Aberdeen's Hidden Gem: Entire Jays Guest House Awaits!
Okay, strap in folks, because we're diving headfirst into a review of [Hotel Name], and it's gonna be less polished brochure and more… well, me. Prepare for a bumpy ride, because this is gonna be messy, honest, and hopefully, a little bit funny.
First Impressions (And That Internet Thing):
Right off the bat, you need to know: yes, they shout about “Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!” and "Free Wi-Fi in Public Areas!" which, bless their cotton socks, is a HUGE win. Look, I've been to places where "free Wi-Fi" translates to "fight the entire lobby for a single bar on your Instagram." Here? Pretty solid. Even a “Internet [LAN]” option if you're a dinosaur like me and still lugging around a cable and a port-filled laptop. A decent start, especially considering the "Internet services" are… well, there, which is a big deal in the modern world, right?
Accessibility – Let's Get Real, Alright?
Okay, accessibility. This is where things get, shall we say, complex. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator," which is a good sign. But the listing is… sparse. No details about room accommodations, specifics on ramp access, or details about accessible bathrooms. This needs more information. "Wheelchair accessible" is listed, but without any granularity. Do the restaurants have accessible entrances? Lounges? I need details, people! If you have mobility issues, call them directly. Don't trust a checklist. Get the nitty-gritty. This is a major area where the review is seriously lacking any real comfort.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (And the Little Things):
"Available in all rooms" - let's see… air conditioning, alarm clock (thank god), bathrobes (fancy!), bathroom phone (who even uses those anymore?), blackout curtains (essential!), carpeting (meh, I'm a hardwood floor kinda gal), closet, coffee/tea maker (YES!), complimentary tea, daily housekeeping (double YES!), desk, extra-long bed (bliss), free bottled water (essential!), hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box (always a good idea), internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities (for the perfect outfit), laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking (phew), on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels (gotta have my trashy TV), scale (curse you, holiday treats!), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers (luxury!), smoke detector, socket near the bed (a lifesaver!), sofa, soundproofing, telephone (again, who even…), toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
Okay, that's a lot. It's the kind of list that makes you feel like you're getting your money's worth. The coffee/tea maker is a huge deal for me. I'm a caffeine addict, and rolling out of bed to a fresh pot of coffee is a must. They seem to cover all the bases here. I’d be curious to see what happens to the items like the complimentary tea bags are when they run out, and are you waiting till they're officially run out to get refilled? Hopefully, their housekeeping is truly “daily.” Gotta know.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Post-Pandemic Paradigm:
Okay, let's be real: we're all a little germaphobic now. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Breakfast takeaway service," "Cashless payment service," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Hot water linen and laundry washing," "Hygiene certification," "Individually-wrapped food options," "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Room sanitization opt-out available," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Safe dining setup," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Sterilizing equipment."
Phew. That's… a lot. And it’s reassuring. I mean, they’re trying. The "Room sanitization opt-out available" is interesting – some people might prefer to let their rooms "breathe" a bit. The sheer volume of measures makes you feel like they’re taking things seriously. Personally, I'd love to see more evidence of the "Hygiene certification." That’s a big one for me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Feed Me, Seymour!
Alright, food. This is where hotels often stumble. "A la carte in restaurant," "Alternative meal arrangement," "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Bar," "Bottle of water," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Breakfast service," "Buffet in restaurant," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "Coffee shop," "Desserts in restaurant," "Happy hour," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Poolside bar," "Restaurants," "Room service [24-hour]," "Salad in restaurant," "Snack bar," "Soup in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant."
Whoa! That's a lot of options. Honestly, the "24-hour" room service alone is enough to make me consider booking. A midnight snack, even when I'm not partying, is a luxury. The breakfast buffet is a gamble, but if it's decent, and if they also have a coffee shop…well, I'm sold. The "Happy hour" is also a huge plus. Need to decompress, and a cheap cocktail always does the trick. I'd be intrigued to see which restaurant is for Asian cuisine. And is it actually good or is it "hotel Asian"?
Things to Do (or Not Do, I’m Not Judging):
"Things to do, ways to relax… Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]."
Okay, this is where the hotel might actually make me happy. A "Pool with view" is a huge selling point. Give me a stunning vista while I’m lounging, and I'm booking. The "Spa" is a given. And a sauna? A steamroom? Sign me up!
I have never had a body wrap, and the idea of a foot bath is just now coming to my attention.
The Fitness center is a mixed bag. I should use it. I probably won't. But hey, it's there.
