Baronville's BEST Holiday Home: Heated Pool, Billiards, & UNBELIEVABLE Views!
Baronville's BEST Holiday Home: Heated Pool, Billiards, & UNBELIEVABLE Views! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from Baronville's BEST Holiday Home, and honestly, my brain is still trying to process the sheer… stuff. You know? The good stuff, the "oh-dear-lord-that-was-unexpected" stuff, and the stuff that makes you wanna throw your hands up and yell, "Why, Baronville, WHY?!"
Let’s start with what everyone actually cares about: the views. Oh. My. GOD. They're not kidding. Seriously, "unbelievable" is an understatement. I swear, the sunsets would bring a tear to your eye. I’m talking the kind of color gradient that makes you wanna quit your job and become a professional Instagrammer (though, let's be real, my selfies wouldn't do it justice). You can soak it all in from the heated pool – and let me tell you, that heated bit is crucial. I went in October and, despite the Southern California sunshine, without that heat, I'd have been a shivering mess. It’s a real game-changer.
And the billiards? Yeah, they got that too. Fine, I'm not a pool shark. My skills lean more towards "slightly above average clumsy," but even I had a blast. We spent one evening just laughing, making terrible shots, and drinking… well, we’ll get to the drinking, dining, and snacking situation later. Buckle up, it's a rollercoaster.
Now, let's get this Accessibility thing out of the way first. They say there are "Facilities for disabled guests," and the website claims it is "Wheelchair accessible," but from what I saw, this place is not designed well for those with mobility issues. There is a small elevator. If you need accessibility, call ahead and double-check EVERYTHING. I'm erring on the side of caution here.
Cleanliness and Safety: So here's where things get… interesting. They take the whole COVID thing seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Room sanitization between stays? Oh, yeah, they did that. I watched them go to town, spraying everything like they were fighting a zombie apocalypse. They even have Safe dining setup and the staff are all trained and are using Hand sanitizer… everywhere! It made me feel safe but also made me want to constantly apply hand lotion.
Dining, Drinking and Snacking: The Wild West of Culinary Choices
Okay, prepare yourselves. This is where things get REAL. They have a Bar that is a MUST. The bartender, bless his heart, was trying to do a fancy cocktail menu, but the ingredients were…limited. Let's just say I drank a lot of margaritas. The Poolside bar is the central hub of fun. The Coffee shop served decent coffee, which was crucial for my bleary-eyed mornings. Now, the Restaurants… that's where things get dicey. They boast "Asian cuisine in restaurant" and "Western cuisine in restaurant"… but again, some very limited options. There is a Vegetarian restaurant, but I didn't get the pleasure to try it. Breakfast [buffet] was standard. I’m talking scrambled eggs, sad bacon, and a toaster that seemed to be fighting for its life. There is also a Breakfast takeaway service, which I thought was a nice touch. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Especially after a couple of those margaritas.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
Internet Access: They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet [LAN]" Well, the Wi-Fi… let's just say it’s… reliable. I recommend getting it connected on the first day and staying connected. Internet Services were alright. The Concierge was very friendly, but sometimes a little… clueless. I asked for a restaurant recommendation, and he looked at me blankly, then suggested the hotel restaurant. Which, as we discussed, wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece. They also have a Convenience store, which is a life-saver. Just in case, you know. Laundry service. You can't go wrong with it. They also have an Ironing service, which made my wardrobe shine.
Stuff to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
So, beyond the pool and the billiards, they've got options. A Fitness center that I didn’t even look at. I was too busy “relaxing.” I was tempted by the Spa/sauna. There are plenty of ways to relax: Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, and the works. I did get a Body wrap which was… okay. Honestly, I think the best relaxation came from just staring at those views.
For The Kids: A Mixed Bag
They claim to be "Family/child friendly" and have Kids facilities and a Babysitting service, but I didn’t see a whole lot of kid-specific activities. It’s more set up for families, which is a nice touch.
Room Stuff: Cozy Comfort (and a Few Quirks)
Alright, the rooms are actually pretty decent. They're Air-conditioned, which is a MUST for hot weather. The Bed was comfortable. I enjoyed the Blackout curtains and the view in the morning. The Bathroom was perfectly functional. And I really appreciated the Complimentary tea and Free bottled water. The Additional toilet was in a separate room which was pretty great. I actually liked my room.
