Escape to the Pyrenees: Unforgettable Novotel Pau Awaits!
Escape to the Pyrenees: Don't Just Dream, Live It at Novotel Pau! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Novotel Pau, smack-dab in the foothills of those glorious Pyrenees, and let me tell you, it wasn't just a stay, it was an experience. And before you judge me for possibly skipping a category or rambling, that's just my style, okay? Authenticity!
First Impressions & Accessibility (Because, Let's Face It, That's Crucial):
Okay, so the exterior isn't exactly a jaw-dropper. Kind of…modern, in a utilitarian sort of way. But the second you walk in, the staff? Chef's kiss. Super friendly, genuine, and, crucially, they spoke fluent English (my French is…well, let's just say it involves a lot of pointing and praying). Getting around was a breeze, thankfully. Elevators, ramps…the whole shebang for accessibility was pretty darn good. I saw some wheelchair users navigating comfortably, which, as someone who stresses about this stuff, was a huge relief. "Facilities for disabled guests" is definitely not just a box ticked; it's a genuine commitment. Kudos, Novotel, kudos.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly):
My room? Pretty standard Novotel fare, but in the best way. Spotlessly clean (a huge plus, especially these days!), with all the basics covered: comfy bed, a decent-sized desk (because, alas, work never truly disappears), free Wi-Fi (HALLELUJAH!), and blackout curtains (sleep is sacred, people!). The “free bottled water” was a welcome touch, too. I loved having access to the "Air conditioning" and the "Hair dryer".
The Wi-Fi situation was consistently good and strong, both in my room and in the "Wi-Fi in public areas".
Okay, I'm going to confess… I spent about 30 minutes trying to figure out the coffee machine. It was like fighting a technologically superior alien. But eventually, I prevailed, and the "Coffee/tea maker" was my savior every morning. Also, the "Additional toilet" was a lifesaver since I was traveling with my partner…
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Few Minor Gripes):
Alright, the dining. This is where things get interesting. The "Buffet in restaurant" for breakfast? Good, solid, reliable. "International cuisine in restaurant"? Yep. "Western cuisine in restaurant"? Ditto. But the real star? The bakery section. Seriously, the croissants were buttery, flaky perfection. I might have slightly overindulged. Don't judge me.
The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was also very nice, though, the service was very slow on the first night!
On the flip side, and this is a minor complaint, the "Room service [24-hour]" was decent but the menu was a bit limited. I am a fan of a "Happy hour", and was also happy seeing the "Poolside bar".
The whole "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," along with the "Anti-viral cleaning products," and the "Individually-wrapped food options" really show that Novotel is on top of things.
Relaxation & Wellness: Pure Bliss (and One Minor Meltdown):
This is where the Novotel Pau really shines. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]"? Perfect. It’s one of those pools that just begs you to lounge by it all day. The "Pool with view" was stunning, and the staff were incredibly attentive with the drinks. The "Fitness center" was very well stocked, but let's be honest, I mostly used it to look like I was going to work out.
Now, the spa…oh, the spa. I went for the "Body wrap," which, I gotta say, was AMAZING. I felt like a new woman, a rejuvenated, lavender-scented goddess. I could feel my body melting into the table during my massage! The "Sauna" and "Steamroom" were great ways to wind down as well.
And then…disaster. The "Foot bath" was heavenly until I accidentally knocked my drink over. Cue minor internal panic and frantic apologies to the therapist. Humiliating, but hey, even goddesses have their clumsy moments, right?
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Spa-ing):
The location is killer. You're right on the doorstep of the Pyrenees. I'm not a hiker myself (blame the croissants), but I saw tons of people setting off on trails. There's also plenty to see and do in Pau itself. The staff were brilliant in providing "Tourist information," and there was also a "Gift/souvenir shop" if you weren't prepared!
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (Especially Right Now):
This is where Novotel really excels. They are taking Covid seriously. I mean, really seriously. And I respect that. I felt 100% safe and comfortable during my stay. Staff were masked, hand sanitizer was everywhere, and I saw them constantly wiping down surfaces. "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" was actively enforced.
Okay, maybe I was hyper-sensitive, but I felt a little awkward about the "Room sanitization opt-out available"!
Services & Amenities: Convenience is King:
They really thought of everything. "Daily housekeeping"? Check. "Concierge"? Check. "Laundry service," "Dry cleaning," and "Ironing service"? Check, check, and check! The "Cash withdrawal," the "Car park [free of charge]," the "Elevator," and the "Concierge" were fantastic!
For the Kids:
I didn't travel with kids, but the "Family/child friendly" vibe was definitely present. They had a "Babysitting service," and "Kids facilities," there was a "Playground," I saw tons of happy little faces running around.
Getting Around:
"Car park [free of charge]" was great since I had a car They also had a "Taxi service" and the "Airport transfer", so that's a plus!
The Verdict (My Unfiltered Opinion):
Look, the Novotel Pau isn't perfect. But it’s bloody close. It's a "Hotel chain", and it's a damn good one. The staff are lovely, the location is fantastic, and the spa… I’m already dreaming of my next "Escape to the Pyrenees."
