Luxury Getaway Awaits: Colbert Château in France!
Luxury Getaway Awaits: Colbert Château Review - Because Paradise Isn't Always Perfect (But it's Close!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the very plush pillows and very grand halls of Colbert Château, a French fairytale that promises…well, let’s just say it promises a lot. And boy, did it deliver…mostly. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-scripted travel blog. This is the real deal - the champagne flutes overflowing, the rogue crumb in the croissant, the slightly-too-enthusiastic concierge (bless him, he tried!).
First Impressions: Oh. My. God. (and the Slightly Panicked Thought: Did I Pack Enough Outfits?)
The drive up to Colbert Château…wow. Just wow. Cobblestone drive, manicured lawns, a castle that actually looked like a castle. Cue the jaw drop. Accessibility: Now, here's a slightly messy start. While the main areas seem fine – think elevators and ramps – navigating some of the more "charming" (read: ancient) corners might be tricky if you have mobility issues. Definitely inquire before you book, or risk a rather dramatic (and potentially hilarious) attempt to conquer a spiral staircase. Wheelchair Accessible: While the property claims to be accessible, call to discuss specific needs before arrival.
The Room: So Much Room for Activities! (And Seriously Luxurious Ones)
My room? Gorgeous. Absolutely, undeniably, gorgeous. Think air conditioning that actually WORKS (a revelation!), a colossal bed with enough pillows to build a fort, and a bathroom bigger than my entire apartment. Bathrobes, slippers, complimentary tea and bottled water – the whole shebang. And the views! Oh, the views! My room had windows that open so I don't get claustrophobic! Just to be safe the room also had smoke detectors, safety/security feature, and safety deposit boxes! It was the kind of room that makes you want to immediately strip, order room service, and binge-watch on the satellite/cable channels, or on-demand movies. Internet access - wireless was also great!
Now, a slightly awkward moment: I did accidentally set off the smoke detector trying to make toast the first morning. Turns out, French toasters and my ability to judge the perfect level of browning are…not a perfect match. Oops. But the staff were lovely, and the wake up service came in handy when I eventually fell asleep!
Cleanliness & Covid-19: Feeling Safe-ish
Okay, let’s be real. The world feels a bit…iffy right now. But Colbert Château goes above and beyond. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff are definitely trained in safety protocol. They also had individually-wrapped food options (which, frankly, I'm starting to prefer – less sharing! Hooray!). It’s not perfect, but it's a serious effort. They even offered safe dining setups.
Dining: Eating My Way Through France (and Mostly Loving It)
This is where things get interesting. The restaurants! Oh, the restaurants! There’s a buffet in restaurant, à la carte in restaurant, international cuisine and Asian cuisine in restaurant. And a vegetarian restaurant! The happy hour was, well, happy. The poolside bar? Essential. And the coffee/tea in restaurant was always perfect. I enjoyed the desserts in restaurant, especially after the salad in restaurant! My breakfast was so amazing with the Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, and breakfast [buffet]. I even had a perfect breakfast in my room, thanks to Breakfast in room! The menu offered alternative meal arrangement. I always found myself enjoying the buffet in restaurant. They have alternative meal arrangement.
Now, I did order the escargots one night (because, France!). And…well, let's just say they were a bit…gutsy. Flavorful, yes. But I spent the next hour desperately trying to remember my GCSE French phrases. I’m pretty sure I ordered a "soup of sadness" instead of what I actually wanted. But the embarrassment was part of the charm, right? And the wine? Exquisite. They have a great bottle of water and coffee/tea maker in room.
Relaxation & Pampering: Spa-tacular! (Mostly)
Alright, this is where Colbert Château truly shines. The spa is…heaven. Think sauna, steamroom, massage, body scrub, body wrap, foot bath. I practically melted into a puddle of pure bliss. Their pool with view is gorgeous, and the swimming pool [outdoor] is perfect for a leisurely afternoon. They also have a Gym/fitness and Fitness center. I indulged in the spa/sauna… twice! The staff are incredibly skilled, and the treatments are worth every penny (and they accept cashless payment service, which is handy!).