The Minor Quirks (Because No Place is Perfect)
- The Alarm clock was a total mystery. I never figured out how to set it.
- The Hair dryer… well, it existed. That's about all I can say.
- The In-room safe box was… confusing. I never used it.
- The Daily housekeeping was excellent. Always a clean room!
- The Desk was pretty small. I wouldn't want to work there all day.
- There are Non-smoking rooms.
- There aren't any Pets allowed.
The Verdict:
Despite the few hiccups, Baronville's BEST Holiday Home is still a winner. Those views… are worth every penny. It's clean, it's got fun stuff, and it's a great basecamp for exploring the local area. Just be prepared for a few quirks, and maybe lower your expectations for the culinary delights. But overall? I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just… maybe bring your own hairdryer and a friend who knows how to set an alarm clock.
Willingen Wonderland: HUGE Balcony Apartment Awaits! (Germany)
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're going to Belgium. Specifically, to that magnificent holiday home in Baronville with the… wait for it… heated pool, billiards, the whole shebang. This isn’t a polished travel brochure, this is… me trying to survive a week in the woods (kinda) with my family.
Magnificent Mess in Baronville: The Belgian Blowout (or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Frites")
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Finding the Damn Coffee Maker)
- 14:00: Landed in Brussels. Brussels Airport. It's all a blur of tired faces and screaming kids. My own included, naturally. Luggage carousel… ah, the joys. Where’s my sanity? Oh right, it’s packed in the carry-on, alongside the emergency chocolate. Priorities, people. Priorities.
- 14:45: Car rental – the saga begins. Why do they always try to upsell you on the insurance? "Sir, are you sure you don't want the 'We'll-Replace-Your-Entire-Car-If-a-Squirrel-Breathes-on-It' package?" I caved. I always do.
- 16:30: Drive to Baronville. GPS is a liar. "Take the next left." We're surrounded by fields, and I'm pretty sure we've been going in circles for a good hour. Finally, finally we see the sign: "Magnificent Holiday Home." I almost cried. Almost.
- 17:00: Unpack. The house! It is magnificent! The pool looks inviting, despite the biting wind. But… where’s the coffee maker? This is a crisis. A real, bona fide, morning-person-turned-villain crisis. And the Wi-Fi password! Ugh.
- 18:00: Found the coffee maker! (Victory dance!). Also found out the kids didn't want anything that was offered for dinner, more drama.
Day 2: The Great Pool Debacle and the Search for Real Belgian Beer
- 09:00: Attempted to swim. The pool! Heated, yes, but somehow still… freezing! My toes are currently contemplating mutiny. The kids? They're loving it, of course, splashing and screaming like they're being paid. I am a penguin.
- 10:00: Breakfast. Pain au chocolat that were stale, and kids whined the entire time about what they wanted to eat. Why even bother?
- 11:00: Billiards. I am, sadly, terrible. My husband, on the other hand, is a pool shark. He’s probably plotting to enter tournaments. I will let him win, for my sake, and for sanity's sake.
- 13:00: Lunch: Sandwiches made with local bread. Good, surprisingly good. Then kids wanted dessert and cried when I said no dessert.
- 14:00: The Quest for the Perfect Belgian Beer. We drove into Beauraing. Found a gorgeous little pub, "Le Vieux Moulin." Tried the Duvel. It's… divine. Seriously. Almost made me forget about the cold pool and the endless demands for snacks. Almost. They also had a very weird-looking cat.
- 18:00: Dinner. Cooking in a strange kitchen. I swear, I'm getting the hang of this. It's been a lot of frozen pizza and fries.
Day 3: Dinant's Charm and My Meltdown Moment
- 09:00: Trip to Dinant. Okay, Dinant is gorgeous. The Citadel, the Collegiate Church, the cobblestone streets… it’s ridiculously picturesque. Perfect even. Except, I forgot the camera charger. Seriously? It's like the universe is testing me.
- 10:30: The Citadel! Climbing the stairs… my legs are screaming. The views are breathtaking, though. Totally worth the sweat. Plus, a kid said something snide about my hiking style. I think I actually yelled back.
