Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer: Your Dream Vosges Escape Awaits!
Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer: The Vosges, Your Dreams, and Maybe a Few Unexpected Moments (and a LOT of Wi-Fi)
Okay, let's be real. Finding the PERFECT hotel is tougher than scaling the Grand Ballon (which, by the way, is RIGHT THERE from Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer). But this place… well, it almost nails it. Think of it as a solid, reliable friend who's got your back in the Vosges mountains. It's not going to wow you with marble fountains (though, the pool does have a view!), but it delivers on what matters: a comfortable basecamp for adventure, with a surprisingly decent coffee machine.
Let's break it down, shall we? And I'll be honest. There's good and there's… well, you'll see.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag but Trying
Wheelchair Accessible: The website says it's accessible. I didn't personally test it with a wheelchair, but I spotted an elevator, and the layout seemed pretty straightforward. I'd suggest a direct call to confirm specific room needs, especially if mobility is a major factor. Don't just take my word (or the website’s) for it!
Everything Else: "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed which is promising, but I'd lean heavily on calling them directly.
The Internet Saga (Because, Let's Face It, We All Need It)
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Internet! Internet [LAN]! Internet Services! Wi-Fi in Public Areas! Okay, I got excited there for a minute. This is GOOD. And honestly, the Wi-Fi was mostly reliable. I mean, I'm a travel writer, and the internet is basically my lifeline. I needed to upload some photos of the snowy peaks near Gerardmer, and it held up pretty well. There were a couple of dead spots in my room, which was a bummer, but hey, nowhere's perfect, right? At least the public areas were consistently strong. I could work in the lobby, nursing a coffee, and people-watch. It was a win overall!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But… Relax, It's Mostly Covered
Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Hand sanitizer everywhere? Yep, they're on it. This is the post-pandemic world, and I could tell. Everything felt clean and well-cared for. I was a bit paranoid about the surfaces at first, but after a few days, I actually relaxed.
Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Ok, yes, let's be honest, I didn't opt-out, but the option is brilliant. So, if you're one of those people who's a little wary (like me) or has serious environmental concerns, you've got a choice.
The Kitchen & Dining: More Than Just a Croissant Bonanza!
Breakfast [Buffet]! Breakfast in room (bonus)! Breakfast takeaway service! The breakfast buffet was…adequate. Think standard continental fare: croissants (decent!), bread, cheese, cereal, some fruit. Nothing mind-blowing, but it filled the void, especially when fuelled by caffeine from the coffee maker. I loved my room-delivered breakfast so I could be lazy for at least 30 mins.
Restaurants! A la carte in restaurant! Western Cuisine in restaurant? The fact that there are restaurants within walking distance is a HUGE deal. This isn’t some isolated lodge. I ate at the restaurant on site one night. It was decent!
The Food Delivery Angle: They offer it! And, honestly, after a long hike, ordering delivery and collapsing on the bed (see below) is the peak of relaxation, isn't it?
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (This is Where it Gets REALLY Interesting)
Fitness Center? Gym/Fitness? Sauna? Pool with view? Spa/Sauna? Steamroom? Swimming pool? Swimming pool [outdoor]? Massage? Alright, folks, this is where I got excited. This place offers a LOT of reasons to not leave the property. The outdoor pool… chefs kiss. Yes, the view really is as spectacular as the photos suggest. Floating in warm water, gazing at the forest-covered slopes… Pure bliss. I did a whole hour with just myself! I felt like some sort of mountain goddess. The gym… well, I’m not a gym person. I think I maybe walked in once? It looked… fine, whatever. The sauna was okay, a little small for a place this size. But the pool? That's the star.
Body Wrap? Body scrub? I didn't partake, but hey, options!
Important note: I didn't see the spa. I don't even know if it was fully open. My advice? Call ahead and specifically check on the spa situation if you're a spa person.
My "Hero" Experience: The Pool and the View
Okay, this is where the imperfections come in. I'm not going to lie – the first day, the pool was… crowded. Kids splashing, families having fun. It was a little… noisy. I actually considered a dramatic exit.
