Luxury Living Awaits: Livensa Studios in San Sebastian, Spain!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the luxe life at Livensa Studios in San Sebastian! This isn't your grandpa's hotel review – we're gonna get real. Think less brochure and more… a caffeinated friend spilling the tea, and maybe a little bit of sangria along the way. Let's get this show on the road!
Luxury Living Awaits: Livensa Studios – San Sebastian – My Brain Dump Edition
Right, first things first: Accessibility. Crucial. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do have a wonky knee that acts up when it feels like it. This is where I immediately start judging a place. Livensa? Wheelchair accessible, tick. Elevator, tick. The devil, as they say, is in the details. Easy access is important. Knowing they've thought about this gives me a good feeling from the get-go. Kudos.
Now, the other accessibility thing that's super important is Internet. Okay, so they have Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! That's the headline, right? But let's dig deeper. Do they offer Internet [LAN] as well? A wired connection? Nice - I'm a sucker for an extra-secure data connection. I'm a writer and sometimes the wifi is just not dependable enough. Internet services are what you should expect from a decent location. They also have Wi-Fi in public areas. Thank the heavens! I hate hotels where you have to schlep to the lobby to get connected.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Okay, I didn't check specific restaurant accessibility for myself, but knowing that a place is trying to be inclusive is a good sign. My experience in Spain is there are plenty of bars with stairs, so good on Livensa Studios for at least trying!
Cleanliness and Safety: Is Livensa REALLY That Clean??
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room (pun definitely intended in this era of "things"). COVID-19. How did Livensa do? Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Hallelujah! Hand sanitizer available? Thank you, based god. Rooms sanitized between stays? Excellent! Room sanitization opt-out available? Smart! They're giving you the option to opt out, which, honestly, I appreciate. I don’t want my stuff getting tossed around. Also, I like that they offer: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Okay, I’ll be honest, I didn’t go digging through the kitchen during my stay. But all the above gives me the impression that they are taking it seriously, which, frankly, is all I can ask for. Staff trained in safety protocol? Very good. Cashless payment service? Efficient and essential in our modern world. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They're trying!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food
Oh, this is where things get interesting. I am a foodie. And San Sebastian? Foodie heaven!
Restaurants: They have them. Not a ton of details on what kinds, but the promise of food is there. Okay, let's go down the list of things that are in the Dining, drinking, and snacking section.
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant - Interesting!
- Bar - Of course!
- Bottle of water - a necessity!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant - Nice!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop - Crucial in my book!
- Desserts in restaurant - Yes, please!
- Happy hour - I'm in!
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar - Now we're talking.
- Room service [24-hour] - Always good!
- Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant - good for light eaters
- Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant - Catering to a broad audience!
I didn't experience everything on that list, alright? I'm not a robot! But I did grab a quick coffee in the morning at the coffee shop. It was delicious. (I'm a coffee snob, so that's a high compliment.) And I definitely snuck in a little happy hour action at the bar. The atmosphere was chill, the drinks were well-made, and the staff were friendly. (And the pool looked amazing in the evening light!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – My Moment of Sheer Indulgence!
Okay, so this is where Livensa really shines. And where I let my inner hedonist run wild.
- Body scrub, Body wrap - Tempting!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness - I didn't go, but it's there!
- Foot bath - Sounds divine after a day of walking the accessible streets of San Sebastian.
- Massage - Yes, please!
- Pool with view - YES. The view from the pool is genuinely breathtaking. I could have stayed there all day, just gazing out at the city. It's the kind of view that makes you feel… zen. It's that "pinch-me-I'm-dreaming" kind of experience.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] - Basically a full-on spa experience.
Let me tell you about the massage. Okay? This is where I start getting a little… personal. I was exhausted. I'd been running around, eating pintxos, trying to cram everything into my trip. I booked a massage. The masseuse, a lovely woman named Maria, worked miracles. She kneaded out knots I didn't even know I had. I swear my shoulders dropped about an inch. I emerged feeling like a new person. Seriously. If you're considering staying at Livensa, do yourself a favor and book a massage. It's not just a treatment – it's a vibe. It’s a whole experience. It was genuinely one of the best massages I've ever had. I literally felt my stress melting away. I walked out feeling… glowing. I was a new woman!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Big Difference
Okay, they've got all the usual suspects here.
