Unbelievable Hotel Vauban Besançon: France's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the Unbelievable Hotel Vauban in Besançon, France. Forget pristine press releases; this is the REAL deal, warts and all. Prepare for a review that's less "polished travel blog" and more "drunken confession whispered in the corner of a cozy Parisian cafe." (Metaphorically speaking, of course. I'm not actually drunk… yet.)
SEO-tastic Title (and a Disclaimer): Unbelievable Hotel Vauban Besançon: France's Hidden Gem! (Seriously Though, It's Got Its Things)
First, the basics. This place claims to be a hidden gem. And, well, it is hidden. Finding it was a mini-adventure in itself, involving cobblestone streets, a confused GPS, and me yelling "VAUBAN!" at a bewildered baguette-wielding local. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? (Right?)
Accessibility: Not Perfect, But Trying Hard
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is always a tricky dance. They do have an elevator, which is a HUGE win. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so that's promising. I didn't personally need them, but I saw ramps and what looked like accessible rooms. (I didn't peek, I swear!) They also have check-in/out [express] and check-in/out [private], which can be huge for those who need a little extra help.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't spot anything explicitly labeled as accessible, but the layout seemed manageable.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. Potentially! Definitely inquire before booking if this is a MUST.
Internet: Wi-Fi, Glorious Wi-Fi (and a LAN Option for the Nerds!)
Internet access is a given these days, and Vauban delivers. They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and it actually worked. No buffering, no agonizing loading screens – just pure, unadulterated internet bliss. (Well, mostly. One morning it was a little wonky, but hey, even the Eiffel Tower has off days.) There's also Internet [LAN], for those of you who still rock the Ethernet cable life. Respect. Internet services are, well, internet services. You know the drill.
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax) – Let's Get Pampered!
Okay, this is where Vauban really shines. They've got a whole arsenal of ways to unwind and indulge.
- Spa/Sauna, Spa: They have a real spa! I'm talking Body scrub, Body wrap, the works. I'm a sucker for a good massage, and the one I got was divine. Seriously, I almost fell asleep mid-rubdown. It was so good I almost forgot I'd lost my phone in the parking lot.
- Fitness Center: I intended to visit the Fitness center, but let's be honest, after all the croissants and wine, my motivation was… lacking. But it looked well-equipped from a distance.
- Swimming Pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is the real star here. Picture this: you, a cocktail (from the Poolside bar, naturally), and a breathtaking view. Pure bliss. The Pool with view is exactly as advertised.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and Secure (Mostly)
They're trying to do the whole COVID thing right, which is reassuring. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. Phew! That's a lot of buzzwords, but it felt clean. I mean, I didn't see any rogue dust bunnies plotting world domination.
They also have a bunch of security measures: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Smoke detector. Makes you feel safe, even if you're prone to late-night snacking and wandering the halls.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and a Hangover Remedy)
This is where Vauban really gets interesting. The Restaurants are solid, with options for every craving.
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast service: The Breakfast [buffet] was a treat. The croissants alone were worth the trip. The Asian breakfast was surprisingly good.
- Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Snack bar: The Poolside bar is a must. Great cocktails, great views. The Happy hour deals were a nice touch.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a lifesaver, especially after a night of overindulgence. (Ahem.)
My absolute favorite? The Vegetarian restaurant. I'm not even vegetarian, but the food was amazing. The flavors were fresh, the presentation was beautiful, and I swear, I felt healthier just looking at it. The whole meal was so good I almost forgot about the phone-losing incident. Almost.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
They've got all the usual suspects, plus a few quirky extras.
- Concierge: They were super helpful with recommendations and directions.
- Currency exchange: Handy if you're arriving from abroad.
- Doorman: A nice touch, especially when you're struggling with luggage.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Essential for a longer stay.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for picking up a last-minute present (or a souvenir for yourself!).
- Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
- Safety deposit boxes: Because, you know, valuables.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
- Babysitting service: Helpful for parents who want a bit of alone time.
- Family/child friendly: I saw plenty of families enjoying the pool and the grounds.
- Kids meal: A nice touch.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (or at Least, Easier)
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking: Plenty of options for parking.
Available in All Rooms: Your Home Away From Home (With Extras!)
The rooms themselves are well-appointed.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]: All the essentials, plus some nice extras.
- Additional toilet, Bathtub, Bathroom phone, Carpeting, Closet, Desk, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Window that opens.
Now, For The Honest Bits (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Messy)
Okay, let's talk imperfections. Because, let's face it, nothing is perfect.
- The Breakfast [buffet] was incredible, but one morning, the coffee machine was on the fritz. Disaster! (Okay, maybe not a disaster, but it felt like one before my first cup). They fixed it quickly, though.
- The décor is… unique. Think "charming French provincial meets slightly dated modern." It's not exactly minimalist, but it's comfortable.
- The location is slightly off the beaten path. Which, as I said, has its pros and cons. Be prepared to do some walking (or taxi-ing).
The Verdict: Unbelievable? Mostly. Definitely Worth a Visit.
