Stowaway's Secret: Whitby's Most Unforgettable Loft Awaits!
Stowaway's Secret: Whitby's Most Unforgettable Loft Awaits! (But Does it Live Up to the Hype?) - A Brutally Honest Review (with ALL the Deets!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Whitby and, well, I have opinions about Stowaway's Secret. The marketing is slick, the pictures are gorgeous, and the name whispers of hidden treasures. But is it all just smoke and mirrors? Let's dive in, shall we? This review is gonna be as messy and delicious as a seaside chip butty.
First Impressions – The "OMG" Factor (or lack thereof):
The entrance to Stowaway's Secret? A bit…understated. No sweeping driveway, no grand lobby. Just… an unassuming doorway. But hey, maybe that's the "secret" part! Once inside, there's a small reception area with a friendly face and I appreciate that Contactless check-in/out option, very 2024. It was speedy, efficient, and appreciated after a long train journey.
The Loft Itself: The (Incredibly Comfy) Nest
Okay, the loft is pretty special. Let's be real. It's not a sprawling castle, but it's cozy, well-designed, and oozes charm. The Air conditioning was a godsend during a surprisingly warm Whitby day. And y'know, the little things count. Like the complimentary tea selection (needed that after the cliff walk!). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for chasing away the Whitby early morning sun, which is great given the extra-long bed and the utter need to sleep in after a big night with fish and chips. I seriously could have stayed in that bed all day.
The "Things to Do - Ways to Relax" - A Deep Dive (My God, I Need a Spa Day):
Now, let's talk about the "relaxation" offerings. They advertise a spa, which I was REALLY looking forward to. But here's where things gets a bit…murkier. There’s a spa, yes, and there is a Sauna (not my favorite), Spa/sauna, and a steamroom, BUT, and this is a big BUT, it was closed for refurbishment during my stay! My face fell. I was dreaming of massage and a body scrub. That was a major disappointment. I wasn't exactly impressed - especially given the price point. However, I can imagine what it may be like, and if it is anything like other spas, it's worth the visit. But I need to book it again when it's open.
I did, however, manage to stumble across the Fitness center/Gym/Fitness which offered some cardio machines. It wasn't my focus on this trip, but it was available.
The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, and the Covid Conundrum (Still a Thing, Sadly):
Let's be clear: Stowaway's Secret takes cleanliness seriously. The room was spotless. They use Anti-viral cleaning products and are clearly following protocol. The Daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, and that's reassuring. I saw staff diligently cleaning, so kudos. Plus, the hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. The Rooms sanitized between stays, the sterilizing equipment, and staff trained in safety protocol really show they have their act together. They've even gone to the trouble of removing shared stationery. The Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen, etc., seems to be on point, which helps in the midst of the current world reality.
Food, Glorious Food – The Gastronomic Gauntlet:
Breakfast, ah, breakfast! There was a breakfast buffet, but there was also the option for Breakfast takeaway service. I went for the breakfast in room option one morning (because, bed). It was nice, but nothing earth-shattering. The Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant options are present, but I didn't try them.
The restaurants themselves are supposed to be pretty good and offering a la carte in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. There's a Bar, which I did sample, and a Poolside bar (but didn't get to use it thanks to that cursed refurbishment). You can also grab Happy hour drinks! The Room service [24-hour] is a win.
Accessibility: Can Everyone Get In?
This is important. I'm not disabled myself, but I always look out for this. The website mentions Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good starting point, but it wasn't clear about specific accessibility features (like what rooms are wheelchair accessible for instance). It makes it Accessibility slightly unknown and something I need to follow up on to get details.
The Verdict: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
The Good: The loft itself is gorgeous. The staff is lovely. The location is fantastic (very close to everything). The cleanliness is top-notch. The room is a luxurious getaway. The Wi-Fi [free] and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! were a bonus.
The Bad: The spa was closed. The "secret" isn't quite as thrilling as the marketing implies. The parking is limited.
The "Meh": The breakfast. The overall "wow" factor wasn't quite as high as I'd hoped.
Would I Go Back?
Maybe. If I knew the spa was fully open, and if I could stay in that loft again, absolutely. And I'm crossing my fingers that the pool with a view gets open soon!
A Personal Anecdote:
One evening, after a particularly delicious seafood dinner, I stumbled back to the loft (a bit tipsy, I confess). I fumbled for my room key. The door wouldn't open! Flustered, I went back to reception, only to discover I was trying to get into the wrong room. The relief when I correctly entered my room was immense - a truly embarrassing moment that I will forever associate with Stowaway's Secret. (The Security [24-hour] was probably watching!)
Stowaway's Secret: The Offer - Book Now and Get a FREE Upgrade!
Okay, here's the deal. Stowaway's Secret is offering a deal to readers of this review! Book within the next [insert timeframe - e.g., two weeks] and get a FREE upgrade to a premier loft (subject to availability!). That means more space, potentially better views, and a chance to really soak up the Whitby magic. Plus, for a limited time, they're including complimentary [mention a perk - e.g., a bottle of local wine]. Use the code WHITBYDREAMS when booking on their website ([insert website link]) to claim your offer. Don't miss out, Whitby awaits!
