Mercure Saint Omer: Stunning Hotel Near the Train Station!
Mercure Saint Omer: Oops, Did I Just Fall in Love with a Hotel? - A Review (Mostly) Unfiltered
Okay, folks, let's talk Mercure Saint Omer. "Stunning hotel near the train station," they say. And, honestly? They're not wrong. But "stunning" is so…flat, right? Like, describing a sunset. This place has got vibe. And I’m here to spill the tea (or maybe the strong coffee, because, hello, you’ll see…).
First Impressions: The Train, the Trepidation, and…Accessibility Ace!
Right off the bat! I'm a bit of an accessibility stickler (because, you know, life!) and I was thrilled. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Elevator? Check. Look, I'm not going to pretend to inspect every nook and cranny with a magnifying glass, but from what I saw, Mercure Saint Omer really gets it. The facilities for disabled guests are definitely a priority, and that's a HUGE win in my book. That alone deserves a standing ovation (or at least, a very enthusiastically typed review). Bonus points for the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property making me feel safer…because, you know, travel anxiety is a real thing.
Getting Around: More Than Just a Train Stop
Speaking of trains - Airport transfer? Not this time, but the train station proximity is a dream. Seriously. I rolled off the train, practically into reception. And you can't forget the car park [free of charge] – hello, budget travel win! They also have car park [on-site] which is a plus, and bicycle parking, though my biking skills are…well, let's just say I'd need a whole lot of valet parking. I like that they provide Taxi service too.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (with a Few Minor Quibbles, Because I’m Human)
My room? It was good. Really good. Had an air conditioning? Indeed, in this hot weather! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Oh yes! Thank goodness, because I NEED my internet. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN? Got it covered. I dove right into that wi-fi [free] situation, and my emails! (I have a problem). The blackout curtains were a godsend, making that extra long bed feel incredibly tempting. Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker made early mornings bearable. Also, I really like the mini bar! However, I must admit, it felt a little sterile. A bit more…personality, perhaps? A few quirky decorations would have been nice. But the soundproofing was fantastic, blocking out the street noise completely so I had a goodnight's sleep.
Regarding the little things, here are some of my opinions:
- My room had air conditioning, which made me feel relieved, especially in the summer heat.
- The presence of an alarm clock was helpful.
- The presence of a hair dryer was useful.
- The presence of a mirror was helpful.
- The presence of a safe/security feature was helpful for securing my valuables.
- The presence of a scale was helpful.
- The presence of a telephone was helpful.
- The presence of towels was helpful.
- I was happy to see the slippers.
- Daily housekeeping was a great thing.
- The availability of a desk gave me space to work.
- I was able to open a window that offers a beautiful view.
- The presence of an ironing facility was helpful.
- On-demand movies were a nice addition, but I didn't have time for watching.
- I loved the bathrobes
- The room had a shower.
Food, Glorious Food (and a bit of a Food Fight, Maybe?)
Okay, the food. THIS is where things get…interesting. Let's start with the good: Breakfast [buffet]? Yes! Asian breakfast? Also yes! (Although, full disclosure, I’m a breakfast fiend, so I’m easily pleased). The Western breakfast was also available. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was great bottle of water was a nice touch. Then there were restaurants in general. I had a nice view through the poolside bar. It's hard to choose, but my favorite was the Buffet in restaurant! The Alternative meal arrangement felt like a thoughtful touch. I also saw the Soup in restaurant and Happy hour, but I didn't have time to enjoy.
Now, for the slightly… less perfect. While the A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant were great, I was expecting more… oomph. I'm being honest here, people. Don't get me wrong, the food was perfectly edible, but sometimes it felt a little…safe. I was hoping for a bit of culinary adventure. And maybe, just maybe, a slightly better salad in restaurant. (My inner food critic just woke up, sorry!) The desserts in the restaurant were great!
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and the Pool with a View (Almost Heaven!)
OMG, the Spa/sauna, Spa! Did I mention I needed this? After a long day of travel? The sauna was a proper sauna, not some glorified hot closet. They also have a Steamroom! And the piece de resistance? The Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view! Seriously, picture it: a perfect day, a gorgeous view, and a refreshing dip in that pool. Pure bliss. They have all the options, even a Foot bath. I was so relaxed, I almost forgot to write this review! The Fitness center, Gym/fitness felt well equipped. This is exactly what I needed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Let’s Face It, We’re All a Bit Obsessed Now
Okay, let’s get real. In these times, cleanliness is paramount. And Mercure Saint Omer? They've got it covered. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely. They even have hand sanitizer everywhere! I felt completely safe, and that’s a huge relief. The Hygiene certification, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Safe dining setup, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays.
The Extras: Services and Conveniences, and a Few Quirks
The concierge, Daily housekeeping were both incredibly helpful. I appreciated the Invoice provided, and the Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Air conditioning in public area, Elevator were great. The Front desk [24-hour], the Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store were all very handy!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Factor?
They are Family/child friendly, but I don't have kids, so I can't give it a personal review.