- 12:00: Lunch in Dinant. Moules frites! The ultimate Belgian indulgence. Delicious, messy, and I managed to spill half on my shirt.
- 14:00: The meltdown. The kids and their bickering, my husband is getting upset. I'm hiding in the car. The only escape.
- 17:00: Back to the house. I got a bath, and I feel a lot better, even though I couldn't find the bath salts.
- 18:00: Ordering takeout. Pizza, because I needed a win, and the kids were still grumpy.
Day 4: The Day I Almost Became a Fry Expert
- 09:00: The Pool… again. This time, armed with a bottle of wine (don't judge). The kids are getting good, and I'm just getting numb.
- 10:00: The Belgian Fry Revelation. Took a drive to a local friterie. This is where my life changed. We spent an hour discussing the perfect fry. The oil, the potatoes, the double frying… it's an art form, people! And the mayonnaise?! Unreal. Had to buy 10 kilos of frying potatoes.
- 12:00: Back at the house, attempting to replicate the fry magic. Burning oil everywhere. Smoke alarm blaring. Husband hiding in the billiard room. But eventually… success! The kids ate them. That’s a win.
- 14:00: Relaxing to the point of exhaustion.
- 17:00: Dinner.
- 18:00: Bedtime.
Day 5: Beauraing and the Spiritual (or at Least, Tranquil) Side of Belgium
- 09:00: Beauraing. We decided to go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Beauraing. It was quite a contrast to the beer and fries.
- 10:00: A walk around the town. A nice change of pace. Saw some shops, and tried to get the kids to walk calmly.
- 12:00: Lunch.
- 13:00: The kids playing.
- 16:00: Beer and snacks.
- 18:00: Bedtime.
Day 6: Billiards Redemption and the Quiet Evening
- 09:00: The Pool… again. This time, I think I’m actually enjoying it. Maybe the wine is helping.
- 10:00: Billiards rematch. This time, I actually gave my husband a run for his money! (Okay, maybe not, but I at least didn't lose as badly).
- 13:00: Lunch at the house. The kids actually ate their vegetables, and I think I might have shed a tear.
- 14:00: Quiet afternoon. Reading. Finally, some peace. The kids are actually playing nicely together. Is this real life?
- 17:00: Another attempt at cooking. Didn't go so well, but we managed to get by.
- 18:00: The game room, The last night, enjoying the billiards one last time.
Day 7: Departure and the Promise of Frites…Eventually
- 08:00: Packing. Curse of the forgotten charger.
- 09:00: Checking out. Said goodbye to the Magnificent Holiday Home.
- 10:00: The long drive to the airport.
- 14:00: Back home.
- 15:00: Remembering to grab the fries on the way home. I'm making promises to myself: I'm going back to Belgium, for the frites and the Duvel and the… maybe, just maybe… the heated pool. And this time, I'm bringing two camera chargers.
So, there you have it. My Belgian adventure. It wasn’t perfect. It was messy, challenging, exhausting, and frustrating. But it was also filled with laughter, delicious food, amazing beer, family moments (good and bad), and the glorious, messy beauty of life. And hey, I survived. So did the kids. Highly recommend. (Once you've recovered, of course).
Unwind in Luxury: Your Private Austrian Sauna Escape (Stumm im Zillertal)
Okay, spill the tea – is this place *really* as good as it sounds? "Heated pool, billiards, UNBELIEVABLE views?" Tell me the *real* story.
Ugh, alright, alright. Look, I’m a cynical person by nature. I see “UNBELIEVABLE VIEWS” and my internal alarm bells go off. Marketing hype, right? Wrong. The views? Yeah, they're real. Like, I spent an entire afternoon practically glued to the balcony, just… staring. It was ridiculous. My own jaw was actually aching from being dropped for so long! Think panoramic, mountain-y gorgeousness that makes you feel like you’re living in a postcard. It's... well, it's a bit much. Especially when you're hungover from the slightly-too-much-wine-at-dinner night before. But yeah, the views are genuinely incredible. Prepare to be genuinely humbled by nature.
The pool? Heated, you say? Sounds lovely… but is it *actually* warm enough to swim in? I'm a wimp.
