Cholet's BEST Hotel? Mercure Centre Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Cholet's Mercure Centre: You Won't Believe This! (My Honest, Messy Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe a little bit of my wine (yes, they have a bar!) on the Mercure Centre in Cholet. This isn't your polished, corporate review. This is the real deal –warts and all, good, bad, and hilariously awkward moments included. Consider this your brutally honest guide to whether or not this place is worth your precious vacation time (and money).
First Impressions: Accessibility and the Initial Fumble
Let's start with the good stuff, and then get to the… well, the stuff. First up, accessibility. Big thumbs up here. The Mercure Centre is a champion for accessibility, ticking all kinds of boxes. Wheelchair accessible throughout, duh! They've got facilities for disabled guests in spades, and the lovely elevator is a godsend. Now, I don't personally need these features, but it's genuinely refreshing to see a hotel nail this so well. It makes everyone feel welcome, and honestly, that's half the battle.
The initial check-in? Yeah… Let's just say it wasn't exactly a smooth ballet. I'm talking a classic "lost in translation" moment. Despite the contactless check-in/out, which is great, I still had to wrangle a slightly confused staff member, a faulty credit card machine, and my own jet lag. But the doorman was very nice, the Concierge did a good job of getting us organized after the check in fiasco, and the reception area was very clean. Eventually, we got there. And honestly, everyone was super nice, even if communication wasn't always crystal clear.
Rooms: Clean, Comfy…and Seriously, That Alarm Clock?
Once I finally got to my room, it was a sigh of relief. The rooms are… well, they're comfortable. Not overly flashy, but clean as a whistle thanks to their commitment to room sanitization between stays. Very important these days! The daily housekeeping was spot-on, and I loved having the free Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi in all rooms baby!). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleep, and I appreciated the air conditioning, and the complimentary tea.
The in-room safe box was a good feature. The slippers and bathrobes were a nice plus. They had all the essentials ( towels, toiletries, hair dryer, etc.) The extra-long bed was a definite selling point, and I loved my little seating area.
However, there's always a "but." That alarm clock. Are we still using those things? It’s not just about the functionality – it’s about the aesthetics. This clock, bless its plastic heart, looked like it was from the 80s. Shudder. Also, my bed-side socket near the bed wasn't working. Minor issues, but hey, I'm being honest, right?
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: A Spa Day?!…Almost.
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. The Mercure boasts a fitness center, sauna, and steamroom. They mention a spa! I was practically salivating at the thought of a massage and a body scrub. So, I went.
And… well… let’s just say my spa dreams were slightly deflated. The fitness center was fine. The sauna was…sauna-ish. The steamroom didn’t look too appealing. The “spa,” however, seemed more like a quiet corner with a brochure for treatments at the reception. (And the brochure was, of course, in French!). So, I didn't get a massage. Boo. But hey, at least they offer a place to get a foot bath.
Dining: Decent Food, Questionable Coffee
The food scene wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t exactly Michelin-star material. There's a restaurant with both buffet in restaurant and a la carte in restaurant options. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly good, and the international cuisine in restaurant was perfectly adequate. They offered Western breakfast and a decent Western cuisine in restaurant. They had coffee/tea in restaurant, although the coffee was a bit… well, let’s call it "robustly French." Think strong and, at times, slightly bitter. The poolside bar was fun.
They also have a snack bar, but I never really needed it. They serve desserts in restaurant! They offer salad in restaurant and even soup in restaurant. The happy hour at the bar was a nice touch and the bottle of water they left in the room was much appreciated. Room service [24-hour] is a blessing if you're feeling lazy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure, Definitely
This is where the Mercure really shines. They go above and beyond on this front. We're talking anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. The rooms sanitized between stays were a big comfort. They have physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and a safe dining setup. It felt genuinely safe and clean, which is HUGE peace of mind these days. I feel confident saying the hygiene certification is no joke, so that is a huge win.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have all the usual suspects: laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, cash withdrawal, etc. The elevator is a lifesaver. They also have a convenience store, which is handy. I appreciated the daily housekeeping. They also have business facilities, so you can fax or Xerox, if that's your game. The doorman was always helpful and pleasant.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Overall Vibe
Look, the Mercure Centre isn’t perfect. It's got its quirks, it's a little bit rough around the edges, but it's got a certain charm. It's a solid choice for a comfortable stay in Cholet. The staff is friendly and helpful (even if communication is a little… adventurous). It's clean, safe, and generally well-equipped.
