Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Grand Hotel Excelsior, San Benedetto del Tronto!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Grand Hotel Excelsior, San Benedetto del Tronto! - A Review (and a Confession)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Grand Hotel Excelsior in San Benedetto del Tronto, and let me tell you, it's a LOT. This isn't just some dry, bullet-point review. This is a confession. A love letter. And maybe, just maybe, a warning. (But mostly love, I swear!)
Let's get the boring (but important) stuff out of the way, shall we? Because, let's be real, these days you gotta address the elephant in the room (or, you know, the microscopic viral particles…).
Cleanliness and Safety – (Don't Worry, Be Happy…ish)
They're serious about this. Like, Olympic-grade serious. The anti-viral cleaning products smelled suspiciously pleasant, hinting at some kind of advanced, slightly disturbing science (but hey, I'm not complaining!). Daily disinfection in common areas was obvious, and let me tell you, that elevator gleamed. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. I even got the opt-out option for room sanitization, which, honestly, felt a little…wrong. Like, "Hey, thanks for the offer to protect me from the invisible bad guys, but I'm just gonna leave it to chance, yeah?" Still, the option is there. My room was sparkling!
Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Every. Single. Corner. Felt a bit like living inside a medical lab, but better safe than sorry, right? The staff? Trained to a T. And the safe dining setup? Genius. They clearly know what they are doing. Cashless payment service was a breeze, and the physical distancing felt natural, not forced. They're just… organized!
On the subject of safe dining, I took a deep dive into their restaurant and honestly, it was glorious. They had the standard breakfast buffet, which was as good as it always is, but then they had a vegetarian restaurant. Which was a game changer. I am not a vegetarian myself but I adore a good salad and great grilled vegetables. The salad was to die for, so fresh and crispy and the grilled vegetables were the perfect match. It paired perfectly with that bottle of water, because even though I'm trying to be fancy, I'm still cheap. The alternative meal arrangement and individual wrapped food options were a thoughtful touch.
Accessibility - They Got This!
I didn't personally need it, but let me tell you, the Grand Hotel Excelsior gets accessibility. They understand it. Facilities for disabled guests were clearly integrated, not just tacked on. I saw elevators (obviously!), and ample space for getting around. There are accessible restaurants/lounges, too. They've thought of everything. Massive plus.
The Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (and a Few Quirks)
Now, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. Forget your basic hotel room; this is pure, unadulterated luxury.
First, the good: Air conditioning that actually works. A mini bar that's not extortionate. Seriously, I was expecting to have to mortgage my house to pay for a can of soda, but no! Free Wi-Fi (and I'm talking fast Wi-Fi!), a bathrobe that whispered "pamper me," and a bathtub begging for bubbles. Bathrobes are essential, okay?
This place is so fancy that the bathroom phone felt awkward to use. You can call the front desk from the bathroom? But…why?
The blackout curtains? Perfect for sleeping in after a long day of…well, lounging in the sun. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. My desk was my "I'm still technically working" zone (shhh!), and it was actually a pretty good workspace. The separate shower/bathtub? Chef's kiss. And, for the love of all that is holy, there's a slippers!
Here's the weird confession: I spent a concerning amount of time in my room, just… soaking it all in. I read the hotel magazine, which was surprisingly interesting (I'm still not quite sure what a "Shrine" in the local area actually is!). I took a nap. Several naps. I felt like a queen. Or, you know, a slightly neurotic person who needs to recharge her batteries. But hey, no judgment!
Ways to Relax (and a Deep Dive into the Spa - My Moment of Zen)
This is where things get… glorious. I’m not even a spa person, usually. But it was included! So, I thought what the heck.
First off, the pool with a view. That's right, people. Seriously, you need to see this. It's breathtaking. I spent hours just floating, staring at the horizon, and pondering the meaning of life (or, you know, whether I wanted another espresso).
Then, the spa. Oh, the spa. I had to try the sauna and the steamroom. Honestly, I felt like a cooked noodle when I was done. But a very relaxed, happy noodle. And I'm not sure about a body scrub, or body wrap, but I did get a massage. (The best massage I've ever had, the masseuse was an absolute wizard!)
The Food: From Asian Delights to International Cuisine (and My Dessert Obsession)
Okay, let's talk food. San Benedetto del Tronto is a foodie paradise, and the Grand Hotel Excelsior understands this.
