Tenby Dream: 2-Bed Starfish Apartment Awaits! ✨
Tenby Dream: 2-Bed Starfish Apartment Awaits! ✨ A Chaotic, Honest, and Utterly Human Review. (Prepare for Rambling!)
Okay, so, Tenby Dream: 2-Bed Starfish Apartment. The name alone? A bit much, right? Sounds like a romance novel for sea creatures. But hey, vacation, am I right? Let's dive in. Brace yourselves, this ain’t your typical slick travel blog. This is real, folks. And messy.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Great Elevator Debate (and a Tiny Triumph!)
Finding the place was the first hurdle. GPS went a bit wonky ("Turn left… now! Into the sea!"). Finally, we arrived, and the facade… well, it was fine. Nothing spectacular, nothing disastrous. But, OH JOY! An elevator! I’m traveling with a dodgy knee, so this was massive news. Accessibility, YES! But… (there’s always a but, isn't there?) the information sheets were… well, let’s just say clarity wasn’t their strong suit. Like, WHERE the elevator actually went? It's a bit like trying to decipher hieroglyphics.
The Apartment: Starfish Dreams or Starfish Nightmares?
The apartment itself. "Starfish" – I was expecting, like, starfish-shaped cushions. Nope. Just… a perfectly… normal apartment. Which, again, is fine. We were met with… a slightly confused cleaner still tidying up to be totally honest. Minor imperfection time!, but she was a delight, bless her.
Here's a breakdown of what I cared about:
Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, MAJOR props here. They clearly took COVID seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas (more on that later), and room sanitization between stays. I felt genuinely safe, which, considering the current climate felt utterly vital . The hand sanitizer dispensers dotted around were a comfort and I, for once felt like the Staff was well trained. Honestly, I've stayed in places where the staff looked like they were actively trying to catch the virus. Not here.
Rooms Sanitization Opt-out Available: I loved that. More places should do that.
Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: The cleaning lady was still there when we arrived but, I was very understanding when it came to that.
Breakfast in the apartment: was nice, they did provide everything we needed and the 'takeaway' set-up to come back from the beach was brilliant.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (And the inevitable struggle of Wi-Fi)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, it was a lifesaver.
- Internet [LAN]: They had LAN, which is, like, a relic from the internet's Jurassic period. I might have tried it.
- Internet services: all the usual stuff but, really, who still uses that?
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep. Working pretty well (when it wasn't buffering for 20 minutes).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food! (And My Undying Love for the Poolside Bar)
Right. Let’s talk food. Okay, the apartment didn’t have its own restaurant (a shame), but there were options.
- Restaurants: Yep, a few, but I'm going to be brutally honest. We only really tried… the poolside bar.
- Poolside Bar: Okay. THIS. WAS. HEAVEN. With the Pool with a view there. The cocktails? Divine. The snacks? Surprisingly decent. I spent an embarrassing amount of time here. It was just so… easy. My only feedback? Maybe add a few more umbrellas.
- Poolside Bar: The view was just chef’s kiss.
- Breakfast Service (and Breakfast in Room): Alright, so, no big buffet situation. But breakfast was delivered to the apartment, and was honestly… pretty decent. The Asian breakfast looked interesting, but I was all about those Western Breakfast, which was tasty.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Body Scrubs to… The Sauna (That I Didn't Use)
Right. Relaxation. This is where things got a bit… ambitious. They had options, lots of them.
- My failed sauna mission… Let’s just say it never happened. I’m a sauna newbie. I had visions of serene relaxation. Instead, I got… overwhelmed.
- Swimming pool: Obviously. Gorgeous.
- Spa, Spa/Sauna: The spa! Now that I did explore. It was lovely.
- Gym/Fitness: I saw the gym. I did not enter.
- Things to do, ways to relax: This place made an effort there's no doubt.
- Family/child friendly: Definitely for families. I saw lots of kids running around.
- Couple's room: Romantic, but I'm there for myself and my dodgy knee so I had little interest.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
- Daily housekeeping: YES. Glorious.
- Concierge/Doorman: Yes, there was a Concierge. Super helpful, and had plenty of answers to any of my questions I had.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes, indeed!
- Baby sitting service: I didn't need it, but yes.
- Free Car Park On-Site: Always a bonus.
- Car Power Charging Station: Nice touch for sustainability.
- Laundry Service: Excellent.
- Luggage Storage: Helpful.
- Gift/souvenir shop: I was tempted.
The Room Itself: Where the Magic (and the Minor Annoyances) Happen
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial.
- Bed: Very comfy.
- Shower: Not bad.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Free Wi-Fi: See above. Amazing.
- Free Bottled water: Always appreciated.
The Not-So-Great Bits (Because Honesty is the Best Policy!)
