Escape to Troyes: Mercure Hotel's Unforgettable French Getaway

Mercure Troyes Centre Hotel France

Escape to Troyes: Mercure Hotel's Unforgettable French Getaway

Escape to Troyes: Mercure Hotel's Unforgettable French Getaway - A Messy, Honest Review

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (or should I say, the baguette) on my recent escape to Troyes and the Mercure Hotel. Forget those sterile, overly-polished reviews - this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, messy observations, and the kind of detail only a truly obsessed reviewer can deliver.

First Impressions: Accessibility - More Than Just a Ramped Entrance (and a Sigh of Relief)

Let's be real, accessibility is essential. And the Mercure, bless its heart, seems to get it. I'm not wheelchair-bound, thank goodness, but I've seen hotels that treat accessibility like an afterthought. The Mercure? Not so much. The ramp wasn't a death trap, the elevator worked (praise be!), and the communal areas seemed genuinely thought-out, not just slapped on for compliance. (Accessibility: 5/5, would stay again knowing they get it)

Booking & Arrival: Smooth Sailing… Mostly.

Booking was a breeze - bless those online booking systems. Quick check-in, thanks to their Contactless check-in/out which is a life saver, especially now in this crazy world! And the friendly staff, fluent in English (thank goodness, my French is a travesty) were genuinely welcoming. Small hiccup? The room wasn't quite ready on arrival, but they offered a complimentary coffee and a pastry whilst I waited, no biggie, stuff happens! (Check-in/out [express]: 4/5 - always room for improvement on arrival time.)

The Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly)

Okay, let's talk room. I opted for a "superior" (whatever that means!). (Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)

• The Good: Blackout curtains were heavenly for those lie-ins. The bed? Seriously comfortable. The coffee machine? Essential. Nice, clean towels, a bathtub to soak my cares away (after a long day of exploring!). And free Wi-Fi! (Internet access – wireless - 5/5, vital for digital nomads and chronic social media scrollers such as myself!)
• The Slightly Less Good: The soundproofing? Not quite perfect. I did hear a couple of lively conversations filtering through from the hallway at odd hours. (Room decorations: 3/5 - needed more je ne sais quoi).

Food, Glorious Food! Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)

Right, this is where things get interesting because every trip to France is a food adventure and the Mercure's offering was decent.

• Breakfast Buffet: The Good, The Bad, And The Croissant Obsession
  • The breakfast buffet was vast. The usual suspects: Eggs, bacon (crispy!), cereals, fruit, pastries…Oh, the pastries! The croissants were a religious experience. Flaky, buttery, perfect. I may have eaten three… or four. (Breakfast [buffet]: 5/5 for croissant alone).
• Restaurant Revelations:
  • The menu offered a good mix of international and local cuisine. The French Onion soup was truly amazing.
  • I had a steak one night, and it was perfectly cooked. The ambiance was nice, but nothing particularly special, it had potential, but the lighting could have been better. The staff, however, was lovely. (A la carte in restaurant: 4/5).

Relaxation & Wellness: Spa Days and Sweat Seshs - or Not?

• The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool

  • Okay, I have to be honest. I was SO looking forward to the spa. But, alas, it was closed for maintenance. Major bummer. Hopefully it's up and running when you visit! *A little personal anecdote, I was quite disappointed, as I was really looking forward to it. (No review possible on the spa front, *sad face*).

• The Fitness Center.

  • I attempted a visit to the fitness center, and while small, it had standard equipment and looked clean. I did enjoy a quick workout there one morning. (Gym/fitness: 3/5 - functional, but not a destination in itself.)

Safety First! Cleanliness and Security - Peace of Mind in a Pandemic World

(Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Staff trained in safety protocol, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms).

The Mercure seriously takes cleanliness seriously. Disinfectant spray was everywhere, staff were masked, and I felt safe. The hand sanitizers were readily available, and I saw the staff cleaning constantly. (Safety/security feature: 5/5 - top marks for putting my mind at ease.) The non-smoking rooms were a definite positive as a non-smoker!

