Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Romagna Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Romagna Bliss, (Maybe With a Few Kinks!) - A Totally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the (sanitized!) tea on "Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Romagna Hotel Awaits!" Let me preface this by saying: I’m a demanding traveler, and I'm not afraid to call a spade a spade… or a slightly wonky showerhead a slightly wonky showerhead. And trust me, you'll need this, because this place… well, it's got layers. Layers of charm, layers of… well, we'll get to that.
First Impressions & Accessibility (and the Importance of Elevators when you're schlepping luggage!)
"Escape to Paradise" is smack-dab in the heart of Romagna, promised me paradise in the name itself! I was optimistic, as I am with most getaways. Getting there was easy with their airport transfer – thank God, because Italian taxi drivers… let’s just say I’m glad I paid for the luxury. This definitely earned them points.
Right off the bat, it was easy to locate because of the signs. The elevator made getting up to my room after my flight so easy! The entrance was pretty accessible, with the elevator. If you're in need of, you know, a wheelchair accessible room or something similar, the facilities for disabled guests seem pretty comprehensive, so you should be good to go! The whole area felt welcoming with the CCTV in common areas and all.
The Room: My Oasis… with a Few Hiccups
Okay, let's talk about the room. "Available in all rooms":
- Air conditioning: Check! Saved my life from the Italian heat.
- Alarm clock: Check! (Although, let's be honest, who uses those anymore?)
- Bathrobes: YES! Loved it.
- Bathroom phone: Okay, a little unnecessary, but hey, why not?
- Bathtub: Check.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping in. Bless.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for my morning ritual.
- Complimentary tea: Score!
- Desk: Useful, though let’s be real, I mostly used it to pile up my snacks.
- Extra long bed: Important.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus.
- Hair dryer: Yep. Standard.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!): This is where things get interesting… Despite the bold claims, the Wi-Fi… wasn't always paradise. Okay, it was a bit patchy. I'm talking buffering Netflix, dropped Zoom calls… But honestly, I was there to escape the internet, so it was more of a minor inconvenience than a deal-breaker.
- Ironing facilities: Check! I can confirm that they are standard.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Linens: Crisp and clean.
- Minibar: Yes!
- Non-smoking: YES. Please, people!
- Private bathroom: Absolutely!
- Refrigerator: Excellent for storing my limoncello.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Scale: Okay, let's pretend that one doesn't exist.
- Seating area: Comfy sofa.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Shower: Ah, here we have a potential snag. The water pressure wasn't always stellar, and the showerhead… well, let’s just say it had a mind of its own. (I like a shower to not attack me)
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Soundproofing: It worked.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Decent quality.
- Towels: Fluffy and plentiful.
- Wake-up service: Never used it.
- Window that opens: Breathing fresh air.
The room itself was spacious, clean (thanks to the daily housekeeping) and the room sanitization opt-out available made me happy! It was a good size, however, my room wasn't that decorated, I didn't check the room decorations so I don't know if they were different.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Now, the food. This is where things got REALLY interesting. Let’s start with the good.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, this was good for the most part -- it was a buffet! A spread of pastries, fresh fruit (the melons were divine), yogurt, and the usual suspects. The Western breakfast was decent. They also offered Asian breakfast options, which I didn't try, but hey, points for variety! The wait staff in general was very friendly!
- A la carte in restaurant: The à la carte menu in the restaurant was fairly extensive.
- Restaurants: Yes!
Things that fell short:
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was okay. Not the best, not the worst.
- Salad in restaurant: The salad… well, let's just say I'm not sure it was worth the cost.
- Soup in restaurant: The soup was something that I was not a fan of.
- Desserts in restaurant: While they looked amazing, they tasted average.
The poolside bar was perfect for a mid-afternoon Aperol Spritz. They did happy hour which was great! There was a bar, and a coffee shop which had good coffee. If you needed a bottle of water, they had one for you.
Wellness & Relaxation: Paradise Found (Mostly)
Things to do, ways to relax:
- Fitness center: Yes!
- Gym/fitness: Yes!
- Massage: Yes!
I spent a glorious afternoon at the spa. The Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool were all fantastic. My massage was heavenly – pure bliss. Afterward, I lounged by the Pool with view and felt every ounce of stress melt off. I also got a Body scrub, that made me feel like a new woman.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: I loved the pool!
