Escape to Paradise: Hotel Carmen Mijas, Spain – Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we’re about to dive headfirst into a review of Hotel Carmen Mijas, Spain. Forget the perfectly polished brochure – this is the real deal, from someone who’s probably spilled sangria on their favourite travel journal more than once. Let’s get messy, shall we?
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Carmen Mijas – Okay, Let's See If This Dream's Really Real!
(And yes, that's what the marketing says… we’ll see, we’ll see…)
Right, so the website promised “Escape to Paradise.” Big words, Carmen Mijas, BIG WORDS. Let’s break it down, piece by sweaty, sun-kissed piece. We’re talking accessibility, relaxation, food (crucial), amenities, rooms… the works. I'm especially looking for Wheelchair accessible - because I'm traveling with my grandma and it matters!! (more on that later).
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility… Let's Start Here, Shall We?)
Okay, the journey to paradise is always half the battle. And, important for Grandma's sake - accessibility is key! From the looks of the information, Accessibility is listed as a serious factor with Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator and Hotel chain listed as a plus, but I really need to read between the lines.
Car park [on-site] is a good start! And the option of a Airport transfer is a life-saver, because dealing with rental cars after flying… shudders.
Check-in/out [express] sounded fantastique in theory, but honestly, sometimes a slower, more personal check-in is what you need. I’m also hoping for a doorman…. you know, for that slightly pretentious, but secretly satisfying, “Hey, I’m here to relax and be pampered!” moment.
The Rooms – Where the Magic (Hopefully) Happens
Alright, the rooms. This is where the rubber meets the road, folks. I'm hoping I can roll right into my Grandma's room Wheelchair accessible - I really, really hope so.
So, it's got Air conditioning, thank god, because Spain in summer… whew! Air conditioning in public area is a massive plus. I hate being a sweaty mess on the way to breakfast.
The list of amenities is LONG. Complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker in the room – winner! I need those first thing in the morning. I'm looking at Non-smoking, Soundproof rooms which is a must. Blackout curtains? Bless you, Hotel Carmen Mijas, bless you. I'm also looking for an extra long bed.
Internet – Because Let’s Be Honest, We All Need It
Okay, so the vital stuff… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, including Internet access – wireless. The Internet access – LAN is a nice bonus for heavy-duty work. I'm seeing Wi-Fi in public areas, which is good – I hate that feeling of desperately needing to check something and having to huddle in the lobby like a starving pigeon.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Paradise
This is where things get really interesting. I'm not a picky eater, but I appreciate variety. Let's see: Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar – okay, so there’s options. Room service [24-hour] - chef's kiss. Gotta love being able to order a midnight snack in your bathrobe.
Breakfast [buffet] is a classic. And Buffet in restaurant could be the making of me, or the breaking of me. Fingers crossed for some decent Coffee/tea in restaurant – because, priorities. I really want to eat at the Vegetarian restaurant for health reasons.
Things to Do… or Not Do… the Choice is (Hopefully) Yours
This is where "Escape to Paradise" starts really selling itself. I need to actually relax, okay? Not just exist.
Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor] and Sauna - Yes, yes, and YES. And I need to check the Spa/sauna section, because I need some help winding down.
Fitness center and a promise of a Gym/fitness centre… Look, I’d like to go, but my idea of fitness is usually walking from the pool to the bar. But maybe… just maybe… I'll try the Body scrub, Body wrap.
Let me be real. I also need a Massage.
Cleanliness and Safety – Crucial for Staying Sane
COVID-19 really threw a wrench in travel plans, but it's important to be safe! So, what about hygiene?
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays? Good. Very good.
- Hand sanitizer. Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Okay, sound like good practices.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Luxuries
This is where the hotel either shines, or… doesn’t.
- Concierge - essential!
- Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, and Dry cleaning - Great!
- Daily housekeeping is always welcome.
- I'm checking for a Laundry service and Luggage storage.
For the Kids (Even if You Don’t Have Any… Yet)
- Babysitting service – good to know for the future! Family/child friendly is also fantastic.
My Honest Opinion (So Far):
Look, the website sounds amazing. But the true test? Being there. I'm hoping the reality lives up to the hype. Fingers crossed the accessibility is actually, properly good.
My Target Audience
This is for those who are ready to escape – whether it’s the daily grind, the pressures of work, the constant demands of family (or maybe all three!). It’s for those who crave a bit of luxury, a dose of relaxation, and a whole lot of “me time.” And, of course, for those who are ready to bring their loved ones along… I'm talking to you, Grandma.
So, Here’s My Pitch – Why You Should Book Hotel Carmen Mijas Right Now!
