Escape to Rennes: Luxurious Manor Stay in Brittany, France
Escape to Rennes: Brittany Bliss or Just a Bunch of Baguettes? A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little Breton cider) on Escape to Rennes: Luxurious Manor Stay in Brittany, France. Forget those glossy brochures – I’m going deep into this experience, warts and all. Consider this your non-sponsored, fully-caffeinated travel diary.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Let's start with the practical stuff. Accessibility? Ugh, that's always the elephant in the room, isn't it? I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did poke around. The website claims to be accessible, with facilities for disabled guests. But I didn't see specifics. I imagine the manor itself (because it is a manor) has some challenges – cobblestones, uneven paths, old buildings. So, call ahead, get the details. Don't just take their word for it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Covid-Conscious, Thank God.
This is where Escape to Rennes REALLY shines. I’m a germaphobe by nature (thanks, pandemic!), and I was pleased. They’re clearly taking things seriously. I noticed:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. Phew.
- Daily disinfection: You betcha!
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Gold star.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- Safe dining setup: Crucial.
- Staff trained: More double-checks, even.
- Masks/Distancing: The usual, but well-managed.
The Room sanitization opt-out thing? I appreciate the choice. I love the idea of making cleaning flexible, but I also like knowing the staff are actively following safety protocols rather than being forced to be flexible.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi - Hallelujah!
Okay, this is important because I'm addicted to the internet, but I'm not sure if it's "Luxurious Manor" good. If I paid for a hotel I expected this to be stellar, but here, it was OK. There was free wi-fi in the room, and in public areas. They also had internet [LAN] which, let's face it, sounds like something from the 90s, but hey, maybe you're into that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Baguettes to Bliss (and the Occasional Blunder)
Ah yes, the food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Restaurants: A few options.
- Asian breakfast: Huh? In Brittany? Well, a bit confusing. Don't expect authentic.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Good. Not outstanding, not earth-shattering, but solid. Croissants, pastries, the usual suspects.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Useful if you're in a rush.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Adequate.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! Perfect for those late-night cheese and wine cravings (which I definitely had).
- Poolside bar: Well, there's a pool…
Side Note – The Salad: I ordered a salad at lunch one day. It arrived looking like it had seen better days. Wilted lettuce, sad tomatoes. This isn’t a Michelin-star experience. It's the kind of place you expect for a French Manor.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pool Views and Spa Days!
This is where Escape to Rennes really delivers. Think of a mini-oasis.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Stunning. The view… I mean, wow. This is where I spent most of my time.
- Pool with view: Did I mention the view?
- Spa/sauna: Ahhh, heaven. I had a full body massage, body wrap, and foot bath. Pure bliss.
- Fitness center: Not exactly a state-of-the-art gym, but it did the job.
- Sauna, Steamroom: All present and correct!
My Epic Poolside Interlude (or How I Spent My Afternoon)
Guys, I have to tell you about the pool view. Imagine crisp blue water, the gentle sun, and that view. I won't lie, I spent a solid 3 hours just floating there, occasionally sipping something cold from the poolside bar. Forget the baguettes and the occasional salad debacle, THIs is the experience you come here for. This pool is pure, unadulterated relaxation. It's the reason I'd go back, honestly.
Rooms: Comfortable, but Not Flawless.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Bathrobes, slippers: Fancy!
- Coffee/tea maker: The stuff of dreams in this modern age.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Extra long bed: Praise be!
- Mini bar: For late-night treats.
- Satellite/cable channels: Fine, but who watches TV when you have that pool view?
- Soundproofing: Necessary for the peace.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a lifesaver!
What was missing? A little more personality. The rooms were clean and comfortable, but a bit generic. I felt a tad impersonal.
Services and Conveniences: They’ve Got You Covered (Mostly)
- Concierge: Helpful and knowledgeable.
- Cash withdrawal, currency exchange: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A bit overpriced, but hey, you're on holiday.
- Laundry service, ironing service: Helpful staples.
- Luggage storage: Essential, of course.
- Car park [free of charge]: Nice.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Food delivery: A nice convenience.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe.
- Babysitting service: Could be useful.
- Family/child friendly: Seemed alright.
- Kids meal: I didn't see kids, but they probably cater for them.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Excellent.
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Taxi service: Easy to find.
Overall:
Escape to Rennes is a good choice. It's not flawless – the food has its ups and downs, and some details could be a bit more polished. It's not just a hotel, but a place you go for.
My Quirky Emotional Reaction:
I did go. I am more impressed than I thought. The pool experience alone is worth the price of admission. I felt relaxed. I felt like a proper tourist (even though I hate being a tourist).
