Luxury Rouen Escape: Unforgettable Stay at Novotel Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Novotel Suites Rouen – and I'm not holding back. Forget the sanitized brochure speak. This is real, raw, Rouen-y-fied. Let's dissect this "Luxury Escape" and see if it's worth the Euro (or whatever currency you're throwing around).
First Impressions: That Rouen Vibe (Accessibility, Access, Getting Around)
Okay, so Accessibility. This is crucial, and I'm happy to report the Novotel Suites seems to have its act together. Look, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a hotel that doesn't make you feel like you're navigating a medieval torture chamber. It's got elevators, and the general layout appears to be relatively easy to get around. Of course, I didn’t do a full-blown audit, so call ahead to confirm your specific needs are met.
Getting Around: The hotel boasts a car park – YES! Especially since the parking situation in Rouen is… well, let's just say it requires a certain level of zen. Free. Yes, please. They even offer car power charging stations! Bonus points for the future! They also do airport transfers and taxi services. So, logistics? Covered.
Rooms: My Little Fortress of Calm (Available in all rooms section)
Alright, let’s talk about the heart of the matter: the room. Mine was… aight. It's a suite, so, space! The "extra long bed" was a welcome sight after a long day of cobblestone dodging. The sheets? Decent. Clean. And frankly, after the stress of finding parking, that's all I need.
- Pros:
- Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!): Crucial for Instagram stalking and binging Emily in Paris (don’t judge!).
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Life-saver. Seriously.
- Blackout Curtains: Those things are a must when you're trying to catch up on some sleep after a few wine and cheers.
- Refrigerator: Perfect for post-indulgence leftover snacks.
- Air Conditioning: Praise the lord of the cool air!
- Bathroom Phone: Okay, maybe a bit extra, but hey, you can call room service from the loo. Luxury! (I didn't, but I could have.)
- Safe Box: Always useful.
But ugh, the carpet. I personally could do without the carpeting, my allergies hate it. But! It’s clean. The toiletries were standard hotel fare, nothing to write home about, but they did the job.
Food, Glorious Food! (Dining, drinking, and snacking)
Right, so the restaurant. The breakfast… was a buffet. Ah! I'm a sucker for a buffet. And the Novotel’s one was good. Not Michelin-star quality, but solid. Croissants? Flaky. Coffee? Drinkable. You can get Asian breakfast. But I went for the Western breakfast. Simple, classic dishes, and you can grab a juice or two. So… thumbs up.
- Other options:
- The hotel does offer a Restaurant and a Bar. And you get a Poolside Bar!
- Room service is 24-hour. That's a godsend for late-night cravings.
- They have a Snack Bar. And you can even get a Salad in the Restaurant!
- The option of a Vegetarian Restaurant is awesome.
Relax and Rejuvenate (Ways to Relax)
- Swimming Pool!!!: I loved this part. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a delight. I soaked in the pool and watched the evening lights. The pool is a really cool addition to the stay.
- Fitness Center: I, uh, looked at the fitness center. From the outside. It seemed to have the usual machines. Look, I’m on vacation. Fitness can wait. But, the option is available.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID & Beyond
They're taking hygiene seriously (Anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer galore), and that's fantastic. I'm a germaphobe by nature, and I felt pretty safe. Staff are trained. And you even have the option to opt-out of Room Sanitization.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Contactless Check-in/out: Efficiency is key!
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was clean and well-maintained.
- Concierge: Used them for a restaurant recommendation. No complaints!
- Laundry Service: A lifesaver if you're traveling light.
- Elevator: Bless.
- On-site event hosting: I didn't attend an event, but it's there if you need it.
Things to Do (And What to Ignore)
Rouen, you guys, is a treasure chest of history. You MUST visit the Rouen Cathedral (Monet painted it like a million times, it's magnificent!). Stroll through the old town, get lost in the narrow streets.
