Unbelievable Family Suite in Apple House, Novorossiysk!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving deep into the Unbelievable Family Suite at the Apple House in Novorossiysk. And let me tell you, this isn't your grandma's hotel review – this is the real deal, warts and all. I'm gonna be brutally honest, because let's face it, we're all just looking for the best possible vacation, right? So, prepare for some opinions, some rambles, and probably a few tangents along the way. Here we go…
The Unbelievable Family Suite: Is It REALLY Unbelievable?
First off, the name is a bit… bold. "Unbelievable?" Okay, Apple House, you've set a high bar. But hey, I'm here for it. My family and I (two adults, one rambunctious five-year-old, and a dog who thinks he’s a cat) descended upon Novorossiysk, a city I didn’t really know much about (other than a vague memory of something about a naval base), expecting… well, adventure. Did the Apple House deliver? Let’s break it down, shall we?
Accessibility & Safety First! (Because Let's Be Honest, It Matters)
Okay, so, a quick shoutout to Accessibility. This is something I always appreciate, especially when traveling with a small child. Apple House seems to have things covered. There’s an elevator and definitely a strong focus on facilities for disabled guests. While I didn't personally need them, the visible infrastructure gave me peace of mind. CCTV in common areas and outside the property are visible, which is always reassuring, too. Plus, bonus points for fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in the room! Safety first, people! Speaking of safety, I was super impressed with their cleanliness and safety protocols. They really do seem to be taking things seriously. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and daily disinfection in common areas. The room itself felt sparkling clean. Now, I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so this really went a long way.
Cleaning & Sanitization Specifics. Because, COVID, y'all…
Seriously, I was obsessed with the sanitization methods at this hotel. It's been a while since I felt SO comfortable. The fact that they use anti-viral cleaning products and provide hand sanitizer everywhere made me feel so relaxed. The little things like individually wrapped food options and the safe dining setup were really nice, but the most impressive thing was that I could request that the housekeeping not enter the room, which is fantastic, to limit unnecessary contact. I did notice physical distancing being practiced, which was good to see. Also, I appreciated that they offered sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The staff were all very friendly, too, and seemed to genuinely care. This is definitely a big win for Apple House.
The Room (Let’s Get to the Good Stuff!)
Okay, now the main event: The Unbelievable Family Suite. The first thing that hit me when entering was honestly, the sheer size. It's enormous! It’s like they took two regular hotel rooms and just… smashed them together. And that was a huge win for my family. My son could run around without bumping into anything, and my husband and I could actually have some space to ourselves. It has everything:
Available in all rooms: Wi-Fi [Free] (yay!), Additional Toilet, Air Conditioning (thank god, it was hot!), Alarm Clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom Phone (who uses that these days?), Bathtub, Blackout Curtains (essential for kids and jet lag), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/Tea Maker, Complimentary Tea, Daily Housekeeping, Desk, Extra Long Bed (big win!), Free Bottled Water, Hair Dryer, High Floor, In-room Safe Box, Interconnecting Room(s) Available, Internet Access – LAN, Internet Access – Wireless, Ironing Facilities, Laptop Workspace, Linens, Mini Bar (always welcome!), 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, Wake-up Service, Window that opens.
The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after exploring Novorossiysk's summer heat! And the blackout curtains were absolutely essential for getting my kiddo to sleep.
The Mini Bar was well-stocked, (though I did secretly wish it came with a bottle of wine)
The Interconnecting room(s) available feature sounds useful if you need one.
Internet access was reliable, so I could get my work done.
The bed was comfortable.
The Sofa was actually a really good size, it has seating!
The Separate Shower/Bathtub was great.
The room was generally very, very comfortable and well-appointed.
Messy Confessions & Minor Gripes
Okay, here's where I get real. While the suite was spacious and mostly “unbelievable”, there were a few minor imperfections. The décor was a bit… dated. Think comfortable, but not exactly cutting-edge design. Honestly, I’m not that fussed about aesthetics when I'm traveling with family, as comfort and practicality win out. But if you're looking for ultra-modern Instagram-worthy digs, this might not be it. The room decorations were adequate, but not extraordinary. One minor quibble: the bathroom phone didn’t seem to work. Who cares?!