Things to Do: Exploring Troyes and Beyond

This is where the hotel really shines. Troyes is a gem. I spent days wandering the cobbled streets, admiring the half-timbered houses, and soaking up the atmosphere. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations and directions, and the hotel's proximity to everything was perfect.

The "Meh" Moments

• Internet: Okay, let's talk about the wifi. Solid in the rooms, good enough to stream and work. (Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: 4/5, reliable).
• The Price: Considering the location and amenities, it was good value.

But the hotel is only a part of the story. Here's the real takeaway

• Find the perfect balance between all of this for a perfect trip, and focus on what you really enjoy.

Final Verdict: Should you book the Escape to Troyes: Mercure Hotel?

Absolutely!

My Rating: 4.2/5

It's not perfect, but it's damn good. Clean, convenient, well-located, and the staff are lovely. The food is decent, the rooms comfortable, and Troyes itself is magical. Just be prepared to indulge in an excessive amount of croissants. You've been warned!

Here's my pitch to you - a tempting offer

Escape to Troyes: Mercure Hotel - Your French Adventure Awaits!

For a limited time, book your stay at the Mercure Troyes and receive:

• Complimentary breakfast daily (hello, croissants!)
• **A bottle of local Champagne on arrival *celebrate your arrival!*
• Free access to the (hopefully open!) spa facilities.

Don't wait! Troyes is calling, and adventure awaits! Click here to book your unforgettable French getaway today!

Escape to Provence: Ibis Budget Aubagne Paluds Agora Awaits!

Book Now

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical travel itinerary. We're going to Troyes, France, and honestly, the planning stage felt more like wrangling a flock of caffeinated squirrels than a well-organized trip. But here we go, raw and unfiltered, Mercure Troyes Centre Hotel edition.

Day 1: The Arrival…and the Existential Dread (Maybe?)

• Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Woke up to the screech of my alarm, already regretting the "early start" idea. Packed my suitcase, which looked suspiciously like a black hole where all good intentions go to die. Found my passport (thank god) and wrestled with the zipper, which seems to have a personal vendetta against me.
• Morning (9:00 AM): Airport chaos. Lines everywhere, the usual pre-flight anxiety gnawing at the edges. Flight delayed, which instantly transformed me into a grumpy, hangry beast. People watching is my personal Olympics, though. The older woman with the perfectly coiffed hair and the teen who were listening to music with airpods.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Troyes Time -ish): Finally, we're in Troyes! The taxi driver was… well, let's just say his driving style was "aggressive French taxi." White-knuckle gripping the seat for dear life. First impression of Troyes? Pretty. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, something in the air that smells faintly of… history and maybe cheese?
• Afternoon (4:00 PM): Check-in at Mercure Troyes Centre Hotel. It's…nice. Clean, comfortable, and the staff is surprisingly friendly, despite my initial grumpy state. (Jet lag is a bitch!) The room is a bit small, but hey, it's a place to crash. Immediate mission? Find some food and coffee. My stomach is staging a rebellion.
• Afternoon/Evening (5:30 PM -ish): Wandering the streets of Troyes. Found a charming little café, ordered a café crême and a crepe. The crepe was delicious, the coffee brought me back to life. I swear, French coffee is like liquid magic. Started snapping photos of everything. This place is gorgeous. Feeling a flicker of hope. Maybe this trip won't be a complete disaster after all.
• Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant, Chez Joe, (Highly recommend, actually.) Trying to navigate the menu with my butchered French. Managed to order steak frites without making a complete fool of myself. The red wine was… wonderful. Sat there, watching the world go by, feeling a sense of peace. (Who am I?!)
• Evening (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel, promptly collapsed into bed. Exhausted, but with a tiny spark of… contentment? This travel business is weird. Tomorrow: conquering Troyes. Or at least, attempting to.

Day 2: Churches, Chocolate, and a near-Religious Experience (Maybe a little too much wine?)

