Alicante's Hidden Gem: La City Mercado - You HAVE to See This!
Alicante's Hidden Gem: La City Mercado - You HAVE to See This!
Alicante's Hidden Gem: La City Mercado - You HAVE to See This! (Seriously) - A Review That's More Me Than Machine
Alright, listen up, fellow adventurers! Forget those cookie-cutter hotels with beige walls and soul-sucking predictability. I just got back from Alicante, and I'm still buzzing. And the reason for my electric energy? La City Mercado. Seriously, you have to see this place. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. And one that I'm still sorting through, frankly. (Because let's be honest, I'm not always logical. I'm human!)
Let's get the basics out of the way, because even though I’m about to dive headfirst into the fun stuff, efficiency matters:
Accessibility & Getting Around:
- Accessibility: Well, they say they have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need them, but the elevators were definitely a plus because this place is huge. I did notice ramps and stuff, which is good! This is Alicante – rolling around the cobbled streets might be a challenge anyway!
- Getting Around: Airport transfer? Yep. Taxi service readily available? Double yep. Car park? Free and on-site! (Score!) Valet parking is there. I, however, am a walking kind of person. The hotel's location makes exploring the city so effortless. Everything's within reach. You're on the doorstep of everything – the beaches, the old town, the castle.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, This Matters):
- Cleanliness: The place gleams. I'm talking, gleaming. They’ve got the usual suspects – daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere. They're absolutely serious about it. Bonus points for the individually wrapped food options – which, believe me, I used.
- Safety: 24-hour security? Check. Fire extinguishers? Check. Smoke alarms? Check. They’ve got the whole shebang. You actually feel safe, which is a massive plus in a bustling city.
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary…and Occasionally, My Messy Headquarters:
Okay, let's talk rooms. You're going to be spending a lot of time.
- They have everything: Free Wi-Fi (obviously!), air conditioning (essential!), a mini-bar (also essential!), and even – and this is important – a window that opens! Seriously, I need fresh air, and this is a major win.
- My Room: Mine was a high-floor room with a view that nearly made me cry – the Mediterranean stretched out before me. I had a desk, a laptop workspace (bliss!), and a super-comfy bed. The bathroom was spotless, with a separate shower/bathtub thing. (And bathrobes! Oh, the luxury!) They even have alarm clocks! I slept until Noon in there one day, simply because I could.
- Imperfection: Honestly, I did find a stray hair in the bathroom one day. (It happens. We're all human, right?) It wasn't a deal-breaker, just a reminder that even paradise has its imperfections.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Let's Get to the Good Stuff!):
This is where La City Mercado really shines. Prepare to expand your waistline (and your horizons!).
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet? Epic. Seriously, epic. I'm talking everything! From the classic Western breakfast (eggs, bacon, the works!), to an Asian breakfast option. I got stuck on the Asian selection for a week. The coffee was strong. The fresh fruit was divine. You can get breakfast in your room! (Winning!) The breakfast takeaway is useful.
- Restaurants Galore: They have multiple restaurants! International cuisine is king (and they seem to know it). There is a vegetarian restaurant – a godsend for my friend, who's a stickler for plant-based meals. They've also got a poolside bar.
- Coffee Shop & More: There's a coffee shop (amazing!), a snack bar (perfect for midday munchies), and even room service 24/7! The happy hour? You betcha! I used the poolside bar regularly. The bottle of water served to my room was an absolute treat after a long day's worth of exploring.
- My Experience: I loved the A la carte in restaurant – and the desserts! I may have eaten more than my share of desserts… I'm not proud of that. But there's a salad in restaurant available too, which is a good thing -- I was really starting to feel guilty about the amount of pastries I was eating with my meals. The hotel also has a bar so I could lounge in there with a beer and unwind during the sunset.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Pampering, and More! (Whoa!):
Okay, buckle up. This is where La City Mercado really goes above and beyond. They have a ton of things to do!
- The Pool with View: OMG. Seriously. The pool. It’s an outdoor swimming pool with a view. The views from the pool are just incredible. You could easily spend all day there, especially since there's a poolside bar.
- Spa Time!: My favorite part! They have a spa. I spent a lot of time there. Body scrub? Check. Body wrap? Check. The spa offered a massage – which I needed. And a sauna, a steam room, and a foot bath. The spa is like a little slice of heaven.
- The Gym: They have a fitness center, so you can work off all those delicious meals (guilty!).
