Corrida 37 Gijón: Spain's Most Thrilling Bullfight!
Corrida 37 Gijón: Spain's Most Thrilling Bullfight! – A Review (and a Rant… Probably)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Because I’m not just reviewing a hotel, I'm reviewing an experience. And by the end of this rambling train wreck, you'll either be itching to book a room or running for the hills. Either way, buckle up. We’re talking about Corrida 37 Gijón: Spain's Most Thrilling Bullfight!… and a whole bunch of stuff that isn't bullfighting.
First, let's get the logistics out of the way. Because let's be honest, that's what you actually want to know, right?
Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility! (and the Boring Bits)
Okay, so… Accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, so I can’t personally vouch. BUT, they do (seem to) tick a lot of boxes. Wheelchair accessible? Probably. Elevator? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed as "yes." That's a good start, but I really wish those listings were more specific. A hotel is a whole journey when you need extra accommodations. More information on the size of hallways, the width of doorways, and grab bars in the bathrooms, is always helpful, and would make the review far more effective.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? I didn't get to experience these personally, but they're listed. Again, a bit vague.
Internet (The Digital Dungeon)
Look, I'm a millennial. I need my Wi-Fi like oxygen. So, here we go. Internet? Yes! Internet [LAN]? Supposedly. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? YES! Wi-Fi in public areas? Uh-huh. Internet services? Who knows?? Probably the same thing as the others. LOL. It was decent, but I definitely had a minor issue, especially trying to upload photos of the bullfight! Seriously, give me a damn fiber optic cable, not a dial-up modem and give me a damn choice.
The Pamper Zone (aka Where I Almost Spent My Life Savings)
Okay, now this is where things get interesting. Spa/sauna? Yes! Steamroom? You betcha! Pool with view? OH. MY. GOD. (I'm getting ahead of myself.) Listen, I'm a sucker for a good spa. And the descriptions promise… well, everything. Body scrub, body wrap, massage, foot bath. I was this close to ditching the bullfight and just living at the spa. The sauna was… well, it was a sauna. Hot and steamy. Perfect for unwinding after a day of… well, anticipation regarding the bullfight. The lack of detailed experiences of the spa in the review is a failure on my part, I didn't dive in.
The Fitness center? Yes. Gym/fitness? Ditto. All the usual suspects. Didn’t go myself, because, you know, spa. And the Swimming pool [outdoor]?… That is something I did get to experience.
The Pool with a View – A Moment of Transcendence (or, at Least, Bliss)
So, the pool. Let me tell you about the pool. It's breathtaking. Seriously. Pool with a view? More like a view with a pool. The water was the perfect temperature, the sun was shining, the cocktails were flowing… I swear I could see all the way to the Pyrenees. (Okay, maybe not, but it felt that way.) I lounged there for hours, just… existing. And it was glorious. This part of the experience was the reason I rated the hotel so highly.
Cleanliness and Safety (aka The Pandemic Panic)
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room (or in this case, the virus in the air). Cleanliness and safety are, understandably, a major concern these days. And Corrida 37 seems to have taken it seriously. They boast about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available which I really appreciated. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? CHECK. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Generally enforced. Safe dining setup? More on that later. They even had those "professional-grade sanitizing services." I didn't catch anyone in full hazmat suits, but it felt clean. The fact they were following all the protocols definitely put me at ease.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka Where I Tried to Break the Bank)
Okay, the good, the bad, and the slightly horrifying. The sheer volume of options is intimidating. Restaurants, plural. Bar? Naturally. Coffee shop? Yep. Poolside bar? Oh, yes, and I may have spent a significant portion of my budget there.
The Breakfast [buffet] was… decent. A vast array of choices, but nothing mind-blowing. Standard stuff, really. A la carte in restaurant? Available. Western cuisine in restaurant? Yes, also. Asian cuisine in restaurant? YES! But the biggest problem was the sheer amount of choice. Decision fatigue is real, people.
Room service [24-hour]? THANK GOD. Because after a long day, a guy's gotta eat. The Snack bar was a lifesaver. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always available. And the Bottle of water was a godsend.
The Bullfight Itself (aka Why You’re REALLY Here)
Okay, okay, I’ll get to it. The reason you’d go to Gijón, the reason you’d stay at Corrida 37: the bullfight. Look, I’m not going to tell you what to think about bullfighting. It's a complex issue, and I respect everyone's opinion. But from my perspective, it was… an experience. The sheer drama, the pomp, the passion… it's unlike anything I've ever seen. The hotel is perfectly located in the city for it, too.