• Morning (9:00 AM): Slept in! Thank GOD. Woke up feeling refreshed and excited to explore the city.
• Morning (10:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. The croissants, oh the croissants. Flaky, buttery, and utterly divine. I swear they must have some sort of secret croissant-making ceremony in France.
• Morning (11:00 AM): Exploring Troyes's churches. Started with the Sainte-Madeleine Basilica. The stained-glass windows are breathtaking. And…okay, I'm not particularly religious. But standing there, surrounded by such beauty, it's hard not to feel something. Perhaps a deep appreciation for art. Maybe a touch of awe. Or maybe just the lingering effects of that delicious coffee.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Chocolate shop frenzy! Troyes is known for its chocolate, and I’m not one to resist. Sampled what felt like a gazillion different chocolates. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate with nuts, chocolate with caramel. Ended up buying enough to feed a small army. My inner child is thrilled.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): The old town, a maze of cobblestone streets and colourful Timber-framed houses. Walked along the Rue des Chats (Cat Street) a very narrow street, it felt like stepping back in time. Took a wrong turn (or several) but who cares? The beauty of wandering lost.
• Afternoon (5:00 PM): Wine tasting. It was only a matter of time. Found a wine bar and dove in. They had a tasting of several wines. The first couple of wines was good, nothing to write home about. Then came the sparkling wine. Oh, my GOD that sparkling wine. It’s a wine called Champagne, from just around the corner.
• Evening (7:00 PM): A great dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
• Evening (9:00 PM): Back in the hotel room. Feeling… mellow. And slightly tipsy. Decided to write down some random thoughts in my journal and promptly fell asleep.

Day 3: Regrets, More Shopping, and The Grand Finale

• Morning (9:30 AM): Woke up with a slight headache. Too. Much. Wine. Regret, as always, is a dish best served cold.
• Morning (11:00 AM): More shopping. Bought a beret. I’m now officially a cliché. But a stylish one, dammit.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Decided to revisit the Chocolate shop I went to yesterday.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found some cute little trinkets for friends and family. Also bought more chocolate.
• Afternoon (5:00 PM): Pre-departure dinner at a cozy little bistro. Food was okay, but the atmosphere was fantastic.
• Evening (7:00 PM): Back to the hotel, packed my bags, and prepped for the departure. Feeling melancholy. Time to say goodbye to Troyes.
• Evening (9:00 PM): One last stroll by the river. A perfect moment.

Day 4: The journey back

• Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up, sad to be leaving.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM): Left.

Final Thoughts: So, Troyes. It was beautiful, messy, delicious, and sometimes overwhelming. I feel changed. I’m not sure how. But, hey, that is the best about traveling. It’s the journey of discovery. And even though I may have made a few mistakes (and consumed a ridiculous amount of chocolate), I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Maybe it was me, or maybe it was the wine, I don't know, but I think I’d go back.

P.S. Learn some basic French phrases before you go. It'll save you a lot of awkward hand gestures and confused stares. And for the love of all that is holy, pace yourself with the wine.

Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits!

Book Now

So, Escape to Troyes: Mercure Hotel – Worth the Hype? (And My Sanity?)

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause I'm about to tell you the TRUTH. Short answer? Yeah, probably worth it. Long answer? Prepare for a rollercoaster. Troyes itself? Stunning, with its crazy half-timbered houses and all. The Mercure? Well, it's… a Mercure. You know, reliable. But… (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… The *experience*? That's where the magic, and the minor implosions, happened.

What's the deal with those half-timbered houses everyone raves about? Is it all Instagrammable perfection?

Oh, the *maisons à pans de bois*! They're… overwhelming. In a good way! You walk through the old town, and everywhere you look, it's like a fairytale exploded. Each house is unique, leaning this way and that, which, frankly, made me feel a little seasick. The picture-perfect shots? Absolutely. But the reality? Narrow streets, cobblestones that punish your ankles, and a constant fear of bumping into a tourist (or being run over by a particularly ambitious scooter). My advice? Wear comfy shoes. Seriously. And maybe take a Dramamine. My first day, after the train, I was honestly a zombie from the walking and all the buildings.

The Mercure Hotel itself...what's the lowdown? Was it… French?

