Beaune Wine Getaway: Unforgettable IHG Stay in the City of Wine!
Beaune Wine Getaway: Unforgettable IHG Stay in the City of Wine! – My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Beaune, France, and I'm buzzing like a drunken bee in a vineyard. This wasn't just any trip; it was a Beaune Wine Getaway, an IHG stay I'd been dreaming about. And lemme tell you, it was… mostly unforgettable. Let's dive in, shall we? Because I've got thoughts. Lots of them.
First Impressions & the Sweet, Sweet Promise of Wine…
Beaune itself is straight out of a postcard. Cobblestone streets, charming buildings… and the promise of copious amounts of wine! The IHG property (let's be vague here, gotta keep things interesting, right?) was centrally located, which is a HUGE win. Accessibility: I'm not in a wheelchair, thank god – navigating those cobblestones would be a nightmare. But I did notice an elevator, which is a godsend for anyone with mobility issues. And, honestly, after a few glasses of Burgundy, an elevator feels pretty essential for me too. They also offer Facilities for disabled guests, so that's a plus.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress of Bliss
Okay, the room. Available in all rooms: air conditioning (YES!), Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, a mini bar (essential survival kit, honestly), and a coffee/tea maker. The bed was comfy (although, let's be honest, after a day of wine tasting, even a concrete slab would feel luxurious). The bathroom was clean, with towels that were… well, actual towels! Not those sandpaper-esque ones some hotels seem to favor. It had a separate shower/bathtub which is perfect for a wine soaked soak, but I will be honest, I just did a shower, and I was happy, especially after my foot bath at the spa!
The “Relaxation” Zone: Spa Days & Steam Room Shenanigans
Now, the "unforgettable" part. Let's just say I went HARD on the spa offerings. They had a Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and a swimming pool. I spent a glorious, hours in the sauna sweating out my sins (and maybe a little too much rosé). Then, the steamroom. Oh, the steamroom! I felt like a giant, slightly tipsy dumpling, just… melting. I even indulged in a body scrub which, let me tell you, after the flight, felt like a religious experience. The pool with a view was… idyllic. I tried to get a picture looking serene, but I kept giggling, probably because I'd just finished a prosecco in my robe.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because Germs Suck (Even in Paradise)
Post-pandemic, this is HUGE. The hotel seemed to take Cleanliness and safety seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff all followed Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. Feel free to opt out of the sanitization, just let them know, your secret is safe with me.
Food & Drink: Fueling the Wine-Fueled Adventures
Alright, the eating and drinking. This is Beaune, baby! You're here for the wine, and the hotel knew it. The breakfast [buffet] was decent, with breakfast in room options if you were feeling anti-social (which, let's be honest, after two days of socializing, I often was). There was a restaurant on site with a la carte in restaurant. Didn't try it, but it looked fancy. There was a coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Poolside bar! and I do mean happy hour poolside bar!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
They had most of the usual suspects: Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Daily housekeeping, You could also find some Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, and even a Gift/souvenir shop,
Getting Around: Navigating the Burgundy Bliss
Car park [free of charge]! YES! That was huge. We drove. I’ll just add that the Taxi service was a lifesaver after a long day of tasting. They also give you some Bicycle parking, because, you know, France.
The Downside (Because Nothing's Perfect, Apparently)
Okay, let's be honest. I'm not going to pretend this was a flawless experience. Here's the stuff that knocked it down a peg:
- There were definitely some minor hiccups with the room service. One night the soup arrived cold. Minor, but still!
- It wasn't as "boutique" as I'd hoped. It felt a little… standard. But hey, its an IHG hotel, what did I expect, right?
- The internet was… a little spotty at times. Internet worked mostly fine, but streaming a movie? Forget about it. Internet [LAN] was available, but who uses LAN, right?
So, Would I Go Back? YES! (With a Few Caveats)
Despite the the minor imperfections, I absolutely loved Beaune. This hotel offers a solid base. The location is perfect, the spa is heavenly, and the wine… well, the wine makes everything else worth it. The staff were friendly, everything was clean, and I felt relatively safe and taken care of during the whole trip.
My (Highly Persuasive) Offer for YOU:
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving an escape that tantalizes your taste buds and soothes your soul? Book your Beaune Wine Getaway at this IHG property NOW!
Here's what you get:
- Unforgettable Wine Tasting Experiences: Dive headfirst into the world of Burgundy wines.
- Spa Bliss: Melt away stress in the sauna and steam room.
- Perfect Location: Walkable access to everything.
- Clean & Comfortable Stay: Relax in a spotless room.
- Unbeatable Value: Experience luxury without breaking the bank.
- Peace of mind – safety from the pandemic.
Don't wait! This is your chance to experience the magic of Beaune. Book now and let the wine flow!
(And, you know, pack your stretchy pants. You'll need them.)
Krakow Old Town Charm: Unforgettable Stay at Best Western Plus!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going rogue, Dijon-style, on this trip to voco Beaune – Cité des Vins. Get ready for a mess, a joy, and hopefully, enough wine to forget the whole thing happened.
