Unbelievable Besançon Stay: Hotel Siatel's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Unbelievable Besançon Stay: Hotel Siatel's Hidden Gem Revealed! - A Frankly Honest Review (With a Dash of Besançon Butter)
Okay, people, buckle up. I’ve just returned from a stay at Hotel Siatel in Besançon, and let me tell you, it’s been… well, it’s been an experience. Forget those sterile, marketing-speak reviews. I'm here to give you the REAL deal. Prepare for a rollercoaster, folks! Because this hidden gem? It shines, it stumbles, and it'll probably crack you up along the way.
First Impressions & Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Besançon itself is gorgeous, a real slice of French history. Finding Hotel Siatel was a breeze, thankfully, because my internal compass sometimes points North when I think I'm going South. Accessibility is actually pretty solid. The elevator is a lifesaver, and they have facilities for disabled guests, which I always appreciate. The exterior corridor gives a great view of the French countryside, offering easy access which is a big plus. The hotel is a part of a chain, so you know what to expect from the beginning.
But, and there's always a but… While the entrance seems fine, navigating some of the hallways felt a tad snug for a wheelchair. And while they have a car park [free of charge] and a car park [on-site], the surface could be smoother. Minor gripes, really.
Rooms – A Sanctuary… Most of the Time
My room, a “non-smoking” (thank goodness!), was… cozy. Let’s call it that. The soundproofing was excellent; I didn’t hear a peep from my neighbors (thank the heavens, because I was definitely making some noise after a few glasses of that local Franche-Comté wine! More on that later…). The air conditioning worked like a charm (a must, even in the relatively mild Besançon weather!), and the blackout curtains were my best friend for those much-needed lie-ins. The bed was comfy enough, although I’m still not sure what an “extra long bed” exactly entails. Never mind, it was good.
The bathroom was… let’s just say functional. The shower was decent, with a good water pressure, and the towels were thick and fluffy. They even provided bathrobes, which felt positively luxurious. Although, I'm not sure I ever adjusted to the shower design: no matter what, some water will always end up on the floor! You'll find an alarm clock, which is a practical addition, and a coffee/tea maker, but I really wish they had a French press, more of a personal preference.
Room highlights: The window that opens, the closet space (essential!), and the free Wi-Fi – thank you, modern technology, for saving me from internet starvation. There's also complimentary tea, but I would have liked some coffee too!
Oh, and one more thing: They had a scale in the bathroom. Purely for self-inflicted anxiety, of course. I hid that thing in the closet posthaste.
Cleanliness & Safety – They're Trying Their Best (and Succeeding!)
This is where Siatel really shines. Considering the current climate (ahem, global pandemic), they took cleanliness and safety seriously. Lots of hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocol. They're following the latest Hygiene certification rules and have a Daily disinfection in common areas. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available! They're taking extra precautions!
They used Anti-viral cleaning products and followed strict rules about Staff trained in safety protocol. I do also appreciate the presence of a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – A Foodie’s Adventure (With a Few Wrinkles)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. Siatel offers a breakfast [buffet], and I'm a big fan of a good buffet. They serve a continental breakfast with a variety of pastries and even asian breakfast! But, let's be real, I'm not a fan of early morning food. The breakfast service was adequate, the coffee was passable, and the buffet offered a decent spread.
The restaurants offered both Western cuisine and Asian cuisine! They also have a small snack bar. One thing that was a bit of a letdown: the desserts were… lacking.
However, I have to share an anecdote here.
The first night, I decided to treat myself. I went for the restaurant’s a la carte in restaurant menu. I ordered the local specialty, a Comté cheese soufflé. It was absolutely, unforgettably, unbelievably divine. The melt-in-your-mouth cheese, the light-as-air texture… I swear, I closed my eyes and let out a tiny, involuntary moan of pure pleasure. This dessert was out of this world. I actually went back the next day to order the same dish, it was that good! I'm still dreaming about it.
The Poolside bar had a great atmosphere too.
Services & Conveniences – Mostly Spot On
Siatel offers a wide range of services and conveniences. They have daily housekeeping, a concierge who was incredibly helpful, luggage storage, and laundry service. The Doorman was very professional for the majority of the time.