The "Quirks" (a.k.a. Where Things Got Interesting)
Okay, so one thing happened. I was chilling by the pool and needed a quick bite. I ordered a club sandwich from the poolside bar. And… it was amazing. Like, ridiculously good. Simple. Perfect. It was so delicious I almost cried.
My Final Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely. The Novotel Suites Rouen is a solid choice for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively luxurious stay. It's not perfect – no place is – but it offers excellent value, fantastic amenities. It's the kind of stay that allows you to actually relax and enjoy your vacation. So book it! And tell them I sent you, I might have some pull for a complimentary club sandwich.
Bali Bliss: Stylish 1BR Suite Awaits! (PR40)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly-manicured itinerary. This is my Novotel Suites Rouen Normandie experience, and frankly, it's a bit of a glorious mess, just like me.
Rouen, November: A French Fling with Flaws & Feelings
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Croissants (and a Side of Mild Panic)
- Morning (ish - let's be real, more like late morning): Paris to Rouen. Eurostar was (mostly) on time, THANK GOD. Trains are my nemesis. I swear, I always end up sitting across from someone who’s either eating a tuna sandwich the size of their head or loudly debating the merits of Brexit. Today, it was a woman crocheting…a cat. I mean, cute, but very… intense. Found the Novotel Suites. First impression: sleek, modern, a little… impersonal? Like, "Welcome to the void of comfortable beige." But clean, so that's a win.
- Midday: Check-in… done. Unpacked… almost. The suitcase situation is perpetually a work in progress. Pro tip: those "travel cubes"? Don't believe the hype. They just make your already chaotic life slightly less chaotic. I’ll take it.
- Afternoon: Okay, time for the mission: Croissant Acquisition. This is critical. Rouen is beautiful, but if I don't get a proper French pastry immediately, I'm likely to weep. Found a charming little bakery. The aroma nearly sent me into a coma. Bought three. Ate two on the spot. The universe is a good place. Then, mild panic set in. “Am I supposed to do something now? See something? Talk to someone?” The pressure! I took a deep breath, remembering the woman crocheting a cat…and decided to embrace the delightful idleness.
- Evening: Strolled along the Seine. It was…romantic. Definitely a “movie scene” moment. Stared at the Cathedral. Absolutely breathtaking - the Gothic glory! I felt a sort of reverence hit me for about five minutes before I lost focus and started thinking about the laundry I’d need to do when I got home. Ended the day with a glass of red wine from the hotel bar. Cozy. Almost peaceful. Until I remembered I’d forgotten to pack my toothbrush…
Day 2: Joan of Arc & Architectural Overload (and a Slight Temper Tantrum)
- Morning: Breakfast – the continental buffet. Always a gamble. Success: edible coffee! Failure: I almost got into a breakfast-related altercation with a guy who was hogging the entire bread basket. I mean, sir, there are other people!
- Mid-Morning: Joan of Arc! The histirical museum. The actual site of her trial! Mind-blowing. The audio guide was a bit long, but the information was fascinating, Joan’s story, truly inspiring – and then I realized I haven't been paying attention. So I restarted the guide again, and this time I stuck with it.
- Afternoon: Wandered through the old town. Half-timbered houses EVERYWHERE. I thought the sheer number of leaning buildings would give me vertigo. It was stunning, and overwhelming all at the same time. I felt like I’d teleported into a fairytale, but one where I'd forgotten to pack my sensible shoes. Got lost… several times. Embraced the lost-ness. Found a tiny antique shop and bought a ridiculous, yet fabulous, vintage scarf. It cost more than I wanted to pay, BUT…
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: This is where it went sideways. The Cathedral in the afternoon is a must. The sheer, awe-inspiring majesty of the Cathedral! I tried to take a picture, but my phone died. I may have had a brief temper tantrum on the cobblestones. Okay, a major one. It involved sputtering, red-faced indignation and a lot of dramatic hand gestures. I’m not proud. Found a café, charged my phone (a good lesson for you). And then ordered a large glass of wine. All better. Eventually.
