Unbelievable Palace in Vannes, France: You Won't Believe Your Eyes!
Unbelievable Palace in Vannes: My Brain is Still Trying to Process It! (Seriously, You Won't Believe Your Eyes)
Okay, so, here I am, back from a trip to Vannes, Brittany, and my brain feels like it's been through a blender. Specifically, the Unbelievable Palace. Seriously, that's what I'm calling it – because, whew, the name is earned. Let's break this down, because, if I don't, I'll probably spontaneously combust from sheer sensory overload. Buckle up, folks, this is going to be a ride.
First Impressions (or, The Moment My Jaw Hit the Cobblestones)
Getting THERE was already a taste. The airport transfer? Smooth as silk. They had a proper, non-creepy driver waiting, and the journey itself was… scenic. Finally pulling up to the Palace, I swear, my jaw literally thwacked against the cobblestones. Pictures DO NOT do this place justice. It’s… well, it’s unbelievable. And I'm not just saying that.
Accessibility & Getting Around (Because I’m a Clumsy Idiot)
Okay, practicalities first. Wheelchair accessible? A solid yes! And not just token access, I mean thoughtful, properly done access. Elevator? Yup, a gorgeous one, mind you. The entire hotel just breathes accessibility. Free, strong Wi-Fi in every room? Absolutely. And throughout the public areas too. Thank the gods for that. Seriously, try navigating a French city without Google Maps – you’ll end up in a goat pen. Car park (on-site, free of charge)? Bless them, yes! Parked right at the front, no hunting for spots. Taxi service? Readily available, but honestly, after seeing the free parking…
Then there was me. I swear, I trip over air. And it's designed so well, I was comfortable, even when I nearly tripped over my own feet and nearly took out a potted plant. They also had an Airport transfer - I didn't even have to book one! It was there, waiting for me, a smiling face!
The Room: My Little Oasis of… Opulence?
Okay, let’s talk ROOMS. My room? Well… let’s just say I almost wept when I saw it. It wasn't just a room, it was a statement. Air conditioning that actually WORKED (a miracle, I tell you). Blackout curtains, which were crucial for battling jet lag. Extra long bed - Thank the heavens, I'm a tall gal! Seriously, it’s the little things, you know? Free bottled water, all the toiletries you could dream of, and a mini bar stocked with treats. They’d even provided a bathrobe and slippers! And (and this is a big and) a proper bathtub! I soaked for hours in my own personal spa. Oh, and the window… well, it opened!
"Available in all rooms" highlights: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Carpeting, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Pampered)
Okay, listen. Post-pandemic anxieties are REAL, y'all. But at the Unbelievable Palace? They totally GET IT. Hand sanitizer everywhere! Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They even offered me the option to decline room cleaning during my stay. Cashless payment service, Safe dining setup… the list goes on. The thing that really got me was the staff. Each and every person? Trained to the nines. They took hygiene seriously and made me feel totally at ease. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Nailed it. And those individually-wrapped food options? So thoughtful.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Prepare to Eat Like a King (or Queen)
Alright, let's get to the important stuff: the food. I'm not even kidding, I gained weight. But it was so worth it.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Holy mother of crêpes! Literally everything you could possibly want. Fresh pastries, exotic fruit, delicious smoothies… I could have lived in the buffet alone.
- Restaurants: Several options! There was a Vegetarian restaurant, an Asian restaurant, a Restaurant with International cuisine and a Restaurant with Western cuisine . I couldn't try everything.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant? The best. Bottle of water? Complimentary, always. The Poolside bar, a must! Sipping cocktails overlooking the pool was pure bliss. Room service [24-hour]? Yep. Perfect for those mid-afternoon snack attacks. They even had a Happy hour!
- Other delightful options: A la carte in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Coffee shop…
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Seriously, WHERE do I Start?!
Okay, this is where things get ridiculous. I felt like I was in a James Bond movie (minus, you know, the espionage… and the danger).