Now, for the BIG offer, because you deserve it:
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- A complimentary bottle of local wine on arrival! (Cheers to that!)
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- FREE cancellation!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're hitting the Novotel Pau Pyrenees in France, and let me tell you, this isn't going to be some perfectly curated Instagram grid of a trip. This is life, baby. Expect crumbs, existential dread, and maybe, just maybe, a croissant or two that’s been left a little too long in the sun.
The Pau Pyrenees Pilgrimage (aka, My Attempt to Feel Cultured and Maybe Not Completely Lose My Mind)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Undeniable Appeal of a French Bed
- Morning (or what passes for it after a transatlantic flight): Touchdown! Finally, France. Now, I have to admit, the moment I hit the ground, I was already questioning my life choices. Why did I think flying was a good idea? Anyway, managed to stumble through passport control, looking like a slightly sweaty, slightly disoriented raccoon, and found the shuttle to the Novotel. The drive itself… well, the scenery was nice I guess, but I was in full-blown jet lag mode. Everything felt simultaneously too bright and too dim.
- Afternoon (The Quest for Coffee, the Eternal Struggle): Check-in. Room? Decent. Bed? Glorious. Seriously, French beds are on another level. Instantly wanted to bury myself beneath the duvet and forget everything. However, the siren call of caffeine proved too strong. Wandered the hotel looking for a decent coffee. I found some kind of espresso-adjacent beverage. "It'll do," I grumbled, as I gulped the burnt liquid.
- Evening (Dinner, Disaster, and the Comfort of Carbs): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Menu? French. My French? Non-existent. Pointed at things blindly on the menu, hoping for the best. Ended up with something that looked vaguely like a stew (I think). Flavor was… adventurous. Let's just say it tasted like the countryside… in a very complicated way. I devoured the bread basket like a starving hyena. So, yeah, carbs saved the day. Ended the night in bed, completely wrecked, but happy.
Day 2: Château de Pau, and the Battle for My Inner Artist
- Morning (Conquering the Château, Failing Gracefully): Today, the Château de Pau! I'd seen pictures, of course. Magnificent! Royal! In reality, standing in front of it I mostly felt like a slightly bewildered tourist who had to get up way too early. Walked through the castle, marveling at the history, trying to absorb some culture. Tried to imagine what life was like for the famous King Henry IV… or anything about the local history. It was overwhelming.
- Afternoon (The Art of the Mess): Afterward, I wanted to paint the view. So I found a nice spot and sat down, and it was great at first. But then the wind picked, the sun shifted, and my painting quickly turned into a mud-colored mess of shapes. Real artist I am, right? Decided to embrace it and had a great laugh about it.
- Evening (Wine Tasting, and the Search for Self-Control): I am a person that enjoys wine, and what’s a trip to France without a good wine tasting? Headed off to a local wine shop for a tasting. The sommelier was charming and the wine, surprisingly good. The second glass was even better. The third? Well, let's just say my French vocabulary suddenly expanded, and some very personal opinions of the history of kings came out! It was all a bit slurred and embarrassing, but ultimately delightful. And then I went back to the bar and got another glass…
Day 3: Pyrenees Peak? Perhaps… Or Just the Pain in My Legs
- Morning (The Untamed Pyrenees): The Pyrenees! Time to get outdoors and conquer those majestic, rugged mountains! I packed a hearty lunch of cheese, pastries, and a bottle of water. Found a trail and started to walk. Everything sounded magical: birds singing, wind whistling, my lungs burning. After a few hours of climbing, I reached a little path, and then decided to turn around.
- Afternoon (The Post-Hike Pain): Ah, the aftermath. My legs felt like lead, and I knew I'd be paying for this for days. Found a nice café on the way back, ordered a hot chocolate, and watched the world go by. Even the soreness couldn't ruin the view.
- Evening (Rest, Reflection, and a Slice of Pizza as Big as My Head): Back at the hotel, I just sat on my bed and did nothing. I ordered a pizza. My Italian ancestors would be horrified to see me in France eating pizza. It was massive, cheesy, and perfect. Found myself reflecting on life, the universe, and whether or not I should have ordered the garlic bread. (I should have).
Day 4: Shopping and Departing… with a Heavy Heart and a Full Suitcase
- Morning (Souvenir Scramble): Time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a cute little shop with local products, and grabbed some things. I bought way too much, but I don’t regret any of it!
- Afternoon (Packing, Regret, and the Sadness of Leaving): I packed. I cleaned. And I looked out the window, realizing I don't want to leave. The view, the pace, the food, the feeling of being somewhere completely different… and I need to come back.
- Evening (Departure Lament): Airport time. Departed. Said goodbye to France. And already, I’m planning my return.
So, "Escape to the Pyrenees: Unforgettable Novotel Pau Awaits!"... how *unforgettable* are we talking? Because my life has had its share of "unforgettable" moments, like that time I got locked in a library.