Okay, the pool. Yes. HEATED. And, bless their hearts, they actually *heated* it. Look, I consider anything below 80 degrees as "Arctic Conditions" (don't judge), and this pool was *perfectly* swim-able. I even saw *myself* swimming in it in February! It was so tempting, especially when the wind was whipping. It's like the weather Gods were personally blessing the place. My friend Carol, who is basically a human ice cube, was practically living in there. I swear she turned into a mermaid. So, wimp-friendly? Absolutely. You'll probably end up wrinkly as a prune from enjoying it so much.
Billiards! I'm terrible at pool. Is there a pool AND a way to *actually* play, or is it just a fancy ornament?
Alright, pool table questions. Let's be honest, I'm no pool shark. My skills are... questionable. But the table? Legit! It's not one of those tiny, rickety things that makes you want to scream. It's a proper, full-sized table. The felt isn't tearing, the cues aren't warped... and there's even a decent amount of space around it, which is a huge plus for clumsy people like me. Now, the *playing* part? Well, let's just say there were a few… *spirited* games. And by "spirited," I mean there were occasional arguments about fouls, and a lot of missed shots. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? We may have left a few chalk marks on the walls. Whoops!
Parking? Is it a nightmare? Because I *hate* looking for parking. HATE IT.
Okay, parking. This is where I have a HUGE story. One of my friends decided to rent a *huge* SUV. Like, the biggest car I've seen in a decade – it’s a monster truck in disguise, honestly. We were already running late (as always), and pulling up to Baronville? The driveway is not quite wide enough for a monster truck. We spent a solid... well, let's just say a *significant* amount of time, attempting to maneuver this beast into the designated parking area. There were expletives. There was yelling. There may have been a near-miss with a rather expensive-looking garden gnome. Parking? Technically fine. But if you're driving a vehicle the size of a small spacecraft, you might want to take a deep breath and allow plenty of room. Otherwise? Normal parking. Easy Peasy. But please, don’t bring a monster truck. Please.
What about the kitchen? Is it a sad collection of mismatched pots and pans, or could I, you know, actually *cook* a meal?
The kitchen... okay, the kitchen is a *dream*. You know how some holiday rentals have kitchens that look like they've been cobbled together from the lost and found? Not this one. It’s properly equipped! I’m talking modern appliances, decent knives (crucial!), and enough pots and pans to feed a small army. I’m no gourmet chef (more of a "burn everything" chef, to be honest), but I managed to whip up a perfectly respectable lasagna. Okay, there was a minor incident involving the smoke alarm and a slightly crispy garlic bread... but that was entirely my fault. And they had a fantastic espresso machine! And enough wine glasses for a royal banquet. Kitchen? Totally legit. Bring your apron, your ingredients, and maybe a fire extinguisher, just in case. You can never be too careful. (Especially with me in the kitchen.)
Noise levels? I need peace and quiet. I'm escaping the incessant chatter of my own children...or my in-laws.
Noise levels... Okay, so this depends on your *fellow guests*. The house itself is pretty soundproof, thankfully. I'm not sure what the neighbors heard when we played pool, all that shouting and laughing... and the occasional scream of delight... but the house *itself* is great. If you've got a rowdy group, the house can handle it. If you're looking for pure silence? Well, that's more up to your travel companions. But with the views, the pool, and the billiards, you're probably going to have a hard time *not* making some noise of enjoyment. You’ll probably be too busy enjoying yourself to whine about anything, and the views, my friend, the views will make the entire trip worth it.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, let's be honest, I can't *completely* disconnect.
Yes, there is Wi-Fi. I know, I know, it seems sacrilegious to ask about Wi-Fi when you're supposed to be soaking up the views. But, real talk, sometimes you need to check emails, order groceries, or, you know, occasionally scroll through social media. The Wi-Fi was reasonably fast and reliable. I managed to stream a movie one night. No buffering! If you're a total digital detoxer, you can absolutely do that. But if you need to stay connected, you're covered. Just… try to spend more time looking at the mountains than your phone, okay?
Would I recommend this place? Be brutally honest.
Brutally honest? Okay. Yes. YES, I would recommend this place. Even with the monster truck parking incident and the near-disaster in the kitchen, it was fantastic. It’s a place you'll remember. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The pool is aTrending Hotels Now