Swimming pool [outdoor & Pool with view]: The pictures don’t do it justice. It’s incredible.
Spa: OMG, the spa. The Sauna, Steamroom and Spa/sauna? Absolutely! I spent an hour in the Steamroom and thought I was going to melt, in the best way possible. I have never had such good skin after an hour in the Steamroom, and the foot bath was pure bliss. They also provided a Body scrub and Body wrap.
Gym/fitness & Fitness center: I did try the Gym/fitness. (Or maybe I didn't. I was too busy at the pool…).
Massage: A-MAZING!
Things to Do: Honestly, Vannes itself is gorgeous, but the hotel offers so many things to do. Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Indoor venue for special events… I barely scratched the surface of what was available. There was a Shrine!
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of EVERYTHING
The list goes on and on. Seriously. Concierge? Brilliant. Dry cleaning? Thank you, Unbelievable Palace, for saving my travel wardrobe! Currency exchange, Food delivery from local restaurants, a Convenience store (for those late-night chocolate cravings). The Daily housekeeping was exceptional. The Luggage storage was super helpful. Cash withdrawal, Laundry service, the list is endless!
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
Family/child friendly? Absolutely! I didn't have kids with me, but the Kids facilities looked fantastic. Babysitting service, if you need it, and they even had Kids meal options.
Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing’s Perfect):
Okay, let's get real for a second. No place is perfect. Here are a few TINY niggles:
- My French is terrible. Bless the staff who put up with my mangled attempts!
- The sheer amount of choice was almost overwhelming. It’s a good problem to have, but… decisions, decisions!
The Verdict: Did It Live Up to the Name?
YES. A thousand times, YES. Look, I’m a pretty jaded traveler. I’ve seen a lot of hotels. But the Unbelievable Palace? It’s special. It’s a place where you can truly relax, be pampered, and feel genuinely looked after. The staff are amazing, the amenities are top-notch, and the attention to detail is simply astounding.
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In conclusion: Book it. Just…
Escape to London's Bloomsbury: Mercure Hotel's Unforgettable Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive into the gloriously messy and wonderfully unpredictable world of a trip to Vannes, France, specifically anchored (or at least, attempting to be anchored) by the Quick Palace. This is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly deranged diary of a person trying to find decent coffee."
Quick Palace Vannes: A Vannes Vacation, or "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Budget Motel"
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Croissants, Thank God)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in my own bed, filled with a vague sense of panic. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember my phrasebook (Bonjour, baguette, where is the bathroom?)? The usual pre-trip neurosis.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The flight! Huzzah! Smooth enough. Except for the screaming baby. Honestly, I think I aged a decade during that flight. Arrival at Nantes Atlantique Airport. The air is different. Smells like… well, I can't quite put my finger on it. But definitely French.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Train to Vannes. Found my seat after wrestling a very grumpy Frenchman for it. (Verdict: he won.)
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM): Arrive at Vannes station. Breathe a sigh of relief. Finally! Sunshine! And… a gentle spattering of rain. Classic Brittany. I stumble out into the world, vaguely clutching a map I can't read, trying to interpret the Google directions on my phone.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 3:00 PM): The Quick Palace. Oh, Quick Palace, my beloved home for the next few days… The lobby smells faintly of disinfectant and regret. Checked in. The woman at the front desk was French/helpful but I may have set a record for the fastest time to enter the room.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The room. Well, it's… functional. Two twin beds pushed together (romance!), a tiny desk, a view of… the parking lot. But hey, it's clean! And it does have a television. (Important life lessons gleaned from French reality TV to come.)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Must. Find. Coffee. Seriously, I was starting to hallucinate caffeine fixes. Triumph! Found a tiny boulangerie with a grumpy, yet adorable, baker. Stole a pastry and a coffee, both sublime. Sat on a bench, happily people-watching, feeling more French.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Wandered around the old town of Vannes and its Medieval walls. Beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. The light! The cobblestones! The sheer, unadulterated charm! Got lost. Twice. Didn't care. Found a restaurant in the old town that seemed promising. (Dinner: Crepe with sea food and an expensive cider.) Back to Quick Palace.