But the next day? Golden. The sun was shining, the sky was a brilliant blue, and there were only a handful of people. I claimed a lounger, ordered a coffee (they have a poolside bar!), and just… breathed. That view! The mountains, the lake in the distance… it was like a postcard. I spent a solid two hours just being. No work, no stress, just the gentle lapping of the water and the feeling of pure, unadulterated relaxation. That, my friends, is what makes Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer special. It’s not perfect, but it delivers moments like that.
Rooms: Comfy, Clean, and Functional
Air Conditioning, Non-smoking rooms, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, In-room safe box, Free Wi-Fi: The rooms are… functional. Clean, comfortable, and well-designed. Nothing fancy, but perfectly adequate. The bed was good (essential for happy me!), the shower worked, and the blackout curtains are a godsend after a long day of hiking (or pool lounging!). And the coffee/tea setup? A lifesaver!
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Almost Everything
Daily housekeeping, Concierge, Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Laundry service, 24-hour front desk, Safety deposit boxes: They've got the basics covered, and that's a big plus. The staff was friendly and helpful, always willing to offer advice on where to go in Gerardmer, and I never felt like I was inconveniencing them.
For the Kids (And the Kids at Heart)
Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Listen, I don't have kids, but I saw plenty of families enjoying themselves. It’s definitely a family-friendly place, which is great if that's what you're looking for. The kids’ facilities looked adequate, and there’s plenty of space for the little ones to run around.
Getting Around (and Getting Out of Here):
Car park [free of charge]! Car park [on-site]! Airport transfer! Taxi service! Having free parking is always a plus, especially in a mountain town. Car is recommended for getting around the surrounding areas, but the town itself is relatively walkable.
The "Could Be Improved" List (Just a Few of Them)
- The Breakfast Buffet: Could use a bit of a gourmet makeover. More variety, please!
- The Spa: Needs a dedicated investigation. I’d need to go back and check this out.
- The Noise Potential: If you're a light sleeper like me, ask for a room away from the pool or any potential event spaces.
- The Imperfections, They Exist: Nothing is perfect and there were a few quirks like the slow elevator or the occasional slow internet.
Overall Verdict: Should You Book?
YES! But with a few caveats. Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer is a solid choice for a relaxing Vosges getaway. It's especially suited for families, adventurers, and anyone looking for a comfortable basecamp with stunning views. Just don't expect five-star luxury – expect reliable comfort, excellent amenities, and the potential for some truly unforgettable moments (especially when the pool is quiet).
Here's My Offer, Guaranteed to Make You Say "OUI!"
Book your stay at Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer NOW and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local Crémant d'Alsace upon arrival (because you deserve it!).
- A voucher for a free coffee at the poolside bar (because the view is even better with caffeine).
- A guaranteed room with a mountain view (subject to availability, but we'll do our best!).
- Free access to the sauna (limited availability) to unwind after a day of
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're going to France. Not some perfectly curated, Insta-filtered trip. This is reality La Bresse-Gérardmer, coming right up, with all the chaos and questionable decisions it entails. I’m currently imagining me, jet-lagged and fueled by questionable airport coffee, desperately trying to remember which side of the road they drive on. Here we go…
La Bresse & Gérardmer: An Ibis Adventure (Pray for Me)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Cheese Conspiracy (Or, Why Did I Pack So Many Socks?)
- Morning (Or, What Time IS It?): Land at… some airport. Paris maybe? Honestly, details are fuzzy. Pretty sure I forgot to pack my noise-canceling headphones, which I'm already regretting. First, the obligatory airport chaos. Lines, baggage carousel anxiety, and the overwhelming urge to just… sit. Anywhere. Preferably with a croissant. Find the car rental. Pray it's not a death trap (again).
- Mid-day (The Driving Trials): Okay, so driving in France… it's an experience. Especially after a red-eye flight. The sat-nav lady sounds suspiciously judgmental, like she knows I'm about to miss the turn. We arrive at Ibis La Bresse! (Fingers crossed; the photos looked nice online). Okay, the room is… functional. Clean-ish. My first thought is, “Wow, look how much time I spent organizing the socks in my suitcase, for what?” unpacking is a nightmare already. I’ll keep this in mind.
- Afternoon (Cheese & Regret): After much deliberation (and checking our savings account), we decide to hit up a local fromagerie. The smell is intoxicating! I load up on cheese, convinced I need everything. I bought a whole wheel of Munster. Munster! I envisioned myself, a sophisticated cheese connoisseur. Back at the hotel, I take a bite. It’s… pungent. Let's just say, the room will never be the same. On a more positive note, the wine, luckily, is fantastic… and goes surprisingly well with the stench.
