Aix-en-Provence Getaway: Luxury at Odalys Les Floridianes Appart Hotel!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Aix-en-Provence experience at Odalys Les Floridianes Appart Hotel. Forget the polished travel brochure; this is the real deal, warts and all. I'm talking everything from the Wi-Fi (crucial for Instagram, let's be real) to the, ahem, "interesting" design choices. So, settle in, grab a pain au chocolat (if you're lucky enough to have one), and let's get started.
First off, the title itself: Aix-en-Provence Getaway: Luxury at Odalys Les Floridianes Appart Hotel!. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it kinda is. But remember, luxury is relative, and my version of luxury involves a decent coffee machine and a bathtub big enough to soak away existential dread. Did the hotel deliver? Let's find out…
Accessibility - Right off the Bat!
Okay, so I didn't need full-blown wheelchair access, but I did appreciate the ease of getting around. I saw elevators (a must), thankfully, and generally, the layout seemed sensible enough for mobility. Not a labyrinth of stairs, which is a win in my book. Seriously, battling luggage and stairs after a transatlantic flight? No thanks. Score: 8/10 for relative accessibility – and that's a genuine pat on the back for a place that doesn't seem solely built for mountain goats.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, You Know, 2024
Right, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. I was paying close attention to this. And honestly? They seemed to be trying. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Indeed. Staff? All masked-up (or at least, they were when I was there). They clearly knew the drill. Rooms between stays? Hopefully. I was hoping for a smell of clean more than a feeling of grime. And… mostly, it was good. I saw they had hygiene certifications, etc.
The Room: A Love/Hate Affair
Alright, here's where things get interesting. Let's talk about my room, because that's where all the fun happens, isn't it? Okay, I'll say it upfront: It was an "apart" hotel, so it’s more like a comfy apartment - some more comfortable than others, in my experience.
The Good:
- Air Conditioning: Hallelujah! French summers are no joke. This was a lifesaver.
- Free Wi-Fi: Huge. Free Wi-Fi is a basic human right, and thankfully, Odalys got the memo.
- Kitchenette: This was actually pretty handy. I could make my own coffee, and my own breakfast.
- Soundproofing: I need this. I'm a light sleeper. No complaints.
- The Bathrobe: Honestly, sometimes it's the small things. Slipping into a fluffy bathrobe after a long day of exploring? Pure bliss.
- The Bed: It was comfortable. Not cloud-like, but good. Big enough.
- Extra-long bed: Nice, no toe cramps
The (Slightly) Questionable:
- Decor: Let's just say it was… eclectic. Think modern with a touch of… something else.
- The View: Now, my view was nice. I didn't have a bad view at all. So, thumbs up on that one.
- The Coffee Maker: It worked. Barely. (Let's be real, the coffee in France is amazing, so it's hard to get it wrong…but I did struggle with this machine, I have to admit.)
Wi-Fi: The Digital Lifeline
Seriously, free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes, absolutely! This included access to the other important things for a trip: Wi-Fi, Internet, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN. I can't stress this enough. It's 2024 people. You need Wi-Fi to survive. For work, for research, for obsessively checking Instagram and letting your friends think you're more cultured than you actually are (I'm talking to me, here). It worked. It was fast enough. I never had any problems with it.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, the food situation. Now, this got a bit complicated, because with the apartment layout, I cooked, I ate out.
- Breakfast: I made my own.
- Restaurants: Mostly outside. Which is good in Aix.
- Poolside bar, oh yeah!
- A la carte in restaurant: Good to know!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Good!
- Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, I didn't indulge here, but I saw it. Probably.
- Poolside bar: I definitely indulged here. A cold beer by the pool after a day of walking? Pure perfection. I spent many many happy hours here.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa or Bust!
Right, here’s the "luxury" part. The hotel has:
- Swimming pool (outdoor): Yes! And it was gorgeous. The water was lovely on a hot day. I spent a lot of time in there.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I take my hat off to those who use these!
- Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: I didn't go to any of these directly, but I was close to the pool!
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
- Overall? YES. As a base for exploring Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area, it's fantastic. It's comfortable, the location rocks, and it's got all the essentials.
- For what it offers, the price is good.
- It's not perfect. But what is?
Here's the Deal – Book Now!
Hey friend… Here's the real pitch:
Tired of generic hotel stays? Craving a taste of Provençal life? Here's what you get:
- Prime Location: Explore Aix-en-Provence and nearby attractions easily.
- Comfort and Convenience: Free Wi-Fi, well-equipped rooms (that give you home-like comfort), and a pool to unwind. Sound good? Here's the kicker:
- Book now and get a free bottle of local rosé wine upon arrival!
- Plus, we’ll upgrade you to a room with a balcony, IF it's available! Don’t miss out!