(Okay, here’s the sales pitch. Deep breath…)
Are You Ready to Truly Escape?
Tired of the same old, same old? Yearning for sun-drenched days, lazy afternoons by the pool, and evenings filled with delicious food and even better company?
Then pack your bags, because Escape to Paradise: Hotel Carmen Mijas is calling your name!
Here's Why You NEED This Vacation:
Pure Unadulterated Relaxation: Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, strolling to a delicious breakfast buffet, and then spending the day soaking up the sun by a pool with a view. Need to unwind even more? Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or a massage. They'll be having me in their spa!
Foodie Heaven: International cuisine, local delicacies, a cocktail bar, and 24-hour room service – every meal will be an experience.
Convenience is Key: From airport transfers to daily housekeeping, Hotel Carmen Mijas takes care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
Family-Friendly Fun: We're talking babysitting services if you need them, family-friendly amenities, and memories waiting to be made.
Here's the Deal:
- Book Now and get a special welcome gift!
- Book within the next 72 hours and get exclusive discounts.
- Book and bring your grandparents to get a free upgrade to a more accessible room!
I'm Ready to Book! How do I get the best deal?
Alright, I'm ready for a Call To Action!
- Visit the Hotel Carmen Mijas website (of course, you gotta do this!)
- Give them a call! Find out more about those great offers, and ask about our grandmother's needs!
- Book your Escape to Paradise NOW! Don’t wait – your dream vacation is waiting.
Final Thoughts (For Now)
Look, I've laid it all bare. The potential, the promises, the little anxieties we all face when booking a vacation. Now it’s time to see if Hotel Carmen Mijas lives up to it! I'll update this review after my trip, complete with anecdotes, quirks, and the honest truth. Because that’s what you deserve. Stay tuned, and keep dreaming!
Luxury Cikarang Apartments: FULLY Furnished & Loaded with Amenities!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. My "itinerary" for Hotel Carmen in Mijas, Spain… well, let's just say it's more of a sentiment journal than a perfectly-honed travel schedule. God, I hate those. This is gonna be messy, honest, and hopefully, a little bit funny. Here goes:
Hotel Carmen Mijas: Or, How I Learned to Stop Planning and Love the Siesta (Maybe)
Day 1: The Arrival & the "Oh My God, It's Gorgeous" Moment
Morning (Approx. 9 AM): Landed in Malaga. Airport chaos, as always. Found my way to my rental car (a tiny, suspiciously red Fiat, aptly named "Little Fury"). Driving through the countryside… breathtaking. Seriously. Mountains, olive groves, the ridiculous blue of the sky. I’m thinking “I’m here, finally, I actually came to Spain”.
Afternoon (Approx. 1 PM): Arrived at Hotel Carmen. Cue HUGE inhale. And then the actual "Oh My God, It's Gorgeous" moment. The white-washed buildings, the cascading flowers spilling over balconies… It's like stepping into a postcard. Checked in, which was a little… disorganized. Apparently, my room wasn’t quite ready. Sat in the lobby (which is also stunning, by the way) with a coffee and a book and waited, I felt a little bit like a fool, but I was ok with it.
Afternoon (Approx. 3 PM-ish): Finally, my room! A tiny balcony with a view, perfect. Immediately, I'm struck by how simple and clean and perfect the room is, it's probably worth to keep it like that, but I know me. First thing: unpack. Second thing: collapse on the bed for a solid 30 minutes. Third thing: realize it might be siesta time. Embraced it. Fell sound asleep, a tiny bit of drool pooling on the pillow. (Don't judge me.)
Late Afternoon/Evening: Wandered around Mijas Pueblo. The donkey taxis! (Yes, I took a picture. No, I didn't ride one. Seemed… cruel?). The shops selling ceramics and ridiculously overpriced (but beautiful) fans. Got hopelessly lost in the narrow, winding streets, which was glorious. Picked up a small ceramic donkey, even if I didn’t ride one.
Evening (8 PM-ish): Found a restaurant overlooking the valley. Amazing tapas, sangria, and the sunset. Laughed at the (terrible) Spanish I thought I knew. Ate too much. Drank too much. Stumbled back to the hotel with a stupid grin on my face. This is what life should be.
Day 2: The Pool Debacle & the Pursuit of Perfect Paella
Morning (Approx. 9 AM): Woke up feeling… not amazing. The sangria, you see… But the view from my balcony, the sheer sunshine… It cured everything. Also, a delicious hotel breakfast. Fresh orange juice. Croissants. I was already in love.