- Evening (The Dinner Disaster): Finding a restaurant is a mission. Everything is either booked, closed, or looks suspiciously like a place where my French will be utterly demolished. Finally, we stumble upon a place. It's charming! Until the waiter, bless his heart, misunderstands my attempt at ordering and brings me a plate of… something I can't identify. It involves snails. I tried. I really did. (Mostly I stared, slightly horrified.)
Day 2: Mountain Highs and Valley Lows (And More Cheese… God Help Me)
- Morning (The Awakening): Okay, so the lingering cheese-related odor is still present in the room. Airing out the windows, a valiant effort, fails. But, the view from the window is incredible: snow-capped mountains! I feel obligated to be “active.” It’s time to hike, even if my body is currently rebelling after yesterday's food coma and questionable sleep.
- Mid-day (The Hairy Hiking Hell): Well, the hike wasn't exactly a scenic stroll. It involved a lot of scrambling, sweating, and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. I slipped and almost fell. Twice. But the views… they were worth it! Just… barely. Met a local who spoke zero English. We managed to have a conversation based on shared hand gestures and a lot of laughter. Pro tip: Learn the word for "ouch" in French. You'll need it.
- Afternoon (Gérardmer Lake Gawking): We drive to Lake Gérardmer! It's beautiful. I spend an hour just staring. The water, the boats, the general sense of tranquility… it's almost enough to make me forget the cheese. Almost. Decided to take a boat out. Was convinced I'd look like a model in a scene and was actually just extremely clumsy.
- Evening (The Fondue Frenzy): Tonight, it's fondue! I had high expectations. It was… good. REALLY good. The cheese-infused-ness makes me slightly worried. But it's hot, melty, and exactly what I need after my mountain adventure (and the trauma of those snails). We end up talking to the waiter and get to laugh a lot. Finally feeling at ease.
Day 3: The Return & The Lingering Smell (Pray for My Stomach)
- Morning (Packing Panic): Yep, packing. Again. The most stressful game show on earth. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Did I leave anything behind? (Spoiler alert: yes, you did. Always.) Also, the cheese. Does it all need to go back in the bag? Also, the shirt reeking of Munster.
- Mid-day (Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt): Found some amazing local crafts. And, of course, more cheese. Can’t leave without it! Seriously starting to think I'll need a whole new suitcase for this…
- Afternoon (The Farewell): The final drive! We hit some traffic. Of course. The sat-nav lady's voice is starting to grate. But mostly, I'm already starting to miss this place. The mountains, the food (even the questionable bits), and the total, glorious mess of it all.
- Evening (Departure, or, the End of This Saga): Back at the airport. The lines are still long. The coffee is still bad. But, I’m a little bit changed. Okay, a lot changed. And now, I'm pretty sure my luggage may be a biohazard, but at least I lived.
- Overall Assessment: France, you glorious, smelly, cheese-filled beast. I’ll be back. Just… maybe not with a wheel of Munster this time. Maybe.
So yeah, that’s the plan. Might not be perfect, definitely won’t be polished, but it'll be real. Wish us luck. And pray for my stomach. And maybe my nose. Okay, bye. Don't tell my doctor about this trip.
Enshi's BEST Hotel? Jingang Baijia Plaza Comfort Inn Review!
Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer: Your Dream Vosges Escape Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQ
Okay, so... Ibis La Bresse Gerardmer. What's the *vibe*? Is it the kind of place where you accidentally wear your pajamas to breakfast?
Alright, let's be real. It's...an Ibis. You know the drill. Functional. Clean-ish. Think more "efficient" than "romantic chalet escape." Pajamas to breakfast? Probably not a *total* faux pas, but you might raise an eyebrow or two. I saw a guy in Crocs once, though, so the bar is pretty low. It's more like, picture a comfortable airport hotel that happens to be surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. That's the vibe. Think: "Where's the vending machine?" more than "Where's the artisanal cheese platter?"
The location! Is it actually close to the slopes? Because I've been burned by "ski-in, ski-out" hotels before...
