Dijon's Hidden Gem: Hotel Philippe le Bon - Unforgettable Stay!
Dijon's Hidden Gem: Hotel Philippe le Bon - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups. We're diving headfirst into Dijon's "Hidden Gem," the Hotel Philippe le Bon. And let me tell you, after my trip there? Yeah, hidden is definitely an understatement. This place is a treasure. So, grab your virtual suitcases (yes, I’m talking to you), and let's get to it. This review isn't your boring, robotic, five-star drivel. This is real life. My chaotic, slightly-obsessed, utterly-in-love-with-this-place life.
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, I appreciate that they mention it. And the elevator? Thank God for that. But here's the honest truth: Dijon, in general, can be a bit of a cobblestone-laden adventure. Hotel Philippe le Bon, bless its heart, tries. I saw, I appreciated. But truly perfect accessibility? Maybe not quite. Still, the effort is there, and the staff are incredibly helpful. More on that later.
Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, THIS is where they absolutely nail it. Pre-COVID, post-COVID, whatever weird-virus-of-the-week we're dealing with, these guys are on it. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff? Trained to the teeth in safety protocols. I literally watched a cleaner meticulously wipe down a light switch. A LIGHT SWITCH! That kind of dedication? That's what I call peace of mind. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere, individually-wrapped food options, and rooms sanitized between stays. They offer a room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch if you're feeling particularly green and don't want all the chemicals. I'm personally a germaphobe, so I appreciated the professional-grade sanitizing services. And the whole Safe dining setup? Genius. They've got CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They clearly take safety seriously.
Rooms! Oh, the Rooms! Let's talk comfort. The air conditioning was a godsend during that heatwave I experienced (or maybe it was the wine, who am I kidding?). The blackout curtains? Oh, the blessed blackout curtains. Slept like a baby (once the jet lag decided to take a hike). The Wi-Fi is free. And the internet access – wireless works! The in-room safe box was a relief. The desk was great for, y'know, pretending to work while secretly daydreaming about croissants. And the bathrobes? Don't even get me started. I practically lived in that thing. The slippers were also fantastic. Plus the soundproofing? Magical. Dijon's street sounds vanish and you're left in your own little haven!
Now, for a little honesty, it's a tad imperfect. Sometimes the hair dryer wasn't quite powerful enough for my thick hair (a minor quibble). But hey, you can't have it all, right?
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink, of Course): Right, let's get messy. Breakfast [buffet] was a delight. They had EVERYTHING. Seriously. The Asian breakfast caught my eye, but I stuck to the more traditional, but tasty, Western breakfast. And! The coffee/tea in restaurant was actually good. Shocking, I know. But seriously, the coffee shop was a lifesaver every morning. There's a bar, obviously, so you can ease into the day and wind down. The poolside bar? That's where the real magic happens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The restaurant, oh, the restaurant. A la carte in restaurant and they had a buffet! I spent a solid hour wandering around the buffet, just gazing at the glorious array. (It might have been longer. Don't judge.) The International cuisine in restaurant was spot-on. The Western cuisine even better! Okay, maybe I spent a bit too much time eating. (My clothes barely fit post-trip). I also sampled the salad in restaurant (healthy, right?). There's also a snack bar and desserts in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: This is where the whole experience goes from great to absolutely unbelievable. The concierge was a dream! Seriously, anything I needed? They sorted it. They even found me a last-minute reservation at a tiny, hidden restaurant that served the most divine boeuf bourguignon (which I ate, shamelessly). They offer contactless check-in/out which is something I personally find neat, and they have a daily housekeeping. Did I mention there's a gift/souvenir shop? Yup. Don't go broke like how I almost did. Oh, and the elevator again! They also have a dry cleaning and laundry service and a luggage storage. Helpful to say the least. They have a cash withdrawal service, but if you need to exchange currency, boom, currency exchange!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Okay, let's talk about the real reason for me going to Dijon: Spas and relaxation.