My Honest Opinion, in a Nutshell:
The Good: The pool and spa are amazing, and the cleanliness is top-notch. The Okay: The food is average, and the rooms could have a little more character. The Questionable: Accessibility. Verify before you book if that's important, don't rely on what's written here!
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A Persuasive Offer (Ready to Book?)
Escape to Rennes: Your Brittany Bliss Awaits!
Tired of the "same old, same old" vacation? Craving tranquility, sunshine, and a little bit of luxurious pampering? Then look no further! Escape to Rennes offers a unique experience you won't find everywhere in Brittany.
Here's what makes Escape to Rennes irresistible:
- Breathtaking Pool Views: Dive into serenity with our stunning outdoor pool overlooking the Breton countryside.
- Spa Days to Die For: Melt away stress with a blissful body massage, a detoxing body wrap, or a relaxing foot bath.
- Impeccable Cleanliness: Rest easy knowing our dedicated team has your safety as a priority.
- Fantastic Location: Explore the charming city of Rennes and discover the beauty of Brittany.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (or disconnect! It's your choice!) with lightning-fast internet access.
But wait, there's more!
- Grab a complimentary bottle of water in your guest room.
- Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea.
- Rest, knowing your safety is top priority.
Book your escape to Escape to Rennes today and receive:
- 10% off your stay (for a limited time only!)
- A complimentary bottle of Breton cider upon arrival.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. Click here to book your luxurious Breton getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime!
[Link to booking page]
P.S. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit! You'll be spending most of your time by that pool… trust me.
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Villa Karang Berawa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking real life, with all the glorious messiness that entails, at the Manoir de la Haute Pilais in Rennes, France. I’m not sure I even want to stick to a schedule, but here's the very tentative plan, because, let's be honest, the French are probably judging my absolute lack of preparation already:
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (or, How I Nearly Forgot My Passport…Again)
- Morning (Like, REALLY morning, thanks jet lag): Get on the plane. Try not to have a full-blown panic attack about leaving everything behind. (My cat, Reginald, will probably be plotting my demise. He hates when I leave). Airport chaos. Realize you’ve probably left something crucial behind. This time? My passport. Ugh. After a scramble of epic proportions (involving a frantic phone call to my bewildered friend, who's now in charge of cat-sitting), and the questionable power of optimism, made it through security. Bloody hell.
- Afternoon (Post-Flight Shambles): Land in Rennes. Briefly contemplate the audacity of the French weather – it’s a grey cloud, and I have the sudden urgent need for a strong coffee. Then, find the cursed rental car I had booked online (with a name, probably "Lucifer", this thing looked like). Drive. Pray. Curse GPS lady. (She sounds so calm, but I know she's secretly enjoying my misery).
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (Finding the Manor): Arrive at the Manoir. Oh. My. God. It's beautiful. Like, storybook beautiful. I briefly forget my jet-lagged grumpiness. The photos online didn't quite do it justice. The stone, the roses, the… silence. It's the kind of silence that makes you question your life choices (in a good way…maybe?). Check-in and try my best (but heavily accented) French. Probably butchered it. See my room. The bed! That bed. It's calling my name.
- Evening (The Deep Dive into French Cuisine, Part 1): Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm terrified, yet ravenous. Try to be adventurous. Order whatever looks delicious (mostly because I can't understand the menu). Hopefully don't make a complete fool of myself (spoiler: I probably will). Wine. Lots of wine. Because, France. Impression: When I first saw the Manoir, I was so happy. It was like a film in my head, but in real life I was too tired to fully appreciate it and enjoy all the beauty. Feeling: I was a bit scared and unsure during the first few moments.
Day 2: Rennes Exploration and Croissant-Induced Bliss (and a Near-Disaster With a Bicycle)
- Morning (The Croissant and the Cathedral): Wake up. (Hopefully, wake up. Still battling the jet lag). Coffee. Actual, proper French coffee. And then… a croissant. The flakiest, most buttery, heavenly croissant imaginable. Almost brought a tear to my eye. Then, head into Rennes. Explore the old town. Stroll the cobblestone streets. Visit the Rennes Cathedral. Try not to stare at French people. Fail.
- Afternoon (Bicycle Shenanigans): Rent a bicycle. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I haven’t ridden a bike properly in about twenty years. Discover this immediately. Nearly crash into a statue of some important-looking dude. Apologize profusely to the bewildered French public. Decide bicycles are evil. But, the scenery is gorgeous. Push on.
- Late Afternoon (Market Mayhem): Visit the market in Rennes. So many smells! So many cheeses! So much… French. Try to buy some cheese. The cheesemonger stares at me with a look that says, "You, my friend, know nothing." I mumble something about "fromage" and point. End up with a delicious wedge of something that I have no idea what is. Worth it.
