Malaga's HOTTEST New Apartments: Livensa Living Studios Feria!
Livensa Living Studios Feria: A Malaga Meltdown? (My Honest Take)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Malaga and, naturally, I had to check out the buzz surrounding Livensa Living Studios Feria. They're calling it "hot," so, you know, I had to see if it lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it's complicated. Real complicated.
(SEO Stuff – bear with me!)
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- Metadata: Title: Livensa Living Studios Feria Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Honestly Confusing. Description: A brutally honest review of Livensa Living Studios Feria in Malaga, Spain. Accessibility, amenities, and the overall vibe, dissected! Keywords: Livensa, Malaga, apartments, accessibility, spa, fitness, review, travel.
Okay, so here we go, peeling back the layers of this shiny new place.
First Impressions & Grumbles:
The building itself is… sleek. Modern. A bit… impersonal? From the outside, it looks like it was designed by a computer, which, let's be honest, is probably half-true these days. Checking in was a breeze, thanks to the contactless check-in/out – a lifesaver after a red-eye flight. The front desk is 24-hour, which is a definite win, especially for us haphazard travelers. They also offer currency exchange, which is handy. But as I wheeled my suitcase towards the elevator (thank goodness for the facilities for disabled guests!), I couldn't shake the feeling that this place was trying to be something it wasn't quite nailing.
Accessibility – Bravo, But…
This is where Livensa shines. Truly. Wheelchair accessible throughout, right down to the details. The elevator is roomy, the corridors are wide, and the rooms themselves are designed with accessibility in mind. My friend uses a wheelchair, and she was practically giddy. The rooms offer additional toilets, which is essential. The bathrooms are well-designed, and I noticed grab bars and other thoughtful touches. So top marks here.
However… It wasn't perfect. One evening, we were struggling to find the accessible entrance to the restaurant (more on the food later). We circled the building twice before flagging down a staff member, who, bless her heart, was clearly flustered. It’s a small thing, but for people relying on full accessibility, this can be incredibly frustrating.
Room Rundown – The Good, The Okay, and The… Weird Towels:
Let’s get into the rooms themselves. They offer a decent list of features: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, and wi-fi [free].
I went for a studio with a balcony, which was a must. The air conditioning was a godsend, especially during that Andalusian heat. I also appreciated the blackout curtains (sleep is sacred). The free Wi-Fi worked like a charm, even though I was a little sad to find out that it wasn't always free for special events. The bed was… okay. Not the most comfortable, but not terrible. And the complimentary tea was a nice touch.
Now, about the weird part. The towels. They were… thin. Like, tissue-paper thin. I'm not saying I expected luxury, but these felt like they belonged in a budget motel from the 1980s. Just… weird. I brought it up with the staff, and they shrugged. Ah well…
Food, Glorious Food (and Sometimes, Not So Glorious…)
Okay, the food situation is… complex. They list a lot of options: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The breakfast buffet was a mixed bag. The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. The international cuisine in restaurant was better than the Western cuisine in restaurant which could be improved. Some days, the buffet was overflowing with deliciousness; other days, it felt a bit…anemic. The salad in restaurant looked sad. I did, however, enjoy the occasional bottle of water I got. The room service [24-hour] was a plus, though I probably wouldn't use it.
The poolside bar was great, for the most part. The happy hour was a fun addition. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was the bright spot!
The other restaurant was… fine. Average. Nothing to write home about, but edible. The desserts in restaurant were a good conclusion to the meals.
Ways to Relax (and Possibly Get a Sunburn):
They advertise a whole host of relaxation options: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The pool with a view was lovely. Just… the view might be the best part. The pool itself is small, and it gets crowded quickly. The sunbeds are comfy, though!
I didn’t hit the spa, the sauna, or the steam room, but they looked… inviting? Judging by other reviews, these are a major plus for the hotel.
The gym/fitness center was well-equipped, according to my friend who uses it! I would have gone for a dip in the swimming pool [outdoor], but I would have needed to buy a whole new swim suit.