Morning (10 AM-ish): The pool! The hotel pool! Surely, I’d spend all day by the pool right? Turns out, everyone else had the same idea. The pool was… packed. Children screaming, splashing, just kids being kids. (Bless their hearts.) Found a tiny patch of sun, squeezed myself in between two families, and tried to find my Zen. Failed. Completely. Went back up to my room and read.
Afternoon (1 PM): Lunch at a tiny restaurant (restaurant name is forgotten) in the square. Ordered paella. It took forever. And when it arrived… it wasn’t the paella I’d been dreaming of. It lacked the proper socarrat! (The crispy, caramelized rice at the bottom. This is important, people!) Felt a pang of pure, unadulterated disappointment. Ordered more sangria to drown my sorrows.
Afternoon (2 PM – 4 PM): Another siesta. This time, I took my book. Actually finished it, which was a small victory in the face of bad paella.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Determined to find perfect paella! Did some research. Walked around. Asked everyone. Finally, found a recommendation for a place up in the mountains. Drove there. The drive was terrifying, the roads were thin and winding. But I was determined.
Evening (8 PM-ish): Finally, the restaurant! The view was incredible. Ordered paella. Held my breath. And… it was heaven. The socarrat! The flavors! Sat there, silent, savoring every bite, thinking "This is why I came here". Walked back to the hotel feeling like a conquering hero.
Day 3: Rambling Amongst the Ruins & the "Almost Lost My Phone" Incident
Morning (9 AM -ish): Breakfast! This time, I grabbed my breakfast and sat out on the balcony. Smoked a cigarette and drank coffee for a bit. The view made it alright.
Morning/Afternoon (11 AM - 3 PM): Decided to go exploring. Drove to some old Roman ruins a bit further along the coast after getting bored. The ruins were cool, but the parking was a nightmare. Wandered around for a bit, got a bit lost. The sun was beating down. Started to get hangry (hungry + angry). Took the wrong turn, which led me to a slightly sketchy part of town. Felt slightly panicked but quickly found my way back.
Afternoon (Around 3 PM): Realized my phone was missing. PANIC! Backtracked my steps. Searched the ruins again. Checked the car. No phone. Did I leave it at the restaurant? Did I drop it on the incredibly dangerous road? Cue full-blown existential crisis.
Late Afternoon/Evening (5 PM): Went back to the restaurant and asked the employees. They hadn't seen it. Starting feeling despair. Then… a waitress remembered me! And bingo! She’d seen the phone. Relief washed over me and I laughed and cried. I ordered a bottle of wine for the table and sat, basking in the glow of its safety. Now, I felt like I could take on the world… Or at least, the rest of the evening.
Evening (8 PM): Dinner at a different restaurant in Mijas Pueblo. This time, something simple: grilled fish. Sat there, gazing out at the stars, grateful for the little things. Still felt like a fool, but now, a more relaxed fool.
Night (Who knows): More drinks. More laughter. The end. I think.
Day 4: Goodbye, Mijas. (But I'll Be Back.)
Morning (9 AM): Final breakfast. Tears almost. Said farewell to the balcony. Started to pack.
Morning/Afternoon: One last wander through Mijas. Bought some souvenirs. Said goodbye to the ceramic donkey. The donkey seems to agree with me
Afternoon: Drove back to Malaga. Returned the tiny, suspiciously red car. The drive was sad.
Evening: Flew home.
Final Thoughts:
Hotel Carmen in Mijas: It’s not perfect. The pool situation is… intense. The paella can be hit or miss. But the views, the vibe, the sheer charm… it's intoxicating. It's the kind of place where you can lose yourself, get a little bit lost, and, ultimately, find yourself again. It’s a place where imperfections are celebrated, and siestas are mandatory. I'll be back, I will, and next time? I'm bringing my own damn pool float.
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Carmen Mijas – Your (Hopefully) Dream Vacation, Answered!
Okay, So... Where *Exactly* is this "Paradise"? And Is it Really Paradise?
Alright, alright, calm down with the paradise expectations! Hotel Carmen is nestled in the white-washed village of Mijas, Spain. Think stunning views of the Costa del Sol, and yes, the Mediterranean Sea. Paradise? Well, that depends on your definition. If your idea of heaven involves endless sunshine, delicious tapas, and the occasional grumpy seagull... then maybe.
Getting there? Easy (mostly). Fly into Malaga Airport, then either grab a taxi (prepare for some eye-watering prices, particularly if you're arriving *late* at night – learned that one the hard way…), hire a car (recommended if you plan on exploring), or a pre-booked transfer. Just be prepared for winding roads – Mijas is up in the hills! The drive offers some jaw-dropping views though, so at least your nausea will have a good distraction.
