Hacienda Don Armando: Creel's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Hacienda Don Armando, Creel's "Hidden Gem"…or is it? Let's find out! This isn't just a review; it's a journey, and I'm your slightly-caffeinated, overly-enthusiastic guide.
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First Impressions (and the Pre-Trip Anxiety)
Okay, I'm gonna be honest… planning this Copper Canyon adventure gave me the jitters. I'd heard the stories: breathtaking views, remote locations, potential travel hiccups. But I'd also seen photos of Hacienda Don Armando, and it just called to me. It promised rustic charm, a touch of luxury, and… well, a break from my screaming kids. (Don't judge me!) The website promised the world – and, thankfully, a ton of accessibility information, which was a massive plus since my Aunt Mildred uses a wheelchair. Getting there was a bit of a trek (we took the train! - more on that later), but the promise kept me going.
Accessibility: A Big Bloody Win!
Look, as someone who travels with someone who needs a wheelchair, accessibility is make or break. And let me tell you, Hacienda Don Armando delivered. Wheelchair accessible? YES! Ramps where needed, wide doorways, and a staff that genuinely seemed to understand the importance of making things easy for everyone. The rooms were spacious, the bathrooms well-equipped, and navigating the common areas was, praise the travel gods, a breeze. This is NOT always the case in Mexico, so major props to them. This is a HUGE selling point if you have any accessibility needs.
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Rooms: More Than Just a Place to Crash
My room? Glorious. Air conditioning (bliss!), a ridiculously comfortable bed, and enough space to swing…well, at least a cat. No, really, the rooms have this sense of peace and quiet. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those much-needed naps. Free Wi-Fi was speedy, and a godsend for my Instagram addiction (don't judge). The in-room safe gave me peace of mind, because, let's be real, travel always involves a little bit of worry! Additional amenities: the coffee/tea maker was my best friend, and the free bottled water was always appreciated.
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Dining: Fueling the Adventure (and My Appetite!)
Okay, the food… let's just say I gained a few pounds. Breakfast [buffet] was a feast! They had everything: fruit, pastries, eggs (cooked every way imaginable), and the most amazing chilaquiles I've EVER tasted. Breakfast in room was available; a nice touch for those lazy mornings. Restaurants? Yes, plural! The main one had a lovely terrace for dining al fresco. A la carte, buffet, coffee/tea - they had it all. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise. Even the vegetarian restaurant options were surprisingly good. The staff was incredibly attentive, even when I was trying to order in my terrible Spanish! The poolside bar was perfect for sunset drinks and a bit of people-watching. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was appreciated!
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Spa: My Unintentional Transcendental Experience
Now, here's where things got really interesting. I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "fall face-first into a pool and see what happens" type. But after a long day exploring the Copper Canyon, I figured, "Why not?" And… OMG. The spa area at Hacienda Don Armando is an oasis. The pool with a view was spectacular. I opted for a massage, and it was pure, unadulterated bliss. The masseuse was phenomenal, working out all the knots and tension I didn't even realize I had. I may have drifted off a couple of times. Don't tell anyone! They also had a sauna, steam room, spa/sauna and various body wraps. Just wow. This is NOT to be missed. It's worth the trip alone.
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Things to Do (Besides Napping in Bliss)
Creel and the Copper Canyon are all about adventure. Hacienda Don Armando is a great base for exploring. They can help you arrange tours: hiking, horseback riding, visiting the indigenous communities, and exploring the waterfalls. Airport transfer was seamless. Plus, for the more practical needs, they have a convenience store, currency exchange, and even a gift shop! The business facilities were adequate.
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Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Talk About It.
Let's be real, in the age of… gestures vaguely at everything, this is paramount. Hacienda Don Armando takes cleanliness seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas. They were using anti-viral cleaning products. Staff trained in safety protocol. I saw visible hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The rooms sanitized between stays. And if you wanted to do the Room sanitization opt-out available was there. This gave me a lot of peace of mind. The CCTV in common areas and security [24-hour] are also positive.