- Everything! The offer is really good, you have a lot of options: Spa/sauna. They offer couple's room.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference):
- Super Helpful Staff: The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. I needed to print something, and they sorted it out without a fuss.
- Everything You Need: They have a convenience store, a gift shop, laundry service, daily housekeeping. They even offer currency exchange.
- Meetings & Events: There are several features to host special events! They also offer audio-visual equipment for special events.
Things I Didn't Get to Try, But Sound Amazing:
- Babysitting service: (Sadly, not needed in my case!)
- Doctor/nurse on call: (Fortunately, not needed!)
- Pet allowance: pets are not allowed though.
Now, a Bit of Rambling/My Emotional Takeaways (Because I’m Me!):
Look, I'm not going to pretend I'm some polished travel blogger. I'm just a regular person who likes a good time, nice hotels, and a whole load of food. La City Mercado? It delivered on all counts. I went there looking for a vacation, and I got a proper experience. It's not just the amenities, although those are incredible. It’s the feeling you get when you're there. It’s a feeling of being cared for. A feeling of being pampered. A feeling of pure joy!
The Imperfection: The hotel is not perfect (my stray hair experience). There are also other guests, which is obvious! I definitely noticed some noise from the neighboring rooms on a couple of nights. But honestly, it's a small price to pay for everything else.
My Recommendation: GO! Just go!
Final Verdict: 9.5/10. I'd give it a 10, but you know… that darn stray hair…
ALICANTE'S HIDDEN GEM: LA CITY MERCADO - BOOK NOW!
Tired of boring hotels? Craving an unforgettable escape? La City Mercado is waiting for you!
(SEO Keywords: Alicante hotel, La City Mercado review, Alicante Spain, hotel with spa, swimming pool Alicante, luxury hotel Alicante, best hotel Alicante, Alicante city center hotel, spa vacation, Mediterranean vacation, family friendly hotel, free Wi-Fi, accessible hotel, things to do Alicante)
Here's what you'll get:
- Unforgettable Rooms: Stunning views, luxurious amenities, and the perfect sanctuary to relax and recharge.
- Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in a culinary adventure with multiple restaurants, a fantastic breakfast buffet, and poolside bars.
- Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Pamper yourself at our world-class spa with massages, sauna, and more.
- Convenient Location: Explore Alicante's vibrant city center with ease – beaches, historical sites, and nightlife are all within reach!
- Unbeatable Value: Experience luxury without the hefty price tag!
Special Offer – Limited Time Only!
Book your stay at La City Mercado now and receive:
- 15% off your entire stay for stays of 3 nights or longer!
- Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival!
- Free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability)!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious mess that is La City Mercado in Alicante, Spain. Forget meticulously timed museum visits; we're embracing the chaos, the cravings, and the very real possibility of getting gloriously lost. Consider this a loose roadmap, a suggestion, a battle plan… all of which might go spectacularly wrong.
La City Mercado: A Love Letter (and a Minor Freakout)
Day 1: Arrival & The Initial Assault on the Senses
Morning (ish - let's be honest, I'm running on Spanish time here): Land at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC). Jet-lagged, slightly panicked, and already fantasizing about tapas. Finding the airport bus to the city center was a near-disaster of misread signs and frantic Google Translate. Managed it, thanks to the kindness of a very patient abuela who seemed to understand my panicky hand gestures.
Mid-Morning: Arrive at my (hopefully) charming Airbnb. Fingers crossed it doesn't feature a leaky shower and tiny, echoing rooms in which a lonely man can only hear muffled conversations. Check-in – the lockbox code was a puzzle worthy of the Da Vinci Code. Took me a good twenty minutes and a few choice words to finally crack it. Inside, everything smells of fresh fish from the nearby Mercado. That's good, right?
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The Mercado Beckons! This is it. Ground zero. The smell of olive oil, the buzz of conversations, the sheer visual overload… it's magnificent. I head to La City Mercado itself (Mercado Central) for a proper plunge.
- First Obsession: The Jamón Serrano. Seriously, this is a defining moment. Found a stall with a man carving mountains of the stuff. He's a magician! The thin slices, the melt-in-your-mouth wonder… I may have purchased enough for a small army. And perhaps I sampled more than a polite portion right there at the counter. Whoops. Totally justifiable.
