Caen's Royal Treat: Unbeatable Deals at Best Western Royal Hotel!
Caen's Royal Treat: The Best Western Royal Hotel - My Brain Dump Review (with a Side of French Pastries)
Okay, deep breaths. I just got back from the Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen, and my brain is still buzzing. It's not the usual pristine, perfectly-edited review you're expecting. This is raw. This is… well, this is me trying to make sense of the chaos and the charm. And the painfully good pastries I ate there. Seriously, I think I gained five pounds in a week.
Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups.
First Impressions (and a near-disaster with the French):
The hotel? Elegant, in a slightly… slightly… pre-millennium kind of way. You know, think classic Best Western meets a touch of French provincial. They did have someone at the 24-hour front desk, which was a lifesaver when my train was delayed and I nearly had a heart attack trying to communicate in my broken French. (My best attempt at asking for directions resulted in the concierge looking at me like I'd sprouted a second head. Turns out, "Où est le… uh… the endroit… for the croissants?" is not a valid phrase. Oops.) Anyway, the elevator was thankfully functional, because lugging my suitcase up a flight of stairs after a 10-hour train journey was NOT on my itinerary.
Accessibility: (Spot on! – Mostly.)
Now, I didn't need many of the facilities for disabled guests, beyond my chronic inability to navigate a foreign city without getting lost. But I did notice they seemed pretty on point. They had an elevator, which – as I mentioned – is key for folks who might struggle with stairs. And they seemed to have good accessibility overall. They had information on request. I didn't examine every square inch, but from what I saw, Caen's Royal is a solid choice.
Cleanliness & Safety: (Can't fault them on this front.)
Speaking of safety… look, post-pandemic travel is a minefield. But the Royal? They were on it. They had all the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere (hallelujah!), and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocol. They mentioned using anti-viral cleaning products, which gave me peace of mind. I was a bit paranoid about the daily disinfection in common areas. And the rooms were sanitized between stays. Honestly, I felt cleaner there than I do in my own apartment! They even offered room sanitization opt-out, which is thoughtful.
The Room: (Comfortable, if not groundbreaking.)
Let's talk about the room. Okay, let's be honest, it wasn't the most modern. But it was clean, comfortable, and, crucially, had air conditioning. Bless the sweet, sweet A/C. In the stifling summer heat I was grateful for the Blackout curtains, too. They had a desk (useful for pretending to work, which I occasionally did), a mini bar (tempting, but I mostly stuck to the free water), and a coffee/tea maker. The Wi-Fi was free and worked, although sometimes it felt a little slow. The bathroom was functional, with a decent shower. They provided bathrobes, slippers, and even a scale (which I promptly avoided after the pastry incident). But seriously – the bed was comfy, and that’s really the most important thing.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: (Bring Your Appetite!)
This is where things get interesting. The Royal has a pretty good restaurant (yes, they offered a proper breakfast buffet! And) the Western cuisine in restaurant was great and they also have Asian cuisines in restaurant(very rare). They had a bar, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar (hello, happy hour!). Now, let me tell you about the breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. It was a glorious spread of everything you could possibly imagine: Eggs, bacon, pastries (I swear, those croissants were basically a religious experience), fresh fruit, yogurt… you name it. And they even offered breakfast in room if you were feeling lazy (which I was, frequently). They also have a snack bar with a variety of things, I didn't see the Vegetarian restaurant but hey, I'm not sure if they change their menu so always check it out.
The Pool (and My Existential Crisis):
Alright, the swimming pool. This is where things get a little… dramatic. Because the pool with a view was stunning. Picture this: crystal-clear water, sun dappling through the trees, a panoramic view of… well, I couldn't quite pinpoint what the view was, but it was pretty. And there I was, floating around, pondering the meaning of life, the existence of the universe, and whether I should have another croissant. It was pure bliss. Except… then I dunked my phone trying to take a picture. Don't ask. Let’s just say I spent a solid hour in the sauna afterward, which felt amazing and helped get rid of the guilt. There was also a steamroom, which I did not explore, I had had enough of the pool already.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (So much to do!)