The Food and Drink Situation (Because, Priorities)
Okay, let's talk about food. Apple House has a bunch of options.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte menu, 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.
Breakfast: I'm a huge breakfast person, and their breakfast (buffet-style) was pretty darn good! A wide variety of options (including an Asian breakfast section), fresh fruit, pastries, and made-to-order eggs. I highly recommend trying the local pastries. The Western Breakfast, was solid, too. I grabbed a coffee from the Coffee shop, which was conveniently located.
Restaurants: We ate at the main restaurant for dinner one evening, and the food was… okay. Nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable and the staff were friendly. My son, who is a very picky eater, managed to find something he liked, which is a win in my book. They also provide room service.
Bar: The bar was a nice place to unwind after a long day. They made a decent cocktail, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Happy hour was also a nice touch.
Poolside bar was a great idea!
My only real complaint? I wish there had been a few more truly local options on the menu, rather than just the standard international fare.
Things to Do (Or Not Do) and Ways to Relax
Alright, let’s talk activities and chilling out.
Things to do:
- Apple House actually offered a lot of variety!
Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Fitness center: I admit, I didn't use the Fitness center, but I did see it! Looked well-equipped.
Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was fantastic. The Pool with view, was great. The Poolside bar was a lovely, plus!
Spa/Sauna: They have a full spa setup. I may not have gotten to use the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, or Steamroom, (because, you know, kids) but the idea of it was very appealing!
Novorossiysk itself offers a few things to see and do, but let's be honest: I wasn't there for the sight-seeing. I was there for the relaxation…
Ilocos Norte Getaway: Luxurious Furnished Room at JOCANAI Residences!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because here's a travel plan that's less "precision Swiss watch" and more "slightly-hungover toddler playing with a coloring book." We're talking a trip to Novorossiysk, Russia, holed up in an Apple House Studio Family suite. Get ready for the beautiful, the bewildering, and the inevitable "wait, did I really just do that?"
APPLE HOUSE ADVENTURE: NOVOROSSIYSK - A MESSY ITINERARY (with apologies to Marie Kondo)
Day 1: "Arrival and Acoustic Guitar Dreams (Hopefully Not Night Terrors)"
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Airport & Transfer): Land at Anapa Airport (Vityazevo Airport, to be precise, because apparently "Anapa" just wasn't specific enough). Pray the luggage makes it with us. I'm already picturing myself having to explain to the family why I forgot the essential travel document… again. Secure a taxi - negotiate the price like your life depends on it (it might). The drive through the Russian countryside… well, let's just say it's an adventure in itself.
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM (The Drive!): The drive into Novorossiysk. Anticipation bubbles. What will the city be like? I've only seen touristy images.
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Check-in and Suite Inspection): Arrive at Apple House. OMG. The "Studio Family suite" better live up to the hype. Pray it doesn't smell like old cabbage and disappointment (that's a very specific fear). Unpack. Discover that I somehow, miraculously, remembered the tiny bottle of headache medicine but forgot the phone charger. Sigh.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Lunch and Reconnaissance): Lunch! Find a place, ANY place, that serves non-mystery meat. Wandering around the area, trying to get a feel for things. Trying to order in not-so-fluent Russian is an adventure in itself.
- 1:00pm - 4:00 pm (Suiting up for fun): We want to hit the beach. We'd like to hit the beach. Beach-bound. The kids - my kids - hate putting on their swimsuits, they hate sunscreen and hats, and they hate getting sand in their hair and shoes. I love them anyway. We'll make it a great run in the water (hopefully).
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Sunset and Stargazing): Find a spot to watch the sunset (hopefully without getting swarmed by mosquitos). Maybe try to identify some constellations. The stars… they can be beautiful.
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Dinner and Acoustic Guitar Night): Dinner! Find a local restaurant and sample some Russian cuisine. Let's be brave! Try something new: Try the local seafood. After dinner, is time for the acoustic guitar. Will it happen? Maybe. If the kids are asleep. Will I remember any chords? Doubtful. Will I butcher every song? Guaranteed.
