Nantes Getaway: Luxurious Zenitude Hotel & Residences Await!
Nantes Getaway: Luxurious Zenitude Hotel & Residences Await! - A Review (Or, My Weekend of "Zen" That Almost Went Sideways)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. You want the real deal on the Zenitude Hotel & Residences in Nantes? Forget the carefully curated brochure; I'm here to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe even a little bit of the overpriced, but surprisingly delicious, cocktail from the poolside bar. This ain't your grandma's hotel review. This is raw, unfiltered, and fueled by a recent, slightly chaotic weekend escape.
First Impressions (aka, The Arrival - And My Immediate Panic About French Driving):
So, Nantes. Beautiful city, right? Historic, charming, all that jazz. Getting to the hotel was, let's just say, an adventure. The lack of English signage was… a challenge. My GPS lady (who sounds suspiciously like my ex, always giving me the silent treatment at crucial moments) led me on a merry chase through narrow, cobblestone streets that seemed designed to swallow small cars whole. Finding Car park [on-site] (a huge bonus, by the way!), was a victory worthy of a ticker tape parade. Valet parking was thankfully available, because let's be honest, the parking garage was a bit of a maze.
Accessibility - Did They Get It Right?
I'm happy to see Facilities for disabled guests and Wheelchair accessible listed, but I didn't personally test these features. However, the hotel seemed generally well-designed, with an Elevator readily available. Accessibility is key, and it seems like they've put in the effort.
The Rooms - My Sanctuary (Mostly):
Okay, so I booked a Non-smoking room (because, ew). I was pleased to see all the usual suspects: Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, a Coffee/tea maker (essential!), a Mini bar (tempting!), and a Desk (which, let's be honest, I barely used). The Extra long bed was a godsend – no dangling feet for this gal! I loved the Blackout curtains that helped me sleep in until a ridiculous hour. Plus, you could adjust the Reading light without getting out of bed. I'm a huge fan of convenient things.
I loved the bathrobes, the slippers and the complimentary tea, those little things that makes you feel luxurious. Speaking of which, the bathroom was well-appointed with Toiletries and a Separate shower/bathtub. The additional toilet was also good. And… the mirror was a little too good. I spent a little too much time wondering if I really needed that second croissant.
Internet - Yay or Nay?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a major win. I could binge-watch my guilty pleasure reality shows without using up all my data. Internet access – wireless worked without any problems. The Internet access – LAN was also cool, if you are into that kind of thing.
Dining & Drinking - Fueling the Fun (and My Indulgence):
Right, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet] was a beast of deliciousness. I'm talking Western breakfast, with croissants that practically melted in my mouth, and a whole counter dedicated to cheeses. They had everything! Asian breakfast was also an option. The Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop offerings were good, and Breakfast service was efficient and friendly. You could even get Breakfast in room – ideal for hiding from the world with a tray of pastries.
Dinner? I tried the A la carte in restaurant. The food was decent, but a little pricey. There's a Vegetarian restaurant, which felt very "Nantes" (it felt cool). I didn't know this city was hipster central! During a lull in the day i went to the Poolside bar, which serves cocktails, a Bottle of water, and snacks.
The Spa - My "Zen" Attempt (Slightly Less Zen Than Advertised):
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The website had me hooked! They boasted a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, a Pool with view… the works! I was envisioning myself floating on clouds of relaxation.
Turns out, the reality was a tiny bit different. The Swimming pool was fantastic, and the view of the city was stunning. I spent a whole afternoon there just gazing. The Sauna was hot, yes, but I couldn't find the Steamroom. (I mean, I looked! I walked around, I asked people – eventually, I just gave up and ordered another cocktail). The Massage was amazing, though. Worth every single penny. I walked out feeling like a limp noodle, ready to face anything. Unfortunately, the next day I woke up with a stiff neck. Guess it wasn't that amazing.
Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Because, Well, Nantes!
Beyond the Spa…
Beyond the spa shenanigans, there were plenty of ways to unwind. The Fitness center looked decent, but I preferred my walk to the bakery down the street. The hotel did have a Pool with view, and a Terrace – perfect for people-watching (and judging the fashion choices of the locals, which were fascinating). They had options for ways to relax everywhere, including a Foot bath. Did I use the foot bath? No. But I'm sure it was there. Cleanliness & Safety - Did They Get the Memo?