Besides the pool (and the phone-drowning incident), the hotel had a fitness center, which I intended to use (once). They also had a spa/sauna, and offered massage. Now, I didn’t partake in the other spa options, but from what I hear (and from reading the brochures), they're all top-notch. The hotel itself is a pretty good base for exploring Caen.
Services & Conveniences: (Your Every Need, Met.)
Best Western Royal Hotel really covers all the bases. They have daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, and a concierge who can arrange anything from restaurant reservations (essential in France!) to airport transfer. Plus, they have cash withdrawal available and a convenience store. They even offered a few business facilities, which is fine.
For The Kids and the Couples: I didn't have kids with me, but I did see a few families. The hotel does seem family/child friendly with a babysitting service and they also know Kids meals are important and serve those. I was solo this time, so I did not check out the Couple's room and Proposal spot.
Getting Around: (Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy)
Getting around was actually pretty straightforward. The hotel is fairly central, and they offer a car park [free of charge]. They also have a taxi service and can arrange airport transfer.
The Quirks (and the Imperfections):
Okay, let's be real. No hotel is perfect. Here are a few… ahem… observations:
- The Wi-Fi, as I mentioned, could be a little dodgy at times.
- The décor felt like a time warp. But hey, it added to the charm!
- One morning, breakfast ran out of croissants. The horror! (They recovered quickly.)
My Verdict: (Worth it? Absolutely!)
Overall, I had a genuinely great stay at the Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen. It's a solid, reliable choice with excellent service, a fantastic breakfast, and a beautiful pool. It’s charming, well-located, and caters to a wide range of needs. It’s not the flashiest hotel in the world, but it's comfortable, clean, and provides a great base for exploring this gorgeous region of France. And the pastries alone are worth the trip. I’d go back in a heartbeat… if only to redeem myself and try those croissants again.
The Offer: (Book Now, Before I Eat All the Croissants!)
Caen's Royal Treat: Unbeatable Deals at Best Western Royal Hotel!
Escape to the heart of Normandy and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at the Best Western Royal Hotel! Enjoy these exclusive benefits when you book your stay now:
- Guaranteed Best Rates: Receive the lowest possible price on your room when you book directly through our website!
- Complimentary Breakfast Buffet: Wake up to a delicious and extensive breakfast buffet, including freshly baked pastries, continental cuisine, and more.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas.
- Exclusive Spa Discounts: Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments at a special discounted rate.
- Free Car Park
- Flexible Cancellation Policy: Book with confidence knowing you can easily adjust your plans if needed!
Don't miss out! Book your stay at the Best Western Royal Hotel today and experience the magic of Caen! Limited availability – book now before I eat all the croissants!
(Click here to book your stay! [insert link here])
Osaka's Hidden Gem: ESLEAD HOTEL Tsuruhashi - Unbelievable Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is real life, baby. This is Caen, France, from the sticky-fingered perspective of yours truly. And starting at the Best Western Royal Hotel? Well, let's see how this glorious trainwreck goes…
The Caen Chaos: A Best Western Royal Rhapsody (Probably Messy)
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Crisis, and a Surprisingly Decent Burger
- Morning (Uh, Whenever): Arrive at Caen Carpiquet Airport. Okay, so I thought I booked a direct flight. Turns out, "layover in Amsterdam" translates to "spend six hours questioning all your life choices in a particularly cramped airport cafe." Note to self: Always triple-check those connections. The flight itself was… well, let's just say the crying baby in row 17 became a weird personal soundtrack. My anxiety started at the car rental. I am not good at driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Somehow I got the tiny little Peugeot, despite asking for something "big, easy to maneuver, and forgiving".
- Midday (ish): Check into the Best Western Royal Hotel Caen. First impressions? It's… fine. Clean enough. The floral wallpaper in the elevator is a bit much, though. Really commits to the "Royal" theme, even if it's more "Royal adjacent." The room is a bit smaller than the pictures, but hey, it has a bed. And hopefully, the window opens. (Critical observation: Does the window really open? I need that air!)
- Afternoon: Wandering around the city centre, trying to navigate the charmingly confusing streets. Lost. Found a patisserie. Ate ALL the pastries. (Regret level: zero). Then a serious crisis of confidence. I'm here alone. I don't speak much French. What if I get lost? What if I look like a complete idiot? Then: The thought, what if I'm supposed to be alone in France eating pastries?
