Serennia Apartments: Your Dream Barcelona Stay Near the Arc de Triomphe!
Serennia Apartments: Your Dream Barcelona Stay Near the Arc de Triomphe!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the swirling, sometimes overwhelming, but always captivating world of Serennia Apartments near Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe. Forget pristine descriptions and perfectly crafted sentences. This is raw, unfiltered, and hopefully, hilarious.
Right, let's get this show on the road.
First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly Baffling, and the "Where Did I Park My Brain?"
Okay, truth time: Barcelona and I have a love-hate relationship. I love the energy, the tapas, the architecture… but I hate getting lost. Finding Serennia was a bit of a saga, let's just say that. Google Maps decided to take me on a scenic tour of back alleys that definitely weren't designed for a car. But hey, I survived! And finding the car park [on-site] situation was a relief, especially after my navigational disaster. It's Car park [free of charge] – score! (More money for tapas, obviously).
So, Accessibility… Serrenia has some wins in this area. The Elevator is a godsend, especially after my luggage-hauling mishaps. I didn't get to properly evaluate Facilities for disabled guests, but the initial impression seemed pretty good. I'm not an expert on Wheelchair accessible, but it appeared promising!
Sanitation Nation: Because, Let's Be Honest, We're All Germaphobes Now
COVID-19? Yeah, we all know it. And Serennia is doing its best. Seeing the Anti-viral cleaning products being used made me breathe a little easier. The Daily disinfection in common areas is definitely appreciated. Rooms sanitized between stays? Hopefully! I mean, who knows? I didn't see the Sterilizing equipment, but I'm a germophobe, so I’m already sanitizing everything I touch. I wasn't checking like a hawk, okay? But I felt… relatively safe. Hand sanitizer stations? Yep, they were there.
Rooms: My Kingdom for a Decent Nap
Okay, the Rooms themselves? Pretty good. The Air conditioning was a MUST in the Barcelona heat (I was sweating through my clothes before I even entered the building). I appreciated the Blackout curtains (essential for fighting jet lag and general sleep-deprived despair). And the Free Wi-Fi? HELL YES! That's a must in my book. The view from the high floor (thanks, Serennia!) was pretty spectacular, overlooking the city.
Free bottled water – a nice touch. Bathrobes and slippers – yes, please! Coffee/tea maker – a lifesaver for early morning wanderings. Sadly, no Additional toilet, though my travel buddy might have appreciated it.
Food Glorious Food (or, The Quest for a Decent Croissant)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: The Breakfast [buffet] was… adequate. I’m a sucker for a croissant, and the ones here were… okay. Definitely not Parisian, but they did the job. I’m not a big fan of Asian breakfast (though it apparently existed), but I did enjoy the Coffee/tea in restaurant with a dash of milk. The Coffee shop also offers a good options. I didn't try the Room service [24-hour], but that's always a win.
Relaxation Station: Or, Where I Failed Miserably at Being Zen
Oh, Things to do, ways to relax is where things get interesting. The Fitness center? I looked at it. That's about as far as I got. My workout routine mostly involves heavy lifting… of tapas forks. Okay, maybe I should actually go to the gym, but hey, there's a Swimming pool [outdoor], right? Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. Okay, now we're talking! I didn't have a chance to try many of them, but seeing them on the list is appealing. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage – I wish I had time for all of these! A Poolside bar sounds tempting, especially after a day of sightseeing. I didn't experience any of it, but the potential is there!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make Life (Slightly) Easier
Serennia has a lot of Services and conveniences. I loved the Daily housekeeping (because, let's face it, I'm messy) and the Concierge was helpful (even when I was asking dumb questions about the metro). Cash withdrawal? Check.Laundry service? Thank god! Luggage storage? A lifesaver before my flight home. And, Food delivery!
The Not-So-Pretty Bits (Because Even Barcelona Can't Be Perfect)
Okay, the Internet access – LAN and Internet services? I didn’t see them. I just went with Wi-Fi [free], which worked fine. And the Proposal spot… I didn't need it, but it's a bit random, right? Maybe they're trying to corner the romance market. And the occasional Soundproofing that actually makes sounds… some nights the noise from the street was a bit more audible than I would have liked. But hey, city life!