The Verdict:
Mercure Saint Omer? It’s got a lot going for it. The accessibility, the prime location near the train station, the spa, the pool with a view (did I mention the pool?), and the overall commitment to safety make it a strong contender. While the food could be a bit more adventurous, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. It's a solid choice for a comfortable and convenient stay. And, let's be honest, who can resist a hotel with a fantastic pool after a long train ride?
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (with a slightly questionable salad).
Mercure Saint Omer: Book Now! (Because You Deserve it!)
Tired of cramped hotel rooms and travel hassles? Need a break? Ready to experience a hotel that gets you?
Here's the deal: Mercure Saint Omer is waiting!
- Location, Location, Location: Right near the train station – literally a stone's throw. No more dragging your bags!
- Chill Out Zone: Amazing spa, sauna, and a POOL WITH A VIEW (need I say more?).
- Safe Travels: Feel secure with top-notch cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Comfort is King (and Queen!): Spacious, comfy rooms with free Wi-Fi! You deserve the comfort.
Book your stay at Mercure Saint Omer TODAY! Don't miss out on the chance to relax, rejuvenate, and experience the best of Saint Omer. Treat yourself – you've earned it!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Dream 4-BR Pool Villa Awaits (V187)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. My trip to Saint-Omer, France, staying at the Mercure Centre Gare? Hoo boy, it was…an experience. Let's dive in, shall we?
Pre-Trip Meltdown:
- Three weeks prior: "Right, France! Romantic, croissants, charming… I've got this!" Cue frantic online French lessons (tried Duolingo, failed miserably - apparently, "le chat mange le fromage" is a core requirement I never mastered). Panic shopping for "chic but practical" travel outfits. Found mostly mismatched socks and a too-tight beret. Nailed it.
The Voyage of the Slightly-Less-Than-Optimally-Planned:
- Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Coffee (and Sanity)
- Morning (ish): The train ride from…well, let's just say it was a long journey, involving multiple connections, a near-miss with a rogue suitcase, and the distinct smell of lukewarm coffee. Arrived in Saint-Omer somewhat resembling a drowned rat. My perfectly coiffed travel hair? Gone. Replaced by a windswept, frizzy bird's nest.
- Afternoon: Checked into the Mercure. Honestly, the staff were lovely. Absolutely lovely. The room? Standard. Clean, functional, with a view of…the train tracks. Charming. I’m not sure where I was expecting to look at, but the train tracks were the thing. Now to find coffee. This quickly became THE MISSION. Google Maps misled me. Twice. Ended up wandering around, muttering under my breath and looking increasingly lost. Found a little café, though, finally, that made the BEST damn cappuccino I'd ever had. My sanity slowly began to reassemble.
- Evening: Wandered aimlessly. Which, in retrospect, is actually my favorite way to explore. Found a little bistro and devoured a plate of moules frites. The mussels were divine. The waiter? A grumpy, chain-smoking guy who, somehow, still radiated charm. I wanted to hate him but I couldn't.
- Day 2: History, Humidity, and a Holy Headache
- Morning: First thing’s first, I decided to visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saint-Omer. Magnificent. Absolutely breathtaking. So much history, so many intricate details. I swear, I think I got a crick in my neck just from looking up. Then a little bit of a headache developed, a sneaky, building headache that grew throughout the morning like a jealous weed.
- Afternoon: The Marsh of Saint-Omer. Took a boat trip through the "marais." It was…interesting. Very. Lots of reeds, silent canals… and the humidity? Oh, the humidity. Felt like I was being slowly steamed. The guide droned on in French (which I mostly didn't understand), and I got bitten by approximately seventeen million mosquitoes. The headache? Now a full-blown migraine.
- Evening: Back at the Mercure, collapsed on the bed. The train tracks outside my window provided a soothing, rhythmic "whoosh" of passing trains. Ordered room service and promptly spilled half of my dinner on the pristine white bedsheets. Decided to watch some mindless telly and passed out by 9 pm.
- Day 3: Chocolate, Chutzpah, and a (Slightly) Better Attitude
- Morning: Decided to embrace the chaos. Walked towards the Chocolate shop I saw the day before. They also had macarons. I bought a lot of macarons, and even more chocolate. This led to a feeling of absolute euphoria, an hour or two of absolute bliss where I thought I could conquer the world.
- Afternoon: Found a little local art gallery. Fell head over heels for a ridiculously quirky painting of a cat playing a tiny accordion. I seriously considered trying to smuggle it out. The owner? An elderly woman with the most fabulous grey bob and a mischievous glint in her eye. We chatted, in a mixture of broken French and frantic pointing, and I bought a postcard of the cat painting.
- Evening: The best. Dinner. This one, a restaurant with a Michelin Star, felt like a dream. Course after course of deliciousness. The food was creative, the wine amazing, and the service impeccable. The waiter? The original grumpy waiter from the first night. He smiled. I smiled.
- Day 4: Departure and Epiphanies
- Morning: The inevitable packing. Tried to jam everything back into my suitcase. Failed. Sat on it, swearing under my breath until it finally closed. A final cappuccino at the café. Said goodbye to the city.