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The Little Things That Matter
The staff. Honestly, they were fantastic. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about making our stay enjoyable. Concierge available. Doorman there. Also they have Family/child friendly service. The luggage storage was really convenient when we arrived. The daily housekeeping kept our room spotless. The sheer presence of the elevator. They also had a Doctor/nurse on call. First aid kit. These simple things elevate the experience.
The Odd Bits (Because No Place is Perfect)
- Pets allowed unavailable - Not a deal-breaker for me, but worth noting.
- I kind of wished they had a stronger happy hour situation. I like my margaritas.
- I miss the presence of a bathtub - a separate Shower was available.
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The Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. YES. Run, don't walk! Hacienda Don Armando is more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It’s a place where you can genuinely relax, whether you’re a spa enthusiast, an adventure seeker (they have security [24-hour]), or just someone looking for a beautiful and accessible escape. It's a perfect base for exploring the Copper Canyon, but also a destination in itself. The staff, the location, the amenities… it's all top-notch. And for those of us who travel with people with disabilities, it's a true gem.
My Final, Rambling, Slightly Emotional Thoughts:
Going to Creel and staying at Hacienda Don Armando was… transformative. It’s a place that stays with you. The beauty of the Copper Canyon, combined with the comfort and service of the hotel, created a truly memorable experience. I can’t wait to go back!
Here’s MY Offer for YOU (because I loved it so much!)
Ready to experience the magic of Hacienda Don Armando? Book your stay NOW and get:
- A COMPLIMENTARY welcome drink upon arrival.
- EARLY CHECK-IN (subject to availability) – because trust me, you'll want more time here.
- A SPECIAL DISCOUNT on spa treatments! (Trust me, you'll want them.)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
To book, visit [Hotel Website Link Here, Make sure to add this!] and use the code "HIDDENGEM" at checkout. Hurry, this offer won't last forever! Don't miss your chance to discover Creel's best-kept secret… and maybe, just maybe, find a little bit of peace yourself. Book now – You deserve it!
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Uncover Dom Adonis's Secret Armenian Paradise in Dilijan!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get dumped into my (slightly chaotic) adventure at Hacienda Don Armando in Creel, Mexico. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more a frantic, heartfelt, tequila-fueled diary entry. Seriously, I’m not sure how much sense this will make. Don’t judge.
Day 1: Arrival – And the Mosquito Battle of '23
- Morning (or what felt like morning after a 14-hour flight): Landed in Chihuahua. The airport? Let's just say it had character. Think… slightly less glamour than a bus station, but with more sunshine. The drive to Creel was stunning, though. Mountain vistas, dusty roads, the overwhelming scent of… well, I'm not sure what kind of desert plant, but it was glorious. I swear I saw a hawk giving me the side-eye.
- Afternoon: Hacienda Don Armando Arrival & IMMEDIATE Regret (about packing so many damn sweaters): OMG. The Hacienda. Gorgeous. Rustic charm oozing from every adobe-covered stone. I was all "Ooh, this is going to be so refined,” until the first mosquito attacked. Now, I'm not exaggerating. It was a full-blown war. I’m talking a scene worthy of the History Channel. Turns out, I was the snack of choice. I’m pretty sure they were the size of tiny, bloodthirsty helicopters.
- The Room: Beautiful wooden beams, a fireplace (which was useless in the glorious heat!), and… more mosquitos. I’ve since concluded that I’m probably allergic to something in the room. Everything itched.
- Evening: Dinner and Attempted Tranquility (failed): The Hacienda's restaurant. The food? Divine. Seriously, the enchiladas. I could have wept. And I may have. At least, tears streamed down my face, and it sure as heck wasn’t because of the beauty of the scenery. It was both the food and the mosquito bites. Still, I sat on the porch, swathed in a ridiculous amount of bug spray, and tried to summon some semblance of peace. Failed. The wind kept rustling the leaves and making me think something was coming to get me. But the stars… the stars were spectacular.
Day 2: Copper Canyon – And the Day My Brain Broke
- Morning: Copper Canyon Adventure (and the inevitable altitude sickness headache): The Copper Canyon is EPIC. I mean, holy crap. The sheer scale of it is… humbling. Okay, so mostly it’s dizzying. That altitude is a killer. I felt like I was going to pass out the moment I got off the bus, and the worst part is everyone kept saying “you’ll get used to it.” Seriously, what a lie.