- Evening (Wine, Cheese, and Existential Reflection – Again): Back at the Manoir. Crack open the wine from the market. Attempt to pair it with the cheese. Fail spectacularly. Sit in the garden of the Manoir. Watch the sunset. Feel a profound sense of peace, mixed with the sudden urge to start writing a novel. Or maybe just eat more cheese. The latter seems more realistic.
- The Cheese Incident, Round 2 (Because We Can’t Get Enough): This is where the story goes from a simple outing to the market to a full-blown emotional rollercoaster. I decided – in my brilliance – that my newly acquired cheese deserved a special presentation. I envisioned a romantic picnic scene. Me, the cheese, the wine, the scenery. The problem? I’m a terrible picnic planner. I packed a blanket (wrong pattern – it clashed horribly with the scenery), a rather large knife (I hadn’t realized how intimidating a simple knife could be), and a book I hadn’t even read yet. I chose a spot near the river, which was beautiful, and the cheese had a certain aroma. The picnic part was great at first, but then a swarm of angry wasps came, they were everywhere!! They were after that cheese too! I was screaming and running, I dropped everything and it was a full-blown disaster! I didn't even get to taste it. And it made me furious! Feeling: It was a mixture of excitement and a sense of impending doom.
Day 3: Mont Saint-Michel: The Tidal Apocalypse (And Finally, Some Damn Good Food)
- Morning: Drive to Mont Saint-Michel. (This involves more GPS lady pronouncements and me muttering under my breath). Get there. Be utterly speechless. The sheer grandeur of it all is breathtaking. It's like a fairytale. Take a million photos (most will be awful, but I don’t care).
- Afternoon (Tidal Terror): Walk the causeway. Get close to the sea. Realize that the tide is actually terrifyingly fast. Hear the warnings about the dangers of quicksand. Briefly contemplate my mortality. Decide to stay on the paved path.
- Late Afternoon (The Ascent): Climb up the Mont Saint-Michel. Discover that I am very unfit. Stop every two minutes to "admire the view." (Really, it's to catch my breath). Visit the abbey. Try to understand the history. Fail. But, the architecture is stunning.
- Evening (Redemption Through Food): Dinner at a restaurant near Mont Saint-Michel. Finally, something delicious! Order the local specialty—the omelette. Savour every bite and decide that whatever I ate before was just not the same. Maybe I should stay here forever. Impression: Mont Saint-Michel was overwhelming in a good way, but the tide was a bit scary, and I feel so unfit! Feeling: The feeling was a mix of awe, fear, and hunger.
Day 4: Farewell, France (Or, How I Learned to Embrace the Clumsiness)
- Morning (Goodbye, Manoir… Maybe): A last, lingering look at the Manoir. Take some photos. Vow to return. Pack my bags. Try not to leave anything behind (again). Drive back to the airport. Feel a pang of sadness.
- Afternoon (Airport Antics): Airport security. More chaos. More stress. Realize I've spent my last euros on a dreadful airport sandwich. Remember I love coffee.
- Evening (The Long Flight Home): Board the plane. Fall asleep. Dream of croissants, cheese, and bicycles (maybe not bicycles). Wake up back in my own bed. Feel slightly heartbroken. Resolve to be back again. Impression: I've never been so happy to go back home at this time. Feeling: The feeling was, sad, happy and tired.
Final Thoughts (Because I Need to Ramble):
This itinerary is… well, it's a suggestion. The real itinerary will be dictated by my mood, the weather, and the availability of good cheese and wine. Expect detours, random bursts of French phrases, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. This trip will certainly be messy, but hopefully, also unforgettable. And who knows? Maybe I'll learn to ride a bicycle before I leave. (Probably not). One thing is certain, the adventure begins now!
Uncover Tuscany's Hidden Gem: Relais Villa Sensano Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea! What *actually* makes this "luxurious manor stay" tick? Is it really worth the hype, or just Instagram fodder?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to get real. "Luxurious Manor" gets thrown around so loosely these days, you could practically build a house out of the misused term. But, honestly? Rennes was... different. It *felt* luxurious, like a forgotten fantasy book suddenly came to life. The manor itself is stunning. Imagine those old-school castle vibes, but somehow *not* stuffy? They've balanced the ancient architecture with seriously comfy, modern touches. The hype's definitely there, and, dare I say... it somewhat delivers. Think less ‘influencer photo op’ and more ‘holy crap, I’m actually relaxing’. But, more on that delicious, delicious relaxation later...
What's the setup like? Rooms? Amenities? Be specific, I'm nosy.