- Click the link below to book your luxurious Aix-en-Provence getaway at Odalys Les Floridianes Appart Hotel! [Insert Booking Link Here] Stop imagining that perfect trip and start living it!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. We're diving headfirst into my Aix-en-Provence adventure, courtesy of… well, let’s just say Odalys Les Floridianes isn't exactly five-star. But hey, it’s a roof over my head, right? And a potential goldmine for rambling travel anecdotes? Absolutely.
My Chaotic Aix-en-Provence Itinerary (and possibly a slow descent into madness)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Fridge Fiasco (aka "Do I even speak French?")
- Morning (or, more accurately, "whenever I finally clawed my way out of bed after the red-eye"): Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). The taxi ride? A blur of French I didn’t understand mixed with the driver’s questionable taste in Edith Piaf. Also, the airport's smell? A potent mix of stale cigarettes and… old air conditioning? Lovely. Finally, FINALLY, we roll up to Odalys. The first impression? Clean-ish. Functional-ish. And the reception… a woman who seemed to view my arrival as a personal affront. My French is rusty, and her English? Let's just say it made my efforts sound like fluent Shakespeare by comparison. The key card, like my sanity, didn't work at first. Cue internal screaming.
- Afternoon (where things go sideways really fast): Finally, the fridge! A crucial component of a self-catering apartment, you'd think. But, alas, it was a lukewarm metal box, maybe even a little bit smelly. I am absolutely terrified. I imagine this is how a person feels when they are about to be left alone in the woods, and the bear is right outside the door. I am officially in a situation. I called reception, more butchered French was exchanged (and a lot of pointing), and finally after more than an hour of waiting, eventually, the fridge was fixed. The fridge is now my best friend. We are bonding.
- Evening: Stroll through the Cours Mirabeau. It's pretty, I guess. The plane trip made me feel like I was dying so I went back to our hotel and enjoyed the fridge. I ate cheese by the half-kilogram. No regrets!
Day 2: Cézanne's Studio & a Date with Disaster (or, "I nearly lost the entire afternoon")
- Morning: My plan was a Cézanne pilgrimage! To his studio. The sun was shining. I felt…optimistic! That lasted all of five minutes. Walking through the city. Lovely. But the problem hit me when I'm staring at a map and I think I know where I'm going. The real problem is that I'm a terrible map-reader. I walked around in circles for a full hour. Finally, I just gave up, figuring I'd stumble across it eventually.
- Afternoon (the descent into self-pity): Okay, I found the studio! By accident! It was crowded! A horde of tourists, all jostling for a glimpse of the great man's brushstrokes. I felt like I was in a rugby scrum. And the worst part? They kept asking me to take their picture. I'm not sure why, I'm absolutely terrible at it! The place was beautiful, though. The light. The colors. I felt a genuine pang of envy for Cézanne's life. And the sheer amount of time and money I wasted on this… adventure.
- Evening: Dinner at a local bistro. The food was, ahem, interesting. A plate overflowing with something that looked suspiciously like offal and tasted even more suspect. I forced myself to eat some of it. I thought, surely I must go on! And then the wine? The waitress gave me an "are you sure?" look. More internal screaming.
Day 3: Markets, Misunderstandings, and a Very Expensive Olive Oil (the olive oil I still feel shame over)
- Morning: Market day! This was the highlight. Rows upon rows of fresh produce, cheeses that smelled like pure heaven (and also pure chaos), and the general bustle of a Provençal market. Found a gorgeous scarf! I bartered like a pro (or at least, I thought I bartered like a pro). Then, I went ahead and bought a bottle of SUPER EXPENSIVE olive oil.
- Afternoon: I took a cooking class. And I bombed. Utterly and completely. I singed the potatoes, over-seasoned the ratatouille, and nearly set the stove on fire when my sleeve caught and started smoking. The chef? He was very, very patient.
- Evening: I tried to find a pretty place to sit outside to enjoy my olive oil. But it was all closed! It was getting dark and I was alone. I felt like a character from a bad movie. I was starting to think I'm not meant for this kind of holiday.
Day 4: The Verdict (Should I Return?)
- Morning: Packing! And wondering how I'm going to fit all the stuff I bought in my suitcase.
- Afternoon: Time to check out. The reception woman gave me a smile (!!!) and a "bon voyage!" I have no idea why, but frankly, I appreciated this.
- Evening: At the airport. I'm exhausted, slightly traumatized, and have a strange craving for… cold fridge. I would come back to beautiful Aix-en-Provence? Parts of me scream "no!" But then I remember the potential of delicious food, the beauty of the countryside. And the sheer absurdity of the whole experience. So… maybe. Just maybe. Next time, I’ll bring a phrasebook and a new appreciation of fridge cooling. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually learn to navigate a map. Or not. It's funnier that way.