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Look, Serennia Apartments isn't perfect (what is, really?). But it's a solid choice for a Barcelona stay. It's in a great location, it offers a good range of amenities, and it mostly delivers on its promises. If you're looking for a comfortable base to explore the city, I would recommend Serennia Apartments.
Final Rant (Because I Can’t Help Myself)
The Staff trained in safety protocol – awesome! The Safe dining setup – good to know. Hygiene certification – even better! But… I still brought my own Clorox wipes. I'm a worrier, okay? But hey, at least I slept well. And that's saying something.
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P.S. Don't forget to pack your comfortable shoes! You'll be doing a lot of walking… and probably a lot of eating. 😉
Seminyak's Hidden Gem: Singgah Hotel's Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! My Barcelona adventure at Serennia Apartments Arc de Triomf – a trip that promises to be less "polished travelogue" and more "slightly crazed tourist's diary." Let's get this chaotic show on the road!
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Suitcase Debacle of '24
- 6:00 AM (ish): Groan. London Stansted Airport. The soul-crushing fluorescent lights and the desperate energy of people clinging to their last bits of sleep. Flight delayed, naturally. I swear, I saw a guy trying to fold himself into a Ryanair seat – it was like performance art.
- 9:30 AM (ish): FINALLY, wheels up! I spend the entire flight alternating between trying to read (lost cause – the turbulence was a physical assault on my brain) and morbidly analyzing the contents of my "emergency snacks" (two stale granola bars and a suspiciously green apple).
- 1:00 PM (Barcelona Time!): Touchdown! And the immediate, overwhelming aroma of… something. I can’t quite place it, but it’s definitely… European.
- 1:30 PM: The metro. Oh, the metro. I, a seasoned traveler, found myself utterly bamboozled by the ticket machine. Eventually, some kind-looking woman, probably a Barcelona local, took pity on my flailing and helped me out. Bless her heart.
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at Serennia Apartments. The apartment itself…well, it's fine. Cleanish. Smallish. But hey, it has a balcony! And a washing machine! (Victory is mine! I’ll be wearing the same t-shirt for the next week, thank you very much).
- 3:00 PM: Suitcase. The bane of my existence. The zipper exploded upon arrival (my fault, I overpacked, I know, I know). Emergency repair mission! Duct tape to the rescue! (Don't judge, it works.)
- 4:00 PM: A walk around the Arc de Triomf and Parc de la Ciutadella. Beautiful, seriously breathtaking. But I'm already starting to feel the jet lag. I sat on a bench, watching the street performers, and nearly fell asleep.
- 5:30 PM: Tapas time! Found a tiny, little place near the apartment. I ordered everything on the menu that looked vaguely edible. The patatas bravas were divine. The other stuff… less so. (I think one of them was snails. Definitely not ordering that again.)
- 7:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Sleeeeep.
Day 2: Gaudi's Gone Wild! (And My Wallet Almost Did Too)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up! Jet lag? Still here. Coffee is my new religion. (and thankfully, the apartment has a coffee machine!)
- 9:00 AM: Sagrada Familia. Oh. My. God. (In the best possible way!) It's insane. Utterly, ridiculously, breathtakingly insane. I mean, I've seen pictures, of course, but nothing prepares you. The sheer scale, the intricate detail… it's mind-boggling. I stood there, jaw agape, for a good twenty minutes. I almost missed my entry time because I was just… staring.
- 10:00 AM: The ticket queue. Let's be real, it's another story. I joined the line with the other tourists. I watched the line move for 10 minutes. I started to feel restless. I looked at the people in line, I was starting to get impatient. People are talking to each other, some are taking selfies, I was starting to feel a bit annoyed and hungry. I wanted to go inside, but I didn't want to spend hours in the line. I should have booked a ticket online! Live and learn.
- 11:00 AM: Inside! Holy moly the stained glass. The way the light pours in… it's like being inside a kaleidoscope made of pure joy and art and religious fervor. (I'm not even religious, but I was moved. Go figure.) Absolutely worth the wait.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Got scammed for a greasy sandwich near Park Güell. My fault, I was hangry. Lesson learned: never trust a street vendor who smiles too widely. My wallet weeps.