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Trying!
This is a biggie, especially these days. I was impressed by Escape to Paradise's efforts. They’re clearly taking hygiene seriously!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential.
- Hygiene certification: Good to know.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Nice touch.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: It seemed to be followed.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Peace of mind.
- Safe dining setup: They’re trying.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Gotta do it!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed well-trained.
- Sterilizing equipment: Check.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Always helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Elevator: Crucial.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Cute.
- Laundry service: Useful.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: For the business travelers.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Terrace: Lovely for a morning coffee.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Doorman: Yes.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Us!)
- Babysitting service: Good to know.
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids meal: They got this.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" isn't perfect. It has a few quirks, and the Wi-Fi could definitely be improved. But honestly? The pros far outweigh the cons. The location is great, the spa is divine, and the staff are lovely and accommodating. It’s a place that tries hard, and mostly succeeds, in creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
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**And now, for
Lisbon's Hidden Gem in Denmark: Hotel Lisboa - Unbelievable!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This is not your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to survive a week in Hotel Romagna, Italy. Prepare for a bumpy, pasta-fueled ride.
Hotel Romagna: A Cluster of Bliss (and Maybe a Pigeon or Two)
Day 1: Arrival, Disorientation, and the Great Pizza Quest
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Bologna Airport (BLQ). Jetlag is a sneaky beast. Currently feeling like a wilted lasagna noodle. Finding the right train to Cesenatico is a Herculean task. Ask the information staff: "Excuse me, do you know which train I should take to Cesenatico, it's where my hotel is."
- 1:00 PM: Train ride. The scenery is gorgeous, but my stomach is growling. The train's air conditioning is apparently on "Arctic Blast."
- 2:30 PM: Arrive Cesenatico, Italy, and find the Hotel Romagna. The lobby is surprisingly…orange. Like, very orange. Am I still jetlagged? Receptionist Giorgio, bless his heart, seems to have seen it all. He tells me my room is "con vista mare," which basically translates to "with a sea view." (Fingers crossed it's actually a view, not just a sliver of blue glimpsed between two palm trees.)
- 3:00 PM: Room check. Okay, sea view! Success! (And a tiny balcony, perfect for dramatic readings of Dante.) Time to unpack…which means wrestling with the suitcase, realizing I packed way too many shoes, and staring at a map I barely understand.
- 4:00 PM: The Great Pizza Quest begins. Google Maps is my overlord. I'm hunting for the perfect pizza. Apparently, every pizzeria in Cesenatico claims to be the best. Starting at a place called "Pizza Bella." (Hopefully the name doesn't lie.)
- 5:00 PM: Pizza Bella – Verdict? Meh. The crust was a bit soggy, but the cheese, oh the cheese! So good! Ordered the "Margherita Speciale" and got a small pizza with a lot of basil. The waiter, who looked like he was in his late twenties, told me to try the "Spaghetti and clam" with the pasta, very good for my digestion.
- 6:00 PM: Stroll along the harbor (Porto Canale Leonardesco). It's beautiful, even if I am perpetually worried about tripping over something. The boats are colorful, the air smells of salt and… something else. Maybe garlic? Definitely garlic.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Still hungry. Found a small trattoria off the beaten path. Ordered whatever looked interesting. (This is where I thrive!) Ended up with pasta with clams; It was a religious experience. Truly, the best pasta I've ever had. Giorgio from the reception recommended me, he was right.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse. Bed. Sleep. A deep, pasta-induced coma.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, the Unexpected Pigeon Incident, and the Quest for the Perfect Gelato
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, slightly bewildered. Remember I'm in Italy! Head down for breakfast. The breakfast buffet is the source of my joy. Coffee, bread, meats, and cheeses. I'm going to gain five pounds this week, and I am completely okay with that.
- 10:00 AM: Beach time! The Hotel Romagna has its own private beach, with rows of colorful umbrellas. This is the life! Sun, sea, a book… pure bliss. I pick a "ombrellone" and set up my beach chair, next to a family enjoying the sun.
- 11:00 AM: Incident. A pigeon, a particularly bold pigeon, tries to steal a bite of my biscotti. I shriek. The family next to me laughs. I'm officially "that tourist."