Day 2: "The War Memorial, The Market, and Minor Meltdowns"
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Coffee and The Plan): Wake Up. The first cup of coffee (or tea), followed by a quick review of what we have for the day.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (The Memorial): This is THE reason to visit Novorossiysk. The Malaya Zemlya Memorial is a must-see war memorial. It's supposed to be moving. I expect it to be a powerful experience – maybe even something that stays with me.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Lunch and Minor Meltdown): Time for lunch! And more negotiating. Is this a good sandwich? Is it not? And then the kids will start complaining. "I want ice cream!" "I'm hungry"
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (The Market): After lunch, the Rynok (market). I love local markets. The chaos, the smells, the haggling… it's pure gold. This is also where I inevitably buy something I don't need (probably a bizarre hat). I can easily and very willingly spend hours in a place like this.
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (The Beach): Beach. Rinse. Repeat.
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Chill time): Back to the suite. Chill out. Maybe I'll start that book I promised myself I'd read. Or maybe… the lure of a nap will be too strong.
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Dinner): Dinner at a restaurant with a view. A romantic one, with soft light, maybe.
- 7:00 PM – Bedtime:
- Child 1: "I'm not tired."
- Child 2: "I'm hungry again!"
- Parent 1: "Bedtime!"
- Parent 2: "Just five more minutes…"
Day 3: "Boat Trip (and the Potential for Sea Sickness)"
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Breakfast and Last-Minute Panic): Scramble for breakfast. Did I pack the Dramamine? Because, let's be honest, I get seasick in a puddle.
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Boat Trip!): Boat trip! This is either going to be the best experience or the worst. Pray for calm seas and a strong stomach. The fresh air, the sun… the potential vomiting…
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Lunch). Let's pray that the boat food is better than boat food from my childhood (which was… not good).
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Relax and swim at a less busy beach): I don't know how to relax. But I will try my best. Swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying the water.
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Souvenir Shopping and the "I'm So Tired" Shuffle): Souvenir time. Finding gifts for everyone back home (don't forget little Timmy!).
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Farewell Dinner (with a Side of Sadness): Last dinner. The end is near. I always get a little melancholy at the end of a trip. Reflecting on the experiences, the memories, and the fact that I'll have to go back to real life soon.
- 7:00 PM – Bedtime: Planning our flights. Thinking of the next trip.
Day 4: "Departure Day (and Post-Trip Blues)"
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Packing and Panic): Pack. Again. Did I mention I hate packing? Hope I can fit everything.
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (One Last Breakfast): Last breakfast in the suite. Soak it in.
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Check-Out and Farewell): Check out. Say our goodbyes. Look back one last time…
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Airport Departure): Get to the airport and hope we aren't delayed.
- 12:00 PM – Onwards (The Real World): Head back home. Dealing with the jet lag, the laundry, and the post-vacation blues.
Important Notes (because I'm forgetful):
- Russian Language: Learn a few basic Russian phrases. "Please," "thank you," and "where is the bathroom?" are essential.
- Currency: Make sure to exchange currency.
- Flexibility: Accept that things will go wrong. Plan for it. Don't sweat it.
- Enjoy! Embrace the chaos!
This is a trip designed for real people, with real emotions, real screw-ups. The joy of travel isn't found in perfection, but in the memories woven through laughter, tears, and the occasional moment of utter bewilderment. Enjoy your adventure! And if you see a guy at the market wearing a bizarre hat, give him a wave. It might be me.
Escape to Paradise: Golden Sun Boutique Hotel, Luang Prabang
Is the "Unbelievable" Family Suite ACTUALLY unbelievable? (Because I’ve been promised a lot of 'unbelievable' things that turned out to be… well, believable.)
Okay, so here's the deal. "Unbelievable"? That's a loaded term, isn't it? Like, my ex promised our relationship would be "unbelievable." Turns out, unbelievable mostly meant "unbelievably stressful."
So, the suite itself? The space *is* genuinely huge. Seriously, you could probably hold a small rave in the living room. Our kids, bless their hearts, thought they were living in a castle. They ran, they screamed, they occasionally forgot to wear pants (because, you know, freedom!). So, *practically* unbelievable? Maybe. Like, "unbelievably spacious for Novorossiysk" kind of unbelievable. The view from the balcony *was* pretty amazing - the Black Sea, the mountains... I actually shed a tear or two watching the sunset. Don't tell anyone, though.
On the other hand, the sofa in the living room? Let's just say it had seen better days. It was… well-loved. Like, "loved by a family with three kids and a dog who may or may not have been allowed on the furniture" kind of loved. So, yeah, the "unbelievable" label gets a solid… 6 out of 10. Good for family, but don't expect perfection or a pristine aesthetic.