- 2:00 PM: Park Güell. Ah, the whimsical wonderland! Gaudi's other masterpiece. Again, packed. Even the lizards on the mosaics are getting squished by selfie-sticks. But still, magical. I climbed (attempted, at least) to the top of the "gingerbread house" and took a panorama photo. The view was spectacular. (And I nearly fell off.)
- 4:00 PM: Got gloriously lost in the Grà cia neighborhood. Found a hidden plaza, drank delicious, cheap sangria, and eavesdropped on a group of Spanish grandmas gossiping. (Couldn’t understand a word, but it was delightful.)
- 6:00 PM: Flamenco show. Intense. Passionate. The dancer's faces, so focused (like a laser). I can barely sit still, I swear. I was on the edge of my seat. I need to learn some flamenco when I get home, and get a proper dress, like those dancers!
- 8:00 PM: Tapas again. This time, I’m avoiding the snails. Feeling slightly less broke than before. Thank god!
Day 3: Beach Bumming and Bookish Moments (and a Mild Panic Attack)
- 9:00 AM: Beach time! Barceloneta. The sand is warm, the Mediterranean is… cold. (I braved a swim anyway. Bracing! And a little bit exhilarating).
- 11:00 AM: Sunbathing. Or at least, attempting to. I keep getting sand in everything. And I'm pretty sure I've turned into cooked lobster. (Sunscreen next time, genius.)
- 1:00 PM: Paella by the beach. Touristy, sure. But the rice was fluffy and the seafood fresh. Worth it. (Even though I dropped a bit of it on my shirt.)
- 2:30 PM: Shopping: I'm usually not a shopper, but I wanted to get away a bit from the tourists, so I went to El Born. I got lost in the tiny streets. I saw some lovely (and very expensive) boutiques. I ended up buying some books about Barcelona.
- 4:00 PM: A mild panic attack. I'm in a new city. I don't speak the language well. The suitcase is broken. I miss my cat. A wave of homesickness hit me like a ton of bricks. I sat on a bench in a park and took a deep breath. I texted my best friend. I ate a pastry. Much better.
- 5:00 PM: Chocolate and churros at a café. Comfort food fixes everything, doesn’t it?
- 7:00 PM: Packing. (Ugh.) This is always the worst part. I swear, things multiply in your suitcase. How did I even get all this stuff in there in the first place?!
- 8:00 PM: Another round of tapas. Because, you know, research. (Or, you know, because I love tapas.)
Day 4: Departure – And the Sweet, Sweet Taste of Freedom (and Duct Tape)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. Sob.
- 7:30 AM: Checked out! The apartment was good, the location in the city was perfect.
- 8:00 AM: Heading back to the airport!
- 8:30 AM: Getting lost again. The metro is my foe. Barcelona is my new friend!
- 9:00 AM: At the airport, I am sitting at the gate, watching the people running around, and feeling a mix of sadness and eagerness.
- 9:30 AM: The flight is delayed. Again. (But hey, I have duct tape.)
- 12:00 PM: Back to London. Ready for a nap. And to start planning my next trip!
So there you have it: Barcelona, unfiltered. Messy, imperfect, occasionally brilliant, and always, always memorable. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just need a better suitcase… and maybe a translator. And to finally learn to order those damn snails! Adios!
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Serennia Apartments: The Barcelona Rollercoaster (of Awesome!) – FAQ Edition
Okay, so… ARE these apartments *actually* near the Arc de Triomf? Because my sense of direction is… let’s just say, geographically challenged.
Listen, I walked it. Twice. The *second* time, after getting royally lost in a labyrinth formed by a tapas bar and some very persuasive locals (who spoke NO English, mind you), I finally stumbled upon the Arc. And YES, Serennia is ridiculously close. Like, you could practically chuck a baguette and hit it. (Don't. That's rude. And probably against some kind of Barcelona ordinance related to projectile baked goods.) So, even *I* found it easily enough. You're good. Seriously. Just... keep the Arc in sight. And maybe avoid the tapas bars 'til you've checked in. Or maybe don't. The tapas were *amazing*. The point is, yes. Close. Very close.