- 12:00 PM: Swim in the sea! The water is warm, the waves are gentle. I feel like a mermaid, or at least, a slightly sunburned sea creature.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the beachside "chiringuito" restaurant. Trying the "piadina," a local flatbread sandwich. It's delicious.
- 2:00 PM: Nap under the umbrella. Ahhhh.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Gelato Quest. The first gelato shop I find is a dud. The gelato is icy, flavorless. My heart breaks a little. Another store, a small place called "Gelateria Delizia." The gelato is heavenly. Smooth, creamy, bursting with flavor. I order three different flavors (don’t judge), and savour every bite.
- 4:00 PM: Stroll along the beach. People-watching is a sport. Observe: a woman in a sequined swimsuit reading a philosophy book. Italy, I love you.
- 6:00 PM: Shower, change. Realize my tan lines are already starting to resemble a road map.
- 7:00 PM: Explore the town. Find a shop selling handmade pasta. Consider buying a pasta maker. Then remember I have no idea how to use one.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Another restaurant. (This is a theme, people.) I tried "Frittura Mista," mixed fried seafood platter. It was delicious. Except for the tiny fish with tiny bones that I couldn't get past.
- 9:30 PM: Back to my room. Journal. Write a love letter to gelato. Stare at the sea. Fall asleep already.
Day 3: The Market, the Pasta Factory (!!!), and a Mid-Week Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Repeat the breakfast buffet ritual. Savor all the joy.
- 10:00 AM: Head to the local market. This is where things get interesting. Fresh produce, amazing cheeses, and the energy of a thousand excited Italians. I'm overwhelmed and thrilled.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to speak Italian. My attempt at ordering a peach results in a confused stare. Learn a new phrase to describe being overwhelmed: "Sono sopraffatta!" (I'm overwhelmed!)
- 12:00 PM: Pasta Factory Tour! (This is a mandatory item.) I've always been fascinated by the process. The pasta factory is a family business passed down through generations, a symphony of flour, water, and tradition. The machines whir, the air smells of fresh dough… it's magic. I sample fresh pasta (obvs), and buy some to take home.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Pasta Factory's small restaurant. The pasta is, unsurprisingly, incredible.
- 2:00 PM: The Mid-Week Meltdown. Okay, this is where things get real. Suddenly, I’m tired. Homesick. Questioning my life choices. I wander around Cesenatico, feeling aimless. This happens.
- 3:00 PM: I sit on a bench, eat a gelato and eat a little bit of myself up. That is the only way to survive.
- 4:00 PM: I decide to spend the afternoon at a spa for a facial, I deserve that.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Feel restored. Maybe a little bit.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. Pasta again, naturally. This time, a simple "aglio e olio" – garlic and olive oil. Sometimes, simple is best.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the room. Write. Think. Remind myself why I came here in the first place. Resolve to be more adventurous tomorrow. Then eat a biscuit and watch TV with Italian dubbing and fall asleep to a weird, soothing music.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ravenna, Mosaics, and the Raven
- 8:00 AM: Up and at 'em! (Sort of.) Catch the train to Ravenna. This is a city known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
- 9:00 AM: Train ride to Ravenna.
- 10:00 AM: Ravenna. Stroll around the city. It's beautiful, full of history, and seriously impressive.
- 11:00 AM: Basilica di San Vitale. The mosaics… words fail me. The colors, the detail, the sheer artistry… breathtaking. I spend a long time just staring, mouth agape. Feel like I've been transported back in time.
- 12:00 PM: Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. More mosaics! I'm officially mosaiced out, but in the best possible way.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Ravenna. Find a little trattoria and order more pasta and meat.
- 2:00 PM: Explore the Piazza del Popolo. The city's main square. Admire the architecture, feel the history. Buy a souvenir.
- 3:00 PM:
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Romagna Hotel Awaits! - FAQs… Oh, Boy, Where Do I Begin?!
Okay, so you're thinking about Escape to Paradise? Romagna, sunshine, the whole shebang? Let's dive into these FAQs. But honestly, I’m still recovering from my last visit... in the best possible way, mind you. It’s a lot. Let's see…
1. Is "Escape to Paradise" ACTUALLY paradise? (And what's the catch? Spill it!)
Alright, alright, the big question. Paradise? Look, it's *close*. I wouldn't say it's a meticulously manicured Eden, but it's got something… soul. The catch? Well, it's Romagna. Prepare for food coma-inducing meals. Seriously. I once ate a plate of *piadina* so good, I almost cried. And the *wine*… Forget about it. You’ll be ordering the house red by the carafe. So the catch is… you might need to loosen your belt a notch (or five) by the end of your stay.
