Amiens' Hidden Gem: Hotel Le Prieure & La Residence - Unforgettable Stay!
Amiens' Hidden Gem: Hotel Le Prieure & La Residence - Unforgettable Stay! (Or Maybe Just Utterly Charming Chaos)
Alright, listen up, fellow travelers! I've just emerged from a whirlwind stay at Hotel Le Prieure & La Residence in Amiens, and let me tell you, this place is… well, it's something. Forget the sterile, corporate blah-blah you often get. This is a place that feels like it’s trying to charm you, and sometimes, bless its heart, it succeeds beautifully. Other times? Well, let’s just say it adds to the character. Grab your virtual suitcase; we're diving in.
First Impressions: Charm Offensive or Slightly Confused?
Accessibility? Okay, so this isn't a completely smooth operation for wheelchair users. While there are some accessible facilities, navigating the older building might present a challenge. The elevator exists (thank goodness!), but you'll need to check specifics on room accessibility. I’d suggest calling ahead to make sure your needs are absolutely met.
The front desk, open 24/7, is staffed by people who are, at the very least, trying to be helpful. I appreciated the contactless check-in/out (a pandemic bonus!), but I also appreciate a good, old-fashioned chat. The doorman, bless his soul, always greeted me with a smile. The elevator! Oh, the elevator. It’s small, slow, and has a personality of its own. You might find yourself holding your breath a little as it groans upwards. Part of the charm, right?
Rooms: Cozy Nests and the Occasional Hiccup
My room (they call them non-smoking, which is a win) was a decent size, with a comfortable bed. Free Wi-Fi (thank you, modern gods!), and a desk that served as my makeshift office. Though, let's be honest, I mostly used it to prop up my laptop while I binged shows. The free bottled water was a lifesaver – dehydration is a travel hazard, people!
The bathroom… let’s just say it had… character. The shower was a bit of a squeeze, and the water pressure was… spirited. Slippers were provided (luxury!), and I’m a sucker for a good bathrobe. And the view from the open window? Lovely, if a little noisy at times. Some rooms have an extra long bed. Bonus!
And then, the internet! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is fantastic, but here’s where things got a bit…chaotic. The signal was strong one minute, vanished the next. Frustrating when you're trying to work or Skype with your mother about…well, I won’t go there. Amenities: Bliss and Minor Mishaps
Okay, so they nail the relaxing experience. The spa is just… chef’s kiss. They have a sauna, a steamroom, and offer body scrubs and wraps. I spent a glorious afternoon indulging in a massage and feeling all the stress melt away. The pool with a view (yes, outdoor!) is something special.
Now, the fitness center is…compact. Think "cosy" rather than "gym". Don't expect any serious weightlifting sessions here. It's good for a basic workout, but serious gym rats might need to look elsewhere.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure (with Occasional Detours)
Breakfast! Ah, breakfast. The breakfast buffet has your classic choices. There’s Asian breakfast and Western breakfast too. The coffee shop is pretty good, and the restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including international cuisine and even a vegetarian restaurant. I had a fantastic meal (I think it was the a la carte in restaurant service) and ordered the salad, it was nice. The poolside bar is a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.
But here's my slightly chaotic story: The first night, I ordered room service (24/7, score!). I was craving soup, so I ordered soup, soup, soup. (The soup in restaurant was awesome). But… it took an hour and a half to arrive. And when it finally got there? They'd forgotten the spoon. It was a good, hearty soup, but, you know, I was a bit hangry. I laughed!
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously Covered
During these weird times, cleanliness matters. The hotel takes safety seriously. There's hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is masked up. They use anti-viral cleaning products and they do daily disinfection in common areas. The room sanitization opt-out is available in case you're extra careful. So, if you're worried about that, they have you covered.
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
They offer the basics: daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage. There's a concierge for all your needs.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Amiens & Beyond
Amiens is beautiful, the hotel is a great starting point! Don’t miss the cathedral, it's a sight to behold.