Right, here's the serious stuff. I was really impressed with the Cleanliness and safety measures. The hotel had a solid grasp on the "pandemic era" (are we still in that?!). Hand sanitizer was everywhere. There was Daily disinfection in common areas. I saw staff trained in safety protocol - all of them wore masks, and it was a reassuring sight. I didn’t get close enough to notice the Anti-viral cleaning products, but if the rest of the place was anything to go by, they're probably using the good stuff. Also, Room sanitization opt-out available! That's cool. They seemed to have done it right.
The Staff - Smiles & Service (Mostly):
The staff were generally lovely . The Front desk [24-hour] was super helpful with directions (after I'd already driven in circles for an hour, bless them!). The Doorman was a gentleman, always ready with a smile.
Services and Conveniences - Making Life Easier (or More Complicated?):
The Concierge was invaluable for booking a taxi, getting local recommendations, and helping with anything else I might need! There was also Daily housekeeping – essential when you're trying to embrace "Zen" and failing miserably at tidying up. The Laundry service and Dry cleaning were appreciated, though I avoided those because, well, vacation! They also had a Convenience store (hello, late-night snacks!), Luggage storage, and Cash withdrawal. The Invoice provided was very useful.
Business Stuff & Special Events - I'm Not That Sophisticated:
I didn't really use the Business facilities or attend any Meetings, but they were there. There was Meeting/banquet facilities, which seemed to be popular! Also, Audio-visual equipment for special events was great for anyone planning a wedding. They also had Wi-Fi for special events - super useful!
Getting Around:
Airport transfer was available, wish I had used it. Taxi service worked well. The hotel had Car park [free of charge] which was great. They also have Car park [on-site].
For the Kids - What About the Little Ones?
I didn't see many kids around, but there was a Babysitting service and Kids facilities. The hotel clearly makes effort to be Family/child friendly.
The Verdict?
Look, if I had to summarize my experience at the Zenitude Hotel & Residences in Nantes in a single word, it would be… interesting. It wasn't perfect. I didn't achieve full "Zen." There were a few minor glitches and a slight overreliance on my credit card. But the hotel had so many amazing things. I'm sure I'd be back there!
SEO-Friendly Keywords: Nantes, Zenitude, Hotel, Residences, Spa, Swimming pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Accessibility, Breakfast, France, Review, Travel.
The Offer – Because You, Too, Deserve a Nantes Escape!
Tired of the daily grind? Need a serious dose of relaxation? Then book your Nantes getaway at the Zenitude Hotel & Residences and Get 20% off your stay when you book directly through our website! PLUS, get a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival, and access to our exclusive spa packages! Don't miss out!
Artesia's Hidden Gem: Dubai's Most Luxurious Studio Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your grandma's perfectly-structured travel itinerary. Consider this more of a… slightly deranged travelogue of my recent (and rather chaotic) trip to Nantes, France, specifically the Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nantes Métropole. Prepare for the wild ride that is me trying to be a tourist.
ZENITUDE HOTEL-RESERVES NANTES METROPOLE: A MESSY LOVE STORY
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Croissants)
- Morning (ish): Landed at Nantes Atlantique Airport. First thought? "Wow, that’s a lot of grey." My existential dread kicked in immediately. Also, I booked the wrong shuttle. Classic. Eventually, after a brief, stressful encounter with a particularly unhelpful French taxi driver (my French is about as good as my ability to salsa dance—nonexistent), I manage to stumble (literally) onto the correct shuttle.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Zenitude. The lobby was… perfectly fine. Not offensive. Not mind-blowing. Just… there. The receptionist, bless her, seemed used to dealing with jet-lagged, slightly panicked tourists. Quick check-in, and I was off to my room. The room itself? Small. Functional. Definitely not the palatial suite I'd envisioned after staring at the website for approximately eleven hours. But hey, it had a bed. A very sleepable-on bed. The allure of this bed was further solidified after encountering the infamous croissants. Oh. My. Goodness. These little beauties from the local boulangerie… were divine. Crisp, buttery, flaky perfection. I think I devoured three before I even unpacked. This is the start of something beautiful.
- Evening: Wander around the hotel, and after a good rest, I went out. First impression: Nantes is charming. The architecture is gorgeous, the cobblestone streets are picturesque, and I'm instantly charmed. Wandered aimlessly, got slightly lost (a recurring theme, I’m sensing), and ended up in a charming little square. Found a bistro, ordered some stuff (still trying to figure out French menus), and watched people. People-watching is my favorite sport. My inner monologue: "Wow, that couple is definitely fighting. Oh, the dog is adorable. I wish I could understand what those two are saying. Maybe… I need more wine."