- Evening: Dinner at a little bistro I stumbled upon called "Le Bistro De La Place Saint-Sauveur" ("probably not great") and holy moly, I needed a burger. (I know, I know, in France? Sacrilege.) But their burger? Seriously good. Perfectly cooked. The fries were crisp. The waitress, bless her heart, pretended not to notice my butchered French. Actually, there was a guy at a neighboring table that was trying to speak to the ladies beside him, he kept using the word "pamplemousse", even though he was clearly talking about the weather or the "tourist trap" aspect of the town. A random thought, I should learn French, but also, I'm terrible at languages. I'm going to double down on this burger, and start my personal tour of the best burgers in Normandy.
Day 2: D-Day Dreams and Cathedral Contemplations (And More Pastries)
- Morning: Get lost. No, really. Seriously lost. My phone died right before I was leaving the hotel. Found the Caen Memorial Museum (Musée Mémorial de Caen). Gut-wrenching, moving. I cried. A lot. The exhibits are powerful, sobering. I spent hours there, feeling the weight of history.
- Anecdote: I overheard a small child ask his mother, "Maman, why are there so many sad people here?" Brutal truth from the mouth of babes.
- Afternoon: St. Peter's Cathedral. The architecture is breathtaking. I stood in the vast space, feeling incredibly small… not in a bad way, but in an awe-struck, "wow, people built this?" sort of way. Sat on a bench, people-watching. The best part of all, (aside from the incredible architecture.) I realized, I was still alive and breathing.
- Late Afternoon: Second pastry run. This time, I am on a mission for a different kind of pastry. I got the wrong one, but it's still good.
- Evening: I was starving. Went back to the same bistro, because it was comfortable there and ordered the burger again. I sat there and watched the crowd. There was a young couple holding hands and speaking french. There was a group of older gentlemen laughing and drinking. Then the loud guy from the first night came in again, with the words "pamplemousse" on his lips. I should learn French. But for the moment, a second helping of that burger sounded perfect.
Day 3: Beach Blooms and Bayeux Bravado (Maybe a Train Wreck)
- Morning: Rent a car. That tiny Peugeot, I had to upgrade, because the tiny Peugeot had a mind of its own. Spent an hour figuring out the GPS, and finally, got it to work! Headed to the D-Day beaches. Oh. My. God. The sheer scale of it… Omaha Beach, Utah Beach. Goosebumps. The beaches aren't just beaches, they are hallowed ground. I stood there, just… speechless.
- Afternoon: Bayeux Tapestry. Seriously, prepare to be amazed. This isn't just a tapestry; it's a historical comic book. I'm not especially interested in history, but I was riveted. The story, the artistry… incredible.
- Quirky Observation: There were so many audio guides. So many headphones. Like a sea of nodding heads.
- Late afternoon: Coffee, because I was running low. (I need fuel!)
- Evening: Back to Caen. Packing… and realizing I haven't even begun shopping for souvenirs. Oops. Trying to find something other than "I <3 Caen" shirts! Trying to look "cool," also, not working. Contemplating whether "cheese" is acceptable as a souvenir and if I can get away with bringing it back on the plane.
Day 4: Departure, Reflections, and a Final, Desperate Plea for a Good Coffee
- Morning: Check out of Best Western Royal. Okay, maybe the floral wallpaper wasn't that bad. The staff were lovely, actually. Definitely a solid "okay" hotel. A final walk through the city, desperately trying to find a decent coffee, but keep failing. Is this a sign?
- Departure: Flight back. Probably another layover. Probably more existential angst. But, I'll remember Caen. The history, the pastries, that damn burger. And the feeling of just being there, even if I was fumbling my way through it.
- Post-Trip Assessment: Caen, you were unexpectedly awesome. You were messy. You were complicated. You were definitely a good burger away from perfection. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm hiring a translator (and learning some French beforehand, maybe). Oh, and someone, please, teach me how to pack lighter!
Okay, so it's not perfect. It's raw. It's honest. It's… me. And this, my friends, is what a real trip, with all its glorious imperfections, looks like. Bon voyage!
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