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When the temperature drops and autumn moves into winter, the best short getaways are ones that involve thermal baths. With the pandemic situation, it becomes harder to go and enjoy these facilities. We manage to just squeeze in one before the numbers started to increase again in Europe. We found the Terme Hotel Bristol Buja by chance while I was looking for somewhere to go for my birthday.
Arrival and Check-In to Hotel Bristol Buja
I have not been to this part of Italy before, so I was looking forward to this short getaway. It was getting stressful at work and so I wanted to go somewhere else to get some distance. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, it was not possible to plan too far ahead. It turned out to be a last minute decision on the place and I had very little time to prepare what else to see.
One of the important factors was having a parking space at the Hotel. It might be hard to believe but there are many Hotels without parking facilities or having to pay exorbitant sums for parking. So we were relieved to see a big covered parking area. There is a tank-up area for electric cars. The parking area was pretty empty and it was a real indication of how low the occupancy was at the time of our visit which was a the beginning of October.
A short walk and we were at the reception of the Hotel. It was quiet and we were the only ones checking in. Very uncomplicated check-in procedures except we were informed of some rules to wear masks whenever we are out of the room. They handed us a key and we must have had questioning looks on our faces and the reception explained that this is for the safe! Old school it seems but the rooms had key cards.
Bristol Buja Hotel Room
We asked for a quiet room and this did not have a balcony which we did not mind at all. The layout of the room was old style but it was a good size. It was also clean and has a very comfortable firm mattress. There is a sitting room with television and a mini-bar. There was also a wall safe which we had to use the key, was interesting to see during these modern times.
There were bathrobes to be used for the thermal and spa areas laid out and ready to be used. There were plenty of closet space to use.
The bathroom was spacious with a bathtub. There was no coffee / tea making facilities in the room. We could however order our coffee as we like it, either latte, cappuccino or espresso during breakfast. Good coffee!
Culinary Delights in Plava Laguna
We had the full board included with our stay. This meant breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided and included in the price. We only had to show up.
I took the opportunity to take a panorama of the breakfast buffet when it was empty. Seldomly so, as the very efficient staff was always on hand to fill your plate. The red line is the indicator where one has to stand and just point at whatever catches your fancy. The new norm for corona measures.
The breakfast room is tastefully furnished with the tables sufficiently further apart. It seems that in the times when there are more guests the breakfast is in another area. But I just have to come back and find out.
For lunch and dinner we were served at the main dining hall. There were very proper, elegant staff on hand to get food to our table. As common in Italy , we had 3 courses per meal. All very good and there was also wide varieties catering to vegetarians as well as health conscious guests. I am none of those and found also very delicious food. Applauso to the chefs.
Hotel Bristol Buja Facilities
The Bristol Buja is a thermal hotel and therefore was equipped with thermal pools , saunas , gym and spas. They did close the sauna due to the pandemic. However we were duly informed during the booking.
There is the indoor thermal pool which had access to swim out to the outdoor pool. The outdoor pool which is connected to the indoor one , has some features like jacuzzi, waterfalls and a Kneipp path. There is another big outdoor pool where is big enough to swim laps especially when we went at a time there was hardly anyone else using the big pool which was cooler but still comfortable enough. There are also plenty of loungers and umbrellas at the pool side. Another outdoor pool with hydro massage beds is apparently a new addition. Outdoor is the gym as well but we didn’t check it out.
Meanwhile the indoors have spa services together wish a host of facilities to make one feel relax which is really quite successful. There is an indoor solarium as well as a “Purgatory” section which has a smaller pool with exercise bikes and treadmills in the water. There is also a hydro massage bed in the pool. Adjacent to it , is my favourite quiet room the “Paradise” . It has soft lighting and a salt wall and combined with the music soothes the soul and takes away the accumulated stress.
Apart from the spa and well-being facilities, there is a reading room with a small library of books in multi languages. A game room , music and TV room and a pool table too.
The Verdict on Hotel Bristol Buja
We had a pleasant stay and its rare that I left feeling so relaxed on a short getaway. The thermal waters had worked its magic. The combination of the daily restaurant servings of delicious meals makes a truly amazing weekend trip. The little touches made it comfortable and easy such as a beautiful rose that was sent up to the room on my Birthday with a packet of goodies from the pastisserie.
We did not bring along swimming caps and it was a requirement to use it in the pools, the reception provided us without fuss. The parking was very comfortable. It is not a given that all hotels would have parking as the area is mainly pedestrian only zones. Hotel Bristol Buja happens to be at the beginning of the pedestrian zone. Would I stay here again ? I say yes, and this time at a more updated room hopefully.
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Hello, fellow Malaysian! Hotel Bristol Buja looks amazing. I think I would really enjoy ‘Purgatory’ and ‘Paradise’. And maybe the gym too. It’s funny how I only go to the gym when I travel. At home, I never bother 😆. But if I go to Italy and eat 3-course meals all the time, I’d definitely need to go to the gym.
Terme Hotel Bristol Buja seems to be the perfect place for a weekend. The interiors look fabulous, so elegant and cozy. I also like outdoor pools and indoor pools. It’s great reviews, detailed and usefulful.
Must’ve been quite the experience, wasn’t it?
I’ve yet to experience staying at a property with thermally heated pools and saunas ans spas. And Hotel Brista Buja seems just the perfect one fitting all the criteria’s. I wouldn’t mind not having a balcony, as long as the rooms are comfy, and the food is good.
Happy to know that you enjoyed your stay. It is nice that they have a lot of amenities available. I wouldn’t mind not having coffee making facilities in the room as long as I can order room service. I think the best way to go nowadays with full board accommodation. I can’t wait to have our own getaway/ staycation soon. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.
A hotel with a parking (and free) is always a good point. Imagine if you must walk from the city’s parking garage to your hotel. Your room looks nice, so I guess it didn’t matter it didn’t come with a balcony. I would like to jump into that thermal pool for a relaxation. Glad that you found one for your birthday weekend getaway at this hotel.
Hotel Bristol Buja looks very elegant, cozy and wonderful place to stay. I loved that they have small recreational area with pool table, thermal pool and multi-lingual library. My boys would be happy to have a game of pool. Also the breakfast area is very cozy. Good to know that have tank up area for electric cars too.
Hotel Bristol Buja seems like an awesome place. I love those interiors and the decor, so beautiful and classy. I love hotels that have these facilities where one can enjoy the thermal pool and gym. I like enjoying the amenities at the hotels when I stay. I will definitely add this to my list of places to stay.
Terme Hotel Bristol Buja seems to be the perfect place for spending a great weekend. Everything around looks so elegant and thoughtfully made. Breakfast would have been really nice with what I can feel of the spread. Free parking is a big bonus too. If I am there I would love to stay here.
There is nothing quite like a thermal bath during the colder months of the year and this one looks incredible, in a warmer climate and with such a charming atmosphere. The facilities there look so inviting, the indoor pool with the swim out to the outdoor pool is something I particularly enjoy in winter! This has all the charm one would expect of an Italian hotel combined with thermal pools and a wonderful cuisine, it looks so tranquil for a getaway.