Day 2: The Mechanical Elephant and a Bout of Overwhelm
- Morning: The croissants were even better this morning. I swear it was divine. Fueled by carbs and a misguided sense of adventure, I headed to the Machines de l'Île. I'd seen pictures, and I was convinced it was going to be magical. (Spoiler: It partially was. But mostly… overwhelming.)
- Afternoon: The Mechanical Elephant. Good grief. Huge. Impressive. Terrifyingly realistic. I managed to snag a ticket to ride it. The experience was…utterly bonkers. You're perched on this massive mechanical… thing… lumbering through the air, spraying water at gleeful children. It was exhilarating, ridiculous, and gave me an irrational fear of becoming an elephant's toilet. Then I tried the carousel and then I was overwhelmed. There were so many intricate, weird and wonderful creatures, and the sheer scale of it all was a bit much. I felt like I needed a lie-down. I did not lie down.
- Evening: Back to the hotel. Burnt myself on the coffee machine (typical me). Ordered more wine. Binged Netflix in French (approximately 80% of which I didn’t understand. Just enjoyed the pretty pictures). Ate a packet of biscuits I'd bought at the supermarket. The biscuits are delicious and I need them. My internal vibe: oscillating wildly between "I'm in France!" and "I need a nap."
Day 3: Art, Rain, and Questionable Life Choices
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Decent. The coffee still scalded me. Explored the Musée d'Arts de Nantes. Decent. Some art was interesting. Some art just made me think, "Huh. I could do that." (I couldn't.)
- Afternoon: It started raining. Properly. Like, biblical rain. I was so underprepared. Ended up huddled under a tiny awning with a grumpy-looking pigeon. Had a moment of profound self-pity, which I promptly overrode with a chocolate eclair. The chocolate eclair, however, was worth every miserable second.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Found a cosy little crêperie. Crepes. Savory crepes. Sweet crepes. Crepes for days! (And maybe a bit of cider.) Watched the rain fall through the window, and had a serious internal conversation about quitting my job and becoming a crepe chef. The thought was fleeting, but… tempting.
- Later: Stumbled back to the hotel, slightly tipsy and thoroughly soaked. Contemplated ordering room service, but decided my budget (and digestion) wouldn't appreciate it. Instead, ate aforementioned biscuits in bed. Did some more Netflix. Started writing this (messy) travelogue. The end. Probably.
Day 4: Departure (and a Deep-Seated Craving for Croissants)
- Morning: Last croissants. The moment I dreaded. Said goodbye to the hotel and staff and they were super nice.
- Afternoon: Getting out was not easy. Back to the airport, and dealing with the airport security and all the other things you don't expect to happen, but do.
- Evening: At home. The memory of the croissants is fading, but the craving…the craving is real. I'm already planning my return. Nantes, you gloriously messy, charming, and slightly baffling city… I'll be back. And I'll bring extra butter for the croissants. Be prepared.
Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nantes Métropole: The Verdict
It was fine. It was functional. It was close enough to everything that I could stumble to. And it provided a warm, safe place to sleep off the effects of jet lag, existential dread, and the intoxicating allure of butter. I'd stay there again. Probably. Mainly because I know the croissant situation is top-notch, and that's really all that matters in the end, right?
Marina Cove Resort: Your Dream Lumut Getaway Awaits!
Nantes Getaway: Luxurious Zenitude Hotel & Residences... or Not? Let's Get Real.
Okay, so "Luxurious Zenitude"... is that like, *actually* Zen? Because I sometimes picture myself meditating in a room *not* the size of a broom closet.
Alright, let's cut the fluff. "Zenitude" is… aspirational, shall we say? Look, I booked this place expecting floating tea ceremonies and silent contemplation. Instead, I got... a perfectly functional room. Which, honestly, after a twelve-hour train ride, IS Zen, in a survival-of-the-fittest-against-stress kind of way. My room, while not a cavern, wasn't *tiny* either. Could I practice my *yoga*? Yes. Could I trip over the suitcase while doing it? Potentially. The ‘zen’ part really came down to remembering to breathe after accidentally ordering a baguette bigger than my head at the local boulangerie. So, no, it's not a *spiritual* experience. But it's a good base to explore the city and, if you're anything like me, recover from your travel chaos.
