Goetten Apartamentos

It all started a bit hectic: I was planning a vacation house swap to Costa Brava and booked Goetten apartamentos as a ‘Plan B’. Then my correspondents in L’Escala abruptly stopped writing, and Plan B turned into Plan A – much to my content. Although it costs money, contrary to a home exchange, as soon as I found myself in that lovely apartment in Platja d’Aro, I did not regret it a single second. And it’s quite a difference with the experience I had with my hotel in Barcelona, which was downright awful. But here I liked everything: the comfortable room with a spacious balcony opening into a park with a nice shadow from the pines, the beach nearby, and above all the friendly staff. They even helped me with my luggage, and when on checking out I came with a few souvenirs, they presented me a box of Catalonian sweets – isn’t that lovely? When you book Goetten apartamentos, take time to visit their own site. It’s worth to know that there are 4 or 5 different houses, one of them is a modern 10+ storey block, the others look more traditional, 3 – 4 floors. Obviously the rooms differ, too. I booked a very inexpensive studio for a single use, but had got a large room for 2 adults and 2 minors; I suppose that was because I arrived well before the high season started. I had made a few photos of the room and surroundings. However, I am sure the standards are the same everywhere. I was mostly impressed by the kitchen – for economy’s sake I was going to make my own meals; it was very easy and pleasant, as the kitchenware was of the finest quality possible. Trust me, I have been booking apartments since 2006, and this is the best! The furniture, too, is reliable and eco-friendly, all solid wood. Note: ask the reception how to use the safe – it’s so simple, that you’ll never guess :)) No complaints about the bathroom, either; very nice - they supply 2 rolls of toilet paper. I would appreciate a short manual on how to use the shower; frankly, I prefer the good old 2 taps’ system. But that’s no catastrophe, and the water power was OK. You’ll get 2 towels per person, and a shower mat; after a week’s stay you get the new ones, same about the bed linen, ask the reception. It’s nice to see a ‘first-day kit’: a box of matches, a small bottle of dish-washing liquid - enough for a month, unless you have a grill every day, a sponge and a napkin. Besides, there are 2 kitchen towels and a table-cloth. One more thing to make life easier: for me, having an electric stove at home, it’s a bit difficult to manage a gas stove; having longer matches would solve the problem. Note, the ‘Barbara’ apartments next to the restaurant have no air-conditioning. For me it’s actually a blessing, I cannot stand artificial air, and I don’t really see why anyone should even try – there is always a nice breeze, the pines protects the balcony; I never had any problem and never switched on the ventilator they do have in the room. By the way, no microwave either – looks like they are adepts of a healthy way of life :) What needs a bit upgrading is the internet connection. I have heard it’s not only this apartment complex, but the whole area. However, for e-mails and social nets it’s OK, but I was really happy I do not need to work this time, as I used to for many vacations before this one, otherwise I would have been in trouble. TV channels are either local – Catalonian and Spanish, or German, as Goetten is a German company, and most their guests comes from Germany; only one channel in English – CNN (if you can call that English), and only one in French – TV5 Monde. I guess my compatriots would appreciate a Russian channel – just as a courtesy, our people are normally well-travelled and can live with any information source. If you come when it’s off-season, there is the swimming-pool indoors. I never used it, I don’t see any point with the sea within 2 minutes’ walk. By the way, do you know that the beach in Platja d’Aro is one of the best in Costa Brava? I loved it from the first sight, indeed, from the first splash of the water :)) There are umbrellas and sun-chairs to rent, no idea how much they cost, I do not want to upset my physician roasting under the sun! What you need to bring is a pareo or a beach towel – there are no changing facilities. There are, however, beach showers and quite a few toilets. Goetten apartamentos have their own restaurant which I’ve never visited, because I am quite happy with my own cooking :), but I know you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner – see the current menu at the entrance of your building. Just note: the restaurant is functioning by local traditions, that is, they often have a siesta when tourists come for lunch :)) – ask the reception for the schedule. By the way, I’ve seen something that looks like baby trolleys and household carts in the office building, I think they are for the guests to rent – shame indeed I did not have this idea right from the beginning, it’s very handy with a cart if you go to a supermarket! To help the tourists travelling, like me, from Barcelona by bus, I’ve shot a video to help you finding your way from the Sarfa bus station in Platja d’Aro to Goetten apartamentos - it’s just 2 minutes, but you need to know where to go, as the Reina Fabiola street only has its name written much further to the beach, look for the real estate agency in the corner. I had made a short survey of the beach and of the house where I stayed, you can easily find the clip on the Tube.