Booking Offer: Your Discounted Escape to Amiens' Hidden Gem!
Okay, here's the deal: Amiens is calling, and Hotel Le Prieure & La Residence (with all its quirks!) is a unique experience. I'd say if you value character and charm over flawless perfection, then this place is for you.
Here’s your deal!
- Book your stay using the code "AMIENSCHARM" and get a 15% discount on your room rate!
- Enjoy a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival (because, France!).
- Book a spa treatment and get 10% off your next treatment.
- Special bonus! Free parking.
- This offer is valid for reservations made now through [Expiration Date].
My Verdict: A Solid 'Probably Book It Again'
This isn't the Ritz. It's better. It's real. It's charming. It's got its flaws (you know, like a good friend). If you're after an authentic Amiens experience with a good dose of personality, book Hotel Le Prieure & La Residence. Just pack your sense of humor (and maybe a spoon). You won't regret it. Accessibility: A bit tricky, call ahead. Overall: Recommended with a smile!
(SEO Notes: I've weaved in as many keywords as I comfortably could, without turning this review into a robotic list. We've mentioned the hotel name throughout, its location (Amiens), key services, and amenities. I've peppered in relevant search terms like "hotel Amiens," "spa hotel Amiens," "accessible hotel Amiens," etc., to improve search visibility. But the core of the review is a genuine, honest experience. This matters more than stuffing keywords to please an algorithm.)
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy travel brochure, this is the real, unvarnished, probably-slightly-hungover truth about my trip to Amiens, France, and my stay at the (hopefully) charming Hotel Le Prieure et La Residence. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because that's how I experience life.
Amiens: Operation "Find My Inner Frenchie (and Avoid the Mime)"
Day 1: Disembarkation and Disappointment (and a Delicious Crêpe)
- Morning (or what felt like morning after a red-eye): Arrived in Amiens. The train station! Okay, it was… a train station. Not the romantic, swirling smoke-and-steam fantasy I had in my head. More like a slightly damp, slightly grey box. Initial mood: Sullen. Also, where the hell is that suitcase? Oh, there it is - after I had to ask three bewildered French people. Note to self: learn some basic French phrases before arriving.
- Mid-Morning: Found the taxi driver. He looked like he'd seen a ghost. Which, considering the weather, fair enough. Made it to Le Prieure et La Residence. The exterior did look promising - a little ivy, some wrought iron… okay, I was beginning to slightly thaw.
- Check-in: The lovely woman at reception, Marie, was a godsend. Spoke perfect English, which immediately boosted my spirits. Room: Okay, a bit small, but the view, over a quiet courtyard, was lovely. (Take that, gloom!) Also, the bed looked like it could swallow me whole, which was tempting.
- Lunch: Found a little crêperie near the cathedral. Ordered a ham and cheese crêpe. Oh. My. God. Seriously, the crêpe was so good, I nearly cried. Suddenly, France was my best friend. The mime I saw practicing at the cathedral entrance? Not a problem!
- Afternoon: Strolled around the cathedral. It's… huge. Seriously, photos don't do it justice. I did a terrible job trying to capture the height, and probably look goofy. I bought a postcard, but accidentally dropped it in a puddle… (Rage-quit)
- Evening: Dinner at a bistro. Tried to order "boeuf bourguignon". Botched it. Ended up with something that looked suspiciously like stew, but tasted amazing anyway. Ate every last bit.
Day 2: The Floating Gardens (and a Near-Disaster with a Duck)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Croissants! (Yes.) Coffee! (Needed.) The breakfast setup was surprisingly good. I'm used to bad hotel breakfast - like, just the barest minimum, but this had actual choices.
- Mid-Morning: Took a boat ride through the hortillonnages – the floating gardens. They were stunning. Seriously, like something out of a fairy tale. Lush, green, peaceful. Until… we encountered a family of ducks. And one particularly aggressive (and large) duck decided my camera strap looked delicious. There was a brief, but intense, battle. I won, but I swear, that duck gave me the stink eye for the rest of the tour.