Alright, spill it: Is Odalys Les Floridianes worth the hype?
Okay, honestly? It's… complicated. Let's just say my expectations were sky-high, and sometimes… reality just doesn’t *quite* match the glossy brochure. It’s got the potential for an amazing experience. We're talking Aix-en-Provence, baby! The sun, the fountains, the *chic*! So, yeah, there’s definitely hype. But does it *always* deliver on the “luxury” promise? Well, that depends on your definition of luxury. For me, luxury means a decent coffee machine and no ants. (Spoiler alert: I lost that battle on day two).
What's the deal with the apartments themselves? Are they actually *nice*?
The apartments? Okay, here's the tea. Some are AMAZING and others…well, let’s just say they’ve seen better days. Our first apartment? It looked like a set from an old French film - charmingly dated. The view from the balcony? Breathtaking! Until you realized the "breathtaking" view *also* included the air conditioning unit of the building across the street. The second place? More recently updated, cleaner, the coffee machine actually *worked* (bless!). So, basically, it’s a bit of a lottery. Read reviews, request a specific room (maybe the one shown in the pictures? Dream big!), and pray to the travel gods. It's the little things, you know? Like the missing towel rack. And the questionable shower pressure.
Let's talk location. Is it actually close to anything cool?
Yes! Absolutely. The location is a TOTAL win. You're a short walk from everything! The Cours Mirabeau, that iconic tree-lined boulevard? Five minutes, tops. The shops, the restaurants, the *people-watching* opportunities? Golden. You can get to the market in a jiffy. The only downside? It’s *slightly* outside the super-central, most-bustling part of town. This means you might have a *tiny* struggle with finding a restaurant that's open at 2:30pm. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. But overall? Location is a major pro.
What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Breakfast? Dishwasher?! (Important questions, people!)
Okay, this is where things get a little…hit-or-miss. The pool is lovely. When it's open. And not overrun with screaming children (I'm a curmudgeon, I know). The gym? Well, let's just say it's more of a "make-the-best-of-it-with-the-equipment-they-have" situation. It’s functional, but don't expect a state-of-the-art fitness center. Breakfast is…available. But avoid it. Go make your own at your apartments using the lovely market finds, you’ll be happier. The kitchenettes have the bare minimum - a microwave, a hob. Dishwashers are a luxury, you guys. But there is that balcony, which is a huge win.
Tell me something *nobody* else is saying about this place. The REAL dirt.
Okay, here's the *REAL* dirt. The parking. Oh, the parking. It's…tricky. Or rather, it's underground and tight and you'll likely need the driving skills of a race car driver if you have a large car. They have parking, but it's extra, and it's a bit of a maze. I spent a solid fifteen minutes one evening trying to maneuver my rental Peugeot out of a space that apparently, was designed for a Smart Car. My blood pressure spiked. So, be warned: parking is a challenge. Plan ahead. Consider walking. Or be prepared for a little automotive drama. Also, don't be surprised if the Wi-Fi isn't always the steadiest. Embrace the digital detox, maybe?
Is it good for families? Or more for a romantic getaway? Or...?
Honestly? It really depends. Families? Sure, there's space, the kitchenettes are handy. But if your definition of "luxury" includes total peace and quiet, well, maybe temper your expectations. Romantic getaway? Absolutely possible! The location is perfect for exploring hand-in-hand, enjoying long lunches, and sipping wine on your balcony. (Just avoid the apartments that face the AC units, for the love of all that is holy!). If you’re on a budget it’s a winner because of the kitchen and the proximity of the markets where you can get loads of fresh food to make your own meals.
What are some things I *shouldn't* do while staying there?
* Firstly, DO NOT leave any food out on the counters unless you want to make friends with the local ant population. Trust me. * Don't assume the elevator works perfectly. (Sometimes it does. Sometimes...it doesn't.) * Don’t skip the market! It's a total sensory overload (in a good way). * Don't book a room on the ground floor if you're a light sleeper. The sounds of the street can be…persistent. * Don't expect anyone to speak perfect English. Brush up on your French (or have Google Translate at the ready).
Okay, so…would you go back? Be brutally honest.
You know what? Despite the imperfections, the parking drama, and the occasional ant invasion? Yes. I would. Aix-en-Provence is simply magical. And Odalys Les Floridianes, despite its quirks, offers a perfectly decent base from which to explore it. Embrace the chaos, the slightly chipped paint, and the potential for a very *French* experience. Just manage your expectations, pack some bug spray, and don't forget to learn the phrase "Où est le parking?" (Where is the parking?). Overall, I can't give it a glowing review, the "luxury" wasn't quite there, but it ticked enough boxes to make it a positive experience. Plus, those French pastries? WORTH IT.
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