Anecdote alert: I remember once, at a hotel spa in Tuscany… [insert a brief, mildly embarrassing story involving a mud bath and a language barrier]. Anyway… spas are a good thing.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras
"Air conditioning in public area," "Audio-visual equipment for special events," "Business facilities," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Contactless check-in/out," "Convenience store," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Essential condiments," "Facilities for disabled guests," "Food delivery," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Indoor venue for special events," "Invoice provided," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Meeting stationery," "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."
This list is solid. I always appreciate a good concierge. The "Currency exchange" is a useful feature for those traveling internationally. "Luggage storage" is another must-have. "Daily housekeeping" is the standard. "Meeting/banquet facilities," if you're travelling with work, are good.
For the Kids (If You Must):
The "Kids facilities" and "Babysitting service" are there if you're dragging them along. I'm not a parent, so I can't judge, but the "Family/child-friendly" tag is a good sign.
My Verdict (And the Persuasion):
Okay, is this hotel perfect? Probably not. The accessibility details need serious expansion. But overall? It's promising. The combination of the solid room amenities, the extensive food and beverage options, the spa, and the seemingly robust safety measures make it a strong contender.
Here's my sales pitch/call to action:
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine? Craving a Getaway That Actually Cares?
[Hotel Name] isn’t just a place to sleep. It's a sanctuary designed to pamper you, from your caffeine fix from the coffee shop, to the cocktail at Happy Hour, to the luxurious spa services.
Imagine this:
- Waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee without ever leaving your room.
- Spending the day lounging by the pool with a view, letting all your worries melt away.
- Indulging in a world-class spa
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here's the itinerary for my highly-anticipated, potentially disastrous, and utterly wonderful stay at The Jays Guest House in Aberdeen. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is real life, folks. Prepare for the feels!
The Jays Guest House: My Aberdeen Odyssey (and Potential Meltdown)
(P.S. I’m flying solo on this adventure, and honestly, I’m slightly terrified.)
Day 1: Arrival, Accidental Haggis, and Initial Panic
- 14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Initial Appraisal of The Jays. Okay, so, landing in Aberdeen was less "smooth landing" and more "slightly bumpy descent punctuated by my squealing in terror." (I'm not a fan of flying, okay?) Found The Jays - which, let's be honest, looks charmingly twee from the outside. My first thought? “Oh god, I hope the wifi is good. I need Netflix to cope.” Upon actually opening the door – gasp it’s like stepping into a slightly faded, but extremely character-ful living room. Immediately, I have the impulse to touch everything.
- 15:00 - 16:00: The Great Room Reconnaissance & Luggage-Induced Regret. Unpack. Realize I’ve overpacked. AGAIN. Why do I always do this? The guest house is spotless! Beautifully clean and with a charm that is, well, charming. I'm talking antique furniture, a wonky-but-lovable staircase, and a distinct smell of… cleanliness. Now, the first floor? Oh my god, it’s like a scene from a period drama. I get a bad case of the giggles. Now the upstairs bedroom - Oh my god, it's bigger than my entire flat back home! (And yes, I actually measured it. Pathetic, I know.)
- 16:00 - 18:00: Dinner Mishap & Existential Haggis Crisis. Right, dinner. Aberdeen, here I come! Found a pub. The place was packed, the atmosphere was electric, and I, being a clueless tourist, ordered… well, I THOUGHT I ordered something that looked vaguely familiar from the menu. Turns out, it was Haggis. FULL. BLOODY. HAGGIS. The first bite? Uh… let’s just say, it was an experience. A slightly… sheepy experience. I politely choked it down, trying to hide my horror from the friendly locals who were clearly enjoying my reaction. Did I like it? Let’s just say I’m making a mental note to pack some comfort food for tomorrow.
- 18:00 - 19:00: The Staring Contest with the TV. Back at The Jays. Spent an hour wrestling with the TV remote. I’m pretty sure I actually lost the remote at one point. Finally got the thing working… and landed on a documentary about… sheep. Yep. Fitting.
- 19:00 - 21:00: The Comfort of Being Alone. Actually really relish the peace of being alone. Maybe I like this solo travel thing after all. Settle in with a cup of tea (the water pressure in those taps is AMAZING) and start a book. Bliss. Before long, I'm fast asleep.