Day 2: The Quest for the Perfect Crêpe (and a Lesson in French Humility)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the Quick Palace. (The "continental breakfast" is…well, let's say it's a generous interpretation of the word "continental.") Stared at the plastic-wrapped croissants. Made me miss coffee.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Determined to conquer the perfect crêpe. Consulted Michelin-starred chefs (in my mind), researched crêpe-making techniques (on Google), then headed out. Spotted a little crêperie in a hidden alley. Decided to go for it! Ordered a Crêpe with caramel. Divine.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Tried to be cultured in the French way by heading to the port/harbor. It was okay… a little much for a beginner.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Wander around more of the old town. Decided to get some souvenirs, but was too intimidated to approach any of the vendors. (The French can be so…stylish!)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back at the Quick Palace. Took a very necessary nap.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Decided to have dinner again. This time a pizza… at a pizza place. (The French do pizza as well, right?)
Day 3: Morbihan and the Search for the Perfect Photo (and Internal Peace)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Quick Palace breakfast. I might be starting to get used to it, or maybe my standards have plummeted. The important thing is, I had something to eat.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Day trip to the Gulf of Morbihan. Gorgeous. Absolutely staggering. The islands! The water! The light! Spent the morning on a boat trip, feeling a real sense of awe. (Took approximately a million photos. Still not sure if I captured the majesty.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch in a tiny restaurant overlooking the water. Fresh seafood. The price felt a little steep, but the view was worth it.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Exploring the quaint towns on the edges of the Gulf, looking for the "perfect" photo. (Still haven't found it, but the search is the fun part, right?)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More wandering. More photos. More feeling of contentment. Actually thinking about finding a way to stay in Vannes.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Last dinner. Tried "moules frites." (Mussels and fries.) Very good, though I still didn't quite master the art of eating mussels gracefully. Back to the Quick Palace. Packing. Goodbye, Quick Palace. Hello future!
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Adventure
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Final Breakfast. Farewell to the breakfast. (I swear, I'll miss the instant coffee!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Checked out. Vannes, you have been a treat. I will return.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Train.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): At the airport.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Flight home.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM -…): Now that I am home. I realize I need to go back to France as soon as possible.
Observations:
- The French are not all perpetually grumpy. Some are wonderfully kind and helpful (especially the baker).
- The Quick Palace is… functional.
- Crêpes are amazing.
- I need to improve my French. (Or at least, learn the word for "more coffee.")
- Vannes is a beautiful place. Go. Just go. And embrace the messiness of it all. You won't regret it.
- Travel: It's all about the memories, the food, the unexpected moments, and the slightly questionable budget hotel.
Okay, "Unbelievable Palace" – sounds a bit much, doesn't it? Is it REALLY that amazing?
Alright, let's be honest, the name DOES sound cheesy. I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism, kinda bracing myself for a glorified gift shop. But... yeah, it's pretty incredible. Not without its faults, mind you. And those faults? Well, they’re part of the charm, I reckon. It's like… think Disney World, but run by a whimsical, slightly eccentric aunt with a penchant for the macabre. So, BELIEVE THE HYPE. Seriously. You’ll spend the whole time going *“Oh, wow!”* and *”Wait, WHAT?!?”* Just... brace yourself for crowds. Oh, the crowds. More on that later.
What *exactly* is the Unbelievable Palace, anyway? Give me a clue, without spoiling it.
Ugh, okay, fine. No spoilers. Basically, imagine a ridiculously elaborate, multi-room… thing. It's packed with bizarre, beautiful, and often slightly unsettling… *stuff*. Think taxidermied animals dressed in tiny clothes (yep), intricate optical illusions that bend your brain (majorly), and rooms themed around… well, I’d rather not say. Discovery is part of the fun. Let's just say it's a collection of oddities curated with a serious dose of *je ne sais quoi* that's equal parts genius and madness. Honestly, it felt like stepping into the mind of a very, very creative person... Maybe a little cracked.