Spa/Sauna: The spa/sauna was small, but perfectly formed. I spent a glorious hour in the sauna sweating out all the wine and croissants (again, no judgement). But here's the real kicker…
The Pool with a View: This! This is what takes the Hotel Philippe le Bon from "lovely" to "holy-moly-I-need-to-move-in." The swimming pool (outdoor) is an absolute dream. Picture this: You're floating on your back, the sun warm on your skin, overlooking the rooftops of Dijon. Pure bliss. I spent a solid afternoon there, basically melting into a puddle of happy. Forget your Instagram feed. This is real life, distilled into its purest, most relaxing form.
The Fitness Center and other funs In my infinite lack of foresight, I did not spend much time in the fitness center, because: Food. But I saw the gym/fitness and it looked good. They also offer massage, and I did in fact get one!
Things that felt like a bonus! The hotel is very family/child friendly, with kids facilities and other stuff to make them feel at home! If you're on a proposal trip, they will make you happy! There is a terrace!
For the Kids: I’m childless, so I mostly glazed over this section, but they were family/child friendly and had babysitting service, and other fun things! Maybe if I had kids, I’d actually read those sections, but for now, it’s a “meh.”
Getting Around: They have a car park [free of charge], and other services to make your stay even easier. I can't recommend the taxi service enough, especially after a wine tasting!
My Verdict: Unforgettable, But (Almost) Imperfectly Perfect!
Look, the Hotel Philippe le Bon isn't without its tiny flaws. But honestly? The little imperfections are part of its charm. It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. It's warm, welcoming, and the staff? They genuinely care. They made me feel like a VIP, even though I was probably just a slightly tipsy tourist.
My Recommendation: If you’re looking for a truly memorable stay in Dijon, a place where you can relax, indulge, and feel pampered, book the Hotel Philippe le Bon. Just do it. You won't regret it.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle a trip to Hotel Philippe le Bon in Dijon, France, into something resembling order. And by "order," I mean a slightly chaotic, possibly wine-stained tapestry of experiences. Consider yourselves warned.
Dijon Debauchery: A (Mostly) Organized Mess
Day 1: Arrival & Absurdity
- Morning (ish): Flight into Paris. The usual misery. People breathing down your neck. A crying baby. Ugh. Finally, freedom! The train to Dijon… and the French countryside! It's beautiful, actually. Reminds me of a postcard. Except the postcard smells faintly of cheese and desperation.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Dijon. Find Hotel Philippe le Bon (thank GOD for Google Maps). It actually lives up to the pictures! So charming. And already, the little bellhop (probably about 10, tops) is looking at me like I lost my way.
- Check-in drama: The (very) elegant woman at the reception desk speaks perfect English, which is comforting and annoying all at once. I fumble with my credit card, accidentally drop my passport, and spill a bit of coffee on it. She raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. This is going to be a long weekend.
- Room Revelation: The room is… small. But lovely! Like a slightly cramped but impeccably dressed antique shop. I immediately dump my bags, fling myself onto the (surprisingly firm) bed, and squeal with delight. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship (with the bed, at least).
- Late Afternoon/Evening: First Foray – Exploring the City
- Rambling Around: I'm going to go for a walk and try to find Le Chouette (The owl). It’s supposed to bring good luck if you touch it. I wander aimlessly, getting myself brilliantly lost within 10 minutes. Dijon's a maze of narrow streets, and the buildings are all the color of old mustard and I'm dizzy. After 20 minutes, a friendly older woman (complete with a basket of baguettes) takes pity on me and points me in the right direction. Oh, the owl! He's adorable and already rubbed smooth by a million tourists. Okay, I rubbed him too. Don't judge.
- Dinner Mishap: Found a bistro called "La Maison du Chocolat" and I was hoping for something rich, cheesy and decadent. The menu looked like a beautiful tapestry. However my French is atrocious. After attempting to order (which may have involved pointing, a lot of hand gestures, and a panicked "bonjour" repeated approximately 50 times) I somehow ended up with… snails. Grossest thing I've ever eaten, and I once ate a week-old gas station burrito. I choked it down, mostly out of pride. The waiter, who seems to have witnessed this abomination, gives me a knowing look and brings me a glass of local Burgundy. Bless him.