They offer cash withdrawal facilities, a currency exchange, an elevator, an ironing service, and a safety deposit box.
The front desk is open 24-hours, which is always a plus.
There's even a convenience store for those last-minute essentials. Excellent!
The Wi-Fi in public areas worked perfectly.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day Bliss!
This is where Siatel truly surprised me. They have a whole host of options for ways to relax.
The fitness center is well-equipped, although I admit, I only glanced at it… after my cheese soufflé extravaganza. They have a sauna, spa, steamroom, and a swimming pool with a gorgeous pool with a view.
And the best part? The spa. I indulged in a massage, and I’ll be honest, it was heavenly. The therapist worked out all the kinks in my travel-weary muscles. I also got a body scrub and body wrap to feel refreshed!
For the Kids – Family Friendly Vibes
While I didn’t travel with kids, I noticed that Siatel is definitely family/child friendly. They have a babysitting service and kids facilities.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
Getting around Besançon? Easy. They've got taxi service and offer airport transfer. There's a car park and valet parking available too. The bicycle parking is a good thing.
Internet – Fast, Reliable, and Free!
Thank goodness for the free Wi-Fi! It worked flawlessly throughout my stay, both in the public areas and in my room. They offer Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, so you're covered whatever your setup.
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Absolutely! Hotel Siatel, despite its minor imperfections (which, let's be honest, add to the character), is a fantastic base for exploring Besançon. It’s got charm, it’s got a great location, and the staff are genuinely lovely. The food? Well, the soufflé alone is worth the trip. And the spa? Pure bliss.
Here's my pitch, straight from the heart:
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving an authentic French experience? Then book your stay at Hotel Siatel in Besançon NOW!
Here’s why:
- Unforgettable Cheese Soufflé (Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it!)
- Spa treatments that will melt away your stress (and maybe a few extra pounds)
- A central location for exploring the beauty of Besançon
- Super comfy beds for perfect sleep
- Friendly staff
- Free Wi-Fi
- You can have your breakfast in room!
- Don’t forget the pool!
Don't wait! Go to [website address] and book your Unbelievable Besançon Stay at Hotel Siatel today! You won't regret it.
P.S. Keep an eye out for the quirky touches. This hotel is a true hidden gem. And trust me, you'll want to share your own stories when you get back!
Escape to Paradise: Sardinia's Hidden Gem, Hotel Porto Puddu
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to survive a few days in Besancon, France, all centered around the mysterious Hotel Siatel Besancon Chateaufarine. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.
Pre-Departure (aka, the Pre-Trip Panic)
- Days Before: Okay, let's be honest, I spent approximately five days scrolling through Instagram, convinced I'd forgotten something crucial – like, you know, my actual passport. Cue the cold sweats and the frantic, "WHERE IS THE PASSPORT?!" dance. Found it. Hidden under a rogue sock. Victory!
- Packing: Packing is a skill I clearly haven't mastered. My suitcase looks less like a curated collection of travel essentials and more like a clothing graveyard. "Oh, I might need this giant, fluffy sweater?" Shoves it in. "And what if it rains… and snows… and then maybe I become a trapeze artist?* Puts in ten pairs of shoes."
- The Flight: The flight itself was a blur of airplane food, uncomfortable legroom, and the existential dread that comes with realizing you're hurtling thousands of feet in the air. Surprisingly (or not), I didn't cry. Just… mostly internal screaming.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Mystery
- Morning (Besancon Bound!): Landed. Smell of fresh French air – slightly tinged with jet lag. Immediately lost my bearings at the train station. Finally, after much gesturing and stumbling over my rudimentary French, found a taxi. "Bonjour monsieur, Hotel Siatel please!" (I hope.)
- Afternoon (Hotel Check-In and… Existential Doubt): Oh, the Hotel Siatel. It exists. It's… there. Let's just say its website photos were generous. The lobby has a certain… '70s vibe. In the sense that it probably hasn't been renovated since the '70s. But the staff were friendly enough, and the bed looked comfy, so… progress?