Okay, so the rooms… Ugh, the rooms. Mine was HUGE. Like, seriously, I could’ve staged a small ballet in there before heading to bed. Think exposed beams, a ridiculously comfortable bed (I'm talking like, sleep-on-a-cloud levels of comfort, people!), and a bathroom you wouldn’t mind getting *seriously* lost in. They have a lot of character, they have done a marvelous job on that! And the *amenities*... There's a pool, but I was too chicken to actually swim (it was a bit chilly), a spa (again, not my thing), and gardens that practically beg for rambling. The best bit? Seriously, the *best* bit? The staff. They’re incredibly polite, helpful, but not in that overbearing, stuffy way. They seemed genuinely keen to make you enjoy yourself. They even helped me decipher the French names on the breakfast buffet, thank goodness. Breakfast by the way… absolutely phenomenal. Fresh everything. Croissants that practically melt in your mouth. I think I gained five pounds just from inhaling them, but I regret nothing.
Food! Hit me with the food intel! Cuisine style? How's the dining experience? (Because a bad meal ruins everything!)
Right, the food. Okay, this is where the manor *really* shines. And I mean, *really* shines. The cuisine is typically French, but with a modern twist. Fresh, local ingredients (apparently Brittany is famous for its seafood, something I'm reliably informed as being true by someone in the bar, but I can't personally vouch for). The dining experience... well, it's like a performance. The service is impeccable, but not suffocating. It's a proper, leisurely experience. Each course is beautifully presented, a work of art on a plate. One night, I had the scallops with saffron risotto, and it was... oh god... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Absolutely divine. My only regret? I didn't eat *more*. And maybe I should have ordered a bottle of that lovely red wine... next time, definitely next time.
What's there to *do* besides eat and sleep (and admire the architecture all day)? Is there stuff for people who aren't into just lounging?
Okay, the "doing stuff" question! Truthfully? I spent a lot of time eating and sleeping. And wandering around getting lost in the gardens. But seriously, Brittany is beautiful. Rennes itself is charming – cobblestone streets, cute little shops, and the whole medieval vibe (I am personally a complete sucker for medieval, like, I'm obsessed). They also offer various activities: Cooking class (they let me make the biscuits!), wine tasting (perfect for someone like me), guided tours of the surrounding area, that sort of thing. If you're into getting out and about you have everything you need to explore the surrounding area. The area is beautiful; you could visit nearby towns, hike etc. Honestly, I was so content just pottering around the manor, but I could see the options clearly.
Okay, so it all sounds perfect... What were the *downsides*? Don't lie to me!
Ugh, okay, here's the messy bit. Because nothing is perfect, is it? First, the price. It's definitely a splurge. I mean, you're not going to stumble upon this place on a backpacker's budget. You're going to have to save up. Second, the location, even though it's in a beautiful area, it's a bit… remote. You'll need a car to get around, or you'll be relying on taxis. It's not the place to be if you crave constant hustle-and-bustle. Also, and this is a tiny, nitpicky thing, but... the wifi wasn't stellar in my room. Perfectly fine in the main areas of the manor, but a bit spotty when trying to upload those Instagram stories. Sacrilege, I know! And honestly? I wish I'd stayed *longer*.
Tell me something *specific* about the staff! Give me a real anecdote!
Okay, so the staff, right? Bloody wonderful. One morning, struggling with the French menu at breakfast (I'm a work in progress at the language, bless), I was staring blankly at "pain au chocolat" (duh!) and, well, basically everything else. The young waiter, with the kindest eyes, noticed my struggle. He didn’t even bat an eye. He simply smiled, asked if I needed help, reeled off the whole menu in perfect English, and even offered to translate the specials in the sweetest way. Then, as I was struggling to pour my coffee (clumsy hands, don't ask), he appeared again, refilled my cup, and said, "Let me help you there, Madame." And he did! No fuss, no judgement... just pure, genuine helpfulness. It's those little touches that made the whole stay feel truly special. Made me feel like I could actually, you know, *relax*. It felt like they actually *cared*. That kind of service can make or break a place, and they absolutely nailed it. Makes me smile just thinking about it.
Would you go back? Be honest! And if you did, what *specifically* would you do differently?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Absolutely, positively, yes. I'm already mentally planning it, actually. Next time, I'd book *at least* a week. I'd take that cooking class, for sure. I'd learn how to make those damn croissants! I'd *actually* swim in the pool. I'd bring a proper book (not just my phone, which is what I did this time), and I would actively disconnect (wifi permitting, of course, haha!). I'd also probably book a massage from the get-go - I kind of wish I'd had a bit more spa action. Most importantly, I'd just… be. Be present. Savor every moment. Because yeah, it's an investment, but it's an investment in yourself. AndHotel Search Tips
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