- Zip-lining: I went zip-lining. Me! Fucking terrified of heights! I blame the tequila from the night before. The guides (bless their patient souls) were amazing. The view? Breath-taking. The feeling of pure, unadulterated terror? Also pretty breath-taking. I screamed. A lot. I probably still have vocal cords from the zip.
- Afternoon: Raramuri Village Visit (and the profound silence): We visited a Raramuri village. I felt like a gawking tourist, staring at people who were just living their lives. It was humbling (another word for “feeling embarrassed”). The silence was… deep. A different kind of silence than being alone. It was the feeling of… something. Something I couldn’t put my finger on, something I think I’m still trying to understand. They seemed so at peace. And I was just… sweating and hoping I’d remembered my sunscreen.
- Evening: Back at the Hacienda and the Great Book Fumble: After the whole Copper Canyon experience, I took a moment to relax, reading a book that I had brought. I thought I’d use the time in the evening to do it. I even took it with me to the dinner table, but as I tried to go to sleep, I realised I had dropped it somewhere. God, I had been so anxious to get away from everything for a few minutes. Now I was anxious over a book that was probably lost. Maybe it’s not a bad thing if I could find a way to relax. I knew I might get really upset, but I would let it pass naturally.
Day 3: Lake Arareko & the Quest for the Perfect Photograph – And a Near-Death Experience (of Boredom)
- Morning: Lake Arareko (and the surprising beauty): Another day, another breathtaking landscape. Lake Arareko is pristine. And HUGE. The water reflected the sky, which looked like a painting. I rented a… what was it? A little boat. I think I almost tipped it over. I’m not exactly known for my grace.
- Photography Attempt: I spent an hour trying to get the perfect photo of the lake. The light was all wrong. The ducks kept photobombing. My camera battery died. The pursuit of the perfect Instagram shot is a cruel mistress. I could have screamed. Instead, took a deep breath, enjoyed the moment, and thought, “Screw it.”
- Afternoon: Train rides and waiting at the station. After a few hours exploring, the tour guide told us we were set for the train. This was something. The train rides, even short ones, have this ability to make you feel like you are going somewhere far away. But the train was delayed. This was the start of a series of events when time was no longer important and I was more conscious of time passing. I just wanted to arrive, and have a coffee.
- Evening: Dinner at the hacienda. The last one. The final goodbye. The enchiladas were my friends now. The final day, I needed that spice I'd come to love as the perfect goodbye. I could feel the final day going away. I was sad. I had become so close to the people and the place. The stars. The food. The mountains. I never wanted to leave. But I was sure I needed to. After all, the mosquito war would be over soon.
Day 4: Departure – And the Longing for Enchiladas
- Morning: Last Glimpse of Creel: One last walk around the Hacienda. One last deep breath of that crisp mountain air. One last, desperate attempt to memorize every single detail.
- Afternoon: The Airport – And the bittersweet goodbyes: Goodbye to the mountains, goodbye to the mosquitos (mostly), and goodbye to a piece of me that I think I left somewhere in the Copper Canyon. The drive to the airport was quiet, filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude.
- Evening: Back Home: Back to reality. Back to the emails, the bills, the… well, you get the picture. But the taste of those enchiladas, the memory of the stars, the feeling of pure and utter awe in the face of nature? That’s staying with me. And already, I’m dreaming of the day I can go back. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll remember to pack extra bug spray.
Okay, spill the beans – Is Hacienda Don Armando REALLY as amazing as everyone says? Or is it just hype?
Alright, alright, settle down! Look, *amazing* is subjective, right? My friend, Brenda, nearly cried with joy when she saw the courtyard. I, on the other hand, was more focused on the prospect of a cold beer after a long day of train travel. So, yes, it's pretty damn special. Think of it as a perfectly aged bottle of tequila – it hits you slow, then warms you up, leaving you with a happy glow. The hype? Mostly deserved. But… depends what you're looking for.
If you crave sterile perfection, this isn’t it. If you want genuine character, history and a side of slightly quirky charm? You're in the right place.
