Second visit in two years to Masia la Mota, this time booking three nights. Idyllic with a fine attached restaurant making its location (a several mile drive into Alcoi) a non-issue if you don’t want to drive at night (but Alcoi is easy to drive into and visit if desired...parking lots are easy to find entering on the main streets).|We chose this region for its incredible cycling opportunities. On our earlier visit we cycled right out of the hotel (after walking up the very short but steep access road!). This time we loaded our bikes and drove off to our starting points and parked our car for the day in the small villages we chose, checking with the locals before doing so (a friendly gas station attendant, and a friendly bar keeper were expansive in their generosity and assurance that our car was no nuisance when we parked for the day near their businesses). We chose Benimarfull and Beniloba on two different days. A map check can lead a cyclist to many possible loops and other starting points but these two were not too many miles away from the hotel.|The hotel itself is like a very large and beautifully decorated private home, but with rooms. It is in fact the home of the owners but their quarters are private and their interaction with guests is designed solely to accommodate needs and comfort. Th staff were mostly fluent in English as many were students working while attending a business program university in Alcoi. ||Room choices range from standard to junior to suites. Very clean in every respect. We chose a junior suite for the longer stay in order to have a bit more space. The views both over the olive orchard and front patio, with Alcoi in the distance, were quiet and delightful. Very dark at night because there really are no neighbors near enough to shed light or make noise.|Breakfast was simple but included all the necessities....bread (and toaster), pastry, juice, yoghurt, meats and cheese, plus the fresh orange juice so abundant in this region south of Valencia’s orange groves.|Parking was free, easy, and safe. Make sure to double check that you locate the “Carretera Font Roja” and /or get the GPS coordinates because remember the hotel is on a long road outside of town! The sign on the right as you approach the steep access road for the hotel is very visible once there. (The “carretera”, itself goes farther along to a Natural Park, the Parc de la Font Roja, of course! So you can turn around and go...
Read moreAfter a conference in Valencia we wanted a few days of tranquility in rural Spain, away from the tourist areas. Here we found what we sought. |The owners and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. We were made to feel welcome and very much at home. |The setting is delightful, nestling between two national parks. |The grounds are a pleasure to meander through, with lovely views over the olive and almond groves to the hills beyond. You may come across a wondering donkey or friendly cat or dog on your way. |There are many walks further afield, some directly from the hotel, or a short drive away. |The old house is charming, having been lovingly restored by it’s owners who live in part of the building. It is comfortable and full of character. | My only disappointment was our room, it was one of the “standard” rooms which all look out onto a narrow courtyard. This was covered over when we were there so we had no access to fresh air, although I discovered that the cover can be opened and usually is in warmer weather. |My advise would be to choose a superior room if possible. |The restaurant is not open every night and the town is 5K away. On the first night they offered us cold meat and cheese, but as we wanted a proper meal we travelled into town. On the second night of our stay the restaurant was opened for a special occasion, with a limited menu. This was a real treat. |I am amazed that the hotel has only two stars and would recommend it...
Read moreAfter my short 4 days at Masia La Mota, I find it almost impossible to leave. It is unbelievable the amount of options offered at Masia La Mota. Not only do they have a salt water pool (which did wonders for my hair and skin), but they also have stunning views, friendly staff, and caring owners. Everyone at Masia La Mota cares about how your time is being spent. At dinner I was even visited by one of the owners when she came straight over to my table to say hello. That brings me to another thing. The FOOD is AH-MAY-ZING. The food is actually to die for. I was saddest when I left because I wasn't able to try all the desserts on the menu. During my time there I saw opportunities for romantic get aways, family friendly fun, and outdoor activities such as horse back riding, trekking, and hiking. The scenery at this fabulous hotel is so breathtaking because they are located between two natural parks while at the same time only being a short from Via Verde in Alcoy. This hotel is also situated extremely close to two big cities in Spain (Valencia and Alicante). This hotel really does have something for everyone from the most outdoorsy (my boyfriend) to the people who absolutely hate bugs and dirt (me). I 100% recommend this for a romantic get away or a fun filled weekend with the family. Not to mention the incredible history that surrounds this beautiful location....
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