Despite the minor hiccups, I loved the Unbelievable Hotel Vauban. It's a place where you can truly relax,
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, airbrushed travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. The messy, glorious, possibly slightly insane itinerary for my stay at the Hotel Vauban in Besançon, France. Prepare for tangents, emotional explosions, and the distinct possibility of me forgetting to actually do some of the things I plan.
Day 1: Arrival & Besancon's Embrace (and Possible Meltdown)
Morning (ish - let's be real, probably closer to noon): Arrive in Besançon! Or, more accurately, attempt to arrive. Travel is always a gamble, isn't it? I swear, if my luggage gets lost again, I'm going to lose it. Praying for smooth sailing on the train from… wherever I’m starting from. Let's call it "Somewhere in Europe," because honestly, details are a bit… hazy at this point.
- Emotional Response: Pure, unadulterated anticipation mixed with the low-level anxiety of a cat about to be put in a carrier. I love travel, I hate travel. It’s a complex relationship.
Afternoon: Check into the Hotel Vauban. This place looks gorgeous online! I'm crossing my fingers that the reality lives up to the hype. I picture myself collapsing onto a ridiculously plush bed and immediately napping for three hours. Then, a shower. A glorious, hot shower. Then maybe a tiny glass of wine before I make a total mess of myself.
- Quirky Observation: Are hotel rooms ever actually as spacious as they look in pictures? I'm bracing myself for a closet-sized space, but hey, at least it's a closet in France.
- Imperfection Anticipation: I'm 90% sure I'll trip over my own feet at least twice unpacking.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Walk around the city. Explore. Get lost (on purpose, of course). I want to see the Citadel, obviously. And maybe the old town. But honestly? I'm mostly just craving a baguette and some cheese. And maybe a tiny, tiny bit of wine.
- Opinionated Language: The Citadel better be as magnificent as everyone says. And if the cheese isn't mind-blowingly good, I’m going to write a strongly worded email to… someone. The cheese gods?
Evening: Dinner! Hopefully, I can find a charming little bistro. Maybe I'll attempt some French. I'm pretty sure "Bonjour, I would like cheese" is about the extent of my vocabulary.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated excitement. I'm so ready to eat and drink everything. I hope the service isn't too slow. I'm also going to be a terrible tourist and take a million pictures. Sorry, not sorry.
Day 2: Citadel Serenity & River Reflections (and Existential Dread)
Morning: Okay, Citadel time! I'm hoping the weather holds. Climbing up to it sounds exhausting, but the views better be worth it. I'm picturing myself standing on top of the world, overlooking the city, feeling… profound. Or maybe just really, really hungry.
- Rambling: I wonder if the Citadel has a gift shop. I always buy a silly souvenir. Last time I went to Rome, I bought a tiny Colosseum snow globe. It now sits on my desk, mocking me with its tiny, perfect proportions.
- Minor Category: Find a public restroom before the Citadel. Because, you know, bladder control.
Afternoon: Wandering around the Doubs River. Taking photos. Maybe renting a boat or something. Or maybe just sitting on a bench and watching the world go by. Maybe contemplating the meaning of life. Or maybe just contemplating how good that baguette and cheese were from last night.
- Stream of Consciousness (and doubling down on an experience): Okay, the river walk. I'm going to really do it this time. Last time I tried to visit a river, I got distracted by a particularly intriguing pigeon and ended up wandering for an hour. This time, I'm committed. No pigeon distractions. Except… what if there's a particularly interesting pigeon? Okay, I'm setting a rule. One pigeon interaction. No more. And I'm going to really enjoy the river. The light on the water. The way the boats bob. The way the leaves rustle. I’m going to take a deep breath and… Oh. Wait. Is that a really cute pigeon? Never mind. I'm doomed.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie. Hopefully, I can understand at least some of the art. I'm not exactly an art critic, but I do appreciate pretty colors and interesting shapes.
- Emotional Response: I hope I don't accidentally touch anything. I have a terrible habit of reaching out to things. I'm also worried about getting bored and wandering off. Museums are a gamble.
Evening: Dinner. And maybe a glass of wine. Or two. Or three. Okay, maybe I'll just see how the evening goes.
Day 3: Cheese, Wine, and Departing (with a side of existential dread)
Morning: Cheese shopping! I'm going to find the best cheese in Besançon. I'll try to be decisive, but I know I'll end up overwhelmed and buying everything. Then, I'll eat all the cheese.
- Imperfection Alert: I will probably spill cheese crumbs all over myself. It's practically guaranteed.
- Opinionated Language: French cheese is the best thing on the planet. Fight me.
Afternoon: Wine tasting! Or, you know, attempted wine tasting. I'll try to sound sophisticated, but I'm pretty sure I'll just end up saying "Mmm, that's good!" a lot.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so the wine tasting. This is where things could get interesting. I'm picturing a charming little vineyard, a friendly sommelier, and a whole lot of red wine. OR, I could end up in a dingy cellar, surrounded by grumpy old men, and accidentally spill wine all over myself. Let's hope for the former.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Pack. Sigh. Say goodbye to Besançon. Wonder if I can stay longer. Probably not.