Services and Conveniences (aka The Little Things That Make a Difference)
This is a long list, so I won't bore you with every detail. But the basics are there. Concierge? Yes. Daily housekeeping? Of course. Dry cleaning? Always a plus. Laundry service? Essential. Cash withdrawal? Yup. Gift/souvenir shop? You betcha.
For the Kids (aka If You Have Spawn)
Babysitting service? Check. Family/child friendly? Seems like it. They cater to kids, without being overly saccharine.
The Rooms (aka My Cozy Little Fortress)
This is where the hotel really shines. All the basics are there. Air conditioning, blackout curtains (essential!), Wi-Fi [free]. But it’s the details that make the difference. My room had a seating area, a desk for actual work, and a window that opens (a MUST for any claustrophobic human). Coffee/tea maker? Bless. The extra long bed was a dream. My bathrobes were SO soft. The in-room safe box gave me peace of mind, and the slippers were a touch of luxury.
Getting Around (aka Escaping the Bullfight…Maybe)
Airport transfer? Available. Car park [free of charge]. Easy. Taxi service? Always at the ready.
What’s Missing? (aka My Gripes)
Honestly? The most disappointing part? The lack of humanity in some of the descriptions. Yes, they have all the amenities. But give me a vibe. Tell me about the atmosphere. Tell me where the hot water is. I also would have liked to see some specific environmental efforts, but it's clear sustainability is a priority.
The Verdict and the Pitch (aka Should You Book?)
Look, Corrida 37 is a solid hotel. It's clean, comfortable, well-located, and has an amazing spa and pool. The bullfight itself is something you won’t forget.
Here's the deal: Ditch the mundane. Embrace the thrilling. Book your stay at Corrida 37 Gijón and experience the magic of Spain.
BUT FIRST, a special offer for my readers:
Book now and get a complimentary…
- … bottle of the local Rioja wine!
- … express check-in with a cocktail at the bar!
- … a credit towards the spa!
- A discount with your booking! That's right, don't delay. Get yourself to Gijón!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-planned, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is life, with a plane ticket to Gijón, Spain, and a serious lack of sleep. Prepare for glorious chaos. Welcome to my Corrida 37 (that's just the name of the apartment, right? Hope it's as cool as the name sounds!) adventure!
Pre-Trip, Or The Anxiety Before the Storm (and Flight Delays)
- Week Before: Oh. My. God. Packing. It's a disaster. I'm pretty sure I've included everything from a parka (Spain in July? Seriously, brain?) to three different types of sunscreen. This is going to be a luggage surcharge nightmare. Also, I'm suddenly convinced I need a tiny, unnecessary travel fan. Amazon, here I come!
- Day Before: Final frantic laundry dash, existential crisis over whether I really need those emergency biscuits (yes, obviously). Did I remember my passport? Panic sets in. Find passport. Breathe. Start again.
- Departure Day: Airport chaos. Always. Flight delayed, naturally. Already grumpy. Try to find decent coffee. Fail. Briefly contemplate switching to a life of hermitry. Think of the tapas and quickly snap out of it.
Day 1: Gijón Arrival and Tapas Triumph (Mostly)
- Afternoon (ish): Landed! Finally. Smells… like the sea? And… something else. Is that… happiness? Maybe the exhaustion is finally kicking in. Finding Corrida 37. Hopefully the stairs aren’t a death trap. Ah, okay, not too bad. The apartment is… quirky. In a good way! A bit old, but that’s the charm, right? The balcony has a killer view. I could get used to this.
- Evening: Okay, food. MUST. FIND. FOOD. Wandering around the old town, getting lost (as is my speciality). The language barrier hits hard. I butchered my attempts at ordering a beer – ended up with something that tasted suspiciously like vinegar. But then… then I found genuine, glorious tapas. Tiny plates of heaven, piled high with seafood, chorizo, patatas bravas… I swear I heard a chorus of angels singing. Specifically, the "La Finca" tapas restaurant. Absolutely phenomenal. Seriously, I may or may not have accidentally ordered five plates of gambas al ajillo. No regrets.