Cleanliness & Safety – COVID-Style:
They're taking the hygiene thing seriously, which is good. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I'm not sure how much to trust this. I do know that I felt safe. I'm not sure what else to say.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things:
They offer a bunch of amenities: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was helpful, though a little rushed. The daily housekeeping was fantastic. The laundry service was a lifesaver (hello, travel-sized shampoo explosions!). The elevator was smooth and reliable. I liked how they had food delivery from local places.
Things to Do – Beyond the Hotel Walls:
Livensa is located in a pretty good spot. You're close to a lot of things. CCTV in common areas and outside property made me feel safer. The car park [free of charge] was excellent. They did offer airport transfer to get you to the more exciting locations.
For the Kids… (and the Parents Too):
If you can't leave them at home (which is often the case), they list Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
I don't have kids, but I saw a few families there, and they seemed to be happy.
The Not-So-Good Stuff (And Where It Gets REALLY Rambly):
Okay, let's talk about what didn’t quite work.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the real Malaga experience. Forget those pristine brochures and perfectly curated Instagram feeds. This is going to be a glorious, messy, probably-slightly-hangover-fueled journey through the heart of Andalusian chaos. We're staying at Livensa Living Studios Malaga Feria, which, if the photos are anything to go by, looks suspiciously like a giant, modern LEGO brick. Wonderful. Here we go:
Malaga Meanderings: A Diary of Disasters & Delights
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Questions in a Studio Apartment
- 14:00 (give or take… Spanish time): Landed in Malaga. Let's be honest, the flight was a blur of lukewarm coffee and the desperate hope that the lady next to me wouldn't hog the armrest. The airport smells vaguely of churros and impending holiday joy. I take that as a good omen.
- 15:00-ish: Found the Livensa Living Studios. The "Feria" part of the name suggests parties and festivities, which is precisely what I'm mostly here for, but I'm also battling jet lag and a profound fear of unpacking. The studio is… compact. Think Ikea meets a minimalist monk. Okay, it's fine. The view is of… other buildings. But hey, at least it's not a parking lot.
- 16:00: Unpacked. Or, more accurately, dumped my stuff into a vaguely organized pile that will probably devolve into a clothing volcano by day three. Contemplated the meaning of life whilst staring at the tiny kitchen sink. Decided the answer is tapas.
- 17:00: Navigating the immediate area. Found a supermarket. Successfully purchased water. I consider this a major victory against my usual travel disorganization. Spotted a local woman with a chihuahua in a tiny sweater. My heart is officially melted.
- 18:00: Attempted to find a tapas bar. Got momentarily lost. Asked for directions in my terrible Spanish and was met with generous smiles and helpful gestures. This is what I love about travelling – the shared humanity, even when you're completely clueless.
- 19:00: Found a tapas bar. It's actually called "El Tapeo" (it's a local favorite). This place, is a perfect example of Spanish life. It’s all about the food, the people, the noise, and the sheer unadulterated joy of it all. The gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) were so good I almost licked the plate. Shameful, but true.
- 21:00: Staggered back to the studio, happily stuffed. Jet lag is kicking in again, though. Decided to skip the grand evening plans and instead watch awful Spanish TV. It's all about embracing the weird.
Day 2: A Picasso Pilgrimage & Beach Blues
- 09:00 (ish): Woke up feeling…surprisingly okay! The coffee machine in the studio, despite its diminutive size, managed to churn out a halfway decent espresso. Fuel for the day, hooray!
- 10:00: The Picasso Museum. Fine. I'm not gonna lie, I'm not exactly an art buff. But you can't go to Malaga and not see this place. The art is… interesting. Apparently, the man knew how to paint, but I’m more interested in the people gazing at the paintings. There’s an elderly woman weeping in front of a particularly abstract drawing, and a group of teenagers taking selfies with everything. Life, in a museum.
- 12:00: Strolled (or rather, wandered) through the Alcazaba. The Moorish fortress. I mean, what a view! The history? Incredible! The heat? Also incredible, but in a less pleasant way. Took approximately 100 photos that all look the same.
- 14:00: Lunch! Found a tiny, tucked-away restaurant that smelled of spices and secrets. Ordered the paella. Best. Paella. Ever. The rice was perfectly cooked, the seafood was fresh, and the atmosphere was buzzing. This is what I was hoping for.