The Rooms: Luxurious or a Little... Tired? And What About the AC?!
Okay, the rooms. Honestly? They varied a bit. I mean, you're *not* going to a five-star mega-resort. The "deluxe" room I booked? Pretty nice! Okay, maybe the furniture wasn't *brand* new, and the decor screamed "late 90s," but hey, it was clean, spacious, and had a balcony with some seriously stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Waking up to that every morning? Sold!
The AC? Ah, the AC. This is where things got a little... spicy. It worked. Mostly. Sometimes it decided to take a nap when it really shouldn't have. It was a bit like having a moody teenager in the room. But, look, I survived, and a quick word with the front desk did the trick most times. Just be prepared, and pack light, breathable pyjamas, just in case.
A pro tip: Request a room with a sea view. Trust me on this one. It's worth it! I mean, can you *really* call it a holiday without a view?
And don't forget the bathroom. Always check the water temperature *before* you shampoo your hair. Trust me on that one too. I had a shower that went from ice cold to volcanic in about 3 seconds flat. It was... memorable.
Breakfast: The Most Important Meal... or a Disappointment?
Breakfast. Ah, the morning ritual. Honestly? The breakfast at Hotel Carmen was a solid "good, but not mind-blowing." They had the basics: eggs, bacon (yay!), some pastries (definitely yay!), fresh fruit, decent coffee, and, bless them, some churros!
My biggest gripe? The coffee machine. It was a bit slow, and sometimes the line snaked back to the buffet. I *need* my coffee first thing, people! I’m not a morning person as it is. But again, I survived, fueled by caffeine and the delightful view from the breakfast terrace. Seriously, the views from this hotel just kept getting better, and that morning view totally compensated for the questionable coffee.
So, would I go back for breakfast? Absolutely. Would I demand they upgrade the coffee machine? Also, yes.
The Pool: Sparkling Oasis or a Little Patchy?
The pool... It's a double-edged sword, this one. The pool itself is lovely. Beautiful, honestly! Clean, inviting, and with stunning views. You're basically swimming in an infinity pool overlooking the Costa del Sol. Instagram heaven.
The *problem*? Getting a sunbed. It felt like the Hunger Games. People were putting down their towels at dawn to "reserve" their spot. I'm not saying it was a war zone, but let's just say I saw some serious side-eye directed at anyone who dared to approach "their" sunbed. I eventually gave up and just sat on a stone wall, feeling slightly excluded, but hey, at least I didn't need to wake up at 6am!.
Also, and I am being *brutally* honest here, the pool bar service was a *little* slow. But, hey, you're on holiday! What's the rush? Just order a cocktail and let your worries (and your tan) develop slowly.
Food, Glorious Food! What's Eating Like at/Around the Hotel?
Okay, the food! This is where things get GOOD. The hotel restaurant itself was decent. Nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly acceptable for a convenient dinner option. Decent paella and fresh seafood.
The *real* magic, though, lies in the village of Mijas itself. Tapas bars galore! Walk a few minutes and you're in a world of deliciousness. Try the tapas at any of the little bars around the main square. Each one of them is a gem. I strongly suggest you try the Jamon, the Spanish Omelette (Tortilla Espanola) and whatever the special dishes the locals are having. Ask the waiter – they’ll point you in the right direction (and probably laugh at your terrible Spanish, in a friendly way!).
And don't miss the ice cream! Seriously, there were some incredible ice-cream parlours. Warning: prepare for a sugar rush, and maybe a slight addiction.
One word of warning, also: be aware of the portions in some places. They can be huge! Pace yourself or share. Nobody wants to be defeated by their lunch.
The Staff: Friendly or Forgettable?
The staff... The heart and soul of the place, really. And for the most part? Wonderful! Super friendly, helpful (especially if your Spanish is, like mine, atrocious), and always ready with a smile.
One young woman at reception, I *think* her name was Maria (or maybe it was Sofia? I’m terrible with names, especially after a few glasses of Rioja!), was particularly lovely. She went above and beyond to help me sort out a minor issue with my room. And, honestly, she probably saved me loads of money by pointing me to the best tapas joints!
Would I say they were flawless? Probably not. There were a few times when the service was a *little* slow. But, again, you're on holiday! Relax. Embrace the slower pace of life. The staff were *trying*, and that's what mattered. Overall, a resounding thumbs up! Remember to be polite, smile, and learn a few phrases in Spanish – it goes a long way.
Things to Do: More Than Just Sunbathing?
Absolutely! You *could* spend your entire time sunbathing. And, honestly? No judgment if you do. ButSearchotel