- Late Night: Stumble back to Corrida 37, slightly tipsy and immensely happy. The sea air is amazing. Write in my journal, mostly incoherent scribbles about "food, happiness, more food." Pass out.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and a Bike Ride (Almost)
- Morning: Wake up with a throbbing headache. Curse my past self for those five plates of gambas al ajillo. Breakfast is an attempt at coffee and toast. Failed. Head to San Lorenzo beach. OH. MY. GOD. The most stunning beach. The sun is glorious, but the water is cold! (Shocking, I know). Spent the day sunbathing, people-watching (interesting lot, the Spanish!), and trying not to get sand everywhere. Success rate: minimal.
- Afternoon: Bike rental… epic fail. Trying to look cool on a clunky rental bike, I got about a block before falling over in a spectacular display of clumsiness. Scraped knee. Humiliation. Gave up on the bike and walked along the promenade, sulking and eating an ice cream cone (chocolate, obviously).
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant near the port that I'd give a solid 7/10. Ordered something. Ate it. Forgot what it was. Did a little research on the history of Gijon. Did not get fully immersed. Went back to Corrida 37 and passed out again.
Day 3: Markets, Mountain Views, and a Monumental Mistake
- Morning: Explore the Mercado del Este - the local market. The smells! Incredible. Fresh seafood, vibrant produce, and a general air of happy chaos. Practiced my Spanish (mostly pointing and smiling). Bought a mysterious green fruit. No idea what it is, but I'll try it.
- Afternoon: Drive to the Mirador del Cantábrico. The views! Jaw-dropping. The coast stretches on forever. Took approximately 500 photos. Felt a deep connection to the ocean. Was tempted to quit life and become a lighthouse keeper, but remembered the lack of good tapas options in lighthouse keeping.
- Evening: Big. Mistake. Decided to try and cook. Found a recipe for paella. It looked simple enough, right? (Big sigh). Wrong. Utterly, utterly wrong. It was a disaster. Burnt rice, overcooked seafood, and enough garlic to ward off vampires for a year. Ate the paella anyway, because I refuse to waste food. Then ordered a pizza.
- Night: Watched the sunset from my balcony. Contemplated the meaning of life, the universe, and whether I should attempt paella again. Decided to stick to the tapas.
Day 4: Museums, Memories, and More Tapas (The Return!)
- Morning: Visit the Museo del Ferrocarril. Not really my thing, but hey, culture, right? Actually, surprisingly fascinating. The history of trains is epic. I may or may not have pretended to drive a train. Judge me if you dare.
- Afternoon: Walked through the Jardines del Campo Valdés. Peaceful. Beautiful. Actually managed to relax. Thought about doing "yoga" poses in the park to look cute, but quickly realized I'm not cute while doing yoga.
- Evening: Back to "La Finca"! Cannot resist. The same grumpy waiter recognized me. Gave me a small nod. Felt like a local. Ordered the usual (gambas al ajillo, of course). Sat there, soaking up the atmosphere. The taste of Spanish food… is like the best hug I've ever had. Absolutely divine.
Day 5: Departure and a Promise
- Morning: Packing once again. More anxiety. Trying to squeeze everything in. Say goodbye to Corrida 37. It felt like a home.
- Afternoon: Airport. More delays. The usual. Look out the window, one last glimpse of the ocean. A pang of sadness. Goodbye, Gijón. I'll be back, and next time, I'll make sure my Spanish is better, and I'll bring my own tiny travel fan.
- Goodbye Notes: I really loved the trip. I recommend you go.
- Postscript: Already planning my return. And looking up paella recipes. Okay, maybe not. More tapas, definitely.
Corrida 37 Gijón: Ask Away! (And Pray You Survive the Excitement)
Okay, So... What *IS* Corrida 37 Gijón Anyway? Is it Just... *Bullfighting*?
Alright, let's get this straight. Corrida 37 Gijón isn't just *bullfighting* – it's an *experience*. Think of it like this: you're crammed into a stadium that's been around since forever (seriously, the history practically oozes from the walls), the sun is baking your skin, the crowd is buzzing like a thousand angry bees, and then... BAM! Music starts, colors explode, and you're suddenly part of this ritual that's been going on for centuries. Yes, it *is* bullfighting. But it's bullfighting amplified. It's bullfighting with a side of existential dread and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Honestly, it's hard to truly prepare yourself. You just... *go*.
I've Heard It's REALLY Emotional. True? I'm a Softie. Should I Even Bother?