Restaurants galore, and not just any restaurants – good restaurants!. They have a great menu that featured Asian cuisine, offering a refreshing change of pace. The international cuisine was well-executed, and always delicious.
The bar was inviting, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitivo (or three). And the poolside bar was a lifesaver during the sun-drenched afternoons.
Here's my confession: I developed a serious dessert addiction. They had the most amazing desserts in the restaurant… I may have eaten one (or two, or three) every single night. Don't judge me!
For the Kids (and the Grown-Ups Who Still Feel Like Kids)
I don't have kids, but the Grand Hotel Excelsior is super family/child friendly. They have babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meals. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Services & Conveniences – They Thought of Everything (Seriously)
They have everything, from the usual suspects (laundry, dry cleaning, concierge) to the more… surprising. A convenience store (essential for late-night snack cravings). The gift/souvenir shop (you know you'll buy something!). Bicycle parking.
Getting Around & Other Bits
Airport transfer? Check. Car park [on-site]? Check. Taxi service? Obviously.
The little things that matter: They provide an invoice which is a convenient detail for business travelers. The daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the security [24-hour] gave me peace of mind.
The Quirks (and a Few Imperfections)
Okay, nothing is perfect. The Wi-Fi, while generally good, did have a few hiccups. The food service was a little too efficient at times; I felt like I hadn't even set my fork down before they were clearing my plate. (But hey, maybe that's just me being a slow eater!)
And, weirdly, the elevator, while gleaming, had a slightly unsettling propensity to stop one or two floors below mine without seemingly any reason. I'm telling you, maybe the building is haunted by the ghost of a very punctual butler.
Overall Vibe: Pure Bliss (and Maybe a Touch of Crazy)
Look, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is an experience. It's luxurious, it's comfortable, and its well managed. It’s got everything you could want. It's also a bit addictive. I'm already dreaming about the moment I can return.
The "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits" Offer: Get Ready to Treat Yourself!
Okay, here's the deal. Listen up, because I'm offering a deal. I'm not affiliated with the hotel, but I’m so confident that you'll love it, I'm practically begging you to go!
My Offer:
Book your stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior through our website (insert affiliate link here - if I had one!) and get:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony and sea view (subject to availability). You'll want the terrace!
- A free spa treatment (choose from a massage or body scrub).
- A bottle of prosecco on arrival, to toast your escape.
- 15% discount on all dining and drinks at the hotel restaurants and bars.
- Free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival
Why You Should Book Now:
- Unforgettable Experience: Escape
My Grand Hotel Excelsior Mishap: A Glorious, Messy Italian Romp
Right, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-planned, Pinterest-worthy itinerary. This is real life Italy, Excelsior Edition. And let me tell you, it was…an experience.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Almost-Lost-Luggage" Fiasco (Plus, the Pool That Stole My Heart)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The flight. Honestly, a blur of airplane snacks and existential dread (am I really taking a vacation?). Landed in Ancona and the whole airport smelt like coffee and faint Italian perfume, a smell that immediately set my soul afire. Then, the joy, the absolute joy of reclaiming my baggage. Or, almost. Because as the carousel coughed up suitcase after suitcase, mine was conspicuously absent. Panic. Swearing (mostly under my breath, mostly). "This is it," I thought, "My Italian dream, done in by a rogue piece of luggage."
- Quick Note: Learned the phrase "Dov'è il mio bagaglio?" (Where is my luggage?) very fast.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The drive. The countryside whizzed by like a postcard. Imagine, turquoise water and sun and, even, rolling hills and olive groves, the whole nine yards. Everything was stunning, but I could not stop thinking about my missing suitcase.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Finally made it to the Excelsior. Majestic, beautiful hotel. I should have been blown away. Instead, all I could think about was that rogue suitcase. The lobby was gorgeous, but still, suitcase. The receptionist was super nice. Apparently, my bag was stuck somewhere between the airport and here. Deep breaths, deep breaths. At the hotel restaurant: Gnocchi! And a glass of local wine. The gnocchi was perfect, but still, suitcase.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): THE POOL. Oh, dear sweet baby Jesus, that pool. I swear, I almost forgot about the luggage. It was like a turquoise lagoon, shimmering under the Italian sun. I was expecting the whole thing to feel artificial but it was perfectly placed, and with the help of a few cocktails I found some peace. Spent hours floating, the sun kissing my skin, feeling like a glamorous movie star (albeit one with potentially lost luggage). This alone made the trip worth it. Seriously, if you go to the Excelsior, do not miss the pool. It's a life-changer.