Day 1: The Arrival and the Wine-Induced Giggles (or, "Where's the Champagne?!")
- Morning (Around 7:00 AM… or whenever I finally drag myself out of bed after the nightmare of packing): Fly into… well, anything near Burgundy. Probably Lyon. The flight's probably already delayed. I have this uncanny ability to attract turbulence like a magnet. Also, the obligatory "OMG I forgot my phone charger!" freakout. Always.
- Mid-morning (Post-Delayed Flight, Post-Charger Panic): Rental car insanity. Pray to all the deities that the car hire dude understands my broken French. My French is like, somewhere between "Bonjour!" and "Where is the toilet?" So. Much. Potential. For. Disaster.
- Lunch (1:00 PM, if we're lucky): Finally arrive in Beaune. Check into voco. Okay, the lobby is actually pretty classy. This is a good start. But… where's the complimentary Champagne? I'm just saying, a girl needs her bubbles after a morning of travel tribulations. Find a charming bistro for lunch. Need a serious carb-loading session after that ordeal. It's gonna be a Croque Monsieur, for sure.
- Afternoon (Enough sleep, hopefully): Explore Beaune, the town. The ramparts are pretty. The Hospices de Beaune (with its iconic tiled roof) is gorgeous, but honestly, the crowds… are a bit much. I'm going to get lost in the side streets, somewhere charming and less touristy. Just… let me find a tiny bakery first, the smell of fresh bread is calling my name.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Wine tasting time! Duh! Ahem. Head to a local cave. Forget the fancy, pre-booked tours. We're winging it. Hopefully we will bump into some locals. I want to understand Burgundy. Really. My first impression is a deep sigh and a slow clap. The world of wine is intimidating! Don't get me wrong, the Burgundy wines are delightful, but also… expensive. I think I will get tipsy, maybe.
- Evening (7:30 PM): Dinner at a restaurant with a cozy ambiance. I'm trying to be fancy, ordering something I can't pronounce. I'll probably end up with something I can't eat. Hopefully, I won't spill wine on myself. The restaurant is amazing. I’m not going to lie - I got emotional at how good the food was.
- Night (10:00 PM): Post-dinner stroll around Beaune, slightly tipsy, probably singing off-key. Find a hidden bar, and chat with locals. This is where the real stories will unfold. Or, at least, where the blurry memories will be made.
Day 2: Burgundy Bliss and a Moment of Existential Dread (and more wine, obviously)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. Head-splitting headache. Curse my reckless abandon the previous night. Where's the painkiller? Then, remember all the adventures of the day before. Smiles.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Hit the Route des Grands Crus. Drive through the vineyards. The scenery is stunning. Take tons of photos that I'll never look at again.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Find a charming little village for lunch. A picnic seems like a good idea. But, I forgot the picnic basket. Facepalm. I feel like a total tourist. Settle for a tiny place with a perfect French lady behind the counter.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Visit a winery, the same type of place from the day before. We're going to go deep this time, though, at a small, family-owned place. The winemaker is going to be passionate, and I will be completely in over my head. I might pretend I understand what they're saying, and then, eventually, I will give up and ask if they have a pretty wine.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Existential crisis time. I'll stand in a vineyard, contemplating the meaning of life and, more importantly, why I'm not rich enough to buy the entire vineyard. Or, you know, what to have for dinner. The beauty of the world. It gets to me.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner, again! Find a cozy restaurant with a fireplace (it's probably not practical, but I'm dreaming of it). I will order the Boeuf Bourguignon this time. I'm determined.
- Night (9:00 PM): Repeat of the previous night's shenanigans, but with extra cheese. Find a jazz club. Try not to embarrass myself with my terrible dance moves.
Day 3: The Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Pack. This is a process I loathe. Where did all this stuff come from?! Try to fit everything back into the suitcase. Fail miserably.
- Mid-morning (11:00 AM): One last stroll around Beaune. Buy some chocolates, even though my waistline is already screaming. Maybe a bottle of wine for "research" purposes.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Final French lunch. Order something simple. A final sigh of contentment.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Rental car return drama. Pray I haven't scratched the car. Pray the French guy is in a good mood.
- Late Afternoon (Somewhere near 4:00PM): Head back to the Airport. Another delayed flight is a distinct possibility.
- Evening (Once I get home…): Settle back at home. Get the post-holiday blues. Start planning the next trip, which will probably involve more wine and inevitably, more chaos.
Things to Remember (or, My Personal Disaster Checklist)
- Learn some French: The bare minimum, or I might starve.
- Pack appropriate footwear: I'm going to be walking a lot, but also, I need some fancy shoes for dinner.
- Bring a notebook: For jotting down those brilliant thoughts I'm bound to have while staring at vineyards. (Or just to doodle.)
- Travel insurance: Because, you know, life.
- Most importantly: Embrace the imperfections. This trip is going to be messy, funny, and hopefully, absolutely unforgettable. And if I come back slightly rounder and a little more tipsy than I arrived, well, that's just the Burgundy way!
Okay, Beaune Wine Getaway... Sounds fancy! But what *IS* it, really?