The only minor issue? The "relaxation lounge" music was a little…intense. Think whale songs meets elevator music. I almost asked if they had a "heavy metal meditation" option. They don't. But hey, personal preference, right?
Things to Do (Beyond Eating & Sleeping):
Colbert Château has a surprisingly extensive list of extras. You've got your fitness center and swimming pool, your meeting/banquet facilities and seminars. But here's the fun part: it’s got the little things that make a trip unforgettable. The gift/souvenir shop, for example. Don't leave France without buying yourself a ridiculous beret (trust me!). The shrine is a fascinating oddity, and the terrace is perfect for an evening cocktail.
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
Here's where Colbert Château really earns its stripes. They offer pretty much everything. Concierge, laundry service, doorman, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, elevator, luggage storage, car park [free of charge and on-site], and even car power charging station for your Tesla! Audio-visual equipment for special events, meeting stationery, and a xerox/fax in business center. They even have food delivery! The staff trained in safety protocol were also great.
For the Kids:
Babysitting service? Check. Kids meal? Yep. Family/child friendly? Absolutely. They genuinely seem to love having families.
The Quirks and Charm: The Unpredictable Magic
This isn't a cookie-cutter hotel. It's got personality. The fact that you can find the shrine on the property is great! They also let you take a visit to the proposal spot.
Here’s my favorite moment: I got completely lost trying to find the gym. Ended up wandering through a dusty old wing of the castle, finally stumbled upon the perfectly-lit staircase, and felt like I’d stumbled onto the set of a period drama. That's Colbert Château in a nutshell: a mix of top-tier luxury and a dash of delightful historical weirdness.
The Verdict: Should You Book? YES. Absolutely, Resoundingly YES.
Colbert Château is not perfect. It’s got its quirks, its minor hiccups, and the occasional overly-enthusiastic staff member (again, bless them!). But it's an experience. It's a chance to soak up luxury, lose yourself in the French countryside, and create memories you’ll cherish. It’s a place to indulge, relax, and maybe, just maybe, learn a thing or two about French cuisine (and how to avoid the escargots next time).
Let’s be honest, the price is the only hurdle, But once you're there, you'll quickly forget about it. And the price of the stay is worth it!
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Escape to Paradise: Safe House #3, Trang's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a trip to Chateauroux, France, that's less "polished travel blog" and more "slightly chaotic email to my best friend." And we're doing it all based at the Best Western Plus Hotel Colbert. Let's see if we can avoid total disaster, yeah?
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Crêpe Quest Begins!
- 14:00 - Arrival at Orly Airport. Ugh, airports. Always the same circus: stressed-out people, questionable coffee, and that weird smell of jet fuel and existential dread. But hey, we're in France! That feeling quickly evaporated when the plane landed. I'm in France baby and now for the rest of the day, I must practice my French. It's going to be a challenge as I've been trying to use Duolingo for a whole month, but my vocabulary is still pretty much limited to "Bonjour," "Croissant," and "Where's the bathroom?"
- 15:30 - Train to Châteauroux. The train, thankfully, was a little bit of a relief. I got a window seat, and watched the scenery of France zoom by. At least I think so. I may have fallen asleep drooling on my own shoulder.
- 17:45 - Check-in at the Best Western Plus Hotel Colbert. Okay, first impressions are EVERYTHING. And the Colbert? Not shabby, not shabby at all. The lobby is this weird blend of modern and… well, French. Think sleek sofas next to a painting of a farmer with a chicken. Okay, i'm beginning to like this. The staff seemed perfectly nice which is a good sign. We'll see where they're at after I start demanding extra pillows.
- 18:30 - Unpacking and brief hotel room inspection. Okay, the room is smaller than I thought, but the bed looks like a cloud, and there's a balcony! I immediately threw open the doors and breathed in the fresh French air. This might actually be okay, and I can see myself enjoying this whole trip.
- 19:30 - The Crêpe Hunt Begins!. Okay, so the real reason for this trip? Crêpes. I mean, obviously. I did some research, and the internet highly recommended a little crêperie a few blocks from the hotel. I figured it would be a breeze. Armed with my (very basic) French and an insatiable hunger, I set out. But… no luck. The place looked closed. Ugh, what a disappointment. I swear one of these times its going to be a success. I'll be back tomorrow with all my hopes and dreams.