- Evening: Dinner at a bistro. Beef bourguignon. So good. The wine, again, was crucial. Laughter with a friendly waiter. Decided I wouldn’t pack my toothbrush until tomorrow.
Day 3: Monet, Markets & My Final Thoughts (which are many)
- Morning: A trip to Giverny. Monet’s gardens! Yes! The water lilies! The beautiful light! Okay, I’m officially a cliché. Taking a million photos. Almost felt like I was dreaming. I loved it. Seriously loved it. I might have cried.
- Midday: Back in Rouen. Visited the local market. Smells. Colors. Noise. The energy! I bought some cheese. I would have bought more, but the woman behind the counter looked like she would have happily wielded a meat cleaver on anyone who dared to ask too many questions about the brie. So I kept my head down.
- Afternoon: Packing. The dreaded task. The aftermath of a trip always reveals just how much stuff I think I need, but never actually use. I am definitely bringing home more than I came with.
- Late Afternoon: A final stroll through the city. One last croissant (of course). A final look at the Cathedral. A final deep breath. Rouen, you magnificent, slightly chaotic, utterly charming city, you’ve been… a lot. And in the best possible way.
- Evening: Hotel bar again. The bartender is amazing. We had a long chat about the French obsession with cheese and my utter inability to remember any French beyond “Bonjour” and “Merci.” Felt a sense of sadness. About leaving. About going back to reality. But also a sense of gratitude. For the croissants. For Rouen. For the ridiculousness of it all.
Final Thoughts (in no particular order):
- The Novotel Suites was fine. Clean. Comfortable. But it lacked… soul. I think next time, I'll look for something more…quirky.
- Pack. Your. Toothbrush.
- Never underestimate the power of a good croissant and a large glass of wine.
- Embrace the mess. The mistakes. The meltdowns. They’re part of the story.
- Go to Rouen. Go now. Don’t overplan. Just go.
- I'm definitely coming back.
Okay, I'm done. Time to go. And yes, before you ask, I finally found my toothbrush. It was in the very bottom of my suitcase. Go figure. Au Revoir, Rouen! Until next time…
Unbelievable Strasbourg Hotel Deal: Ibis Styles Meinau Stadium!
Rouen Retreat at Novotel Suites: You WANT to Know! (Seriously, You Do)
Okay, spill the beans! Is this "Luxury Rouen Escape" REALLY luxurious? And is the Novotel Suites even *that* nice? Be honest!
Alright, alright, settle down! "Luxury" is a loaded word, isn't it? Let's be real. It’s not a *château* kind of luxury with your own personal swan and a butler named Jeeves. It's *smart* luxury. Think: comfortable beds so you could sleep for a week (which, let me tell you, I *almost* did), stylish rooms that are actually functional (unlike some hotel rooms that are just… *weird*), and a location that's practically spitting distance from the Rouen Cathedral. That alone, right there, is a HUGE point for luxury! You walk out and BAM! Gothic gorgeousness.
The Novotel Suites itself? Yeah, it's nice. Modern, clean, and the staff… bless their hearts, they seemed genuinely happy to be there, which is a rare treat! My only tiny gripe? Slightly thin walls. Heard my neighbor's midnight phone call (sounded like a marital spat, complete with dramatic French sighs). But hey, keeps things interesting, right?
The Cathedral, huh? Is it REALLY that impressive? Because tourist traps are a dime a dozen.
Okay, seriously, the Rouen Cathedral... *drops jaw*. It’s not a *trap*. Think soaring heights, intricate carvings that'll make your neck hurt (in a good way!), and history oozing out of every stone. It's a visual smack in the face in the best possible way. You can practically *feel* the history – Joan of Arc, Monet… all that jazz. I spent, like, a solid hour just wandering around inside, mouth agape, trying to process how something so magnificent was even *built*. It’s breathtaking. Seriously. Go early, before the crowds. You'll thank me later. And bring your camera; you'll want to annoy everyone back home with your photos (I know I did).
