Strasbourg Getaway: Chic Citadines Eurometropole Apartment Awaits!
Strasbourg Getaway: Chic Citadines Eurometropole Apartment Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash the full fury (and occasional fuzzy warmth) of my Strasbourg Citadines experience. This isn't your sterile, corporate-speak review. Nope. This is me, raw and real (maybe a little too real, depending on how much coffee I've had). Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & The Accessibility Gauntlet (and the Elevator's Secret Life)
The "Chic Citadines"…sounds fancy, right? Well, the building is pretty sleek. Modernist lines, not a cobblestone in sight. Perfect for my Instagram feed. But let's talk accessibility. Because, folks, accessibility matters.
- The Good News: The elevator worked! (Phew, that's a win right there). There's an elevator, and the lobby has enough space to twirl around and make yourself feel like a little princess.
- The Not-So-Good-But-Still-Manageable News: The apartment itself, was pretty spacious, and with all the doors being wide enough, access wasn’t a major issue. But navigating some of the common areas… ah, that’s where the fun began. Some tight turns, some slightly uneven surfaces. It’s not perfectly barrier-free, but it's definitely better than some places I've been.
- Anecdote Time: I actually witnessed a guy get totally flustered trying to wheel his luggage down a hallway. I mean, the poor guy looked like he was trying to navigate a goddamn obstacle course! Laughed my socks off – in a sympathetic way, of course.
Room Bliss (and the Blackout Curtains That Saved My Sanity)
Okay, let’s talk about the apartment itself. My little haven. After the accessibility gauntlet, this was a welcome sight!
- The "Oh My God, I Love You" Features: The blackout curtains! Sweet, sweet, glorious blackout curtains. They are a Godsend for those who like to sleep in. They were my best friend. The bed… comfortable. The complimentary tea (yes, I'm a tea snob) was surprisingly decent. The fridge? Solid. The bathroom? Well lit, and that's always a plus.
- The "Meh, Could Be Better" Bits: Okay, the decor? A little…bland. Functional, sure, but lacking that "oomph." I'm talking IKEA levels of neutral. I did kind of wish for more personality, tbh. But, hey, I wasn't there to judge an interior design competition, I was there to enjoy myself!
- The "Surprise" Item: They have a freaking scale in the bathroom! I swear, that thing jumped out and gave me the evil eye every morning. I chose to ignore it. Blissful, calorie-ignoring choice.
Internet & Tech Talk (Because We're Millennials, After All)
- Wi-Fi? Yes, Everywhere! (Mostly) The Wi-Fi was pretty strong, which is a MUST. I was streaming more than a few movies, video-calling my friends, and just completely immersed with my phone, I needed that sweet, sweet bandwidth.
- LAN Lovers Rejoice (If You Exist): They actually had a LAN port, which is cool for all you old-school gamers or super-techy types. I stuck with the Wi-Fi. I'm a simple soul.
- The Technology Quirks: The TV… let's just say, sometimes it took a little coaxing to get it to work. Rebooting is a universal solution, right?
Dining & Drinking - From Room Service Shenanigans to Breakfast Buffets (and My Coffee Obsession)
Now, THIS is where things got interesting.
- The "24-Hour Room Service (Maybe)" Experience: I tried the room service. Twice. The first time, the food was on point. The second time? Let’s just say the order was a little… delayed. But hey, at least the guy who delivered it was extremely polite.
- Breakfast Buffet - I'm a Carb Monster: The breakfast buffet was a bit of a lifesaver. The coffee was adequate (I'm a coffee snob. I said this before, didn't I?) but the pastries were dangerously good. I mean, dangerously. I may or may not have eaten my weight in croissants.
- The Hotel Bar - Social Experiment or Disaster?: I didn't actually hit the bar, but it looked nice enough (from a distance). I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" kinda gal, but I saw other people there, looking happy enough!
Cleanliness & Safety - (A Little More Serious Now)
Okay, switching gears to the critical stuff.
- Cleanliness Check: The apartment was spotless. Seriously, the cleaning crew deserves medals. Everything smelled fresh, and I felt totally comfortable. They clearly take this seriously.
- Safety First, Always: I felt safe. 24-hour security, fire alarms, the whole shebang. They’ve got the basics covered, which really matters.
- COVID-19 Considerations: They definitely had all the COVID precautions in place. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, social distancing… it all contributed to a feeling of safety and well-being.
Stuff to Do & Ways to Relax - My Spa-tastic Dream (That Didn’t Happen, Sadly)
- The Fitness Center… (Aspirational Goals): The fitness center was there, but I, sadly, saw no use of the gym, which makes me feel a little bit upset, considering the idea of exercising.