Oh, honey, prepare for *everything*. Emotional? Understatement of the century. I went once, and I swear, I cycled through every emotion imaginable in like, two hours. There's the initial awe (the Matador, the costumes, the *music*), then the tension (waiting for the bull), then the sheer terror (when the bull charges), and finally... well, it depends. Sometimes it’s relief, sometimes sadness, sometimes just a profound sense of... *what did I just witness*? Look, I’m a total crybaby, and I bawled my eyes out during one particularly beautiful pass. It's intense. If you're very sensitive, bring tissues. And maybe a therapist on speed dial. But honestly? That emotional rollercoaster is part of the deal. You *feel* alive in a way you rarely do.
What's the Deal with the Seats? Where Should I Sit to, Y'know, *SEE* Everything?
Okay, the seating situation is a minefield, like stepping into the Colosseum blindfolded. There are *barreras* (closest to the action and expensive), *delanteras* (still good but a bit further back, and a bit cheaper), and then the cheap seats way up high. Personally? I'd say aim for *delanteras* at least, that's what I did, and it was a total blast. You get a good view, but you're not *too* close. My sister though? She went for the *barrera* once and... she said she almost had a heart attack. The bull was *right* there. But hey, if you like living life on the edge, go for it! Just bring a good supply of smelling salts.
Is It...Cruel? That's the question that keeps popping into my head.
Look, let's not beat around the bush. Yes, it's... *uncomfortable*. There's no sugarcoating it. The bull fights back, and it gets hurt. It's the inherent nature of the spectacle. And seeing any animal in distress is hard, it is. Some people absolutely hate it, and I get it. I wrestled with this for a good long while. But it goes beyond just the actual fighting. There's tradition, a reverence, even a respect for the bull. It is *not* just gratuitous violence, but you have to decide for yourself if you're able to watch it. Some will argue it's cultural heritage. Others see only cruelty. It's a tough one, and it’s a question that lives with you way after you leave the arena. It's a complex thing, this. There's no easy answer, I can only share my own thoughts. But it isn't easy watching, it isn't.
What about the food and drink? Can I bring a picnic? Are there bathrooms? Important stuff!
Okay, practicalities. You *can* bring a picnic! I highly recommend it. Especially because the inside vendors are... well, they're stadium vendors. Expect overpriced *bocadillos* and lukewarm soda. Seriously, pack some deliciousness. And yes, there are bathrooms. They're usually... functional. Don't expect five-star accommodations. My advice? Go before the fight starts, AND during the *intermission* (there’s usually one, thank god). Otherwise, the lines will be horrendous. Oh, and drink plenty of water! Gijón gets HOT. Really, really hot. And the sun is fierce. Trust me on the water. You’ll be doing a lot of sweating from the outside and inside due to the nature of witnessing the corrida!
Should I Take My Kids?
This is a *very* personal call. There's the violence aspect, of course, but there's also the crowd, the noise, the general intensity. I wouldn't. That's just me. I'd say if your kid is easily scared or disturbed, this isn’t the thing for kids. But honestly, it depends on your kid. Some are tough cookies, some are more sensitive. If you do decide to take them, *prepare them*. Explain what they're going to see. And be prepared to leave if it all gets too much. Seriously, it’s a judgment call you have to make as a parent. I saw a little kid crying his eyes out during one of the fights, and it just didn't feel right. But maybe his parents knew best - who am I to judge? I'm just saying, think long and hard about it.
What's The Atmosphere REALLY Like? Is Everyone Cheering, or Is There a Lot of Booing?
The atmosphere? Think of it like a pressure cooker. It’s a mix of reverence for the *matador*, respect for the bull (oddly), and pure raw, unadulterated *excitement*. There's cheering for the good stuff (a well-executed pass, a brave bull), booing for the boring stuff (sometimes the matador is just... okay, let's be honest here). The crowd is highly educated, too. They KNOW a good move from a bad one. Don't be afraid to join in, even if you don't fully understand what's going on. It's contagious. The whole experience is just... electric. Remember, this is Spain! If you're not used to the passion, it might smack you in the face. It's part of the fun though.
Any Advice for a First-Timer? Like... *Seriously*, What Should I Know Before I Go?
Okay, listen up. This isn't a casual afternoon activity. You need to know some things:
- Learn the Basics: Know the different *suertes* (movements) and what the judges are looking for. You'll get more out of it. Hotel Finder Reviews