What's the food situation? I need to know where to find the *good* stuff. Don't tell me about croissants ONLY. I'm talking REAL food.
Oh, the food. Now you’re talking my language. Look, the croissants are good, obviously. Flaky, buttery… you can't *not* eat them. But Rouen's a foodie paradise! Let's get real. Forget the hotel breakfast – venture out!
For a *splurge*, find a brasserie with a name that sounds vaguely French. Order the duck confit. You *will* weep with joy. I nearly licked my plate. And if you're feeling adventurous, hit up the local markets. Seriously, the cheese! Oh, the CHEESE. Just... prepare your wallet. And your arteries. But it's worth it. There are also crêperies, which are divine. Don't skip the cidre! And honestly, just wander. Get lost. You'll stumble upon the best meal of your life, guaranteed.
Okay, okay, I'm sold on the food. But what about the *activities*? Besides staring at the Cathedral (which, I'm gathering, is a requirement ). What else is there to *do*?
Well, *besides* drooling over the Cathedral (which you WILL do, let's be honest), Rouen is a treasure trove! You can stroll along the Seine (romantic, especially at sunset...or when it's raining, which it *might* do - this is France, after all). There are museums – art, history (they have a Joan of Arc museum, if you're into that). I'm normally a museum-avoider, but even *I* enjoyed a couple. And then there's the old town! Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses… it’s like stepping into a fairytale. Get lost. That's the key. Just... be aware of the cobblestones. Wear sensible shoes. I learned the hard way - twisted ankle. Not glamorous.
OH! and a river cruise! they have some really nice boat tours you can book, just to chill and enjoy the scenary. Don't forget your camera. And a bottle of wine. You'll need it.
What about the "suites" part of the Novotel Suites? Are they REALLY suites? Big? Are they worth the extra money?
"Suite" is a bit of a stretch, in my opinion. (Sorry, Novotel.) It’s more like a *slightly* larger room, with a separate living area. And honestly? It really depends on your style. If you're traveling with a spouse you love (or like), or if you just value a little extra space to spread out, then *maybe* it's worth it. I liked the separate living area for spreading out my travel gear and avoiding the "living in a suitcase" feel. Also, it gave me a place to eat my smuggled-in French pastries without judgement. But if you’re on a tight budget, the standard rooms are perfectly fine. They’re still comfortable and well-designed.
The biggest perk of the suite for me? Two TVs. Listen, after a day of touring, sometimes you just want to eat your takeaway pizza in your pyjamas and watch mindless French TV. And hey, maybe the *other* person wants to watch something else. Nobody wants TV arguments on vacation.
Okay, so you've painted a lovely picture. BUT, what was the WORST thing? Spit it out! What didn't you like?
Ugh, okay, fine. Here's the truth bomb: The parking situation *can* be a pain. The hotel has parking, but it's not exactly abundant, and if you're driving, it’s a little… chaotic. Finding a spot was like a scavenger hunt. I ended up circling for a good fifteen minutes, muttering under my breath. Stressful! I’d recommend public transport if you can. Or, you know, a better attitude. Also, the internet wasn't always the strongest. Made posting those fabulous Cathedral selfies a bit of a trial. first world problems though, I know.
Beyond that… hmmm. Honestly, it was pretty darn good. I'm trying to find something else to complain about, for the sake of authenticity, but I'm drawing a blank. Maybe the slightly *too*-enthusiastic housekeeping? I was still in bed once, and they knocked. Early. Oops.
So, to wrap it up: Would you go back? Would you recommend this "Luxury Rouen Escape"?
Hell, YES. I would. I'm already plotting my return. Rouen is charming, the Novotel Suites is a solid choice for a comfortable basecamp, and the foodOcean View Inn