- Spa Dreams Dashed: The spa services were a bit of a letdown. I'm a massage addict. I was really looking forward to a spa experience. But the offerings were limited, and booking appointments… well, I never got around to it. Definitely a missed chance.
- The Pool (With a View?): Didn't see a pool.
- Nearby Activities: Being right around Strasbourg, well, that was awesome! I was able to see plenty of sights.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Elevator's Encore
- Concierge: Yes, Helpful! The concierge was beyond helpful. They helped me with reservations, they gave great recommendations, were friendly, smiley and very professional!
- Laundry Service: Convenient, but…: The laundry service was good, but it cost a small fortune, which sucked.
- Convenience Store: Always a Plus: Definitely useful for those midnight snack attacks.
- Elevator Encore: Did I mention the elevator? Because the elevator's reliability was a huge plus.
For the Kids (Because, You Know, Some People Have Them)
I’m not a parent, but I did see kids around. Didn't really check out the "kid facilities" - seemed like a family-friendly atmosphere in general.
Getting Around - Car Park (Free!) and Taxi Tales
- Free Car Park? YES! Having free parking on-site was HUGE money saver.
- Taxi Service: The taxi service was easy to arrange.
The Verdict – Honestly, Would I Go Back?
Look, the Citadines Eurometropole wasn’t perfect. It had its quirks, its minor issues. But overall? I had a great stay. The staff was lovely, the location fantastic, the apartment comfy, and the blackout curtains… well, they were absolute perfection.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if I could finally get that damn massage. And if they promise me unlimited croissants. Now, time for another coffee… and maybe another croissant.
Escape to Paradise: Croatian Holiday Home with HUGE Garden & Cozy Fireplace!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-laid-out travel plan. This is… me, in Strasbourg, at the Citadines Eurometropole, about to make a glorious mess of things. Here we go:
The Strasbourg Sabotage: A Messy Itinerary (With Feelings!)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Alsatian Charm (Maybe)
- 14:00 – ARRIVAL (and Panic): Okay, first off, getting to Strasbourg was a nightmare. I swear, the train stations in Paris are designed to confuse even the most seasoned traveler. Finally, after a near-meltdown involving a very judgy baguette-wielding Parisian, I arrived. Found Citadines! Which, bless its little Euro-heart, actually exists. Now, unpacking. I'm always terrible at unpacking. It looks like a small bomb went off in my suitcase. I'm already questioning my life choices. Good start, right?
- 15:00 – CHECK-IN & INITIAL PANIC: The front desk guy at Citadines (French accent, obviously) was super nice. Bless him. My room is… fine. Cleanish. Small. Reminds me of a Lego box. The main feeling is overwhelming tiredness. I need a nap. But first, let's get the lay of the land. I take a peek at the little kitchen, it's okay for a studio, I have a little fridge and a microwave (that are essential for me to not starve).
- 16:00 – WALK ABOUT THE TOWN: Okay, so I ventured out. The streets are gorgeous. Like, postcard-level gorgeous. Half-timbered houses, flower boxes overflowing with colour… It's a little overwhelming, it's like I'm in a movie. The Petite France area is ridiculously charming, with cobblestone streets that make you question your footwear choices (note to self: invest in actual walking shoes). I walked up to the Strasbourg Cathedral, it is AMAZING! It is so big and I feel so small, I am literally gaping and walking around with my mouth open. What a landmark!
- 17:30 – THE BAEDEKER BUBBLE: I wander into a small, unassuming bakery, and there I see a pain au chocolat, fresh out of the oven. I buy it and eat it almost instantaneously. Bliss. I'm alone in a place where no one knows me and I'm really starting to feel the trip. The only thing I'm thinking of is, getting to know this place.
- 19:00 – DINNER DISASTER (and Redemption): Okay, I'd heard about Tarte Flambée (Alsatian pizza). I'm on a mission. I find a restaurant and order one, with all the classic fixings. The first bite? Salty. Like, the Dead Sea salty. I’m about to weep. But then, slowly, things improve. The onion and bacon flavour… it's growing on me. And the wine? Amazing. Saved.
- 21:00 – BED, BRAIN OVERLOAD: Back to the Lego box. Exhausted. My brain is buzzing with French phrases I barely understand. I want to paint! I want to photograph! I want to eat all the pastries! But mostly, I want sleep.
Day 2: Cathedral, Canals, Coffee (and Crying?)
- 09:00 – COFFEE & CATHEDRAL REVISITED: Yes, I need coffee. And a good one. I find a cafe (thank god for Google Maps!) and get a latte. The warmth of the coffee melts the coldness in my bones, thank god
- 10:00 – THE CATHEDRAL (Round Two): I go back to the cathedral. I spend an hour this time walking through the inside of the cathedral, I go to the top to soak in the view (the stairs are very steep). This time I take my time and I truly see the details. I'm getting so much more into my emotions in this trip, I feel like I could cry here.