- Ramble Warning: The sheer variety is dizzying. Seafood glistens, vegetables explode with colour, and the conversations of locals buzz around you. I stood, mesmerized, watching a vendor expertly select the perfect oranges. The whole scene is a feast.
- Lunch Fiasco (Deliciously So): Decided to embrace the chaos. Found a small tapas bar within the Mercado. No English menu. My Spanish is terrible, a butchered collection of "Hola" and "Gracias," but the server, a woman with eyes that could probably read my soul, was incredibly patient. Pointing, gesturing, and pure luck led me to a plate of gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp, people, garlic shrimp!). Absolutely divine. My white shirt may or may not have suffered… let's just say I learned the hard way how much garlic the Spanish really like.
Afternoon: Wandering. Ah, the art of getting gloriously lost. Got myself thoroughly disoriented (which means finding the hidden gems). Did some window shopping, people-watching, and dodging scooters on narrow streets. The gelato call…
Evening: Dinner. I had been told a specific restaurant was good, walked there, and found it closed, but this felt perfect in a way. I'm a terrible map-reader. Found a different restaurant, with outdoor seating. Another plate of tapas. More wine. Happy sigh.
Day 2: Devotion To Seafood (and a Slight Panic Over Tourist Traps)
Morning: Back to the Mercado! But with a dedicated focus—I was determined to understand the seafood game. The array of fish, shellfish, and creatures I can’t even name is mind-blowing. Spent ages just staring, mesmerized. If my life were a movie, this would be the montage. I think I scared one particularly grumpy octopus vendor, sorry pal.
Mid-Morning: Armed with the courage from my previous garlic escapade, I ordered (with more hand gestures than actual Spanish) a plate of grilled sardines from a different stall. Oh. My. God. Simple ingredients, perfectly cooked. This is why I travel. THIS IS IT.
- The Tourist Trap Scare: This is where the paranoia crept in. I wandered down a street that was, let's say, very popular with tourists. Suddenly, all the menus had pictures, the waiters were overly eager, and everything felt… sanitized. I almost fled in terror. Quick note: Trust your gut. Get off the beaten path.
Afternoon: Found my way back to a local bar (thank god), where the only other tourists were the ones lost like me, and I tried to decipher the afternoon tapas menu, I could barely understand the local dialect, a mix of Spanish and Valencian. Order a few local beers. Relax. That tourist trap scare? Forgotten.
Evening: Back to the Mercado, after dark. The scent of cooked food is amplified, the crowd is even more alive, the Spanish are there to enjoy the evening. I took the afternoon's tapas and added a plate of fried squid, followed by a glass of local wine.
Late Night A late-night stop at a quirky bar for something sweet. I got addicted to Cafe con Leche.
Day 3: The Aftermath of Gastronomy and a Farewell
- Morning: The realization that the Mercado has taken over my life. The weight gain. The satisfied smile that won't leave my face. Heading back one last time for a slice of jamón and a fresh orange juice.
- Mid-Morning: A final wander through the city, seeking out hidden streets, lingering in plazas, soaking up the atmosphere. Maybe buying some edible souvenirs (olives, olive oil, and more jamon, of course).
- Afternoon: Packing. Sighing. Remembering. The sheer joy of it all.
- Leaving: Off to the airport, already dreaming of my return. My heart (and my stomach) are full. La City Mercado, you chaotic, delicious, wonderful beast. I'll be back. And I'll bring a bigger appetite.
La City Mercado: The Alicante Secret You HAVE To Chase Down (Seriously...You Won't Regret It!)
Okay, Okay, So This "La City" Place...Is It REALLY a Hidden Gem? Or Just Another Overhyped Tourist Trap?
Alright, let's be honest. My initial reaction on seeing the Instagram posts? Eye roll. "Another market? In Alicante? Groundbreaking." But... *deep breath* ...La City Mercado is, genuinely, different. Look, I've seen a few food markets in my time (mostly fueled by a desperate hunger and a dwindling bank account) and this one...this one just *gets* it. It's not manufactured "authenticity" like some places. It feels real. And the *smells*! Oh, the smells! Forget your perfectly curated tapas tours, this is genuine, vibrant, and yes, absolutely worth chasing down. I mean, I went back *three times* in one week. That should tell you something.
Where IS This Magical Place, Anyway? Because Google Maps is Being a Jerk.