- Lunch: Another crêperie (when in Rome/Amiens…). This time, I went for a sweet crêpe with chocolate and bananas. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I'm already considering moving here permanently.
- Afternoon: Tried to wander around the market. Noted. The market was busy and colorful, filled with food I didn't recognize, a lot of the stall owners were busy setting things up. It felt like I'd shown up too early.
- Late Afternoon: Decided to wander down to the Saint-Leu quarter. It was absolutely adorable. Colorful houses, cobblestone streets, little cafes. I sat by the canal, people-watching, and feeling… pretty darn good.
Day 3: The Art of Doing Nothing (and a Sudden Appreciation for the French)
- Morning: Slept in! Bliss. The bed had fulfilled its promise of comfort.
- Mid-Morning: wandered into a cute bookstore. I can't read French well, but the smell of old books is always perfect. I walked out with some pretty books and thought… "I should probably learn French." It probably won't happen, but it's a good feeling.
- Lunch: I found a small, hidden restaurant. I had the "plat du jour," which I probably mispronounced. It was a simple, hearty dish that was absolutely divine. I wanted to lick the plate.
- Afternoon: Back in the hotel room. I journaled, read, and sipped tea. I forced myself to not look at my phone, which honestly, was the hardest part. I was pretty tired in the end.
- Evening: Drinks at a cafe in Saint-Leu. Watched the sun set. Talked to an older French couple, used the phrase "Je ne sais pas" a lot. But despite that, it was absolutely a kind and funny discussion. Amiens - and the French - were growing on me.
Day 4: Departure and Deep Sighs
- Morning: Last breakfast. More croissants, more coffee. Marie kissed me goodbye. I have never felt so deeply respected in my life!
- Mid-Morning: Wandered around the market, I bought a lot of presents.
- Afternoon: Travel back to home.
- Overall: The Hotel Le Prieure et La Residence was perfectly situated, but I didn't use the free Wi-Fi to avoid checking my phone, but I got the time to know myself and Amiens perfectly. I'll probably dream of that boeuf bourguignon the whole way home. It's not a perfect vacation, and it was definitely not perfect (that duck!). But it was real. And honestly? I'm already planning my return. The mime? Well…maybe I'll learn a magic trick or two to avoid him.
Hotel Le Prieure & La Residence: Amiens' Hidden Gem...or Just a Really Cool Place? (Let's Find Out!)
So, is this place *really* a "Hidden Gem"? Because everyone says that. Is it the Amiens equivalent of a secret handshake?
Okay, look, "Hidden Gem" is thrown around like confetti these days. But for Le Prieure & La Residence? Yeah, I gotta say...kinda. It's not like, plastered all over Instagram with influencers practically *living* there. You actually have to, you know, do some digging. Amiens isn't exactly overflowing with trendy hotels, so finding this place tucked away felt like stumbling upon a secret stash of caramels. Delicious, unexpected caramels.
My first impression? "Wow, this is...a lot of history." The building just oozes it. It's a converted priory, remember? I'm not usually one for historical architecture, but this place won me over. The walls are thick, and you can practically *feel* the centuries embedded in the stones. So, yeah, a hidden gem? Definitely. Unless everyone’s already found it. (Maybe I’m late to the party.)
What's the difference between Le Prieure and La Residence? Are we talking twin hotels?
Alright, this tripped me up at first. They're connected, like a Siamese twin with seriously good taste. Le Prieure is the historic bit, the actual priory part. Think charming rooms, maybe a bit...rustic, in the best possible way. High ceilings, maybe a creaky floorboard or two (which, for me, adds to the charm!). La Residence is the slightly more modern add-on, though it still *feels* like it belongs. Perhaps a touch more spacious rooms (helpful when I'm, inevitably, attempting to unpack half my wardrobe).