- 15:00: Beach time! Sun, sand, and sea… sounded perfect. Except the beach was packed. Like, sardines-in-a-can packed. I managed to secure a tiny patch of sand and promptly got burned. The sea was freezing. I lasted all of ten minutes before retreating to the (relatively) cool shade of a beach bar. I'm not a beach person, apparently.
- 17:00: Recovering from the beach debacle with a cold beer (or three) at the bar. Watched the sunset. It was pretty. But I’ll stick to exploring the city.
- 19:00: Dinner: Found "El Pimpi" (a famous restaurant). It has a beautiful open-air courtyard. The food was great, of course. But the ambiance! It somehow managed to combine historical architecture with a modern, lively atmosphere. The whole night was just a gorgeous, relaxed feeling, exactly what I needed.
- 22:00: Back to the studio. Realized I forgot to buy snacks. Must rectify this tomorrow.
Day 3: The Market, the Magic & (Probably) a Mishap
- 09:30: Woke up with a vague sense of dread. The kind that only comes from knowing you have an entire day looming, and it will likely involve me making a complete fool of myself.
- 10:00: Mercado Central Atarazanas! Oh my god. This place is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The colors, the smells, the sounds! I wandered around in a daze, gawking at mountains of fresh produce, glistening seafood, and enough cured meats to feed a small army. Bought some olives and a weird cheese that the vendor seemed particularly proud of.
- 12:00: Wandered through the streets, trying to look nonchalant. Didn't work. Got hopelessly lost near the Cathedral, which, by the way, is beautiful, but I was too busy avoiding cyclists to fully appreciate it at the time.
- 13:00: Another tapas experience. This time, a tiny place near the port. Had the most delicious espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines) and some local wine. The waiter seemed genuinely delighted to see me attempt to speak some Spanish, making me feel like a local.
- 14:30: The Gibralfaro Castle. The views from up there? Absolutely breathtaking. The walk up? Brutal. I'm fairly sure I nearly died from exertion. But the panoramic vistas of the city and the sea? Worth it. Even if I did have to stop for a breather every five steps.
- 17:00: The wine cellar of the Hotel Molina Lario. I just had to. I went to a wine tasting. I learned a lot during the tasting, which was great, but honestly just wanted the wine at that point.
- 19:00: Dinner, again, in the city. This area of Malaga, the Soho district, is full of colorful street art and cool places and delicious food.
- 22:00: Back to the studio, full of stories and excitement, tired, really tired, and still very happy. Did I mention I need to buy snacks?
- 23:00: Finally bought the snacks. They include chips, olives, and the random cheese. Perfect.
Day 4: The "What Now?" Day & Departure Dread
- 08:00: Woke up. A little sad. The trip is almost over.
- 09:00: Did some last-minute souvenir shopping. Got ripped off by a street vendor, probably. I don't even care.
- 11:00: Packed. Mostly. The clothing volcano is still vaguely contained.
- 12:00: Wandering the city. Stumbled upon a tiny park filled with orange trees. It felt like a perfect, quiet moment to reflect on the trip.
- 13:00: One last tapas lunch. Because, well, tapas.
- 15:00: Back to the studio for the last time.
- 16:00: A tiny bit of the "what now?" feeling. The flight is tonight, and I'm sad to leave.
- 18:00: Taxi to the airport. Goodbye Malaga!
- Flight: On the plane. Looking through the pictures. So many memories.
- Home: Arrived home. I love my home, but I loved Malaga even more.
This diary reflects the unpredictable nature of travel. It highlights the importance of embracing the unexpected, the joys of the simple things, and the occasional, glorious, messiness of it all. Hasta luego, Malaga! I'll be back. And maybe I'll even learn some more Spanish before then. Probably not.
Escape to Paradise: Victoria City Hotel, Oranjestad, Aruba
So, what *IS* Livensa Living Studios Feria, anyway? Because the website is suspiciously shiny...
Location, location, location! How convenient is this place, REALLY?
The Studios themselves: Small, stylish, or a glorified shoebox? Be honest!
What's the deal with the "community" aspect? They really push that, right?
Are there Any Annoyances? Like, REAL problems?
Is the rent a ripoff? That's what we *really* want to know, right?
Is Living at Livensa Living Studios Feria worth it, overall? Be honest!