- 20:30 - Dinner at “Le Petit Bistro”. Defeated in the crêpe quest, I stumbled upon “Le Petit Bistro.” I ordered the steak, it was decent. It was all a blur, to be honest. All I remember is trying (and failing) to understand the waiter's rapid-fire French. Definitely a learning experience!
- 22:00 - Bedtime. Slept like a rock.
Day 2: History, Culture & More Crêpes (Please, God, More Crêpes)
- 9:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel. Okay, the breakfast buffet was pretty decent. Croissants, check. Coffee, double-check. Jam, triple-check. I ate so many croissants that I’m pretty sure my arteries are officially French now. There were other stuff there, like cereal, but who has time for cereal? Not me.
- 10:00 - Exploration of Châteauroux Town. The city is cute. I really didn't know what to expect, but old and quaint is exactly what I got. I walked around and gazed at the buildings. I was trying to find something of interest, maybe a nice view or a quirky shop. But the truth is, it's just a town. But in every corner, it was like something out of a storybook.
- 12:00 - Lunch At "Les Halles". I found the local market, "Les Halles." I found a delightful little stand and devoured a delicious sandwich. I got back into French mode. I had to use more French; ordering, paying, and saying “merci” etc. I felt like I was in a movie.
- 13:00 - The Great Crêpe Quest, Part Deux. This is where things got interesting. I found ANOTHER crêperie that was open today! But the one I had in mind was a disappointment, however, these crêpes were made with love. The first bite? Pure, unadulterated happiness. Chocolate, banana, the works. I think I might have shed a tear. The crêpe quest was finally successful.
- 15:00 - Visit to local museum. The museum was interesting, I guess. It was full of ancient artifacts and paintings. I appreciate history, I really do. But I'm not gonna lie, my mind kept wandering back to the crêpes.
- 17:00 - Relaxing time at the Hotel. I relaxed and watched television. It was a nice way to cap off the day.
- 19:00 - Dinner at Pizza Place. We found a local pizza place and had dinner there.
- 21:30 - Journaling and early bedtime
Day 3: Relaxation, Departure, and Fond Farewell (Maybe?)
- 9:00 - Breakfast
- 10:00 - Last-minute souvenir shopping, Just a quick run for a few mementos – you know, the obligatory Eiffel Tower keychain for my sister and a slightly-used postcard for my grandpa (he loves that stuff).
- 11:00 - Hotel Check-out. The checkout was smooth enough, I didn't even need to ask for extra pillows (a personal victory).
- 12:00 - Farewell Lunch and I was lucky enough to find a boulangerie that was open, so I had a final croissant and a coffee.
- 14:00 - Train to airport. The train ride back to the airport was a blur. I got lost in thought.
- 16:00 - Flight. The best part of the trip was the food. My trip to Chateauroux was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.
Final Thoughts:
So, there you have it – Châteauroux, France, through my slightly-skewed, crêpe-obsessed perspective. The Best Western Plus Hotel Colbert was a solid base. The city was a charming surprise. And yes, the crêpes were worth the journey. Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if there's a guaranteed crêperie on every corner.
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Luxury Getaway Awaits: Colbert Château - FAQ (Because Life's Never Simple, Right?)
Okay, Real Talk: Is Colbert Château *Actually* Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
Ugh, look, let's be honest, my bank account is still nursing a serious hangover from this trip. The hype? Yeah, it's there. And it *is* gorgeous. Like, jaw-droppingly, 'I'm-never-going-back-to-reality' gorgeous. But worth it? That depends. Are you a budget traveler who finds a slightly chipped teacup a personal affront? Probably not. Are you someone who dreams in silk sheets and thinks 'rustic' means something that *looks* old but is actually impeccably maintained? Then, yeah. For me? It was a splurge. I’d sell a kidney and go back. Okay, maybe not the kidney. But you get the picture. The first night, I spilled red wine on the antique rug (mortified!). They were so lovely about it, it was so fancy I could barely breathe!
So, yes. But pack your credit card and an oxygen mask. Because you're going to need both.
What’s The Vibe? Because I’m More 'Sweatpants-and-Netflix' Than 'High Tea' (or at least *trying* to be.)
