Playa Granada Golf: Spain's Hidden Paradise? (You Won't Believe This!)
Playa Granada Golf: Spain's Hidden Paradise? (You Won't Believe This!)
Playa Granada Golf: Spain's Hidden Paradise? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Downright Honest Review
Okay, so Playa Granada Golf… "hidden paradise," huh? That’s the marketing spiel. And let me tell you, after a week there, I have opinions. Buckle up, because this ain't gonna be a perfectly polished travel blog post. This is the raw, unfiltered truth.
(SEO & Metadata Snippet - because, you know, Google): Playa Granada Golf Review, Spain, Accessible Golf Resort, Costa Tropical, Hotel Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Family-Friendly, All-Inclusive, Accessible Accommodation, Granada, Almuñécar, Free Wi-Fi, Restaurant Review, Things to do in Granada, Golfing in Spain, Luxury Hotel, Beachfront Hotel, Review of Playa Granada Golf ****
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (or, "Can I Actually Get Around?")
Landing in Granada, the drive to Playa Granada was already stunning, weaving through those iconic Andalusian landscapes. Honestly, the anticipation was KILLING me. I'd booked a fully accessible room, which, on paper, promised a breeze. You know, the whole "wheelchair-friendly" thing. Well, mostly a breeze.
The entrance? Pretty good! Wide doors, no crazy steps. The lobby? Spacious, with ramps when needed. So far, so good. The real test came with the paths leading to the pool and restaurants. While generally accessible, some areas felt a little wonky. Those perfectly manicured lawns weren’t always kind to wheels, and a couple of ramps had gradients that made me question my upper body strength. (Note to Playa Granada: a few more strategically placed power-assisted doors wouldn't go amiss!) They did have an elevator, thank GOD, because my room was on the third floor and I wasn't exactly looking forward to scaling stairs on my own.
Accessibility – Let’s be Frank (and slightly cynical):
- Wheelchair accessible: Generally, yes. But "generally" isn't perfection. Plan for some slightly challenging terrain.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Present, but could be improved (see above). Definitely inquire beforehand about specific needs.
- Elevator: Thank the heavens, yes!
- Facilities: The pool looked good. But getting to it was like an adventure sometimes.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This was okay. More later on the food.
Internet – The Modern Traveler's Cry For Help
Okay, let's get real. I need Wi-Fi like I need air. And thank God, Playa Granada delivers on the promise of free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Speed? Well… let's just say it wasn't blazing. Streaming Netflix was a gamble, but browsing and email? Manageable. They offered LAN access too, which I didn't even bother trying. Who uses LAN anymore? Also, Wi-Fi was available in the public areas, which often had a better signal.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet: Check, check, check, check, and kinda-check. It was there, but not always great.
Rooms & the "Daily Grind"
The room itself? Comfortable, spacious, and honestly, a welcome sight after that journey. They had an extra-long bed, thank god, because I'm tall! The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially in the afternoon when the sun was beating down. The bathroom… well, it was accessible, but the placement of the towel rack seriously tested my reach. Little things like that add up. The daily housekeeping was flawless: beds made tight, and the room was spotless. They even offered a turn-down service, which I adored (because who doesn't like coming back to a neatly made bed after a long day?). They definitely made an effort, which I appreciate.
Rooms available in all rooms, Additional toilet, 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, Interconnecting room(s) available, 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, Scale, 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: Yup. All present and accounted for. They thought of everything. Nearly.
Cleanliness & Safety – COVID-19 & Me
Look, I'm a bit paranoid, but who isn't these days? Playa Granada took the pandemic seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and I saw those professional-grade sanitizing services in action. The common areas were constantly being disinfected, with regular checks. Dining was done with a safe setup, with ample spacing. I felt relatively safe, which is a massive relief. They even offered room sanitization opt-out, which was a definite plus.
Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Top marks. Seriously.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – Oh, the Food! (And My Emotional Rollercoaster)
Right, now this is where things get… interesting. The food was… a mixed bag. The buffet was a glorious, chaotic experience. Breakfast was a triumph. A massive buffet. International cuisines included, so my western breakfast cravings were always met. There was an omelet station with a charming chef who was always happy to make a personalized omelet! You can't go wrong with a buffet breakfast, can you?
Lunch was okay. Dinner? Well, sometimes amazing, sometimes… a little underwhelming. The a la carte restaurant was a nice change of pace, but the Vegetarian options were limited (a bit disappointing as I try to eat a little less meat these days). The poolside bar was perfect for afternoon cocktails, and the snack bar was a welcome lifesaver for those midday cravings. The bar service was great, they made a delicious cocktail.
The coffee shop was a must, because I love my coffee.
The buffet was full of options.
Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay, lots of options. Definitely something for most tastes.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The Spa (and the Pool with a View!)
Okay, the pool with the view… that was Instagram gold. Seriously stunning. The infinity pool overlooking the sea? Magical. The spa? Now that was where the real relaxation happened. I tried a body scrub once and a body wrap, and they were divine. The massage? Pure bliss. The sauna, steam room, and the foot bath were a bonus. They had a gym too, but I mostly stuck to the pool and the spa.
Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Relaxing options aplenty.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
The staff were lovely. Really helpful and friendly. The Concierge was super helpful, even when I asked about the most obscure things. They had a shuttle to the beach, which was handy, and a car park (free of charge!), which was a godsend. Now, the gift shop was a bit pricey, and I'm still a little bitter about the lack of a decent convenience store, but overall, the services were pretty good.
Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Good, but could be better on the convenience
Treebo Celeste Visakhapatnam: Your Dream Visakhapatnam Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a ridiculously, gloriously imperfect trip to Impressive Playa Granada Golf in Motril, Spain. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary; this is the unfiltered, chaotic, and probably slightly sunburned reality. Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Swimsuit Hunt (aka, Welcome to Spain, You Muppet!)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Flight arrival, blessedly uneventful (a rare occurrence!). We land in Málaga, and immediately get the distinct feeling we've forgotten something crucial. Yep, it's the bloody SUNSCREEN. And maybe our sanity.
- Anecdote: During baggage claim, a tiny chihuahua, apparently also going on holiday, proceeds to hurl himself at my ankle. I'm pretty sure he thought I was a giant, walking chew toy. Welcome to Spain, little guy!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The scenic drive to Motril. Scenic is a relative term, of course. Mostly, it involves me yelling at the GPS, my partner complaining about the lack of air conditioning (it was boiling!), and me secretly loving the views. They are genuinely spectacular, even through the sweat-fogged windows.
- Quirky observation: The sheer number of roundabouts in Spain is… impressive. I lost count after the fifth one. I feel like I've gained a lifetime of skills.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Check-in at the hotel. The lobby is beautiful, all polished marble and gleaming chandeliers. My jaw literally drops. And then the elevator takes FOREVER.
- Emotional reaction: My inner voice screams, "Is this real life?!". I'm so relieved. This is not the budget hostel I feared.
- Rambling thought: Right, unpacking. First things first: The swimsuits, that is, if I ever find them. Last seen… somewhere in the abyss that is my suitcase. This is where the fun begins.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): The Great Swimsuit Hunt. Turns out, they are trapped under a pile of emergency snacks. After much grumbling and near-meltdowns, the treasure is found! Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Tapas and sangria, naturally.
- Opinionated language: The sangria? Divine. The tapas? Mostly good, but that fried something-or-other had a distinct aftertaste of disappointment.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Stumble around the local area. It's time to relax.
Day 2: Golf, Grueling Sun, and Gratitude (and a near-disaster at the course!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Golf! (Or, more accurately, my attempt at golf). I am not, in any way, a golfer. Like, I'm pretty sure I swing the club backwards sometimes. We hit the course, hoping to give ourselves a good time.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Okay, let's be honest. This was hilarious. My partner, being a slightly experienced golfer, attempts to give me a few pointers. It goes as well as you'd expect. Balls fly everywhere. Grass gets divoted. At one point, I almost took out a family of ducks who were just trying to enjoy their morning. The looks on their faces, though… priceless. The worst part? The sun. This is not an exaggeration: I felt like a rotisserie chicken.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Post-golf relaxation by the pool. This is where the sunscreen finally comes into play. Sigh of relief!
- Messier structure: I'm so hot, I don't even know what to do. I can't decide where to go!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Stroll along the beach. The water is a stunning, inviting turquoise. This moment, I'm grateful for this little piece of paradise. And then, the sand gets everywhere.
- Anecdote: My partner finds (what he thinks is) a gorgeous seashell to give to our daughter. Unfortunately, it's inhabited by a crab who pinches him in retaliation. He yelps like a small child, and I nearly die laughing.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a seaside restaurant. Paella, hopefully.
- Emotional Reaction (and opinion): Oh, the paella was DELICIOUS. Probably the best I've ever had. Pure, unadulterated joy in a bowl.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): More wandering. Find a small bar and listen to some Flamenco music. The passion is so infectious. I feel like dancing!
Day 3: Granada Day Trip and Goodbye for Now…
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Road trip to Granada! Famous for the Alhambra, the grand palace. We drive to Granada. I get car sick!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): This is the day we see the Alhambra! Wow!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): We roam the ancient streets of Granada. It's so different. The atmosphere is intoxicating.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner in Granada before heading on back to base at Motril.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Back at the hotel. Packing, dreading the journey home. This holiday went by so fast. (The next day, back home…):
(And breathe. Because, honestly, that's pretty much what a trip is - a collection of good and bad moments all swirled together with a generous helping of memories, sunburn and a slightly empty wallet. But, hey, it was worth it, right?)
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Grimaud: La Pierrerie's Dazzling Secrets!
Playa Granada Golf: Spain's Hidden Paradise? (You Won't Believe This!) - FAQs for the Seriously Curious
Okay, so you're thinking about Playa Granada Golf? Smart move. Or maybe... not. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for some real talk, because I've been there, done that, and bought the overpriced souvenir t-shirt (which, by the way, shrunk in the wash).