Okay, location is *decent*. Not ski-in, ski-out, no. That's a lie. It's maybe a 5-10 minute drive to the lifts. It *can* be longer depending on traffic, which, let's be honest, in a ski resort town on a Saturday morning is a blood-fest. We were stuck in gridlock once, inching along while a guy in a ski suit was *crying*! Crying! He was probably late for his lessons. So, factor in the drive. Factor in the parking. Factor in finding a space in the car park that *doesn't* require you to perform a three-point turn in a blizzard. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. And pack your patience. A LOT of patience.
What about the rooms? Are they...tiny? Because I'm claustrophobic and I need my personal space (and a place to stash my enormous ski boots).
Tiny? Well, "cozy" is probably the preferred descriptor. It's an Ibis, remember? I stayed in one once, and the gap between the bed and the desk *might* have been wide enough for me to turn around, but I can't be sure. The bathroom? Functional. Clean. You can probably do a full body wash without bashing your elbows. Probably. Don't expect a spa tub. And the ski boots? You'll probably have to put them by the door. Unless you're one of those people who are *super* organized and can dismantle your life-sized ski boots into Tetris shapes. Not me. I am not that person. I'm pretty sure I tripped over them at least three times a day.
Breakfast! Is it that sad continental breakfast situation, or is there hope for a decent morning meal?
Breakfast... is what you expect. Think: croissants and coffee that *mostly* resemble croissants and coffee. It's the fuel you need to hit the slopes, not a Michelin-star experience. Fruit? Maybe. Yogurt? Possibly. Eggs? Scrambled, probably from powder. I'm not going to lie, one morning I tried to add some jam to my croissant and...it was *rock* hard. Like, you could cave in a small child's skull hard. (Note: I did not try to cave in a small child's skull.) It's fine. It's breakfast. Just don't expect a gourmet extravaganza.
Okay, let's focus on THIS room. The cleanliness? Because seeing a hair in the shower is a major deal-breaker for me.
CLEANLINESS... is variable. I stayed in one room that was spotless. Like, I was convinced they'd had it professionally cleaned that morning. The next time I went, I saw a *moth* dancing in the bathroom light. A *moth*! And some questionable stains on the carpet that I'd rather not elaborate on. It's an Ibis. Expect a certain level of cleanliness, but don't go in expecting a surgical operating theatre. Take your own antibacterial wipes, just in case. And maybe a black light, if you're feeling paranoid. Just kidding! (Mostly.)
Is it good for families? I've got a couple of small kids, and need to know if it's kid-friendly.
Hmm... it depends. There's not a dedicated kid's play area, not that I remember anyway. It's not all *that* noisy, but it's an Ibis, so walls aren't exactly soundproof. Kids are kids. They *will* make some noise. The rooms, as we've established, are a bit small--so you might want to consider getting a family room, if you can, otherwise, you're going to be tripping over their toys, and your patience will be tested. The breakfast, again, is fine if the kids are not picky eaters. They'll have croissants and juice. It's functional for a short stay, but if you're planning an extended family holiday? Perhaps consider another option. Unless your kids are exceptionally well-behaved, and you're VERY good at packing light. I’ve seen families, though, and the kids seemed to find it ok. Mostly.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful? Friendly? Because I’m a bit of a needy traveler…
Staff...they're fine, I think. They're generally polite. English skills are usually okay, but sometimes a bit basic, but adequate. They're likely busy, dealing with a constant stream of guests, so don't expect overly chatty service (unless you're fluent in French, then maybe!). I remember one time I locked myself out of my room at 2 AM. It was a whole ordeal. The poor guy at the front desk was so tired! But he unlocked the door, and I didn't have to sleep in the lobby. So, yes, helpful enough. Not overly friendly, maybe, but remember, they're dealing with a lot of people. And probably some serious jet lag. Give them a break. And maybe bring a travel-sized chocolate bar to show gratitude, because, let's face it, you'll need to.
The parking! Is it a nightmare? I don't want to spend half my holiday circling looking for a space.
Parking...oh, parking. It's *fine*. Usually. There's a car park, which costs extra. It's not *huge*. Can get busy, especially at peak times. I remember one time, I got back late from a day on the slopes, totally exhausted, and it was like, *packed*. I had to park *sideways* across two spaces, and I was pretty sure I'd get a note. I was too shattered to care, though. No note! Winner. But, to be fairStay Classy Hotels