- Emotional Reaction: This is the part where I get weepy. I always get a little sad when I leave a place I've enjoyed. I'll probably start romanticizing the entire trip and making plans to return immediately.
- Minor Category: Take a last look at the Hotel Vauban. I hope it was as lovely as the pictures. And that the bed was as comfortable as I imagined.
Evening: Depart. Probably on a train. Hopefully, my luggage will be with me this time. And I'll be dreaming of cheese, wine, and the charming city of Besançon.
And that's it. My messy, imperfect, and hopefully hilarious itinerary. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And if you see a slightly disheveled woman wandering around Besançon with cheese crumbs on her shirt and a dreamy look in her eyes, that's probably me. Don't judge. Just offer me a baguette.
Escape to Plauen: Luxurious Hotel Garni Am Klostermarkt Awaits!
So, Unbelievable Hotel Vauban... Is it *really* unbelievable? Or just... French?
Okay, deep breath. Unbelievable? That's a strong word. More like… unexpectedly wonderful. Look, I went in expecting charm, you know? France. Cobblestone streets. The whole deal. What I *didn't* expect was to be completely charmed off my feet. The Vauban, it's not just a hotel, it's like… living inside a postcard. A slightly wonky, delightfully imperfect postcard.
First off, Besançon itself? Gorgeous. The citadel? Seriously, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. But back to the hotel… it's in a building that's seen some *stuff*. You can feel the history oozing from the walls. I swear, I could practically hear whispers of battles and secret rendezvous as I walked down the hallways. It's not pristine, mind you. Think "chic with a capital 'C'," but with a healthy dose of "lived-in." Which, honestly, is part of the appeal.
Is the location good? Like, actually *good*? Or is it a hike to everything?
Okay, location. Here's the thing: Besançon is a city that likes to hide its treasures. The Vauban is tucked away, which, at first, I was a little skeptical about. "Is it *too* tucked away?" I thought, clutching my suitcase. Turns out, NOPE. It's *perfectly* tucked away. Quiet, yet a short walk to everything. The city center? Easy peasy. Restaurants? Oh, the restaurants! I mean, I ate enough cheese and pastries to gain a small country, but it was worth it. And the views from the hotel… chef's kiss! Seriously, the view from my window was basically a Monet painting. Except with less water lilies and more… well, Besançon.
What are the rooms like? Are they actually *clean*? Because I've seen some hotel rooms…
Alright, let's be honest. Cleanliness is important. And yes, the rooms *are* clean. Not sterile-hospital-clean, which, frankly, I find a little depressing. More like "comfortably clean." Think: well-maintained, fresh linens, and a bathroom that doesn't scream "mold." My room? Charming. It had exposed beams, which I loved. And the bed? Heaven. I slept like a log. The only minor issue? The wifi was a bit… spotty. But honestly? I didn't mind. It forced me to disconnect and, you know, *enjoy* being in France. Plus, I had a good book.
Does it have a lift? Because lugging suitcases up stairs is my personal hell.
Okay, so here's the deal with the lift. It's… let's call it "characterful." It's small. Very small. And it makes noises that sound like it's about to give up the ghost. I, being the sensible person I am, took the stairs most of the time. Which, honestly, wasn't a hardship. It's part of the charm, you know? Plus, it burns off all the croissants and cheese.
What about breakfast? Is it the usual sad continental breakfast?
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. This is where the Vauban truly shines. It's not just a breakfast, it's an *experience*. Forget sad continental. Think: fresh bread, croissants that shatter gloriously when you bite into them, local cheeses, fruit, yogurt, and strong, delicious coffee. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Seriously, I'd go back just for the breakfast. They had this apricot jam… I may have taken a small, *ahem*, "extra" jar home with me. Don't judge me. It was *that* good.
Are there any dining options at the hotel itself?
Okay, so here's the thing. No, the Vauban doesn't have a full-blown restaurant. It's not that kind of place. But they *do* have a lovely breakfast room, and there are plenty of amazing restaurants within a stone's throw. Honestly, Besançon is a foodie paradise. You'll be spoiled for choice. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two. Or three.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Or are they… you know… French?
Okay, the staff. This is where the Vauban really wins. Forget the stereotypes. They were *lovely*. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. My French is… let's just say, "functional." They were patient with me. They gave me great recommendations for restaurants and things to see. One of the ladies at the front desk even helped me figure out how to navigate the local bus system. (Which, by the way, is a feat in itself.) They made me feel like a guest, not just a customer. That kind of genuine hospitality is rare, and it made all the difference.
Did you have any issues? Anything at all that wasn't perfect?
Okay, full disclosure. Yes, there were a few minor imperfections. As I mentioned, the wifi wasn't always stellar. And one morning, the hot water in my shower was a bit… temperamental. But honestly? These were *minor* blips. The charm of the place, the friendliness of the staff, the amazing breakfast… it all outweighed the tiny imperfections. It's not a five-star luxury hotel. It's something more. It's a place with soul.
You mentioned the view… You seem obsessed with the view.
Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I *am* obsessed with the view. My room – and I'm pretty sure all the rooms have *some* kind of amazing view, but mine, it was just...Hotel Deals Search