- Air conditioning in public area, essential, especially in the summer!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities… (not my priority on this trip, but good to know)
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store. All handy!
- Currency exchange. (A life-saver!)
- Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator. The basics!
- Essential condiments. (What are these things?)
- Facilities for disabled guests - Crucial, of course!
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery. (Again, business-y stuff.)
- 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.
For the Kids: The Kid-Friendly Factor
- Babysitting service - For those with small ones.
- Family/child friendly - Good to know!
- Kids facilities, Kids meal - They're clearly geared towards families as well. Good deal!
Getting Around and all the Extras
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking - Super convenient.
Available in all rooms: Is the In-Room Experience Excellent?
Alright, this is where we get down to the nitty gritty. This is where you'll spend most of your time, right? So, do the rooms deliver?
- Additional toilet - nice
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes… (the good life, baby!)
- Bathroom phone (Fancy!)
- Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (Morning ritual essential!)
- Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box (Always a plus!)
- Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (Yes, please!)
- **Mirror, Non-smoking
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't going to be a sterile, colour-coded spreadsheet of perfect efficiency. This is… me trying to experience San Sebastian, and knowing my track record, it's going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. We're talking Livensa Living Studios, San Sebastian – a place that already sounds fancier than my current bank account. Here's the plan, or at least, the vague idea…
Day 1: Arrival - And the Quest for the Missing Adapter
- Morning (and maybe a bit of the afternoon): Flight lands. Okay, so far, so good. Except, the flight almost didn't, because my inner monologue was convinced I'd left my passport at my flat – which, spoiler alert, I almost did. Thankfully my travel instinct of anxiety came through for me.
- Livensa Living Check-in: Ugh, let's be real, this is the first stressful hurdle. Praying it's not one of those check-ins where you're forced to stand in endless lines whilst you watch other people enjoy their break. Trying to remember how to speak (functional) Spanish.
- Room Assessment: I am a sucker for a great hotel room. Hoping for natural daylight and a bathroom that doesn't look like a dungeon. Also, a quiet room. Please, oh please, let it be a quiet room.
- The Adapter Debacle: Serious problem - did I remember my travel adapter? I. Freaking. Hope. So. After a quick but fruitless search of my backpack (where I swear it was just a few hours ago), this is going to be a thing. Panic sets in. Locate a shop and potentially weep openly while overpaying for something that’s supposed to be vital.
- Afternoon:
- First Pintxos Adventure - Attempt 1: Okay, the ultimate San Seb adventure: Pintxos. I've read all the guides. I think I know the etiquette. I absolutely do not know the etiquette. Heading to the Parte Vieja (Old Town). I'm envisioning myself gracefully navigating the bars, effortlessly ordering delicious bites, and feeling like a local. Reality will probably involve awkwardly pointing, nodding, and accidentally grabbing something I don't even like.
- The First Pintxos Experience (the reality): It was… intense. Overcrowded, loud, and absolutely overwhelming. I got bumped into at least five times. I ended up with a plate of something involving sea urchin (which, to be fair, didn't taste bad, but I'm not sure I'm a sea urchin person). The first bar I went to, I tried to order like a local but the bartender just stared at me. Maybe my accent wasn't as seamless as I imagined. (And I'm pretty sure I tipped poorly.)
- Evening:
- Rambling Walk: Wander around the city because I'm probably too full of pintxos for dinner. Soak in the atmosphere. Accidentally take a 'photo' of my feet.
- Evening Reflection: Back at Livensa Living. Reflecting on the day. Feeling a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. The adapter is still missing. Praying for a good night's sleep.
Day 2: Beach, Books, and Basque Bravado
- Morning:
- La Concha Beach Bliss (or Misery?): Waking up with a plan. Seriously, I'm going to go to La Concha beach. I have high expectations: clear water, golden sand, beautiful people… I'm packing my very best swim suit (and yes, I'm aware it's probably at least 3 years old).
