HutteriteMile
Google
A city such as Alicante where multiple accommodation options abound inevitably creates a competitive edge among hoteliers. Guest House Alicante wins hands down on the charming photos on booking websites; soft lighting, warm colours, exposed brick; the romantic image of a Spanish hacienda. ||||After a warm welcome from host Antonio, I was shown to an en-suite room on the second floor of this delightful historic building (no lift) that had access to a well-stocked and maintained communal kitchen and small balcony with washing machine and drying lines available for guests' use. Although my room didn't quite fit the image in the pictures (does it ever, really?) and had a noisy fridge in one wardrobe, the room was otherwise spacious and perfectly comfortable with much appreciated and fully-functioning air conditioning and extra bedding in one wardrobe should it get chilly. The location is also close to Plaza Luceros for the C6 Airport bus and a 5-10 minute walk down to the old town seafront, churches, bars and restaurants. So far, so good.||||For most of my week at this accommodation, I was alone on the 2nd floor and on this leg of my Spain tour, I was a female travelling alone so when, after returning to the accommodation at 5am Sunday morning following a long and distressing trip back from Madrid, other guests had since moved in and one rapped angrily on my door, I regretted that the hosts were not on site to report the disturbance at that unsocial hour. The experience left me feeling vulnerable and reminded me of the benefits of 24-hour manned reception.||||Room 12 is next to the kitchen and washing machine on the balcony at the back of the building so if you need a lie in, bear in mind that you could be kept awake by the noise of the machine filling / other guests talking and moving around next to you. The machine is also used by the housekeeper to wash other guests' towels so is in constant use. If you're a heavy sleeper or like to get out early, this shouldn't be a problem; if not, it can be like living at home as a teenager with Mum trying to rouse you on Saturday mornings with the clatter of her chores. Fortunately, housekeeping tasks are completed quickly and efficiently so any disturbance from this is relatively short-lived.