- Anecdote Alert: I even attempted a graceful entry (you know, the kind you see in movies). Let's just say it was less "graceful" and more "cannonball with a splash of humiliation."
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Luggage still MIA. Cue the minor panic. Dinner at a lovely restaurant near the hotel, which was a godsend. Had the best seafood pasta of my life; everything was so fresh. I ended the night watching the sunset over the Adriatic from my balcony, drinking wine, and secretly (okay, maybe not-so-secretly) hoping my suitcase would miraculously reappear.
Day 2: Exploring, Eating, and Embracing the Chaos
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, so finally the suitcase arrived!! Cue the happy dance. I took a stroll along the beach, the sand warm under my feet. San Benedetto del Tronto is a charmer. Charming with its, what felt like, endless expanse of beach. Strolled along the promenade and took in the colourful houses and the general feeling of dolce vita.
- Quirk Obs: The sheer number of gelato shops! I mean, everywhere you look. I’m pretty sure I’ll come home 10 pounds heavier, but it’ll be worth it.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a little trattoria tucked away on a side street. The food was simple, authentic, and divine. The owner, a tiny, fiery woman with a voice like gravel, kept trying to feed me extra portions. Couldn’t say no, of course. (What even is "no" in Italy?)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The highlight was a trip to the local market. The colours, the smells (olives, fresh bread, sun-ripened tomatoes), the energy – pure sensory overload! Bought some ridiculously ripe peaches that dripped juice all over my hands, a couple of bottles of local wine, and some weird, delicious cheese.
- Emotional Reaction: It felt like a scene straight out of a movie. I just wanted to bottle up that feeling and take it home with me.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 - 6:00): Back to the hotel. Spent a good hour nursing an Aperol spritz by the sea, feeling genuinely, blissfully relaxed.
- Evening (7:00 PM - onwards): Dinner at a restaurant in the old town. The food was good, but the best part was watching the locals. They were so expressive, so loud, so full of life. Witnessing them interact was an experience in itself. I also failed to order correctly and actually had to ask for the waiter's help. Thank god for friendly staff!
Day 3: The Grand Hotel (and that pool!)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to truly embrace the Grand Hotel experience. Spa day! The massage was fantastic. Then some time in the jacuzzi. Basically, felt like royalty.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): More gnocchi, more wine, more happiness. At this point, I was pretty sure I could live on gnocchi and Italian sunshine forever.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the pool. Seriously, I’m obsessed. This time, I successfully perfected my graceful entry (told you I'm a fast learner). Spent the afternoon soaking up the sun, reading a book, and generally feeling incredibly smug.
- Doubling Down is a Must: The pool was the star of the show. It wasn't just a pool; it was an entire state of being. The water was so clear, so inviting, that I couldn't help but feel my stress melt away with every stroke. I took a deep breath every time I went in and tried to channel the joy of that moment. That pool was a sanctuary, a place of pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Evening (7:00 PM - onwards): Farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant. Another fantastic meal - this time I went for the fish. Said goodbye to the lovely staff. It was bittersweet.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Last-minute breakfast at the hotel. The pastry selection was insane (struggled not to fill my bag with them).
- Departure (9:00 AM - onwards): The drive back to the airport felt different. I wasn't just leaving Italy; I was leaving behind a little piece of myself. The trip has taught me the value of embracing the chaotic, of saying "yes" to new experiences, of ordering that extra plate of pasta, and most importantly, to never underestimate the power of a really good pool.
- Final Observation: Italy is a mess, a glorious, imperfect mess, and I loved every second of it. I just can't wait to go back.
This is just the beginning. Embrace the imperfections, the missed trains, the slightly embarrassing moments, and the delicious food. Because those are the moments that make a trip truly unforgettable. Arrivederci!
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Unbelievable Luxury? Grand Hotel Excelsior, San Benedetto del Tronto – FAQ (and my Slightly Messed-Up Thoughts)
So, is it really 'Grand'? I saw the pictures...
What are the rooms *really* like? The balconies, specifically?
Is the food as good as everyone says? The reviews are... intense.
What about the beach? It's right there, isn't it?
Is the service as impeccable as the brochures promise?
Anything I should definitely *not* do? Rookie mistakes to avoid?
Regarding the Spa: is it actually relaxing?
Final Verdict? Worth the hype?