- La Concha Beach (the reality): Okay, it was gorgeous. Truly. The water was clear. And the sand was golden. But the wind… the wind almost blew my hat into the ocean! I almost drowned myself trying to rescue it. And, truth be told, I spent way more time worrying about sunburn than actually enjoying the scenery. Still, the view was breathtaking.
- Afternoon:
- A Glimpse of Culture (or, the Library Escape): If I'm not washed away by the wind at the beach, I'll try and find some literature. Maybe pop into a local bookstore. In my fantasy version, I'll find a rare Basque book and become instantly fluent in the language. In reality, I'll probably get overwhelmed by the choices and end up buying a postcard of a dog.
- Evening:
- Dinner Round 2 (and Attempting to Speak Spanish): Fine dining? Maybe not. But I'm going to try and find a place to eat actual dinner. Somewhere a little less chaotic than the Old Town, with as much good food as I can find. I will try my hardest to say more than, "Dos cervezas, por favor." It’s the bare minimum. Hoping for at least passing respect for my efforts.
- Evening Reflection (aka My Thoughts on Adapters, Again): Venting in my room. The adapter saga continues. I'm starting to think I should just embrace a low-tech lifestyle for the duration of this trip.
Day 3: Culture, Chocolate, and Departure Dread
- Morning:
- Exploring the Aquarium: I was thinking of popping into the aquarium to see the sharks. Or maybe just some cute little fish. It all starts with a plan for a simple trip to a place, but then the anxiety ramps up. What if I don't love it? What if it's crowded? What if the fish judge me?
- Afternoon:
- Chocolate Run: I've decided I'm going to find the best chocolate shop in San Sebastian. This is important. This is research. This is the most crucial part of the trip. I’m going to be that person, lingering in the shop, asking about every flavour, and sampling as much as humanly possible. It's a noble pursuit, I think.
- Chocolate Shop Overload: So, the chocolate shop was incredible… It was also overwhelming. The choices were endless. I may have gone a bit overboard. I ended up buying a dark chocolate bar with chilli flakes and a box of truffles that are probably going to disappear by the end of the day. I have no regrets.
- Evening:
- Last Pintxos Run (one last hurrah?): One final attempt to conquer the pintxos scene. This time, I'm going to be strategic. I've researched the best bars. I will have a plan. I will be prepared. Probably.
- Departure Reflections: Back at Livensa Living. Preparing for departure. Feeling grateful for the good times, but also relieved to go home and sleep in my own bed! Packing. Re-assessing if I REALLY need that extra pair of shoes.
- Adapter Update: You know what? I gave up. Just living in the moment. No Wi-Fi, no phone. Just San Sebastian… and a lot of really good chocolate. Maybe I should write a book.
- Goodbye San Sebastian: Leaving this lovely city. Looking forward to returning one day.
- The Flight: I’ll get home safe.
General Notes:
- Language: My Spanish is abysmal, but I will try. Expect awkward pauses, frantic hand gestures, and a lot of smiling.
- Food: I will eat everything. And I will probably try to squeeze in an extra pintxos bar (or two!) before I leave.
- Pacing: This itinerary is flexible. I may get lost, side-tracked, or completely forget what I'm supposed to be doing. Embrace the chaos.
- Mood: Expect a rollercoaster. Happy, frustrated, overwhelmed, hungry. All the emotions.
So, there you have it. My San Sebastian adventure, in all its messy, glorious glory. Wish me luck – I'm going to need it!
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Luxury Living Awaits: Livensa Studios - San Sebastian. (Let's Dive, Shall We?)
Okay, seriously, what *is* Livensa Studios? I keep seeing the ads...are they actually fancy apartments?
Sounds expensive…how much are we talking about? My bank account cries just thinking about it.
What’s included in the price? Is it just a room, or are there perks? (Because if it's *just* a room, I'm out.)
Alright, let’s personalize it. What's actually *good* about living in Livensa Studios in San Sebastian? Don't just give me the brochure line!
And the bad? Spill the tea! What are the downsides?
What kind of people actually *live* there? Is it all influencers and trust-fund kids?
Is it easy to meet people? I'm not the most outgoing…
How's the security? Because, you know, stuff gets stolen...
What about the food? Do they have a good kitchen setup?
What's the cancellation policy like? Because life happens...