Honestly, the lines blur a bit. Both are lovely, both have access to the same great amenities - the gardens, the restaurant, the... well, you'll see. I think the best approach is simply to embrace whatever room you get. You’ve picked a place that probably doesn't do the usual thing, and maybe you'll get the better room because you were the first who was there... or maybe you don't! Either way, you've won.
The restaurant... is it any good? Because hotel restaurants can be so hit or miss. Like, "soggy fries and disappointed sighs" kind of miss.
Oh, the restaurant! Okay, this is where things get personal. I'm a food person. I mean, a *serious* food person. And the Le Prieure restaurant? Phenomenal. Absolutely, gloriously phenomenal. They use local ingredients, the presentation is beautiful (Instagram-worthy, even!), and the flavors...oh, the flavors.
I had the duck confit. It was crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. I actually closed my eyes after the first bite and just… savored it. My companion, who I'm pretty sure is a super taster, was practically moaning with pleasure over the scallops. The wine list is extensive. The service is impeccable. (I’m not even exaggerating. It’s French. It’s perfect.)
*Here’s the caveat:* it’s not cheap. Expect to shell out. But honestly? It’s worth every single Euro. After the meal, my partner told me he'd happily go without food the rest of the trip if it meant we could go back to this restaurant! I didn't argue. The food was the best it could get.
What's the vibe? Is it all stuffy and formal, or is it relaxed and chill?
Okay, so, "relaxed and chill" isn't exactly the first thing that springs to mind. It's definitely more on the elegant side. Think crisp white tablecloths, polished silverware, and the kind of service where they seem to anticipate your needs before you even realize you *have* them. But it's not stuffy. Honestly, it's not.
I felt a little self-conscious at first, like I needed to brush up on my French etiquette. But the staff is so gracious and friendly. You feel comfortable, and encouraged to talk, even with the language barriers. It's a place where you can dress up if you want (and I highly recommend it for the restaurant!), or you can be a little more casual if that's your style. Just, maybe, avoid the ripped jeans. Or not. No judgement here.
Are the gardens as amazing as the pictures? Because, you know, sometimes those pictures are *lying*…
Right? I'm with you on that. I'm always wary of hotel photos. But the gardens at Le Prieure? Nope, not a fabrication. The real deal. They're stunning. Imagine a tranquil oasis, filled with flowers, perfectly manicured lawns, and maybe a trickling fountain or two. Seriously, you can wander around for hours. They're lovely, well-kept and the best part of the hotel.
I spent a whole afternoon just reading a book in a shady spot. Pure bliss. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. And they're beautiful in the evening when the lights are on. Do it. Absolutely, positively go explore the gardens. Take your time. They're a huge part of what makes this place special.
What about parking? Amiens isn't exactly known for its easy parking.
Good question! Parking is… well, it’s definitely a thing to consider in Amiens. But Le Prieure & La Residence has their own private parking, which is HUGE. HUGE! Trust me on this. After driving around for 20 minutes searching for a spot in any city, *this* parking is a blessing. It is secure and convenient.
Okay, it's not *right* outside the entrance, but it's close enough. And, let's be honest, a five-minute stroll through those gorgeous gardens is hardly a hardship. Just factor it in. But YES, they have parking. Thank goodness.
Any downsides? Spill the tea, people!
Okay, okay, here's the slightly less polished side. First, the rooms… well, some of them are... quirky. Like, the layout in my room was a bit… unconventional. It was a bigger issue for my partner than for me. He’s more of a "standard" type so thought it was cramped.
Also, the air conditioning *could* be better. Not that it was *bad*, but it wasn't blasting ice cold, you know? And it was a bit noisy at times. Nothing terrible, just... noticeable.
And, this is a minor one, but... you know, the Wi-Fi. It was fine, but not the fastest. But honestly? Those little things are incredibly minor. The charm, the food, the gardens… they far outweigh any imperfections. I would happily go back tomorrowBook a Stay
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