Okay, the Mercure. It’s… a Mercure. It’s clean, it has a decent bed (thank GOD), and the water pressure in the shower? Amazing. I needed that after battling the cobblestones. The decor is… well, it's functional. Think beige, but beige with a hint of… well, more beige. Was it "French"? Not particularly. Breakfast was a solid buffet, though the croissants were nowhere near as flaky as I'd hoped. I did manage to accidentally take *two* pain au chocolats though, so, win? And, to be fair, the staff were lovely, even with my terrible French.

Tell me about the food! Did you eat anything besides croissants? (Please say yes.)

YES! Dear God, YES. Troyes is a food lover’s paradise. Besides the croissants, and trust me, I *embraced* those, I had the most amazing steak frites at a little bistro off the main square. The fries were perfectly crispy, the steak was tender… I think I actually moaned with pleasure. Embarrassing. But delicious. I also tried the local andouillette sausage. Word of warning: it smells… potent. But it tastes… complex. It's a commitment, let’s put it that way. I'm not ashamed to say I needed a *lot* of red wine to build up to it. And the local champagne region is close, so... yeah.

Okay, so, the Champagne… was it worth it? Did you get tipsy and embarrass yourself? Spill the tea!

Oh, the champagne. *Yes*, it was worth it. And yes, I may have… slightly… over-indulged. I went on a tour of a smaller, family-run champagne house. The guide, a charming, slightly tipsy gentleman named Jacques, had a twinkle in his eye and a seemingly endless supply of bubbly. He kept saying, "More, more, yes?" And who was I to refuse? The tour was fascinating, learning about the process, the history, the passion! By the end, I was giddy, giggling, and apparently decided that I spoke fluent French. Which I most definitely *do not*. At all. I tried to explain to Jacques, in what I thought was a coherent sentence, how perfectly aligned the bubbles were with something about the meaning of life. I'm pretty sure I just ended up babbling about existential angst while waving my arms around. He just smiled, refilled my glass, and said, "Magnifique." I think he's used to it. Honestly it was perfect. It felt like the real France, the messy, imperfect, beautiful France. The next morning? The champagne karma was real. The headache was… epic. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Any specific tips for navigating the city? Like, what NOT to do?

Okay, here's the gospel according to me: * **Don't trust Google Maps implicitly.** Those winding, narrow streets are a maze. Get lost! It's part of the fun (and terror). * **Learn a few basic French phrases.** "Bonjour," "Merci," and "Où est le toilette?" will save your sanity. * **Book restaurants in advance, or be prepared to eat at… less desirable establishments.** I learned this the hard way, spending a sad evening eating mediocre pizza. * **Embrace the people-watching.** The cafes are the perfect places, where you can watch the locals, listen to their conversations and just soak it all in. It is a wonderful way to just relax. * **Pack comfortable shoes** (I can't stress this enough!) And maybe a small first-aid kit for all the inevitable ankle mishaps. * And finally: **Don’t be afraid to look and feel like a fool!** That’s part of the charm of travel, right? Ask lots, get to know people, and laugh at yourself. Especially after a few glasses of champagne!

So, overall… would you recommend the trip? Would you go back?

Absolutely. Categorically. Yes! Despite the minor annoyances (beige décor, questionable croissants), Troyes is magical. It’s charming, beautiful, and full of surprises. And the champagne? Forget about it. It's a life-changer (or at least a headache-inducer). I'd go back in a heartbeat. I'd even brave the cobblestones again. The Mercure? Well, I'd stay there again too, I suppose. It’s a reliable base camp. But next time, I'm bringing *more* bubbly and *fewer* expectations. And maybe a phrasebook with something like "Where can I find the best hangover cure?" just in case.

Any regrets? Anything you wish you'd done differently?

Okay, if I had to nitpick… I wish I'd tried *more* of the local specialties. I was a little too reliant on the "safe" choices. Also, I regret not learning more French before I went. It made ordering food and trying to strike up a conversation with the locals… challenging, to say the least. Finally, I should have taken MORE pictures of the houses- I was so busy walking and feeling the whole experience, that I lost a little of the documentation of the whole experience. I should have taken more, but next time!

Hotels With Kitchenettes

Share :