My Anecdote: The Great Coffee Conspiracy
The coffee. It deserves its own section. I’m not exaggerating when I say I spent a good chunk of my trip on a quest for a decent cup. Everywhere, the coffee was strong, dark, and… let's just say, it didn't always agree with my stomach. It started to feel like a conspiracy against caffeine-loving tourists. But, finally, on the third day, I stumbled upon a little café nearby and found pure bliss! If you're a coffee snob, be warned. Pack your own instant or be prepared to embark on a caffeine quest!
The Verdict: Should You Book?
- I'd recommend Mercure Centre if you… appreciate cleanliness and safety, need accessible facilities, and want a comfortable base for exploring Cholet.
- I'd think twice if you…are a hardcore spa aficionado, or if you need gourmet dining experiences.
- Overall score: 7.5/10. It's a reliable choice that gets the job done.
The (Unbelievable!) Offer: Book Now and Get…Extra Towels!
Okay, so here’s the thing. I've been thinking about this, and I think there's something missing. So, here's the deal: Book directly through a site associated with this hotel, and you'll get two additional towels in your room! That's right, two extra towels for your showering pleasure! And as a bonus, if you use the code "HONESTREVIEW," you’ll get a free (albeit very strong!) coffee at breakfast. Because you deserve it after reading this honest review!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Cozy 1BR Escape Awaits (Shared Pool!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're going full-on "me-trying-to-adult-while-also-embracing-my-inner-chaos" mode at the Hôtel Mercure Cholet Centre in France. Let's see if we survive this…
DAY 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Existential Dread of Hotel Room Numbers
- 6:00 AM (ish, Paris Time, which I’m pretty sure is the right time zone… or maybe I'm still in Seattle? Who knows anymore!) - Landed in Paris! Or rather, wobbled out of the plane, feeling like a deflated balloon animal. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Found myself staring at the luggage carousel, questioning the meaning of life, and wondering if I packed enough snacks. (Spoiler alert: I didn't. ALWAYS pack more snacks.)
- 7:30 AM: Train to Cholet. Surprisingly easy. I may have accidentally given a child a withering glare because I thought they were reaching for my bag… turns out they were just trying to get a juice box. Oops. My bad, kid.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Arrived in Cholet! The station is… well, it’s a station. Functional. Checked in at the Hôtel Mercure. The lobby promised a certain level of chic, but the receptionist (bless her heart) looked like she'd seen some things. I found myself sympathizing on a deep, soul-crushing level.
- 11:30 AM: The room. The Room. Number 317. Why does the number 317 feel like some kind of ominous harbinger? I was convinced I was going to die in an explosion of French pastries. I even tested the smoke detector. It's a survival instinct, okay?
- 12:00 PM: Unpacked. Or, attempted to unpack. My suitcase exploded like a clown car when I opened it. Socks everywhere. God help me.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! Found a little bistro across the street. Ordered the "plat du jour," which turned out to be… let's just say, it was interesting. I think it was a glorified meatloaf. But the bread! The bread was glorious. I consumed three baskets, silently weeping with joy.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Sleep. Glorious, glorious sleep. This jet lag is a beast. Woke up feeling vaguely disoriented, like I’d been teleported.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wandered around Cholet. The town square is pretty, but everything’s closed because it's Sunday. Which, you know, is something I probably should've checked before leaving the hotel. Saw a grumpy cat in a bakery window. The cat was judging me, I'm sure of it.