Speaking of rooms, what's the deal with the "Residences" bit? Is it like a full apartment, or... ?
Okay, this is important! The "Residences" thing *does* mean you might get a kitchenette. Mine? Glorious. I mean, it had a mini-fridge that *actually* worked (miracle!), a hob, and a sad little microwave that I used to reheat my disastrous attempt at a quiche. (Don't judge. I was hungry, okay?). The reality check? Don't expect to be whipping up Michelin-star meals. Think: instant coffee, croissants purchased from the deli, and maybe, MAYBE, a cheese and charcuterie platter if you're feeling ambitious. But honestly? That’s perfect after a long day. Having that little space to bring back all the snacks and weird local cheeses is a total game changer. Made the whole experience feel… less hotel-y, more… *living*.
The location – is it convenient? Because I get lost following a map on my phone. And I’m not proud.
Okay, location is… a mixed bag. It's *close* enough to the city center. Like, if your definition of "close" involves a pleasant twenty-minute walk past charming buildings and the occasional quirky street art. (Which, actually, is pretty great). The downside? Let's just say that Google Maps nearly led me into a canal. Twice. So, yeah, learn the cardinal directions, be prepared to wander, and embrace the beautiful chaos of getting temporarily lost. Because honestly, some of the best discoveries are made when you *don't* know where you're going. I found a tiny crepe stand that way. Best. Crepe. Ever. So… yes. Convenient *enough*. Bring a compass, maybe.
Breakfast – is it worth it? Because I'm a breakfast person. A VERY serious breakfast person.
Breakfast. Ah, the most important meal of the day. Okay, deep breaths, I'm already getting worked up. The Zenitude breakfast… *sighs dramatically*. It's a continental buffet. The croissants? Decent. The coffee? *Meh*. The orange juice? Probably from concentrate. There was this one little yogurt station that did the job. Honestly, it’s functional, not transcendent. If you're a hardcore brekkie fanatic, like me, you'll want to head out. Nantes has *amazing* bakeries. Every. Single. One. I spent half my time just *hunting* for the perfect pain au chocolat. My recommendation? Skip the hotel breakfast and support the local bakery. Your tastebuds (and your sanity) will thank you.
So what about the staff? Are they helpful or do they just look at you blankly when you ask for something?
Staff? Okay, mostly lovely. Some of them were *incredibly* helpful, navigating my terrible French with impressive patience. One woman, in particular - God bless her - rescued me when I'd locked myself out of my room (don't ask. It's a long and humiliating story involving a rogue key card). Others? Let's just say the language barrier was *real*. But, honestly, it’s part of the charm, right? Struggling to order a coffee in broken French, and then celebrating your success with a croissant that’s almost as big as the hotel receptionist's face? It's travel in a nutshell. Overall, they were generally supportive and willing. Just… pack a phrasebook, maybe? (And a spare key card, definitely.)
Fitness center? Pool? Anything like that? Or is it just rooms and... that's it?
Okay, reality check time. This isn’t the Four Seasons. There *was* a little gym. I used it… once. (To be fair, that was more than some, I guess.) It had the basic equipment – treadmills, some weights, the usual suspects. Clean enough. Didn’t smell *too* strongly of stale gym socks. A pool? Nope. Spa? Also nope. So, if you're looking for resort-style amenities, this isn’t the place. Consider it a practical, well-located basecamp for exploring Nantes. Embrace the outside world! Walk, cycle, get lost in a park! (And definitely, definitely, visit the Machines de l'Île – they are incredible). You can work out *after* all the delicious pastries, I suppose.
Would you stay there again? Honestly.
Hmmm… Tough question. There were moments of frustration, definitely. Like when the Wi-Fi decided to stage a rebellion. Or when, after a particularly long day, I just wanted a glass of wine in my room and realized I’d forgotten a bottle opener. (Rookie mistake, people!). But… yes. I probably would. For the location, the kitchenette, the generally pleasant vibe, and the fact that it wasn't a soul-crushingly expensive hotel. It's not perfect, it's not luxurious in the over-the-top sense, but it's… *real*. And after all the faff and drama of travel, sometimes “real” is exactly what you need. Plus, I have unfinished business with those crepes. So… yeah. I'd go back, equipped with a phrasebook, a bottle opener, and a very good map (or, you know, just keep getting lost, it’s fun too!)
Laundry service? Because, let’s be real, travelling for more than five days and dealing with it... uMy Hotel Reviewst