- The Room: My room. Okay, the room. It's… small. But clean! And the view… it's of a parking lot. Still, I'm alive, I have a bed, and the faint sound of French chatter is a soothing balm on my jet-lagged soul. Time for a nap. (Or possibly a nervous breakdown. Jury's still out.)
- Evening (Dinner and the Case of the Missing Croissant): Wandered in search of dinner, ended up at a charming bistro. Ordered everything – I mean EVERYTHING – on the menu. The food was divine. French food, I tell you, it's like a warm hug. Except… I ordered a croissant with breakfast the next day to only find it was missing. The waiter said, “regrettingly, we don’t have a croissant” Important note: my heart broke into million pieces!
Day 2: Besancon Adventures (and a Near-Disaster with Cheese)
- Morning (Fortresses and the City: Okay so i must admit this trip is a bit messy and a bit of a blur, there are some really great parts and some parts are just… well… let's just say I'd rather forget those… I decided to visit the Citadel of Besancon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a minor incident involving a rogue map and a very steep hill, I made it! It was amazing though, the view from the top was breathtaking, and learned a lot about the city's history.
- Afternoon (Cheese Overdose – and Regret?): Ah, cheese! France, you temptress! I went to a local cheese shop and… well, I may have gone a little overboard. Seriously, I’m talking wheels of Camembert, blocks of Comté, and something that was labeled "smelly socks cheese". I ended up tasting all of them! Let’s just say, my stomach and I are currently not on speaking terms. I should have paced myself.
- Evening (Riverside Stroll and the Search for Redemption): So, after the cheese incident, I needed air. And maybe antacids. I stumbled along the Doubs River, watching the sunset paint the sky in stunning colors. It was gorgeous, truly! Maybe I could salvage this day. I was really, really hoping for redemption.
Day 3: The (Attempted) Art Appreciation and the Train Disaster
- Morning (Museum… or Nap?): I had grand plans to immerse myself in art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie… except, after a single gallery, my eyelids felt like they were made of lead. The art was lovely, but the jet lag was winning. I snuck out in the end.
- Afternoon (The Train… and the Chaos): I'd planned a quick trip to a nearby village by train. The train station was a nightmare. No organization at all which led to the train arriving to the wrong platform (we eventually found out). The train doors slamming shut in my face, almost got locked outside. The train was late, packed with screaming children, and smelled faintly of… something. Let's just say, I made it. Exhausted, but alive.
- Evening (Hotel Relaxation and the Longing for Home): Back to the hotel. The siren song of a comfy bed was too strong to resist. I just wanted to be in my own bed in my own home.
Day 4: Last Day Blues and the Departure Debacle
- Morning (Farewell Breakfast): Another croissant-less breakfast. Starting thinking, maybe, I don’t like croissants.
- Afternoon (Last-Minute Souvenirs): Found a tiny little shop selling postcards. Bought a few. Maybe I'll actually send one this time.
- The big one, (Departure): This is it, time to leave. My flight is early, and I had booked a taxi to take me to the airport. Taxi never came. I ended up having to order an Uber, and because I was rushing, I nearly lost my luggage. I had to run and grab it!
Post-Trip Reflections (Or, the Aftermath)
Well, that was a trip. A messy, sometimes confusing, occasionally delightful, and overall… uniquely "me" kind of trip. Besancon, you were a beautiful chaos! Would I go back? Hmm… maybe. But next time, I’m investing in a better map, a stronger stomach, and maybe a translator app that actually works. And I'M bringing my own croissants.
Escape to Paradise: Ischia's Hotel Floridiana Terme Awaits!
Unbelievable Besançon Stay: Hotel Siatel's Hidden Gem Revealed! (And the Messy Truth!)
So, Siatel... Is It REALLY a Hidden Gem?! Like, seriously?
What's the Breakfast Situation Like? Because I NEED coffee. Desperately.
The Staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or Just...French?
Let's Talk about the *Real* Secret: The Location, Location, Location! Was the location as good as advertised?
Would You Go Back? Be Honest!
Okay, spill the beans! What was the single MOST memorable moment?!
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