- 12:00 – CANAL CRUISE CHAOS: I take a boat tour. The canals are truly lovely, but oh my god, the commentary! It's fast-paced, crammed with facts, and in three languages, I understand nothing, it is a total chaos. At one point, when I'm looking to a building that the tour guide has mentioned, the boat goes the other way. That's a big bummer.
- 13:00 - LUNCH ADVENTURE (and Fail): I walk and try to find a place for lunch, I fail to find a place to eat and I get lost. This has been part of my life, sometimes, I have an irrational need to get lost in a new place. I'm starting to think I won't find any food today.
- 14:00 – RELIEF (a shop is open): I finally found a shop that opens and I buy a sandwich. It's fine. I eat it on a bench, watching people. I think I'm getting more and more into my journey. I start to feel the beauty of traveling again.
- 15:00 – STROLL & STRESS: I walk and walk and get more familiar with the city. I love to be alone in the street and people-watch. I buy some little souvenirs. I start to stress about the future. I forget that I am living this moment. I try to remind myself.
- 17:00 – MORE PAINT: I buy painting equipment. I want to try to capture some aspects of this world. It may be a little presumptuous but I want to express my thoughts with this. It won't be good. But this is not what matters for me.
- 18:00 – DINNER (THE SECOND COMING!): I find a restaurant! I read good reviews and decide to take a leap of faith! I order a local dish with meat, vegetables, and gravy. It is divine. I try to understand and to love the language.
- 20:00 – BACK TO LEGO BOX: I'm so tired. Back to my Lego box. I sit and I read for two hours. I think about tomorrow and the next place.
Day 3: The W(IN)E-derful World of Alsace
- 09:00 – PASTRIES! Again. I can never resist the allure of a fresh, buttery croissant. It is the perfect way to start my day.
- 10:00 – OFF TO THE WANDERWEG: I get a train to Colmar. The scenery is gorgeous. I feel a sense of freedom in the travel. I'm not scared of being in a train, or of the journey itself. I feel like the whole day is like a dream.
- 11:00 – COLMAR (SO MUCH PRETTINESS): Okay, Colmar. It's like someone took all the chocolate box clichés of Alsace and turned them up to eleven. The timber-framed houses are even cuter, the canals are even smaller, and the flowers are even… more flowery. I wander, dumbstruck, photo-snapping every five seconds. This is what I came for.
- 12:00 – WINE TIME (FINALLY!): Time to visit a wine region. I get to taste alsatian wines. I'm by myself. It is a complete delight. It is such an individual and intimate moment. I feel so free. I buy a bottle.
- 14:00 – LUNCH IN A VINEYARD (PERFECTION): I found a vineyard restaurant. It's picture-perfect. The food is simple but delicious. I drink more wine. My mood is soaring. The sun is shining, the breeze is gentle, and I feel… peaceful.
- 16:00 – COLMAR CONTINUES (AND I KEEP TAKING PHOTOS!): I wander this place. I try to capture the memories. I will try to paint the scenes. It is really so beautiful.
- 18:00 – RETURN AND REFLLECTION: I'm back in Strasbourg. A little tipsy, very happy, and completely full of the joy of the day. I reflect on the day. I love wine.
- 19:00 – DINNER TIME (AGAIN!): I'm still hungry. I eat a little sandwich. I drink wine. I close my eyes, I breathe in. And I go to sleep.
Day 4: Goodbye (and a Little Tear)
- 08:00 – MORNING ROUTINE: My last morning in Strasbourg. I'm a bit sad to leave this little town. I gather all my things, and I try to eat all the things. I take a last croissant.
- 10:00 – DEPARTURE: I go to the train station. I say goodbye to the town. I take this thought and I store it in my memories.
- 11:00 – TRAIN: Goodbye Strasbourg!
Okay, maybe it's not the most polished itinerary. But it's mine. And it's a pretty accurate
OYO Brownsville TN I-40: Unbeatable Rates & Comfort Await!
Okay, so you're thinking Strasbourg, huh? Right choice! And this Citadines place...well, buckle up, because I've got some *opinions*. Let's just say my experience was...memorable. And by "memorable," I mostly mean I spent way too much time trying to figure out the light switch. Anyway, here's the, uh, 'official' FAQ, mixed with my own messy reality of the Strasbourg Getaway.
1. Where exactly *is* this "Chic Citadines Eurometropole Apartment"? Is it, like, actually *in* Strasbourg? Or am I going to be stranded in, like, a potato field an hour away?