Oh, and the occasional power outage. Happened to me. One minute I was enjoying a sunset aperitivo, the next, poof. But honestly? It just added to the charm. We all huddled together under the stars, sharing stories and laughing. It was... unexpectedly perfect.
2. What kind of rooms are available? And are they… clean? Because I'm picky.
Rooms… right. They have everything from the standard "double with a view of the almost-paradise" to suites that'll make you feel like royalty… or at least, a slightly less-wrinkled version of yourself. The decor is… let’s call it “rustic-chic.” Think exposed beams, maybe a slightly wonky tile here or there. But clean? Yes! Absolutely. I'm a borderline germaphobe (don't judge!), and even *I* was impressed. They use, like, REAL cleaning products. You can smell the freshness and cleanliness -- a far cry from some hotels where you can practically taste the bleach. They actually *care* about how clean your room is. Which, honestly, is huge. After a day out, the last thing you want is to be greeted by an unclean room.
3. The food! Tell me about the food. I live for food. (And I'm already planning my first meal.)
Oh. My. God. The food. Prepare to enter into a love affair. A passionate, carb-filled, olive oil-drenched love affair. Breakfast is a spread of fresh pastries, local cheeses and meats, and the strongest coffee you’ll ever encounter. Lunch? Pasta, pasta, *more* pasta. And dinner? Seafood that tastes like it was caught that morning. And the vegetables! So bursting with flavor that you'll be questioning everything you've ever known about supermarket produce. They grow most of their own produce, which is a game-changer.
Let me tell you about the *cappelletti*. These little meat-filled pasta pockets… I'm getting emotional just thinking about them. They were swimming in a rich, buttery broth that just… melted in my mouth. I ordered three helpings (no shame). My stomach hurt a little later, but it was worth it. Absolutely worth it. (And the house wine? A perfect pairing, of course…). Don't even get me *started* on the gelato... Oh, here, I'll just have to grab a tissue…
4. What are the amenities like? Pools? Spas? Is there Wi-Fi? (The essentials, people!)
Yes to pools! They've got a lovely one. Clean, refreshing, and with plenty of room to actually *swim* (unlike some crowded hotel pools I’ve endured). They also have a small spa… Honestly, it's not the fanciest spa in the world, but the massages are ace. Book in advance – seriously. You don’t want to miss a treatment after all that pasta. As for Wi-Fi… it’s there. Sort of. It's Romagna Wi-Fi. Meaning, embrace the disconnect. I found myself enjoying it, to be honest. Putting the phone away and just *being*… it's glorious. Embrace the opportunity to actually *talk* to the people you're with.
5. Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with the… (insert shudder here) … *children*.
Hmmm… kid-friendly. Well, it's *tolerant*. They have a kids' menu, there's room to run around (outside, at least!), and the staff are generally very friendly. But it's not a Disney-fied, screaming-kid zone. So, if your kids are the type to happily build sandcastles and enjoy a quiet gelato, then yes. If they’re the type to stage dramatic meltdowns at mealtimes… well, pack extra earplugs for everyone. I did see a few families enjoying themselves, so don't let me completely put ya off. Just, you know, a heads-up.
6. How's the service? I've had some *experiences* with hotel staff…
The service is… Italian. Which means, it's warm, friendly, and maybe a tiny bit… relaxed. They’re not clock-watching robots. They're people. People who genuinely want you to have a good time. Sometimes, that means a slight delay in getting your bill. Sometimes, it means they'll bring you an extra helping of pasta “just because." Embrace the laid-back vibe. And if you get the chance, try to speak a little Italian. Even a few basic phrases will get you a long way!
I remember one instance where the waiter, Marco, spilled a glass of wine on me. My initial reaction was… well, let's just say it wasn't pretty. But then he apologized profusely, brought me a fresh glass, offered to pay for my dry cleaning (which I didn't need, but the gesture was appreciated), and then proceeded to tell me the most hilarious story about his own wine-related mishap. He *made* me laugh. And that, my friends, is the essence of Escape to Paradise.