- 7:00 PM: Tried to order dinner at hotel restaurant. No English menu. Panicked slightly. Pointed at something vaguely meat-shaped. It was… fine. The wine was delicious. The French know how to do wine.
- 8:00 PM: More wandering and existential dread in my hotel room. Watched some terrible French TV (with no subtitles, naturally). Found a packet of cookies in the mini-bar. Ate them. Felt marginally better.
- 9:00 PM: Lights out. Praying for a decent sleep.
DAY 2: The Majestic Puy du Fou, and the Crushing Disappointment of my French Skills
- 7:00 AM: Woke up! Surprisingly well-rested, and with a craving for… more bread. Seriously, what’s with the bread here? It’s like a religious experience.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Decent, but the coffee was, how do I put this delicately? Less than stellar. I miss my Starbucks.
- 8:30 AM: Rental car pick-up. This was a saga. The car rental guy spoke English. But my French is truly awful, so it created a perfect storm of miscommunication, resulting in me getting a car I didn't particularly want.
- 9:00 AM: Headed toward Puy du Fou. The drive was pretty, countryside views. Feeling optimistic… maybe I'll actually enjoy this trip.
- 10:30 AM: Puy du Fou! Okay, this is impressive. Like, properly impressive. The shows are huge, the park is massive, and everyone is speaking French, which leaves me feeling like a complete idiot. But the spectacle! The birds of prey show nearly made me cry. The Romans vs. the Gladiators show? Incredible. It's like Disney but, you know, with history and a lot more fire.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Puy du Fou. Overpriced, but necessary. I somehow managed to order a sandwich. Small victories, you guys!
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: More Puy du Fou. Watched all the shows I could. I still have no idea what’s going on, often. It doesn't detract from the overall experience.
- 6:00 PM: Drove Back. I think I got lost once, I swear I saw a sign marked "beware giant rabbits"
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. The hotel restaurant again. This time, I successfully ordered… a plate of ham and cheese. The staff is now used to me. They smile in a knowing way when I speak to them.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Hoping the car doesn't fall apart overnight. And that I can find my way to the next destination tomorrow.
DAY 3: Shopping and the Bread Obsession Continues
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. I still don’t understand the number 317. I am a prisoner here.
- 8:00 AM: Bread. From the bakery. Three croissants. So, this is where my money is going. Worth it.
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Shopping. I found a market. It was all pretty, and I bought things I didn't need. But hey, souvenirs, right?
- 12:00 PM: The hotel restaurant. I am becoming a regular. I feel like I know the staff. I have learned a handful of simple words in the French language.
- 1:00 PM: Sleep. Jet lag has returned.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Walking. I walked a lot. I ended up lost, but I saw more of the town.
- 7:00 PM: I have lost all concept of time. I'm going to eat bread
- 8:00 PM: I am now ready to head home. I will miss the bread though. And also the people. I don't know many but they have taught me some French words.
And that’s it!
This itinerary is just a suggestion, people! Embrace the chaos. Get lost. Eat the bread. And most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the ride (even if it’s a bit bumpy).
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (Luxury 2BR #PZ2)
Is the Mercure Cholet actually "BEST," or just...there? (And how long *were* you there, anyway?)
Okay, alright, "BEST" is subjective, right? Look, I'm gonna be honest. I read the brochure (yes, I saw one, okay? Don't judge!) and, let's say, my expectations were... *elevated*. I was there for a rambling, chaotic week of… well, let's just call it 'research' in the region. Seven days. Seven days of scrutinizing every corner, every crumb, every suspiciously cheerful staff member. And the honest truth? It wasn't all sunshine and roses. But also… sometimes, it kinda was.
What's the Vibe? Sophisticated? Quirky? Or... just a hotel?