Alright, relax. It's *in* Strasbourg. It's actually pretty darn central, near the Petite France, which is the picture-perfect, postcard-worthy part of the city. You'll be soaking up the canals and half-timbered houses in no time…or at least, *eventually*. Google Maps says it's "convenient," which is code for "slightly further than you initially hoped, especially with luggage." But seriously, it's a good location. Don't sweat the potato field thing. I checked. No potato fields nearby. Phew.
2. Okay, location's good. But what's the *apartment* like? Does it, like, have internet that works? Or am I going to be resorting to carrier pigeons like some medieval peasant?
The internet *does* work. Mostly. Let me tell you, the first 20 minutes of me trying to log in were a blur of passwords, frustration, and mild panic. I almost lost my mind. Then, magically, it connected. Praise the WiFi gods! The apartment itself...it's functional. Let's go with that. It's not *luxurious*, but it’s clean enough. The kitchen is technically a kitchen, though I'm pretty sure I only managed to heat up leftovers and make instant coffee. Don't expect to be whipping up a Michelin-star meal here. Unless you're REALLY good at instant noodles. And the bed? Comfy enough. I slept. That's the main thing, right?
3. What about the 'chic' part? Is this apartment, like, Instagrammable? Because, you know, *priorities*.
"Chic," eh? Well, it's not *not* Instagrammable. It has a certain...European charm. By European charm, I mean, it’s not aggressively modern. It has a slightly dated feel, but in a way that’s…kinda cozy? Think "French Grandmother who hasn’t updated her decor in 30 years but still manages to make the best croissants." It's not going to win any interior design awards, but the light is good. And honestly, who cares? You're in Strasbourg! Go outside and photograph the actual city, not the slightly creaky armchair. Although, that armchair...I sat in it for like, an hour once while trying to figure out a particularly baffling light switch.
4. Is breakfast included? Because I *need* my coffee. And croissants. Don't even get me started on croissants.
Breakfast. Ah, the holy grail. No. Breakfast is NOT included. Sad face. You're on your own. Which, honestly, is a good thing, because it forced me out into the city. And that, my friends, is where the true magic of Strasbourg begins. Find a boulangerie. Buy ALL the croissants. Thank me later. Just, you know, locate a coffee machine in your apartment first, or you'll suffer. Seriously, the lack of breakfast was a slight catastrophe until I discovered the local patisseries. Pure joy.
5. What's the deal with the staff? Are they friendly? Or am I going to get the Parisian "death stare" if I ask for extra towels?
The staff are...fine. Not overwhelmingly friendly, but not actively hostile. Think "efficient." They're there. They help. They speak English (mostly). I had a small issue with the air conditioning, which, let me tell you, was a saga. It took two phone calls and a visit from a repair person who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else, but eventually, it got sorted. So, yeah, slightly impersonal, but functional. No death stares, just a lot of, "I'll have to check on that." Which, in the end, is all you really need, right?
6. Is there parking? Because driving in cities terrifies me, and Strasbourg looks like it has a lot of those tiny, winding streets.
Parking? Ah, the bane of my existence. Yes, they have parking. BUT...it's not free. And (brace yourself) it's not particularly easy. The parking garage is a separate fee and is a maze. I spent about 20 minutes just trying to find my way *out* of the garage. It wasn't a good start to my day. My advice? Don’t drive if you can possibly avoid it. Strasbourg is incredibly walkable, and the public transport is fine. Seriously, save yourself the stress and the potential existential dread. Take the train, get a taxi or use the tram. Parking is a trap. A very expensive trap.
7. Okay, Okay, so maybe the apartment isn't perfect. But the *city* itself? Is it even worth it??
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Yes! Strasbourg is AMAZING. Forget the slightly creaky armchair, the functional kitchen and the mild parking-related trauma (OKAY, maybe don't forget the parking...but try to minimize the memory). The city is ridiculously beautiful. The Petite France is exactly as charming as the pictures promise. The cathedral is breathtaking. The food is delicious (especially the flammkuchen – trust me). The canals are picturesque. It’s a city that just…*works*. Even if the apartment had been a leaky, haunted shack (which it wasn’t, thankfully), I would have loved Strasbourg. It's just...special. Go. Book it. Now. And then, go get yourself a croissant. You've earned it.
8. Any other hidden gotchas or quirks I should be aware of? Lay it on me.
Okay, listen close. The light switches. The aforementioned light switches. They’re a puzzle. Seriously, I spent a considerable amount of time, probably an hour, trying to figure out how to turn on the bathroom light. There were like, five switches. Maybe more. A series of intricate levers, buttons, and possibly even aRoam And Rests