What's the vibe like at Hacienda Don Armando? Is it super fancy, or more laid-back?
Laid-back with a dash of… well, let’s call it “rustic elegance.” Okay, so it's not a Four Seasons. Think more like a beautifully restored hacienda, lived-in but loved. There's a certain… *unhurried* feeling. Like the staff know they're running a hidden gem and don't need to bust their hump for you. Which is actually a good thing – less pressure, more relaxation.
I remember one time, I was trying to track down a specific kind of local coffee, and the staff went above and beyond to help me, even calling around to different shops. A little slow maybe.. ok really slow sometimes... but the care was there. I appreciated that.
Those rooms look incredible! What are they *really* like?
Okay, the rooms… oh, the rooms. They’re genuinely stunning. Thick, cool stone walls, huge windows (that actually *open*!), and beautiful, handcrafted furniture. They’re not cookie-cutter. Each room has its own personality.
I stayed in the “Superior Room” (which, I admit, sounds a bit pretentious, but hey, treat yourself!). The bed was seriously comfortable – like, I genuinely considered staying in bed all day. The only downside? The plumbing sometimes makes a disconcerting *gurgle* in the middle of the night. But don't let that ruin the ambiance! I wouldn't have trade those walls, and the feeling of time standing still while I was there for all the plumbing in the world.
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all traditional Mexican dishes?
The food... *Chef's kiss*. Yes, lots of traditional Mexican, but elevated. Forget dry, bland enchiladas. Think fresh ingredients, perfectly spiced, and beautifully presented. The restaurant is in the courtyard – seriously romantic with the twinkling lights at night.
I'm a sucker for a great breakfast buffet, and theirs was awesome. Freshly squeezed orange juice, real coffee (crucial!), and chilaquiles that – *gasp* – actually made me want seconds. Don't skip the huevos rancheros! Seriously, order them. You won't regret it. Though if I have one complaint, I wish there were even more options for the veggies.
What's there to *do* around Hacienda Don Armando? Is it just sitting around looking pretty?
Ha! Okay, I'll be honest, some days *I* was quite happy just sitting around looking pretty. But no, there's plenty to do. Creel is in the middle of the Copper Canyon area and hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the gorgeous landscapes are all right there. Check out the local markets too!
The train – the *Chevo* – is super popular, but book that WAY in advance. We met a couple who didn’t and were completely screwed, they were even more miserable than I was when I realized I forgot my phone charger. You can also visit the Mission of San Ignacio. And the local people! They're friendly and welcoming. Just be prepared for a bit of a language barrier. Brush up on your Spanish, or at least learn how to order a beer.
Okay, so the Chevo Train experience. Is *that* worth the hype?
Alright, let's talk about the *Chevo*. Yes. It's worth it. (I have to be honest, I'm usually more of a plane person). It’s seriously spectacular. The views are breathtaking – canyons stretching as far as the eye can see… waterfalls cascading down cliffs… the whole thing is amazing.
I remember one specific moment, we were winding through a tunnel and it was dark and the air outside was crisp and cool and when we came out on the other side it took my breath away. That alone was worth the price of admission. Just be prepared for delays. And the crowds. And the inevitable crying baby. But… still, go.
What are the *downsides*? Because surely, there are some…
Okay, honesty time. It's not perfect. Sometimes, the service is a bit… slow. Like, "Mexican time" slow. Don't arrive starving, or you'll have a meltdown. And the Wi-Fi can be patchy (a blessing in disguise? Maybe!).
And the location is a little outside of the main town of Creel. Not *far*, but you'll need a taxi or a walk to get to shops or other restaurants. Oh, and Creel itself isn't exactly brimming with nightlife. You're not coming here for a party. You're coming for peace, quiet, and beauty.
Anything else a first-timer should know before visiting Hacienda Don Armando?
Pack layers! The weather in the Copper Canyon area can be unpredictable. Evenings get chilly, even in summer. Bring comfortable shoes for exploring. And most importantly, *relax*. Embrace the slower pace of life.
Don't expect everything to go perfectly. Things might get lost in translation. The shower might take a while to warm up. But that's part of the charm. Embrace the imperfections. Soak in the beauty. And enjoy every moment.
