratic at times. And pack an umbrella. Yes, even if the forecast says sunshine. Mother Nature likes to play tricks, and you don't want to be caught in a torrential downpour with a three-year-old.
Oh, and this is important. Don't be afraid to speak up if you have a problem! The staff are generally helpful, but they're also busy. Don't be shy about asking for what you need. Even if your Italian is as bad as mine (which, let's be honest, is pretty awful). And the noise? Get used to it. It's Italy. It's part of the charm…sort of.
Finally, the biggest red flag of all: overpacking. You'll bring too much! Trust me. You'Rayland Motel Auckland: Your NZ Getaway Awaits! (Best Rates Guaranteed!)
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