Is Playa Granada REALLY "hidden"? Because the internet seems to know about it...
Hidden? Honey, let's be real. It's not like stumbling upon Narnia. Google Maps knows. TripAdvisor knows. Even my Aunt Mildred, who thinks the internet is a fancy toaster oven, probably knows. But... and this is a big but... it's *relatively* hidden from the mass tourist hordes that descend upon the Costa del Sol. Granada itself, and the area, is a world away from Benidorm. That's a HUGE plus, in my book. You *might* get a little peace and quiet.
I remember my first trip, I was all, "Ooh, a secret!" And then I saw the perfectly manicured greens and realized someone, *somewhere*, knew what they were doing. It's a well-established gem, just not the "discovered-by-a-lone-explorer" kind of hidden.
What's the course *actually* like? The marketing makes it sound perfect... which always worries me.
Alright, let's get down and dirty. The course itself is... gorgeous. Stunning, even. Lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, that Mediterranean sunshine... It's the kind of postcard-perfect view that makes you want to quit your job, buy a villa, and start a golf-themed Instagram account. (Don't do it. Trust me.)
But (and there’s always a but), the wind can be a total jerk. One day, I swear I saw my ball hover in mid-air for a solid five seconds before being unceremoniously blown into a sand trap. Brutal. Another time, I hit a perfectly straight shot... and it veered *right* into the water hazard. The wind, I tell you! It’s a love-hate relationship. You have to learn to love it. Or hate it and cry a little.
Also, the greens... they can be tricky. Fast. Sneaky. I’ve putted from 2 feet away and missed. Twice. Okay, maybe three times. The point is, don't expect to be Tiger Woods on your first visit. Embrace the imperfections! They are part of the charm, they really, really are...
Is it worth the money? Prices seem to vary wildly.
The money? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Well, it really depends. Compared to, say, playing golf in your local park (assuming you HAVE a local park with golf!), it's more expensive. Compared to, say, a week in Monaco... it's practically a steal!
Look for deals. Mid-week is often cheaper. Early bird tee times are usually good. Book in advance (duh). Factor in the cost of sangria afterwards. Because you *will* need a sangria afterwards. To celebrate, to commiserate, to forget the triple bogey you just made… whatever the reason, you'll need it.
Honestly, I think it’s worth it, but with a caveat. Are you going for the golf? Awesome, great. Are you going to soak up the atmosphere, the location, and just the pure joy of being *there*? Even better. If you’re just going to obsess over your handicap the whole time, maybe stick to the driving range at home. You'll be less miserable. Maybe.
Beyond the golf, what is there to *do* in the area? I'm not JUST going to be golfing, right? (Please tell me I'm right...)
Oh, sweet relief! You're not just a golf-obsessed automaton! Good. The area is fantastic. Playa Granada itself has a lovely beach, perfect for post-round relaxation (or drowning your sorrows in the sea, no judgment). You can swim, sunbathe, or just stare at the waves and contemplate the mysteries of life (and why you three-putted on the 18th).
Then there's Almuñécar, a charming town nearby with a stunning historic centre. Explore the old town, eat Tapas, and visit the Roman ruins. It's a good way to distract yourself from your terrible score. Granada city (the capital) is a bit of a drive, but a must-see. The Alhambra? Absolutely mind-blowing. Book tickets WAY in advance, or you'll be weeping in the car park. I saw someone do it once. It wasn't pretty.
Oh, and the food! The food is *divine*. Seriously, pack your stretchy pants. Tapas are free with your drinks in many bars (yes, really!), and the seafood is fresh and to die for. I had this grilled octopus once… I'm still dreaming about it. *Mmmmmm*... octopus...
Can I get away with bad golf? (I'm a beginner.)
Absolutely! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Everyone has to start somewhere. In fact, I've seen worse golf played by seasoned pros. The key is to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. Stroll around, enjoy the views, and make a fool of yourself on a beautiful course. It's a win-win, honestly.
The staff are generally very friendly and helpful. They've seen it all before. They won't judge you for your slice. They might, however, subtly suggest a few lessons, but even that's done with a smile. Embrace the shanks, the duffs, and the air swings! They are all part of the journey. Be kind to yourself, you're on holiday!
Is it family-friendly? I'm thinking of bringing the kids.
This is tricky. Playa Granada itself is family-friendly. The beach is perfect for kids. Almuñécar has lots of family-friendly stuff. The Alhambra is amazing, but the queues and the crowds can be a challenge with little ones. The golf itself? Well... it depends on your kids.
If they're into golf and can behave themselves, great. If they just want to run around and scream, maybe not so much. Golf can be a surprisingly quiet sport, you know. And you're paying good money to play. The course isn't, like, a free playground. But again, the general vibe is friendly, just make some enquires.
On balance, Playa Granada offers a great mix of course pleasure, family fun and spanish vibes, yes I would recommend it. Just maybe pack some earplugs just in case ;).
Post a Comment for "Playa Granada Golf: Spain's Hidden Paradise? (You Won't Believe This!)"