Alright, so picture this: Beaune, France. Think cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and wine. Loads and loads of wine. My take? It's basically a long weekend of pure, unadulterated *joie de vivre*. This particular getaway is hawked as an IHG stay. So, your lodging is sorted (likely a decent hotel, hopefully with a killer breakfast buffet - more on that later!), and they probably package in some excursions related to the wine scene. Think wine tastings, maybe a vineyard tour or two... the works. But honestly? It's the *feeling* of it all. That effortless, relaxed vibe that comes with good food, good wine, and a change of scenery. Forget your to-do list, embrace the Burgundy bliss!
Wine Tasting - Are we talking like, "sniff, swirl, spit"? Or can I actually *enjoy* the damn wine?
Oh, *Honey*, I get you. The whole professional wine tasting thing can be a bit…intimidating. Like, am I supposed to be a sommelier just to have a good time? The good news is, the Beaune experiences I've done have been totally chill. You'll have opportunities to do the "sniff, swirl, spit" if you want to be a 'pro'. But listen, I'd say the emphasis is WAY more on *enjoying*. They want you to buy wine. And you can't buy wine if you're too busy worrying about the tannins. I've met some amazing winemakers! The best part is, they really do care about the story, the process. And you will learn something! Plus, hey, a little bit goes a long way… especially if you're like me, and your palate is more “enthusiastic beginner” than expert. Pro tip: bring a friend. It's always more fun to share your silly wine faces.
This IHG thing… Is the hotel actually *good*? I had a bad experience once...
Okay, okay, I understand. Hotel roulette is a real thing. I've had stays where the highlight was finding a slightly less stained towel. The IHG part really depends on the specific hotel included in the getaway package. Do your research! Check reviews *thoroughly*. Look for photos of the rooms, the breakfast situation (crucial, I repeat, crucial!), and the location. Is it near the city center? Walking distance to restaurants? If you're happy to walk, that's amazing, if not, don't be shy in asking about a taxi or bus. My personal experience? I actually had a very nice stay, but make sure you *ask* the front desk any information you need and always double-check your reservation.
Beyond the wine and hotel… What else is there to do? I don't want to just, y'know, drink wine all day (said nobody ever, right?).
Ha! Smart cookie! Beaune is a *treasure trove* of other delights. First, the Hospices de Beaune! Wow. Seriously, the architecture alone is breathtaking. It was a hospital, built back in the day, and the roof... those glazed tiles are iconic. Then, the city itself is gorgeous – wander the ramparts, browse the shops (hello, cheese and chocolate!), and soak up the atmosphere. Consider visiting the local market to try some local goods. One time, I got hopelessly lost in a tiny alleyway, stumbled upon a hidden bakery, and devoured a croissant that legitimately changed my life. So, my advice? Get lost on purpose and get as many steps on your watch as possible.
What do I pack? Asking for a friend… who is me.
Okay, packing. This is where the "perfectionist traveler" in me wants to take over, but let's be real. You want to be prepared, but NOT over-packed. Comfort is key. But this isn't about the *clothes*, it's about the *feeling* you get in them. Think:
- Layers: The weather in Burgundy can be unpredictable. Always be prepared!
- Comfortable shoes: You'll be walking!
- A scarf: Chic and practical. Great for chilly evenings and adding a little "je ne sais quoi" to your look.
- Something a little fancy: One nice outfit for dinner. Think a sweater and a pair of nice pants.
- A corkscrew: It's handy for all those wine bottles you'll be buying, obvi!
- A reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated!
Is it expensive? I'm on a budget, let's be real.
Beaune can be what you make it. It depends on your travel style. The package itself will be a base cost, depending on the hotel and tours included. But food and drink…that can add up! Wine is relatively affordable, but the fancy restaurants…they can hit your wallet harder. But, on the flipside, there are lots of affordable options, from simple bistros and cafes to picnic supplies from local markets. So, my advice is to set a budget *before* you go, and then stick to it as much as possible. Don't be afraid to indulge a little, because you're in France, and it's Beaune! But balance it out with some more budget-friendly choices. Look, it's all about balance, right? Even a bit of splurging is okay.
I don't speak French. Will I be completely lost?
Not necessarily! Thankfully, a lot of people in the tourism industry speak English, especially in the hotels and wineries. Download a translation app – they're lifesavers! Learn some basic French phrases ("Bonjour," "Merci," "S'il vous plaît") – it'll be appreciated and it will make your experience so much better. Seriously, a "bonjour" goes *miles*. Plus, trying to speak the language, even if you mangle it, is part of the fun...and you'll learn a lot about other cultures. One time, I ordered something, and the waiter said, "you have a very interesting accent!" I just smiled and pointed at the wine.
Any tips for maximizing this whole "Beaune Wine Getaway" thing?
Absolutely! Here's my non-expert advice:
- Book in advance: Especially if you're traveling during peak season. Hotels, tours, everything!
- Pace yourself:Blog Hotel Search Sitevoco Beaune – Cité des Vins By IHG Beaune Francevoco Beaune – Cité des Vins By IHG Beaune France
