Escape to Paradise: Brittany's Best Western Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the chaotic, glorious, and sometimes slightly wonky world of Escape to Paradise: Brittany's Best Western Awaits! Best Western, right? Alright, alright, I get it. "Luxury" might not be the first word that springs to mind. But listen, after my stay, I'm here to tell you, this place defied expectations. It's not perfect, but, damn, is it endearing.
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? I'm going to be brutally honest, because that's the kind of friend I am (and the kind of reviewer you deserve).
First Impressions & the Real Deal (and the Slightly Less Deal)
- Accessibility: Okay, this is important, and I'm happy to say, Escape to Paradise (the "Brittany's Best Western Awaits!" part feels a little… dramatic, doesn't it?) actually does a decent job. Wheelchair accessible areas are clearly marked, and there's an elevator (thank god, especially if you're on a high floor like I was). I didn't have a mobility issue, but I saw some folks using wheelchairs navigate the exterior corridor with ease. There are also facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. More on this later, but accessibility felt like a genuine consideration, not just a tick-box exercise.
- Cleanliness and Safety: The Good, the Slightly Less Good… and the Hand Sanitizer Obsession This is where the pandemic realities kick in. Anti-viral cleaning products are, of course, used everywhere. Lots of hand sanitizer stations, which is comforting, but I may or may not have developed a mild OCD about washing my hands. The staff seemed genuinely committed to safety protocols, with staff trained in safety protocol and signs everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas was evident, and you could tell they were working hard. My room was definitely rooms sanitized between stays, and I appreciated the effort. Room sanitization opt-out available: It's nice to know you have the option to skip the cleaning, too.
My Room: A Love-Hate Story
- Okay, let's be honest, the room wasn't exactly a five-star palace. But it was clean. And that's the most important thing, right?
- The Good: Air conditioning blaring was a lifesaver during the heatwave! Blackout curtains did their job. Free Wi-Fi – and it actually worked! I had a desk to work from (essential for a workaholic like me), and there’s a laptop workspace. Complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, a mini-bar, a refrigerator: Yes, please! I’m all about having snacks on hand.
- The Slightly Less Good: The bed was a bit… springy. Still, the extra long bed was appreciated. There was the expected hair dryer, but the shower pressure was pretty anemic. But hey, I had bathrobes and slippers! The room smelled faintly of generic hotel air freshener, but it’s a small price to pay for decent comfort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Comfort Food and the Quest for Perfect Fries
- Restaurants and Bars: Ah, the food! Okay, Best Western isn't winning any Michelin stars, that's for sure. However, I was impressed. I took advantage of the room service [24-hour] one night (because sometimes you just need a burger and a movie in your pajamas). The bar was cosy. The restaurant had Western cuisine in restaurant and an international cuisine in the restaurant.
- Breakfast: The breakfast [buffet] was pretty solid. Lots of options – Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, and, of course, the usual suspects. I mean, a coffee/tea in restaurant is what you want for the day!
- Snacks and Drinks: The poolside bar was a nice touch. It wasn't the fanciest, but it was convenient. The snack bar served what you'd expect, and the bottle of water in the room was a welcome touch.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian restaurant options were available and they could arrange an alternative meal arrangement for you.
Relaxation and Leisure: Finding My Inner Zen (Or at Least Trying To)
- Pool with View: Okay. The swimming pool [outdoor] was THE SPOT. The views… well, they weren’t the Swiss Alps, but the pool was clean, and it was exactly what I needed after a long day.
- Spa/Sauna: There's a spa! And a sauna, and a steam room! And everything. The massage was heavenly. Okay, so, I got a body scrub too. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it. The pool was a real highlight. The fitness center was adequate.
- What I Did NOT Do: Despite their presence, I skipped the foot bath because… well, they just never appeal to me.
The Extras (The Perks, the Blemishes, and the “Eh, It’s Fine”)
- Internet and Services: The free Wi-Fi [free] worked reliably throughout the hotel. They have Wi-Fi in public areas. There was internet access – LAN in my room.
- Conveniences: Daily housekeeping was efficient and the staff were friendly. The concierge was helpful with directions. Luggage storage was a lifesaver. Dry cleaning and laundry service are offered
- Business: There are business facilities, including meeting/banquet facilities and meetings, and audio-visual equipment for special events.
- Shopping: The convenience store was… well, convenient. They also had a gift/souvenir shop, which is always useful.