Bodrum Bliss: Unforgettable Luxury at Lvzz Hotel
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause you're about to get a Whitby whiplash of an itinerary, brought to you live from… well, from my brain. Which, as you'll soon discover, is a chaotic, beautiful mess. This trip? It's all about Stowaways Loft. And maybe a little bit about me losing my mind.
Whitby Whimsey: A Stowaways Loft Adventure (and probably some breakdowns)
(A Schedule – loosely enforced, like my promise to eat healthy)
Day 1: Arrival – Hitting the Ground (and Probably Tripping Over a Cobblestone)
- Morning (ish): Okay, so the train was late. Classic. Finally got to Middlesbrough and was all like, "Right, Whitby Express, here I come!" Then, bam, a cancelled train. My carefully curated schedule? Shredded. (I had grand plans of arriving looking chic and nonchalant, like a seasoned traveller. Instead, I arrived looking like a bewildered hedgehog.) Jumped on a bus. Found Stowaways Loft after an unexpectedly pleasant walk and a few wrong turns ( Whitby's cobbled streets are a minefield, okay?).
- Afternoon: The Loft! Oh. My. God. The sea view from the window… It genuinely made me gasp. Like, a proper, involuntary gasp. I forgot to take pictures. (I will remember!) Settled in. Immediately found myself face-planting into the ridiculously comfy sofa. (It’s a hazard. Consider yourself warned.)
- Late Afternoon Stumbling: Venture out to pick up some provisions. (I'm talking tea. Biscuit-y goodness. And maybe… a bottle of something. After the train experience, I deserve it.) Walk down the harbour, bought some fudge. (That was a mistake! I ate too much.) Saw the Endeavour replica, and felt a sudden urge to yell "Ahoy, Matey!" Luckily/unluckily, I managed to resist. (But barely).
- Evening: Dinner at The Star Inn The Harbour. Decent food. Okay, I probably wasn't in a very good mood after a day of commuting, because I found it a bit too pricey. Still, a decent meal to start the trip. Back to the Loft. Watching the waves and the harbour lights. Feeling… surprisingly peaceful. (Don't worry, it won't last.)
Day 2: Abbey-solutely Exhausting Exploration (with a side of existential dread)
- Morning: The iconic Whitby Abbey. This is where things REALLY start getting chaotic. Decided to take the path up, which, as it turns out, is a marathon of stairs. Stair-master? More like stair-MASTER. The views from up there… breathtaking. But also terrifyingly high. Made it to the top. Tried to take a "contemplative" photo. Ended up looking like a sweaty mess.
- Mid-Morning: Explored the Abbey ruins. Suddenly and unexpectedly very into history and gothic architecture and feeling the echoes of… a story I can't even begin to describe. (Seriously, this place is haunted with drama.) The wind howling around the crumbling stones… Chills! (In a good way, mostly.)
- Lunch Mishap: Went to a café. Ordered fish and chips. They arrived. I looked at them. I looked at the seagulls. I knew. Sure enough, one swooped down and stole a chip right off my fork. I'm not even joking. Seagull 1, Me 0.
- Afternoon: Stumbled into, and then spent hours in, a rather unique shop filled with trinkets, antiques, and ephemera. Found a quirky, dusty old book. I am obsessed now. I'm seriously considering just sitting here all day and reading. (But, you know, I have a schedule to not-follow.)
- Evening: Trying to relax, but my brain is buzzing. Whitby's got a vibe. Went to bed early.
Day 3: Boats, Biscuits, and a Bit of a Meltdown (Possibly on the Beach)
- Morning: Decided to take a harbor boat trip! (Because why not?) Weather turned… interesting. From glorious sunshine to a downpour in approximately 10 minutes. Also, I might have gotten (mildly) seasick. (The irony of me being in a seaside town and hating the actual sea…)
- Lunch: Needed comfort. Desperately. Went to a bakery and bought the biggest, most sugary, and absolutely perfect scone I've ever seen. Ate it in approximately 3.2 seconds. No regrets.
- Afternoon: The beach. (Okay, so maybe I did have a little meltdown. Maybe I sat on the wet sand, stared at the waves, and cried. The relentless wind, the vastness of the sea… It was all a bit much.) But then! A rainbow! Which, surprisingly, made me laugh.
- Evening: Attempted to cook dinner at the Loft. Which was slightly ambitious. But, I've done it! With the food! Now, I'm finally here and ready to make the best of my last day.
Day 4: Farewell (Sort Of) – The Last Supper (and a Promise to Return)
- Morning: One last walk along the harbour. Said goodbye to the seagulls (for now). Took about a hundred photos. (For real this time!) Bought some more fudge. (Learning from past mistakes, perhaps, but some lessons are just meant to be repeated.)