What's the deal with the Wi-Fi? I NEED to check my emails (and Instagram, fine, guilty).
Ah, the eternal struggle of the connected traveler. The Wi-Fi… well, let's just say it's a bit temperamental. It's like a moody teenager: sometimes it loves you, sometimes it ignores you completely.
I spent an hour staring at my laptop, cursing the universe because I couldn't get a signal. And then, out of nowhere, *boom*. Signal! I was able to upload a blurry photo of my kid eating a questionable ice cream cone (important stuff, people!). It's a crapshoot. My advice? Lower your expectations, embrace the disconnect, and maybe, just maybe, actually *talk* to your family. (I know, I know, the horror!) Or download some movies beforehand.
Is the kitchen equipped well enough to cook a decent meal? I have picky eaters.
Okay, the kitchen. This is a tricky one because it depends on your definition of "decent meal." It's *technically* a kitchen. It *has* a stove, a fridge, a microwave… and a few basic utensils. But let me tell you about the time I attempted to make pancakes.
I brought an all-purpose flour, pancake mix, eggs (important!), and a dream. But the frying pan… it was... well, it was not non-stick. I spent a solid 20 minutes scraping burnt pancake remnants off the pan and battling gravity. Let me just say the pancakes resembled charred Frisbees. The kids, bless their judgemental little hearts, refused to eat them. We ended up ordering pizza.
So, if your definition of a decent meal includes "anything more complicated than boiling water", you might want to bring your own cooking gear. And maybe a hazmat suit to avoid the burnt food smell. Otherwise, stick to simple meals. Or, you know, embrace the pizza. Because sometimes, that’s just what life (and vacation) throws at you.
How noisy is it? I need sleep!
Ah, the quest for sleep! That holy grail of stressed-out parents. Okay, noise levels… This depends on your tolerance. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. You *will* hear other guests, especially if they're reveling in their vacation joy.
We had a couple staying next door who, bless their hearts, appeared to be celebrating *something* every night at 2 am. Lots of laughter, some enthusiastic singing (badly), and the occasional crashing sound that made me fear for their safety. But, that's Russian hospitality, right? Embrace the chaos, or bring earplugs. I, unfortunately, brought neither. I spent most nights tossing and turning whilst muttering under my breath. I got used to it eventually. Sort of.
The street noise wasn’t too bad, but there were the occasional car alarms and the seagulls. The seagulls were the true villains. They start squawking before the sun comes up. Those birds… THEY ARE THE WORST.
Is Apple House itself kid-friendly? Are there any activities for children near by?
Honestly? The Apple House *tries*. They have a small playground, which is a godsend when you're trying to wear out your little monsters before bedtime. It's not the fanciest playground in the world but hey, swings are swings, and kids don't really mind the details right? My kids enjoyed it.
As for activities *nearby*, well, Novorossiysk is a port city. There's the Black Sea! The beach isn't really a sun-kissed paradise, it's more rugged. But the kids loved building castles and splashing in the waves. I should've brought more sunscreen and towels. Seriously consider packing extra. There's also a historical museum, which, depending on your kids' attention spans, could be a hit or a miss. We made the mistake of dragging ours there after a long day. Cue epic meltdown involving a dinosaur exhibit and a plea for an ice cream. My bad.
Overall, the Apple House is a decent base for a family. It's more about what *you* make it. And, let’s be honest, a little chaos is part of the fun of a family vacation, right?
What's the best thing about that Unbelievable Suite?
The best thing? Tough question. If I'm being honest, the BEST thing might have been the chance to escape the daily grind. To get away from the laundry pile, the overflowing inbox, and the never-ending demands of… well, everything.
There was the balcony. The view was fantastic. Even though it was a little bit old, it was genuinely nice to sit there, nursing a glass of wine (or three), and actually *see* the stars. That was special. That was… almost unbelievable.
But honestly? The best thing was seeing my kids genuinely happy. Even when they were fighting, or being annoying and throwing their toys all over the place. They were making memories, even if I was a little bit stressed. And that? That was worth the less-than-perfect sofa, the iffy Wi-Fi, and the burnt pancakes.