Haha, yeah, it's a bit of a ninja move in terms of location. It's not *hard* to find, but it's tucked away a bit. Think less "main tourist drag" and more "charming side street with a surprising amount of deliciousness." I'm not going to give you exact coordinates (check Google, lazy!), but it's in the heart of Alicante, near the Rambla Méndez Núñez and Plaza de Gabriel Miró. Just wander around a bit; the aromas will eventually lead you. Trust me, you'll be sniffing the air like a truffle pig before you even *see* the entrance. And if you *do* ask for directions, try asking in Spanish, even if it's broken! It goes a long way. People are friendlier when you try.
Alright, I'm In. What Kind of Food Can I Expect? And Is It Just Food?
Okay, get ready to salivate. We're talking a glorious collision of tapas stalls, fresh seafood, Iberian ham that'll make you weep (seriously, I almost cried the first time I tried it), artisanal cheeses, paella that's cooked RIGHT in front of you, and so much more. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. And yes, it's not *just* food, though that's definitely the star of the show. There are also little shops with local handicrafts, like ceramics or handmade jewelry, and sometimes they have live music. It's a proper *experience.* But LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FOOD, SHALL WE?!
Should I Go Hungry? Or Is It More of a "Nibble & Sip" Kind of Place?
GO. HUNGRY. Like, put aside a full day and maybe even skip breakfast the day before. This isn't about a quick snack. This is about *indulging*. About sampling everything. About being utterly stuffed and still wanting more. Seriously, pacing yourself is a joke. You'll *think* you'll pace yourself, but then you'll see that gorgeous plate of grilled octopus and you'll forget all about your sensible eating plans. And the wine! Oh god, the wine! They have amazing local wines by the glass. Bring stretchy pants. No, scratch that, bring pants with an elastic waistband and just prepare to be unapologetically gluttonous. You'll thank me later. Or, you know, curse my name while you're trying to waddle back to your hotel room. Either way, you'll be full!
Are There Any "Must-Try" Stalls or Dishes? Help a Foodie Out!
Okay, this is where things get personal. I’m going to go on a bit of a food-ramble here, so buckle up.
- The Octopus at... *Stall X* (I don't remember the name, but it's facing the entrance!), oh my god, the octopus. Tender, smoky, perfectly seasoned. I could eat it every day. (And almost did.) The first time I had it, I swear, I almost wept a little. Okay, maybe a lot. I was on my own, and I just stood there, gazing at the tentacle, then inhaled the whole thing. It was pure joy. I even went back to the same stall the next day, and not even a hint of shame!
- The Iberian Ham, anywhere. Just grab a plate. Seriously. Don't overthink it. Find a place that looks busy, with people clamoring for a slice. You can't go wrong. Ask for "jamón ibérico de bellota" *specifically*, and it's worth it.
- The Paella: Find one that are cooked on the fly - you see the bubbling pan, the fragrant rice, the fresh seafood. The best ones probably won’t have a fancy name. They’ll be places where the cook shouts out the day’s special really loudly!
- Oh, and the wines. Honestly, just try them all. Start with a local white, crisp and refreshing. Then move on to a rich, fruity red. And maybe a little something sweet before you leave. It’s research, you know?
Is it Expensive? Because I'm on a Budget, You Know?
It's not *cheap*, but it's not going to bankrupt you either. I'd say it’s reasonably priced *for the quality*. Think of it as a splurge. You can definitely get a substantial meal for under 20-30 euros, but you'll *probably* want more than one thing. The prices are generally listed clearly, and you're paying for fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's an investment in your happiness, trust me. Plus, you can control your spending – a small plate of ham here, a glass of wine there. No need to go absolutely crazy unless you, like me, have no self control when faced with food that's just… *beautiful*!
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Mostly Tourists?
Okay, I'd say the vibe is pretty great. Yes, there are tourists, because, well, it's Alicante. But it *doesn't* feel like a tourist trap. It feels…local. I saw a lot of locals grabbing lunch, meeting up with friends, and generally enjoying life. It’s lively, buzzy, and friendly. It’s not overly polished, which is a huge plus. I’m talking bustling stalls, the happy clatter of plates and forks, the murmur of conversations in Spanish (mostly!), and the infectious aroma of delicious food. It's very much a "sit down, relax, and enjoy" kind of place. And maybe bring an extra napkin, because things get messy. In the BEST way.
Post a Comment for "Alicante's Hidden Gem: La City Mercado - You HAVE to See This!"