- Afternoon: The journey home. The train was late. The coffee was, once again, lukewarm. I realised, I was sad to leave. Saint-Omer was a strange, imperfect, fascinating place. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The Verdict:
The Mercure was a solid base. Saint-Omer? A beautiful, if slightly quirky, city. My French? Still atrocious. My packing skills? Still questionable. My overall experience? Perfect, in its utter imperfection. I wouldn't call it the smoothest trip I ever had. But sometimes, those are the ones you treasure the most. And I’m pretty sure I left with a newfound appreciation for the sheer absurdity of life. Now, where's that espresso machine…?
Dongguan Xiping Metro Station: Your Luxurious City Comfort Inn Awaits!
Mercure Saint Omer: Frequently Asked, and Sometimes, Sadly UNasked, Questions (Ugh, Train Delays!)
Okay, Okay, FINE. Is it *actually* near the train station? Because Google Maps has LIED to me before... (Looking at you, that 'charming' B&B in Brussels...)
YES! *Finally*, something reliable! The Mercure Saint Omer? Seriously, it's practically *on* the train station. Like, you stumble out, squint at the sunlight after being cooped up on the train for longer than you thought humanly possible, and BAM! There it is. A beacon of air conditioning and potentially, actual non-train food. Honestly, it's the main reason I went. After that train journey from… well, let's just say ‘the land of delayed trains’, the proximity was a godsend. I practically *collapsed* into the lobby the last time because, you know, French rail strikes. Again.
Is the hotel… nice? Or is it one of those ‘close-to-the-station’ hotels that smells faintly of sadness and stale croissants? (I have trust issues.)
Alright, buckle up. It's… decent. Not *glorious*, mind you. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. But it's definitely not a smelly pit of despair. The lobby is fairly modern, maybe a little… *corporate* feeling, but clean. The rooms are functional. My first room in particular had a bit of an odd smell. I think it was just the cleaner they used, strong stuff! The beds are comfortable, which is the main thing after a long journey, and the bathrooms are, thankfully, not trying to kill you with ancient plumbing. So, yeah.. nice enough.
Let's talk food. Is the breakfast worth the extra euros? Because, let's be honest, hotel breakfasts can be… disappointing.
Okay, food! Breakfast is a tricky one. It's a buffet, which is generally a plus for me - I *love* a buffet. They had the usual suspects: pastries (some surprisingly good, others… less so), scrambled eggs (standard hotel fare), bacon (yay!), some fruit (mostly the tinned kind). The coffee? Well, let's just say I've had better, but it’ll do the trick after a train ride from hell. The real test? The croissants. They *were* pretty good. Flaky, buttery… and exactly what I needed to forget the train journey. So, worth it? Maybe. If you're a buffet person. Otherwise, maybe grab a pain au chocolat at the station. Probably cheaper. Possibly better. My advice? Scope it out first, then pay. That's what I do.
Any recommendations for things to do in Saint Omer? Or am I just trapped in a vaguely pleasant purgatory near a train station?
Okay, Saint-Omer. It's charming, I suppose. Look, I'm no expert, I only stayed there for a day after a train disaster... I managed to wander around the canal a bit (peaceful!), and the cathedral's pretty impressive. The main thing I remember is being *exhausted* so I didn't do much. The hotel staff were actually fairly helpful! They directed me to what I was looking for which was a nice cafe and a place to sit for a very long time. So, yeah, it's not Paris, but it's not a complete wasteland. Do some research beforehand, unlike me!
Wi-Fi: Good? Bad? Non-existent and causing existential dread?
The Wi-Fi was… okay. Functional, if you weren't trying to download a whole movie. Streaming? Forget about it. Checking emails and scrolling through social media? Manageable. In my experience. I did have one moment where I had to connect to my phone's hotspot which was a nightmare. That seems to happen to me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I stay at a hotel. So, pack a book. Or better yet, download some stuff before you go. Because I always forget. Every time.
Parking? Because driving in Europe is a contact sport, and I need to know if I'm going to lose my car AND my sanity.
I didn't drive. I wouldn't trust myself to drive in France, especially after being on a train! I did see a car park, though, and I *think* it was affiliated with the hotel. It's probably best to check the website, because I’m really not an expert on driving and I'm probably not the best person to be asking. Sorry!
Anything else I should know? Hidden gems? Secret disappointments? Any horror stories? (Spill the tea!)
Hidden gems? Hmm... (taps chin thoughtfully). The staff were friendly, which is always a bonus, especially when you're exhausted and reeking of train fumes. The one thing I regret is I didn't try the bar. Maybe I should have, but all I wanted was food. I'm not sure what I expected. Disappointments? The lack of local news outlets. Horror stories? Nothing *major*. Just the usual hotel woes, like doors that slam when people leave their rooms at 6 in the morning. And the smell in that one room. And the iffy Wi-Fi. But honestly? After battling French trains and the French rail system, everything else seemed pretty minor. Just go. Seriously, it's FINE. And it's right by the station. That's all that really mattered to me in the end.