- Getting Around: Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus! Airport transfer is available. Taxi service offered. I also saw a car power charging station.
- For the Kids: They do have babysitting service
- For the Adults: Happy hour offerings.
- The Not-So-Glamorous Bits: The elevator could be slow, which is a minor quibble.
The Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Escape to Paradise: Brittany's Best Western Awaits! is a solid choice. It's not perfect – it knows it, and it doesn't try to pretend otherwise. However, it offers genuine comfort, clean rooms, good amenities, and a staff that seems genuinely invested in making your stay pleasant. And honestly? I'd go back.
My Quirky Observation: The entire hotel has a gentle, slightly quirky vibe. It's not pretentious. It's not trying to be something it isn't. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Here's the Call to Action, Because I Love This Place:
Escape the Everyday. Embrace Comfort. Book Your Brittany Adventure Today!
Here’s why you need to book Escape to Paradise: Brittany's Best Western Awaits! right now:
- Unwind and Recharge: Relax in the swimming pool with a view, get pampered with a massage or body scrub.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy free Wi-Fi and take advantage of free car parking.
- Stay Safe: Relax in the knowledge that safety and hygiene are paramount.
- No-Hassle Travel: Take advantage of the airport transfer, luggage storage, and valet parking (for an extra fee)
- Embrace Comfort: The elevator makes it easy to navigate the hotel, and you can enjoy the non-smoking rooms.
- Book your stay now and receive a complimentary coffee/tea at the bar!
Click Here to Escape to Paradise! [Insert Link Here]
P.S. Don't tell anyone, but I may or may not have snuck an extra croissant from the breakfast buffet. Oops. But you know what? It was worth it.
Bali's BEST Private Pool Villa in Legian: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Because this isn't your perfectly polished, sterile travel brochure. This is real life in La Baule, at the Best Western Brittany, and trust me, it's a wild ride. Prepare for a stream-of-consciousness journey through my slightly-disorganized, definitely-opinionated brain:
La Baule: Operation "Get Some Damn Sun and Maybe Learn to Pronounce 'Moules' Properly"
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic (A.K.A. "Where's My Passport?!")
1:00 PM: Arrive at Nantes Atlantique Airport. Okay, deep breaths. Where is that tiny slip of paper that proves I'm not a fugitive? Passport found! Victory is mine! Now, the rental car… praying it isn't stick shift. (Spoiler alert: It probably will be.)
2:30 PM: GPS set. Destination: Best Western Brittany La Baule-Centre. The promise of sea air and a decent bed lulls me into a false sense of security. That optimism is shattered when I encounter the first roundabout. My driving skills, or rather, my lack of them, are immediately challenged.
4:00 PM: FINALLY. The hotel. Looks decent enough, a bit… beige. But the staff seems friendly. Check-in is a breeze. I feel like a pro, until I get to the room and realize I've forgotten my phone charger. Sigh. Starts as it means to go on.
4:30 PM: The room! Well, it's… functional. Clean, yes. Sparkling? Not quite. The view? Mostly a car park. Okay, maybe I need to lower my expectations.
5:00 PM: A quick wander around La Baule. The beach! It's LONG. Seriously, people, this is an actual beach. The Atlantic Ocean stretches out forever, and the wind whips my hair into a frenzy. I find a beachside cafe and order… wait for it… un café. Gotta start somewhere.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a random restaurant. My French is, let's be generous, rusty. Ordering is a comedy of errors. I think I ordered seafood, but I could’ve just agreed to eat a plate of rocks. Ah well, it’s a learning experience (the rock-eating one).
9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Exhausted and slightly confused. Thank God for blackout curtains. And maybe I can survive this trip in one piece.
Day 2: Beach, Balls, and the Bewilderment of Bread
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The continental breakfast is the hotel’s strong suit. The coffee, I'm guessing, is the same stuff used in the cafe. I load up on croissants, because honestly, those things are the nectar of the gods.
- 9:00 AM: Beach time! Sunscreen applied (hopefully a sufficient amount), towel deployed. I find a spot and attempt to relax. Attempts are immediately foiled by the wind. It’s trying to steal my hat. Fighting the wind is quickly turning into my main activity.
- 10:00 AM: People-watching on the beach. The French clearly take their beach attire seriously. My slightly sun-faded t-shirt and shorts stick out like a sore thumb. Note to self: must invest in a striped shirt.