- The signs. So many signs. Signs about signs. Signs telling you to read other signs. This could've been more efficient. It was like an art project gone wild.
- The whole "Starfish" thing – I still don't get it.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Honestly, yes. Despite the minor hiccups and the slightly over-the-top name, Tenby Dream: 2-Bed Starfish Apartment was a solid, comfortable, and well-located base for a lovely vacation. the staff made it a great stay and the place was clean. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And sometimes, that’s what you need. So go. But maybe bring your own starfish cushions. And a VERY good map.
Monroe's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn & Suites Luxury!
Alright, pack your bags, buttercups! We're heading to the Starfish Apartment in Tenby, Wales. This ain't your pristine, Instagram-perfect holiday. This is the REAL DEAL. Brace yourselves.
THE STARFISH APARTMENT: TENBY, WALES - A MESSY ADVENTURE
Day 1: The Arrival… and the Great Pizza Debacle
- Morning (a.k.a. "Surviving the Train From Hell"): God, the train journey. Let's just say British Rail and I are currently not on speaking terms. Delayed. Packed. Squealing children. I'm pretty sure the grumpy old man in the corner was plotting my demise with a newspaper. But hey, we made it! (Eventually).
- Afternoon (a.k.a. "Finding the bloody Apartment"): Okay, the directions to Starfish were… optimistic. "A short stroll from the harbour," they said. Lies! We wandered. We panicked slightly. I may have shouted at Google Maps. Finally found it, and thank the lord, the view from the balcony is spectacular. Seriously, the sea… wow. That saved them.
- Anecdote: The key situation. The key got stuck. The key nearly broke. Cue a frantic 20 minutes of prodding, cursing under my breath, and fearing we'd be sleeping on the beach. Managed to get it in. The universe really does love a good laugh at my expense.
- Evening (a.k.a. "Pizza Night… that went sideways"): After unpacking, we decided to be sensible and have pizza. Found a local place, ordered two beautiful-looking pizzas, and brought them back to the apartment. Opened the boxes. One pizza was totally burnt on one side. The other had half the toppings missing. I nearly cried. My partner, bless him, thought it was hilarious. Had to microwave the pizza. Ended up eating it off paper plates. Romantic, right? I'm getting the giggles recalling this mess.
Day 2: Beach Bumming & Emotional Sea Spray
- Morning (a.k.a. "Tenby Beach – Finally Feeling Human"): The next day, we actually woke up feeling good! Woke up with the view from the balcony. Just sat there for hours, sunbathing and reading. Okay, I was reading and my partner was snoring. The waves were doing their hypnotic thing, the salty air filled my lungs, and for the first time, I felt a shred of actual peace.
- Quirky Observation: The seagulls! Absolutely relentless. They're basically feathered little criminals. Keep your chips very close.
- Afternoon (a.k.a. "Castle Hill & a Moment of Truth"): We climbed Castle Hill. That climb! My thighs are still screaming. But the view from the top? Worth every aching muscle. I stared at the sea, and that's when it hit me. A wave of emotion. I felt so small, and insignificant, and yet, incredibly lucky to be there. It's not an easy thing to admit that.
- Evening (a.k.a. "Fish & Chips & Regrets"): Down at a local Fish n Chips shop. Ordered cod and chips. I really wanted to go with the mushy peas, but my partner said no. Well, I should have ordered them anyway. They’ll be on the list next time
- Night (a.k.a. "Seasickness"): Okay, I'm not making this up. After a lot of alcohol, I started to feel sick. Like really sick. Turns out, I'm seasick. And can't sleep. Ugh.
Day 3: The Island & The Art of Being Lost
- Morning (a.k.a. "St Catherine's Island & a Tiny Ferry"): We took a tiny ferry to St Catherine's Island. The island itself is pretty incredible, with its fort and old lighthouse. I think the ferry could fit 10 people. It wasn't smooth sailing but it was worth it.
- Emotional Reaction: I feel a slight pang of sadness that I haven't found my own island to explore.
- Afternoon (a.k.a. "Lost in Tenby…Again"): Getting anywhere involves a certain amount of wandering. We ended up in a little side street with the most amazing little art gallery. I'm obsessed! Buying paintings? No. But looking. Lots of looking. And maybe a coffee at a cafe. Which was delicious.
- Evening (a.k.a. "The Great Pub Debate"): Pub night. The pub has a fire place and the atmosphere is great. Some beer and wine, a lot of laughter, and a surprisingly heated debate about the merits of cheese and pickle sandwiches. (Yes, really.)
Day 4: Packing, Departure, and lingering Smell of Brine
- Morning (a.k.a. "Packing & the Final Sea View"): The view from the balcony! I'm going to miss this. I want to stay. But the reality, is that it's time to pack up and leave. What the hell am I going to do with the rest of my life?