Day 2: Mustard Mayhem & Market Madness
- Morning: Dijon market! This is the real deal, folks. So many smells. So much cheese. I feel like I'm in a cheese-induced coma already. Sampled about a million different types of mustard. I'm pretty sure I now have mustard running through my veins. The local mustard maker…well. Let’s just say his enthusiasm for his product is bordering on the manic. And his mustard? It's amazing. Absolutely amazing.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Deeper Dive into Dijon’s Delights
- The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy: It has a great view and I am a sucker for history and old buildings. However, I get bored after 20 minutes so I spent the rest of the time people watching. The sheer variety of tourists alone… the stressed couples bickering in hushed tones, the selfie-stick wielding groups, I love them.
- Afternoon Meltdown: (This is the part I'm REALLY excited about) I decide to go for a "wine tasting." Not sure how "official" it is but I am going to let the wine take control. I end up in a tiny, dusty cellar, owned by a guy named Jean-Pierre. He is a character! He pours wine like it is going to disappear in a second. And, as such, I have a feeling I actually am going to disappear in a second.
- Jean-Pierre’s Lesson: The wine is phenomenal, the stories are epic, and the feeling of being completely, utterly absorbed by something you never expected is exhilarating. I learn more about Burgundy in two hours than I ever thought I would. I decide to buy a bottle of everything and I decide that this man is my new best friend.
- Wine-Induced Disaster: I waddle back to the hotel, bottle in hand, feeling like I’m floating. I somehow manage to get lost in the hotel itself. Seriously, how does one get lost in a small hotel? I blame Jean-Pierre.
- Evening: Dinner and Dark Chocolate: I find "La Superette" and have a wonderful meal with some new friends and then decide to splurge on some dark chocolate. As Jean-Pierre would say, “You are meant to enjoy, not to resist!”
Day 3: Goodbye Dijon & Guilt-Ridden Reflections
- Morning: Wake up with a headache the size of a small planet. Regret all the wine. (But not really). Last-minute souvenir shopping – a truly frantic affair. My luggage groans in protest.
- Late Morning: A final stroll through the city, trying to soak it all in. The air smells like baking bread and a faint hint of Dijon mustard. There's beauty in Dijon, it’s a certain type of charm. But I'm ready to go home.
- Check-out Catastrophe: I'm late. Very late. The reception woman gives me the look again, as I pay. The bellhop, bless his little heart, looks like he's seen a ghost. I leave a generous tip.
- Departure: The train back to Paris. Already anticipating the next trip.
Final Thoughts (More Like Ramblings):
- Dijon is a place to get lost in, both literally and figuratively. And to drink a lot of wine.
- French people are… well, they're French. A mixed bag of charm, efficiency, and (sometimes) bewilderment.
- Hotel Philippe le Bon is a gem. A slightly cramped, perfectly charming gem.
- I need a vacation from my vacation. But also, I can't wait to go back.
- And most importantly: Never, ever, underestimate the power of a good bottle of Burgundy and the kindness of a stranger.
- Now, pass the aspirin.
Is Hotel Philippe le Bon REALLY as charming as the pictures suggest? I mean, come on… it looks like something out of a fairytale!
Okay, buckle up, because honestly? The pictures are *almost* lying. Not in a bad way, mind you! They're beautifully curated, and yes, the hotel *is* stunning. But what they don't tell you is the EXPERIENCE. You walk in from the cobbled streets, and BAM! You're instantly transported. Forget fairytale; it's more like… stepping into a really, REALLY well-loved antique shop that someone forgot to dust for, like, a century in the best way possible. The beams! The stone! The *smell* of old wood and history… I could have just stood there for an hour, nose in the air, just taking it all in.
I remember my first thought was, "Wow, this is a *lot.*" It's not sterile; it's alive! It's got character. It has quirks. Our room… well, let's just say navigating the wonky old staircase with my suitcase was an adventure in its own right. But it added to the charm, didn't it?
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it worth the extra cost? And more importantly, is the coffee *good*? (This is crucial.)
Alright, breakfast. This is where I get REAL. Yes, absolutely, 100% worth it, provided you're not expecting a buffet. It’s more of a curated, lovingly prepared experience. Forget the industrial-sized coffee urns; this is all about quality.