- 11:00 AM: I'm going to venture to say the beach is the perfect place to have a ball. I’m suddenly possessed. Beach ball time! Seriously though, it’s pure, unadulterated joy. I think I looked ridiculous. I don’t give a damn.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a crêperie. Time to embrace my inner tourist. I order a savory galette (the buckwheat crepe) with ham and cheese. Then, for dessert, a sweet crepe with Nutella. It. Was. Divine.
- 1:30 PM: A walk. The walk is meant to burn calories but it just ends up with me distracted. I’m looking at all the buildings. The town is full of grand, Belle Époque villas, like something out of a movie. I feel like I’ve stepped back in time.
- 3:00 PM: The Art of Doing Nothing. That’s the new motto. I go back to the beach. There’s a certain rhythm to the waves. A meditative quality.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. I'm hungry. I want to eat the world. I got my hands on some frites with the moules. I'm starting to get the hang of it, even if I can’t seem to get the pronunciation right. I think I’m actually getting better, and it’s a revelation.
- 7:00 PM: The sun sets. The sky turns the most glorious shades of orange and purple. I sit on the beach, watching the colours change, feeling grateful for this small, imperfect, wonderful moment.
- 9:00 PM: Another early night. Because I feel a bit sunburnt and thoroughly exhausted (in the best possible way).
Day 3: Day Trip Debacle and the Quest for the Perfect Pastry
- 9:00 AM: Decide to actually be a tourist. Plan a day trip to Guérande, a medieval walled city. The car, the enemy of the trip, is called into action.
- 10:00 AM: Départ. Driving? A disaster. Roundabouts, narrow streets, and my completely inadequate knowledge of (French, again).
- 11:00 AM: Guérande! It's pretty. Very pretty. The medieval walls are impressive. I manage to park without causing a major incident (a miracle).
- 12:00 PM: Wandering the streets. Cobblestone and everything. I visit a salt merchant, buy some fleur de sel as souvenirs.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Guérande. The food is so good. I can't believe I’m here. I’m at my happiest in this moment. I order something at a restaurant.
- 3:00 PM: The patisserie crawl. It’s the mission of the day. My life’s purpose is to find the perfect pastry. The quest begins. The first pain au chocolat is too dry. The second macaron is too sweet. The third is finally… perfection. (Or maybe I was just really, really hungry. Who cares?)
- 4:00 PM: Back to La Baule. Exhausted, but happy.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. I don't feel like moving. I order room service. The food is… fine. Let's leave it at that.
- 9:00 PM: Packing. Seriously, how did I manage to accumulate this much stuff in three days?
Day 4: Farewell and the Bitter-Sweet Taste of Departure
- 8:00 AM: One last breakfast. One more croissant (because, you know, research).
- 9:00 AM: Quick walk on the beach. A final wave, a final breath of salty air. Ugh, it is time to go. It’s so hard to leave.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The staff at the Best Western Brittany are genuinely pleasant. I smile back, feeling a pang of sadness at leaving.
- 11:00 AM: Car journey back to Nantes. The drive is (slightly) less terrifying this time.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. Waiting for my flight. The memories of La Baule, the beach, the food, the people, the near-death experiences with the rental car, flood my mind. Was it perfect? No. Did it make me smile? Absolutely.
- 1:00 PM: Fly out. I’ll be back. I just know it.
Escape to Paradise: Brittany's Best Western Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQ
Okay, so "Paradise"... is that a *sarcastic* paradise, or...?
Alright, let's be real. The marketing team probably got a *little* carried away with "Paradise." Look, it's Brittany, France. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong. Think rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, adorable little villages. BUT...and this is a big BUT...it's not the Maldives. Or Fiji. Or anywhere you'd automatically think "Paradise!"
My expectations were SO HIGH. I'd seen those Instagram shots, the perfectly filtered sunsets over the ocean. And then I get there, and the first day it's pouring rain. Like, proper, sideways, relentless Brittany rain. I spent THREE HOURS trying to light a BBQ just to end up ordering pizza and feeling sorry for myself. Paradise? Not quite. More like... a slightly damp, delicious pizza-eating experience.
So, "Paradise" is conditional. If you love charming countryside, fresh air, and the occasional downpour, then yeah, maybe it's paradise *for you*. If you're expecting pristine beaches and flawless sunshine, adjust those expectations, friend. Consider it a "rustic" paradise. Or, you know, just "Brittany".
What's the deal with this "Best Western" part? Is it, you know, *good*?