Is it suitable for kids? My little monsters are… well, they’re *little monsters*.
Mmm, tricky. "Suitable" is a strong word. My gut feeling? Probably. They’ll likely get a massive kick out of it. But… there are a few things to consider. Some rooms are definitely… darker than others. There might be things that scare very young children or trigger their imaginations for a week. There's also the potential for them to get *bored*. A lot of the cleverness is lost on the under-5 crowd. And given the crowds, keeping tabs on a little whirlwind could be… interesting. I saw one kid, maybe 6 or 7, absolutely *freaked out* in one room. Screaming. Full-on meltdown. His parents looked like they’d rather be anywhere else on earth. So, weigh it up. You know your kids. Maybe pre-warn them. "Expect strange, expect fascinating, but maybe don't touch the stuffed squirrels..."
What's the best time to go? I *hate* crowds. Seriously, they give me hives.
Ugh, I feel you. The crowds... They're a *thing*. The best time to go? A time machine. Seriously. Unless you can teleport, you're going to encounter people. We went on a Tuesday morning, thinking we were clever. We weren't. It was still packed. My advice? Buy your tickets *well* in advance and aim for the earliest possible entry slot. Cross your fingers and pray. And maybe bring a stress ball. Or a strong cocktail. (Don’t drink and enter, of course… that wouldn't end well). I heard rumors of a slow season… *maybe* in the depths of winter? But I’m not confident.
Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
This is something I really wish I'd researched beforehand. The short answer is… it might be challenging. The palace is in an older building, and there are a lot of stairs. Narrow corridors, too. I didn't notice an elevator. I'd recommend checking their website or calling them directly. Honestly, the narrowness of one staircase had me feeling claustrophobic, and I'm perfectly able-bodied! It *might* be a struggle, and that’s a real shame because everyone deserves to experience this weirdness. Definitely, *definitely* do your homework on this if accessibility is a concern.
What’s the atmosphere like? Is it all stuffy and silent?
Stuffy? Absolutely not. Silent? Ha! No. It's a buzz. A hum of excitement and murmurs of “Wow!” and nervous laughter. Okay, I take it back a little. Expect some hushed voices, especially as people are trying to absorb the detail. But even if it's quiet, there is a tangible sense of wonder and childlike glee. It’s like a shared secret, everyone marveling at the same oddities. It's a truly communal experience. I saw a group of teenagers, a family with toddlers, and several couples trying to make sense of a particularly peculiar exhibit and all exchanging knowing glances. I even caught myself laughing and talking to strangers about what we'd seen. It’s infectious. Just don’t be the loud person on their phone (I'm looking at YOU, middle-aged man in the Hawaiian shirt!).
Food and drinks – are there any options nearby? I get hangry.
Oh, yes! You are in Vannes, France. You. Are. Covered. Vannes is a charming, historic town, and there are cafes and restaurants galore. Seriously, so many. You'll be practically tripping over creperies. There are little patisseries with window displays that'll make your mouth water. But… let's be honest… the Unbelievable Palace is an experience. Your brain will be fried afterwards because it'll have absorbed *so much*. You're going to want something simple and comforting. Find a crêpe. Or a galette. That's what I did. A big, salty, buttery galette filled with ham and cheese was EXACTLY what I needed to come back to reality! So yes, food is not a problem. But plan ahead. Avoid the crowds and the hunger pangs. You’ll thank me later.
What was the *most* memorable thing about your visit? The absolute highlight?
Okay, this is tricky because *everything* is memorable. Seriously. But… I will never forget the room of mirrors. You know, the ones that supposedly distort your reflection. I thought, "Meh, seen it before." Boy, was I wrong. This room wasn't just about making you look tall or skinny; it played with the very idea of perception. It was genuinely disorienting. The reflections weren't just warped, they were… shifting. Morphing! I walked in there with complete confidence, started laughing at my reflectionStay By City