Day 2: City Exploration, Seaside Struggles, and a Deep Dive into Shortbread
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Soggy. Breakfast in the dining room. There’s a buffet set up, which seems promising. The coffee, however, turns out to be a betrayal. It tastes like dishwater. I load up on the pastries though… and they are divine.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Aberdeen Adventures! Today's game plan: explore. I start with a wander through the city centre. The architecture is stunning – all granite and imposing. My biggest obstacle? The relentless wind. My hair is doing some serious avant-garde styling. I visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. It's surprisingly interesting, and I actually learn something!
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunch & Moment of Reflection. Found a cute little cafe and had a lovely bowl of soup. Now, time to watch the cars go by for a little while. I feel the pressure to do things all the time. I actually feel… relaxed. Holy cow.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Seaside Shenanigans (and Sardine Faces). Decided to brave the North Sea. The beach is… bracing. Absolutely beautiful, but the wind is relentless. I try to capture a photo of the waves, and end up looking like a windswept sardine. It’s a look.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Shortbread Research and Development. I’ve become obsessed with finding the perfect shortbread. This quest is now my purpose. I buy every single brand I find at a local shop. I have a serious shortbread tasting session in my room. The results? Classified. Let's just say, my sugar high is legendary.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Second Dinner & Lonely Pub Crawl. Back at the pub, this time I chose my dinner more carefully (a simple chicken and chips). The pub is lively. I end up chatting with a friendly local who tells me all about Aberdeen's history. It’s surprisingly fascinating. However, I only stay for one drink. The thought of a pub crawl solo feels a bit… much.
- 20:00 - 22:00: Journaling and Pre-Bedtime Panic. Back in my room, I journal. Realize I’m overthinking everything. The fear of being alone is now replaced by the fear of leaving a solo trip. Weird.
Day 3: Castle Dreams, Shopping Spree, and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast. (Okay, the coffee is still awful. I’m starting to suspect a conspiracy.) Load up on pastries for the road.
- 10:00 - 13:00: Dunnottar Castle – A Castle for Castles' Sake Today's goal? Dunnottar Castle. The drive is beautiful – green hills and the sea. Dunnottar itself is spectacular. The views are breathtaking. I spend hours wandering through the ruins, imagining the lives that were lived there. I'm a total history nerd, it's amazing!
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch Near Dunnottar It's a gorgeous day, and I found a nice little place close to the castle that serves amazing food. I eat my meal outdoors and enjoy the wind.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Retail Therapy & Souvenir Shenanigans. Back in Aberdeen, I embark on a shopping spree. Find some beautiful gifts, including… (wait for it)… more shortbread. I can't help myself!
- 16:00 - 18:00: Back to The Jays & Reflection. Head back to The Jays. I’m starting to feel genuinely sad about leaving. This little guest house feels like home. This is a genuinely sad moment. I sit in the armchair and just… absorb the atmosphere.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Emotional Packing & Saying Goodbye. Pack my bags. Feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. It feels, in a weird way, that I'm saying goodbye to a friend.
- 19:00 - 20:00: One Last (Good) Meal & Thank You I return to a pub and eat a genuinely delicious meal. I express my joy.
- 20:00: Departure. Saying goodbye, I genuinely feel bereft! This trip has been messy, delicious, and absolutely imperfect. I smile at the owner and leave. I know, with all my heart, that I will return.
Final Thoughts:
This was a journey, folks. Not perfect, definitely messy, and filled with more emotion than I anticipated. But that’s the point, right? These aren’t just trips; they’re experiences. They're a chance to grow, to laugh, to cry, and to eat an outrageous amount of shortbread. And The Jays Guest House, with all its quirks and charm, was the perfect backdrop to it all. Would absolutely recommend!
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Querétaro's Hidden Gem, Ex Hacienda La Pitaya
Okay, so, Vegan Lasagna. Seriously? Is it... *good*?
Alright, buddy, let's be real. The *idea* of vegan lasagna, the *concept*... it's a minefield. Remember that one time I tried a store-bought, and I'm not kidding, it tasted like cardboard and disappointment had a baby? Yeah, not a good look.
But! And this is a capital-B BUT! After a LOT of trial and error (and a few epic kitchen disasters involving cashew cream that looked suspiciously like cottage cheese... ugh), *I* think vegan lasagna can be truly, mouth-watering delicious. It's all about finding the right recipes, the right ingredients (a decent vegan ricotta is EVERYTHING), and the right, um, *attitude* towards it. You gotta go in with an open mind and a stomach that's ready for anything.
My first attempt was a disaster, by the way. I burned the noodles, the "cheese" was a clumpy mess, and I think I cried a little. But hey, we all start somewhere, right? Now I'm whipping up lasagnas that even my meat-loving friends gobble down. So, yeah. It CAN be good. It can be *amazing*.