The Best Western… okay. Let me gather my thoughts. It’s… *functional* is the best way to put it. Let's just say it's not the Ritz. My room? Clean. The bed? Actually, surprisingly comfortable. The *view*? Overlooked a car park, but honestly, I'd seen worse. I once stayed in a Travelodge with a view of a skip. This was a definite upgrade!
But...and there’s always a but, isn't there? The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Imagine a buffet of slightly stale croissants, rubbery scrambled eggs, and coffee that tasted suspiciously like dishwater. I’m not exaggerating! I tried it the first morning, choked down a few bites, looked around at the other guests who were clearly doing the same, and swore off it. Ended up grabbing pain au chocolat from a local Boulangerie instead – problem solved!
Honestly, don’t go expecting luxury. Go expecting… well, a Best Western. It’s a solid basecamp for exploring Brittany, but don't write home about the hotel itself. Think of it as a place to sleep, shower, and maybe, just maybe, avoid the breakfast buffet at all costs.
What's the absolute BEST thing about Brittany? Give me a highlight reel!
Oooooh, okay, now you're talking! This question is MUCH better. Forget the hotel blather... the HIGHLIGHT? The PEOPLE, hands down. And the food. Okay, that's two things, sorry. But they're inextricably linked, right?
Seriously, the Breton people are just… lovely. I mean, they're fiercely proud of their region, their language, their traditions (and it's *really* fun to try to pronounce the place names!). They’re incredibly welcoming. I got lost trying to find a tiny village one day – GPS was failing me spectacularly – and ended up knocking on the door of a local farmer. He didn’t speak a word of English, I barely spoke French, but we somehow managed to communicate with a LOT of hand gestures and laughter. He even gave me a slice of homemade cake! It was, hands down, the most delicious cake I've ever had. And such a human moment.
And then the food! Oh, the food...Crepes, of course. Galettes (savory buckwheat crepes). Seafood that's so fresh it practically jumps off the plate. And the butter... the *butter*! It's like, the secret ingredient is magic. Seriously, I ate my weight in butter. No regrets! It was an absolute culinary adventure, every single meal. I loved it so, so much.
What's the WORST thing? Be honest!
Ugh, the worst thing... Okay, ready for some real talk? The driving. Holy smokes, the driving. The roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes they’re just... there. Appearing out of nowhere! And the signage? Let's just say it was a great adventure for my bad sense of direction. I became intimately familiar with the inside of my rented Fiat.
I got lost. A LOT. I missed a sunset I'd been *dying* to see because I got stuck in a traffic jam caused by a flock of sheep. Seriously. SHEEP. And the roundabouts...oh, the roundabouts. I swear I went around one at least five times before I finally found the right exit. It was humiliating. I even contemplated wearing a sign that said "Clueless Tourist, Proceed with Caution." I couldn't find the right exit off of the roundabout. It was terrible. Just... terrible.
So, if you're going, brush up on your roundabout skills. And maybe invest in a decent GPS! And a sheep-repellent spray. Just kidding... mostly.
Is it a good trip for solo travelers?
Hmm, solo traveling in Brittany... it's a tricky one. On one hand, it's definitely doable. The locals are generally friendly, and it’s a safe area. You can explore at your own pace, wander through villages. You’ll be fine in that area.
But... (there's that word again!)... sometimes the best experiences are the ones you share, you know? Like that amazing meal I had, I so wanted to show it to someone. Or sharing the view from the top of a cliff, or even the terrible experience from the buffet? Honestly, I was jealous of the couple I saw.
I'm not trying to dissuade you, but do you like to be alone? If you are happy in your own company, absolutely go for it. If you are anxious about being alone, then you will feel a lot of those worries. Then again, I met some really interesting people at the hotel, a charming solo traveler who loved the crêpes as much as I did. So, it can be what you make of it. Just… be prepared for a little bit of solitude, and maybe a lot of self-reflection. And bring a good book.
Anything I should pack that I might not think of?
Okay, vital packing advice. Besides the obvious sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and your passport… a few things I learned the hard way:
- A waterproof jacket, and I mean *really* waterproof. The rain can be brutal and unpredictable. And waterproof trousers, while you're at it. Because wet trousers are the ultimate buzzkill.
- A phrasebook. Even basic French will get you a long way. The hotel staff, although I did not find them particularly helpful, they are polite. But everyone else, try your best!
- A European plug adapter. Because, duh. But seriously, don't forgetCoastal InnsBest Western Brittany La Baule-Centre La Baule France
Best Western Brittany La Baule-Centre La Baule France