- Lunch: Delicious meal out (had to make it count).
- Afternoon: Head back to the Loft, pack up, stare longingly at the view one last time, and promise myself I WILL be back. Definitely. Possibly sooner rather than later.
- Evening: Train journey back. Dreaming of Whitby's dramatic skies, amazing architecture, the friendly faces, and every single damn memory of the past days.
The Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect and Neither is This Trip)
- Lost in Translation: I got lost at least five times. Found myself in a random alleyway. Ended up somewhere with a glorious hidden view.
- Food Follies: The fish and chips incident. The scone incident. The fudge incident. Let’s just say my stomach is a work in progress in Whitby.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: One minute I'm euphoric, the next I'm weeping on a beach, and the next I'm fighting a seagull for a chip. Life is a journey, etc.
- The Schedule Debacle: Consider the schedule a, suggestion. I'm sure I missed stuff. That's what next time is for!
Quirky Observations and Random Ramblings
- Whitby is a town of contrasts. Cozy pubs and breathtaking cliffs. The smell of the sea and the smell of… well, other, less appealing things.
- The light here is magical. Seriously, it's like the sky is constantly putting on a show.
- The locals are incredibly friendly, even when you're clearly a lost, disoriented tourist.
- I think I'm slightly in love with Whitby. Don't tell anyone.
This is it. The messy, beautiful, utterly chaotic truth of my Stowaways Loft adventure. If you go, remember to embrace the imperfections, the unexpected detours, and the seagulls. And bring plenty of fudge. You'll need it. I can't wait to go back! And next time, I am not skipping the Captain Cook monument, oh no!
Sosua's Paradise Found: Casa Marina's All-Inclusive Luxury Awaits!
Okay, Stowaway's Secret: What's the BIG deal? Sounds a bit… well, pirate-y. Is it actually cool?
Now, listen, I went there with Sarah, and she's harder to impress than a grumpy cat at a laser pointer convention. She was practically speechless for a few minutes after walking in. That never happens. It’s the details, you see. The exposed beams, the lighting… Oh, the lighting! I swear, it makes you feel like you're in a Vermeer painting. Until you stumble over a rogue chair leg in the dark… which I may or may not have done. Twice. Don't judge me.
Is it… spacious? Because online photos can be deceiving, right? It’s always a gamble.
I remember when we first walked in, and Sarah’s jaw dropped. She’s not a big fan of… let’s call it “rustic charm.” But even *she* admitted it was pretty great. Mind you, she also immediately started rearranging the cushions on the sofa, because, well, that's just Sarah. But the point is, even with her cushion-related anxieties, she loved the place. You'll be fine. Unless you're claustrophobic, in which case… maybe bring a friend. Okay, maybe bring a friend anyway for emotional support. Traveling is stressful.
Okay, so you're painting a picture. What was YOUR favorite thing about Stowaway's Secret? (Besides, you know, not tripping.)
And the other thing? Okay, don't laugh. The *bathroom* was awesome. I know, I know. Basic, right? But here's the thing: big, fluffy towels, great lighting (again with the lighting!), and the water pressure in the shower… glorious. I spent a shameful amount of time in there. I'm talking possibly an hour on a single occasion, just letting the hot water wash away the stress of the world. Don't judge me! It’s a luxury. You deserve it! It was like a mini-spa. I almost considered moving in. Don’t tell Sarah, she’ll think I’m obsessed.
What's the location like? Is it a pain to get to? Parking? (Tell it to me straight, please.)
But Honestly? The view from the loft - a glimpse of the boats bobbing in the harbor- just… *chef's kiss*. The trade-off is worth it. You’re surrounded by the action and not locked away in some sterile hotel. The convenience of being able to stumble back after a few drinks is worth the parking pain. Just make sure you do your homework about parking options *before* you arrive. Trust me on that one. Learn from my mistakes. My parking stress was immense. I'm still recovering.
Is it family-friendly? Or more of a romantic getaway kinda place?
However... (and this is a big HOWEVER), I'd lean more towards romantic getaway. It *screams* romance. The whole vibe… the candlelight, the quiet… Sarah and I actually had a proper, uninterrupted conversation for the first time in ages. It’s the kind of place where you can reconnect, unwind, and maybe have a few too many glasses of wine while looking at the harbor view. That's what *we* did, anyway. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I mean, the whole point of any accommodation is to be romantic, right? Right?
Any downsides? Be honest! We're not looking for perfection!
First, the stairs. They are steep. Really, really steep. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with mobility issues or anyone who’s had a few too many (like me, on occasion). Carrying luggage up was a fun experience. Sarah nearly killed me.
And, the walls are… *thin*. You can hear the seagulls. Which is charming at first. But at 5 AM? Less charming. And the neighbor's washing machine. Okay, maybe I'm being overly critical, but I *think* I heard the washing machine on a few times. Also, I think that I wanted to have a nice relaxing morning and I woke upSerene Getaways