The pictures look amazing. Are the apartments *actually* as stylish as they seem online? Because I once stayed in a "luxury" hotel that looked like a prison cell painted beige.
Alright, I'll be brutally honest. The pictures are… mostly accurate. There's a certain Instagram-filter-esque gloss, of course. You know, that "everything's perfect and my life is a dreamy European vacation" vibe. In reality? The apartments are REAL. They’re stylish. They have actual *character*, which is more than most cookie-cutter hotels can boast. My apartment had a tiny balcony (perfect for late-night people-watching, which I may or may not have done… shhh), and the decor was… let’s say 'eclectic chic.' Think: sleek modern furniture bumping elbows with some antique-y touches. Just don't expect perfection. On my first morning I spilled coffee directly onto the pristine white couch (oops!), but it wiped up okay! And it was fine, I can't fault that, it’s a real place.
What about the kitchen? I actually *like* to cook. And I'm not living off of overpriced tourist-trap paella, thank you very much.
The kitchens... they are a mixed bag. I mean, they *have* kitchens. That's a win. A big win. They're equipped with the essentials: stove, fridge, microwave. You *could* whip up a gourmet meal. I tried. I *really* tried. I bought all these incredible ingredients from the nearby market (La Boqueria – GO THERE!). And then I realized I hadn't grasped how to cook on a gas stove. My first attempt at making a simple omelet nearly set off the smoke alarm. (Sorry, fellow Serennia guests!) So, yes, you can cook. But perhaps start with something simple. And maybe bring some non-stick spray. Trust me.
Is there air conditioning? Because I've heard Barcelona summers are basically… the surface of the sun. Or a particularly steamy sauna.
YES! Thank God. Air Conditioning is not *guaranteed* to work like the ice-cold heaven you expect. Some units may be better than others. Remember, you're in a building with other people, so turning your A/C to sub-zero is probably not the best move (unless you want to be *that* guest.) My advice? Open the windows at night! The breeze is amazing, if you ignore the street noise.
How is the Wi-Fi? Because I need to post *those* Instagram shots. And, you know, occasionally work.
The Wi-Fi… it's Wi-Fi. Sometimes it's fantastic. Sometimes it's… shall we say… *temperamental*. I had a moment where my Zoom call dropped mid-sentence. Of course, it's happening at the worst possible moment, when you're halfway through a particularly important presentation. The reception could be erratic, you might have to search for a good signal and get a bit frustrated, and on more than a few occasions I had to relocate to the lobby. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds, especially if you're trying to upload a terabyte of photos. But it’s mostly reliable enough for basic stuff. So, you can post your envy-inducing pics eventually. Just… be patient.
Is there a lift/elevator? I'm picturing lugging suitcases up five flights of stairs...
This is a crucial question. Especially if you're like me and pack enough stuff to outfit a small army. Thankfully, YES! They had elevators, or a lift. At least in the building I was in. (Double-check when you confirm your booking - better safe than sorry). But prepare yourself. The elevators might be… charmingly vintage. Read: slow. And a bit creaky. And sometimes, you'll get stuck with someone who clearly doesn't understand the concept of personal space. But hey, it gets you where you need to go. Eventually.
What's the neighborhood like? Is it safe? Because those late-night tapas adventures I'm planning…
The neighborhood is fantastic. Seriously. It's lively, it's vibrant, it's full of… well, life. The Arc de Triomf area is generally very safe. You’ve got restaurants and bars spilling out onto the streets, people are strolling around at all hours. I walked around quite a bit at night and never felt unnerved. But, as with *any* city, be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash expensive jewelry (or if you do, don't blame anyone but yourself). Watch your belongings. And learn a few basic Spanish phrases. "¿Dónde está el baño?" is a good one. Trust me.
The staff? Helpful? Friendly? Or just… robots who hand over keys?
The staff are genuinely lovely. They're not just handing out keys. While I was there, I had to ask a few questions, and ask for more towels. They were eager and helpful. The receptionist at the time was a saint, she always greeted me with a smile, and gave amazing recommendations and was also very easy to deal with. I was also a bit of a disaster that day, my passport went missing, and the staff quickly and efficiently gave me the information and assistance I needed. That may be biased, but I was really impressed.
Would you stay there again? Be honest.
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