Okay, *vibe*. Think… French countryside elegance meets… maybe a *touch* of Downton Abbey, but without all the, you know, actual rigid class structure. It's definitely not a "come as you are" kind of place. You *can* get away with smart casual, but I saw a woman in a tracksuit once, and I literally thought, “Oh honey, bless her heart.” (And then I silently judged my own worn-out sneakers). It's the kind of place where you feel a little underdressed if you *aren't* wearing something vaguely chic. The staff are impeccable, in the best way possible. They make you feel like you're royalty without the, you know, actual pressure to maintain a kingdom. For a second, I almost considered getting a butler. Almost.
Speaking of the Staff, Are They Super-Stuffy? I Can Barely Say 'Bonjour' Without Sounding Like I'm Ordering a Pizza.
Honestly, they're fantastic! And okay, my French is… *atrocious*. Think: Google Translate-level butchering of the language. But they were so patient and incredibly kind. They probably chuckled behind my back at my pronunciation, but they never let on. There was this one butler, Jacques (I think? My memory is a little hazy, okay?), who was just… amazing. He remembered my coffee order after the first day, and on the second day, he was actually holding my coffee out with an eyebrow raised. It was the most elegant thing I've ever experienced. He even pretended not to understand my frantic hand gestures when I tried to explain how to work the shower. But again, the patience was stunning. (And yes, I eventually figured it out…mostly.)
What's There *To Do* Besides Wander Around Looking Rich? (Because, You Know... Actual Activities.)
Okay, *activities*. Let's see: They have a ridiculous pool (seriously, the water was like... liquid silk). There's a spa – go! (I got the massage; I have a whole other story about that.) They offer wine tastings (duh). You can explore the nearby villages (charming, expect to be very poor, or very rich). They can arrange cooking classes (I set my apron on fire, so... proceed with caution). You can wander the gardens (the stuff of botanical dreams). You could also just, you know, sit in a super comfy chair and read a book. I did a *lot* of that. And, actually, that was the best. Actually I tried the pool but I ended up just sunbathing and the pool boy had to rescue my floating champagne. I was so humiliated but it’s just memories that last, right?
The Food. Oh God, The Food. Is It Actually Worth the Hype? And Will I Need To Take Out a Second Mortgage to Eat?
Okay, the food. Prepare yourself. It’s… transcendent. I am not even joking. I mean, I've had some good meals in my life (hello, gas station burrito at 3 am), but this? This was a whole other level. The presentation alone could be considered art. The taste? Forget about it. The ingredients are locally sourced and organic. And yes, you will likely need to take out a small loan. But honestly, so worth it. I specifically remember the risotto. I still dream about it. It was some kind of truffle-infused, creamy, decadent… oh god, I'm starting to drool again. The portions are small, but everything is a work of art. The bread basket alone will likely be the best bread basket you’ve ever had. It was a very, very bad choice to order a second. But I did. And I have zero regrets.
What About the Rooms? Are They Actually As Luxurious As They Look In The Pictures?
The rooms. Oh, the rooms! Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. The pictures don’t do them justice. I stayed in the "Chambre Sublime," which, by the way, lived up to its name. It had a four-poster bed that I swear was made of clouds, a fireplace that actually worked (and I'm no pyromaniac, but there's a certain *je ne sais quoi* about a crackling fire!), and a bathroom larger than my entire apartment back home. The bathtub? A sunken, marble masterpiece. I basically lived in the bathtub for three days. I even considered moving my pillow and blanket. Actually, on reflection the whole ‘living in the tub’ thought was a little weird. But still, amazing.
Any Hidden Fees or Sneaky Gotchas I Should Watch Out For?
Okay, pay attention, because this is important. The listed price? That's just a guideline, my friends. The mini-bar is pricey. The laundry service? Expensive. That lovely bottle of champagne you'll inevitably order at midnight? Don't even ask. And the tips? Consider them mandatory, although nobody will *force* you. It's just… you'll feel bad if you don't. The whole experience is essentially a very elegant slow-motion robbery. But I'd still go back! Just… be prepared to weep gently when you get the bill. Consider budgeting for a small heart attack. Or two.
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