The coffee? Oh. My. Gods. The coffee. It’s strong, flavorful, and they actually know how to make a proper *café au lait*. (I’m a coffee snob, I admit it. It's a sickness). They bring it out, steaming, in a beautiful little pot. And the croissants... buttery, flaky, the kind you dream about. The ham was also insane. They'd slice it thin, and suddenly, the ham and the croissant, both just *melt* in you mouth. The selection, while not vast, is thoughtful. Fine cheeses, fresh fruit, and some kind of homemade jam I'm still trying to replicate.
I recall sitting there one morning, nursing my coffee, and just watching the light filter through the stained glass window. I was tempted to just stay there all day. And I’m a person who usually only eats breakfast to fuel a day of "touristing"!
The location seems pretty central. Is it easy to get around Dijon from the hotel?
Central is an understatement! You are literally *in* the heart of the action. The hotel is mere steps from everything. Literally! You can walk to all the main sights – the Palais des Ducs, the Owl of Dijon, the shops, the restaurants – everything! I'm talking, like, stumble-home-after-a-wine-tasting close. (Not that I would know anything about that sort of thing… ahem.)
It’s perfect, frankly. You can pop back to the hotel mid-afternoon to recharge (and maybe take a quick nap, let’s be honest). You can catch a glimpse of the hotel’s entrance at the end of a long day and feel that sigh of relief that you are home.
Are the rooms comfortable or is the "historical charm" more of a euphemism for "slightly damp and drafty"?
Okay, let's be real: it's not a modern, clinically sterile hotel experience. You *are* staying in a historic building. There WILL be character. This means the rooms are…unique. Yes, potentially a little drafty in winter (pack a sweater!). And the bathroom in our room? It was… compact. Very compact. I may have whacked my elbow on the wall once or twice. Okay, maybe more like five times. But! The bed? Oh, the bed was divine. I slept like a log.
The key is to embrace the quirks. Don't go expecting the slick, polished perfection of a chain hotel. Go expecting atmosphere, charm, and a whole heap of personality. And hopefully, no major elbow-related injuries. (Pro-tip: Check the shower pressure. It can be a bit… unpredictable. Ours was basically a trickle. I’m still somewhat traumatized. But it’s part of the experience, people!)
The website says it's "boutique." Is that code for "expensive"?
Yes. And no. Look, it's not the cheapest place in Dijon. Let's just get that out of the way. But it's also not *insanely* expensive. Think of it as a splurge. A treat. You're paying for the location, the ambiance, and the whole experience.
Considering you're essentially getting a once-in-a-lifetime hotel experience right in the best spot in Dijon, it's justifiable. It’s an investment in your happiness. Seriously, the memories you take away? Priceless! It's cheaper than therapy, I tell you! Plus, think about the potential for bragging rights. I mean, imagine telling people, "Oh, I stayed at the Hotel Philippe le Bon..." *cue smug smile*. You’ll be the envy of all your friends. (And potentially your bank account. But still.)
Is there parking available? And what's the best way to get there by car?
Parking… right. This is where things get a little… *French*. There isn't on-site parking, because, well, it's a historic building right in the middle of the city. Don't expect to just roll up and pull up in front.
They can tell you where to park. The hotel’s website has good information about nearby parking garages. It is a short walk, and it’s easy to find. Be ready to parallel park if you want on-street parking (but it can be tough to find a spot). Honestly, just use the garage. It's worth the extra euros in the end. Dijon’s city streets can be a bit of a maze, especially with all the one-way streets, which are charming to look at, but… yeah, a maze.
My tip: Put the hotel into your GPS, and just follow the signs. Prepare for a slight heart attack when you get to the narrow, cobbled streets that lead up to the hotel. But it's all part of the adventure! And trust me, once you unpack at the hotel, you won't want to use the car again until you have to leave. Walk the streets and be free… and eat the cheese!
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful?
Oh, the staff! This is where the hotel truly shines. They aren't just *there*; they are part of the experience. They felt like family. From the moment we walkedHoneymoon Havenst
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