Alright, alright, let's unpack this. "Unforgettable" is a subjective beast, right? Look, I'm not promising you a life-altering spiritual epiphany like you're climbing Mount Kailash naked chanting, but I *will* say, it's unforgettable in the sense that you'll remember… *something*. Okay, maybe not the *entire* trip in crystal clarity. You know, memories get hazy after a few pints of local wine. But the Novotel Pau in the Pyrenees? It sticks. And honestly, sometimes a good bed and a decent croissant are enough to etch themselves into your brain. Unlike that library incident – I bet THAT was truly unforgettable, and not always in a good way, right?!
Is the food there actually any good? I'm asking for a friend... who is also me, and has very, very high standards (especially when hungry).
Okay, food. This is the big one. Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to get real. Look, it's a Novotel. It's not Michelin-star dining, alright? But, and this is a big but, the buffet breakfast? *Chef's kiss*. Seriously. The croissants are buttery, the coffee is strong enough to raise the dead after a late night exploring Pau… and let's be honest, who goes to the Pyrenees and *doesn't* explore Pau's nightlife a little bit? The bacon? Crispy perfection. I swear I would go back just for the breakfast setup! And the evening meals were… good. Perfectly acceptable. Hearty, filling, and exactly what you need after a day of hiking or, you know, just generally existing. Is it the best food you'll ever eat? Maybe not. But will you be complaining while shoveling down sausages with a view of the Pyrenees mountains? Nope. Nope, you won't be. And that, my friend, is a win in my book. Okay I am being honest, some evenings it was nothing to write home about, but the breakfast saved the day. Always.
What's the *actual* view from the hotel? Is it Instagrammable, or more like "meh, another parking lot?"
Alright, the view. This is important, because let's face it, we *all* want a good view for those Insta stories, right? The Novotel Pau? It delivers. Big time. You're talking postcard-worthy Pyrenees Mountains. I mean, seriously, you can sit there with your coffee and just... *stare*. And it really is like, the perfect backdrop for that morning cup of coffee or late afternoon glass of local wine and just get lost in the beauty, without a single parking lot in sight (depending on your room, of course! Ask for one with a mountain view. Trust me on this one). I swear I spent a full hour just staring out the window the first day. Pure bliss. Now, obviously, weather can be a bit… unpredictable. One day I was sunbathing by the hotel pool and the next, it was like a scene from a particularly dramatic Sherlock Holmes episode, all grey and misty, but even then… the mountains were majestic. So, yes. Instagrammable? Absolutely. Prepare for your followers to get jealous. And prepare to take a MILLION photos.
Is the hotel itself… nice? Like, clean? Is the shower a terrifying lukewarm trickle situation? Because I *need* a good shower.
Right, the *hotel*. The nitty-gritty. Cleanliness? Generally good. I'm a bit of a neat freak myself and I didn't find anything that made me shudder. Rooms are a decent size, the beds are comfortable. The shower? Okay, this is super important. The shower was… *not* a lukewarm trickle situation! Praise the shower gods! Pressure was good, hot water was plentiful, and, as a bonus, the water pressure was actually pretty awesome and very relaxing after a day hiking the Pyrenees. Now, I didn't scrutinize *every* corner, but nothing screamed "health hazard." Though there was this one tiny spot on the wall where the grout was… well, it was there. Don't stare at the grout! Overall, a very solid, reliable hotel that is comfortable and functional! So, yes, the hotel itself is nice. The shower? Yes, it’s a good one, and I am very, very happy with it.
What’s the deal with the pool? Is it crowded? Is it actually swim-able, or more of a "look-pretty-and-dip-your-toes-in" sort of situation?
The Pool! Okay, the pool. This is where things get slightly… complicated. Because, honestly, it’s dependent on the time of year and, if you're like me: your general luck. I went in the shoulder season, and it was pretty empty most of the time. Bliss! I spend HOURS just swimming around enjoying the sunshine – it felt fantastic to cool off after a long day hiking the mountains. Totally swim-able. Proper swimming, not just paddling. Great for a quick dip or a serious length-swimming session. But, I heard from a friend, that when it is super busy, it can be a tad crowded, according to her. But then she also told me to avoid going to the Louvre in summer because “it’s like wading through a sea of elbows", so… take that with a grain of salt. But I think that any issues that may occur can be mostly avoided with a little planning.
Is it easy to get around from the hotel? I don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Accessibility! Okay, so the Novotel Pau is definitely NOT in the middle of nowhere. Pau itself is a pretty charming little town. You can walk into town, it’s a pleasant stroll. The hotel has a parking lot which is convenient if you have a car, and you can explore the region on your own terms. And while I did some walking, I did rent a car, mainly to explore the Pyrenees and chase waterfalls and winding roads... which there are a LOT of. So, yes, easy to get around. Whether by foot, car, or maybe even a friendly donkey (just kidding… maybe), you'll be able to get where you need to go. Though I did get slightly lost one afternoon… I swear, French road signs are intentionally obtuse, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
Is the staff friendly? I’m terrible at languages, and I don’t want to be judged when I butcher my French.
Staff! Okay, this is important. The staff at the Novotel Pau… they were genuinely nice! Friendly, helpful, and they *did not* make me feel like an idiot when I mangled my attempts at French. Okay, I'll admit, my French is… let's just say it'Low Price Hotel Blog