So, what *do* you use instead of, you know... cheese? And meat? Because that's, like, the *lasagna* part, right?
Alright, let's tackle the beasts of the vegan lasagna world. First, the cheese. Oh, the dairy-free cheese journey! I've tried it all, from the super-processed, melt-in-your-mouth stuff (guilty pleasure sometimes!) to homemade ricotta (it takes some practice, trust me).
The magic is in the substitutions. For the cheese, you've got options galore depending on how much effort you wanna put in. Cashew-based ricotta is fantastic if you're feeling ambitious (and have a good blender, *cough*), or store-bought is perfectly fine too. Just PLEASE, for the love of all things holy, taste it before you spread it on your lasagna. No one likes a bland ricotta.
For meat, the options are also vast. You can use lentils (brown or green, both are great, though I’m personally more of a brown-lentil kinda gal), mushrooms (especially a meaty portobello), or even Beyond Meat/Impossible Burger crumbles. Honestly, sometimes I just sauté a ton of veggies, like finely chopped zucchini and spinach, for bulk and texture. I’m a veggie-aholic, what can I say?
The key, I think, is to taste constantly and season generously. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano… don’t be shy! Remember, you’re *recreating* a classic. You're not just making a sad pile of vegetables.
What's the deal with the noodles? Do I need to pre-cook them or what? Because I'm seriously bad at cooking pasta.
The noodles. Ugh. This is where things get... *interesting*. Pre-cooked noodles? No pre-cooked noodles? Boil ‘em until they’re soft? Or just soak them in hot water? This can mess with your lasagna so bad.
Okay, here's the deal: It depends on the noodles. Some brands say "no pre-cook," and those are pretty tempting. But I have a theory: those things are lying to you. I always have a few noodles that end up crunchy. I've learned to partially cook them or soak them, depending on the brand.
My advice? If you're feeling brave, follow the package instructions (and then pray!) If you are like me, you want to boil the noodles until they, have a slight give (but not mushy!). And don't overcrowd the pot, or you'll end up with a tangled mess. Seriously, be a little paranoid! You can save a half cup of pasta water for the sauce, if it need more moisture.
Also, don't overcook them! It's better to be a tiny bit under than a soggy, floppy disaster. And if you do end up with soggy noodles, well, embrace it, mix with some extra seasonings, and call it an Italian hash. We've all been there. Right?
Okay, I have all the ingredients. Now, how do I *actually* put this thing together without it falling apart and making me cry again?
Assembling the lasagna is like… building a tiny culinary house of love and vegan goodness. (Okay, maybe I'm getting a little carried away, but you get the idea.)
First, the bottom layer: usually the sauce. This is your foundation, the thing that keeps everything from sticking to the pan and burning. A thin layer is usually good. Then, noodles. Overlap 'em a bit if you need to. Then comes your filling - your "cheese" and your veggie/meat mixture. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Here's a tip: Don't be afraid to get messy! I usually have sauce splattered all over my counter by the end. And don't pack it in *too* tight, or the heat won't circulate properly. And one last thing before you put it in the oven... generously cover the top with a final layer of sauce and vegan "cheese". And if you have a sprinkle of nutritional yeast? DO IT. It gives that extra cheesy flavor that elevates the whole experience.
The hardest part is waiting - it needs to bake until bubbly and golden brown, but patience is key! Try not to peek too often, or you'll let all the heat escape. Also, after pulling it out of the oven, let it rest for like, ten minutes. I know… it’s cruel. But it lets the flavors meld and the layers set up properly. Trust me.
Help! My lasagna is a soggy mess! Or burnt on top! Or... both? WHAT DID I DO WRONG?!
Okay, deep breaths. It happens. Lasagna is a diva. It's temperamental. Let's diagnose your issues!
Soggy Lasagna: Overcooked noodles (see above!), too much sauce, or not enough time to bake. Make sure you drain your noodles properly. Also, if you're using a lot of watery veggies (like zucchini), cook them down a bit beforehand to release some of the moisture. And really, just give it more baking time.
Burnt on Top, Underbaked in the Middle: Your oven temperature is probably too high. Turn it down a bit! Also, tent the lasagna with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the top from burning. And if you *still* have problems, invest in an oven thermometer. Your oven might be lying to you!
Flavorless Lasagna: You weren't bold enough with the seasoning. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil… don't be shy! Taste your sauce! Taste your cheese! Adjust, adjust, adjust! Also, fresh herbs make a HUGE difference, I always use freshBudget Hotel Guru