- Afternoon (a.k.a. "Goodbye (for now), Tenby"): The train journey home. One last look back at the sea.
- Opinionated Language: This trip wasn't perfect, but it was perfect for me. It was real, it was messy, and it was filled with moments I'll never forget. And I'll be back. Tenby, I hope you're ready.
Notes:
- Food: Eat all the fish and chips. Find a proper bakery for Welsh cakes. (I didn't, and I regret it.)
- Emotions: Embrace the ups and downs. Don't be afraid to get a little lost (literally and figuratively).
- Imperfections: Expect chaos. That's half the fun.
- Next time: I'm going to bring waterproof trousers. And research the best pizza place in town. And maybe take a course on surviving train journeys.
See ya, Tenby! You beautiful, salty, slightly chaotic place.
Escape to Paradise: Konitsa Mountain Hotel Awaits in Greece!
Right, so "Tenby Dream"? Sounds… optimistic. What's the *actual* view like from the Starfish Apartment? Is it all postcard-perfect sunsets?
Okay, deep breaths. The marketing photos? They’re *lying*. Kidding! (Mostly). Look, the view is good. It *is*. You see the sea. You see… some of the town. It's lovely on a sunny day, with the boats bobbing. Listen, I'm a sucker for a decent sunrise, and I'll admit, I saw a few scorchers. But let's be real. Sometimes the fog rolls in. Sometimes the bin lorries are *right* there, which… well, that wasn't ideal at 6 AM. And sometimes, you're just staring at a damp, grey sky and wondering if you should have just booked a holiday in the Sahara. But hey, even grey skies have a certain… melancholic appeal, right? Emphasis on the melancholic.
Two bedrooms, you say? Is it actually big enough for… you know… *people*? Or is it like one of those tiny flats where you have to walk sideways to get to the bathroom?
Okay, the space. This is where things get… interesting. Two bedrooms, yes. One felt… roomy enough. The other? Okay, let's just say my friend Sarah, bless her heart, is a bit of a… *space hog*. And she kept complaining. Actually, *I* kept complaining once I couldn’t find a place to put my suitcase. It's not *tiny* tiny. It’s just… efficiently designed, shall we say. Packed with potential. Filled with expectations. If you’re planning on having a full-blown family gathering? Maybe book two apartments.
Okay, I'm a kitchen person (I like to make toast, at least). Is the kitchen equipped with actual *stuff*? Or just a sad collection of chipped plates and a single, blunt knife?
Right, the kitchen. This is a make-or-break situation for me. I need my morning coffee, okay? So, I will give it a solid C+. The appliance were fine. The knives? Less so. My butter knife was more effective at slicing tomatoes. The plates? Well, they *were* chipped, now that you ask. Fine for a quick breakfast, I suppose, and honestly, I'm not expecting Michelin-star quality, but don’t go planning any elaborate feasts unless you're bringing your own gear. Just… pack a decent knife and a wine opener. You're welcome.
What are the *really* good bits? The things that made you go, "Yep, this was worth it!"
Okay, here's where I get a little sentimental (brace yourself). Okay, the view, again. when the sun did decide to turn up, which it certainly liked to do, it was magic. Staring at the waves, just thinking. The beach! I mean, Tenby beach is lovely. The sand is nice and soft. Even the slightly overcrowded bits were okay. One specific moment, it wasn't the sun, but the *rain*. We’d just gotten back, soaked to the bone, after a long walk. We were all cold and grumpy. We’d had a little argument, all of us were pretty much regretting it. Then we got back inside. We cranked the heat up. A cup of tea. We all started laughing at how ridiculous we were. That, that was worth it. Those little moments. Those are the things you remember.
And the bad bits? The "I wish I’d brought hazmat suit" kind?
Okay, the hazmat suit is a bit strong. Let's go for "mildly inconvenienced." Parking. GOD, the parking. The parking situation was a NIGHTMARE. Found a space about a mile away. Dragged the luggage, including Sarah’s *massive* suitcase, up a hill. And of course, the moment I got back, there was a space right outside. And THEN. One of the days the water cut out. Just gone. For like, three hours. My hair was a disaster. We had to go and buy bottled water. It was all very… rustic. And let me just say this: the soundproofing? Non-existent. I could hear the seagulls at 4 AM, which, after a few glasses of wine, seemed less charming and more like a personal attack.
Would you go back? Be honest.
Ooh, that's the big question. Honestly? Yes. Yes, I would. Because despite the damp patches, the slightly dodgy knives, and the siren-like call of the seagulls at dawn, there was a certain… *charm*. Tenby itself is lovely. The Starfish Apartment has potential (needs some serious TLC, mind you). And those moments of pure, unadulterated silliness? You can't put a price on them. So yeah. I'd go back. Maybe I'd bring my own knife. And earplugs. And a bigger suitcase.