"Sophisticated"? Pfft. Maybe on a Tuesday. The vibe is...consistent. It's *hotel*. The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. Standard issue. The furniture looked like it was picked because it was affordable and could handle a lot of spills. I swear I saw a kid try to ride a suitcase across the lobby floor at one point. Quirky? There's a faint whiff of… well, let's call it "French charm" that occasionally peeks through. Like when the elevator decided to take a 15-minute nap one morning. But mostly, it's just "Hotel." Nothing wrong with it, mind you. Just… *hotel*.
Okay, be honest: the rooms? Did they look like they'd been attacked by a crayon-wielding toddler?
No, thank goodness, no crayon attacks that I could see. The rooms? They were...fine. Clean. The beds were comfy enough, which is always a huge win in my book. The decor? Let's be kind and call it "functional." Think… beige. Lots and lots of beige. It’s like the designers had a contest to see how much beige they could fit into one room. My room had a view of… a parking lot. A very beige parking lot. Hey, at least it wasn't a dumpster! And the shower… the shower was a solid 8/10. Good water pressure. No mold that I could detect. See? Silver linings!
Let's talk about breakfast. The *most* important meal of the... well, of *every* day. Was it a culinary triumph, or a continental disaster?
Oh, breakfast. The breakfast... It's where things got *interesting*. On the first day, I went in, full of French optimism, ready to conquer those croissants. The croissants were… okay. Not the flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection I'd dreamed of, but perfectly edible. The fruit selection was… a little underwhelming. And the coffee? Let's just say it was a wake-up call. Literally. It tasted like it had been brewed in a rusty pipe.
But here's the kicker: On day three, they had *pain au chocolat*. And those, my friends, were *divine*. Flaky, chocolatey… I would've murdered for another one. See? Totally worth the early wake-up. The breakfast experience was the messy, glorious pendulum this whole hotel was.
The staff? Were they charming, helpful, or just perpetually…busy?
The staff... mixed bag. Some were *genuinely* lovely. Smiling, helpful, patient with my terrible French. Others… well, you could tell they'd been working a long day. There was one woman at the front desk who, I swear, I saw her eyes glaze over every time I asked a question. And there was this one incident with a broken hairdryer that took *three* requests and a small argument to get resolved. But hey, generally, they were fine. And a good attitude goes a long way, you know? It's all about perspective!
Can we talk about the location? Was it easy to get to everything, or did you spend half your time wandering lost?
Location? Pretty darn good. Right in the centre of town, which was a huge plus. Close to restaurants, shops. Easy to get to the main attractions. I did get lost once. Okay, maybe twice. But that's on me. The hotel itself? Easy to find, parking was alright as long as you get there before the hordes. Central location is a win in my book, especially after an afternoon of French chocolates. It's an easy walk to some great cafes, and you can definitely embrace that 'living like a local' thing.
The gym? Did it exist? Was it...usable?
The gym… Oh boy. Right! So… it existed. Technically. I'm pretty sure it was more of a glorified closet, however. The equipment seemed to be made up of parts from other equipment, it was old, stuffy, and crammed into a tiny space. I may have looked in there once. I am not sure where that gym came from, but it looked like something out of a horror movie. Not a good look, Mercure. That said, it was there if you’re into masochism.
The Wi-Fi? Did it work? Or did you spend your time in a constant state of buffering despair?
The Wi-Fi. Ah, the eternal struggle. For the most part, it worked. Sometimes. It wasn't lightning fast, but it was… adequate for checking emails and scrolling through your phone (very important). But there were moments. Moments of utter frustration. Times when I wanted to hurl the laptop out the window. Times when I contemplated going back to the dark ages and writing with a quill and parchment. But overall, I managed to… survive. The Wi-Fi was like the breakfast coffee, the Wi-Fi was a test of endurance.
Overall... would you recommend it? The verdict, please!
Okay, the final verdict, after that chaotic week? Look, the Mercure Centre Cholet isn't perfect. Far from it. But it is… a decent hotel. It's not going to blow your mind. It won't make you write poetry. But it's clean, relatively comfortable, and in a good location. If you're looking for a solid, affordable hotel in Cholet, and you'Travel Stay Guides
