CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon: The BEST Hotel Near the Station? You WON'T Believe This!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dissect this hotel, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a whirlwind! Forget your perfectly-structured travel blogs; this is gonna be real, raw, and possibly a little rambling. We're talking about [Hotel Name], and after pouring over all that stuff (yeah, the long list!), I'm ready to give you the lowdown, warts and all!
First things first: The Accessibility Tango
Okay, so "Accessibility" is a big one. They say they've got accessible stuff, which makes me cautiously optimistic. Wheelchair Accessible? Crucial. Because, look, my grandma – bless her heart – isn’t exactly a mountain goat anymore. Having a hotel that actually gets that is a massive plus. I’ll need more specifics, like, are ramps actually ramp-y, and not death-defying staircases disguised as ramps? Facilities for Disabled Guests: This better be more than just a grab bar in the shower. We're talking proper consideration, people!
Then there's the internal stuff. Elevator is critical, especially if you're aiming for a view from a high floor. Air conditioning in public areas - a godsend anywhere hot. Now, about those On-site accessible restaurants / lounges. Crucial. No one wants to spend their vacation confined. Accessibility here needs top marks.
Internet: The Digital Lifeblood
Let's be honest, in the modern world, good Wi-Fi is practically a human right. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Wi-Fi in public areas, also very important. I hate scrambling for a signal. Internet [LAN] – nice to see they're offering something for the old skool people. No one wants to be tethered to their laptops.
Wellness & "Things to Do" – The Relax & Recharge Rundown
Alright, let's dive into the fluffy stuff. Spa/sauna? YES PLEASE! I mean, who doesn’t love a good steam after a long travel? I'm sold on that Spa. This is the good life stuff. Tell me more about the Pool with view! Is it Instagram-worthy? Is it the kind of pool where you can actually swim and not just dangle your feet? And let's get real, a Fitness center is great, in theory. Now, is it a dungeon with ancient equipment or a spot where you can actually keep up with your fitness? Also, Massage?! I'm so in. Especially if there's a Body scrub and Body wrap involved.
Now, the "Things to do". Is the hotel a boring box or a jumping-off point for adventures?
COVID-19: The Safety Dance
This is the elephant in the room, and they seems they are doing it the right way. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – all good things. Hand sanitizer, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are absolute necessities. Staff trained in safety protocol: This is vital. I want to see people who know what they're doing, not just vaguely waving a spray bottle.
Food, Glorious Food!
This is where it gets interesting. Restaurants,plural? Good! Now, what kind of restaurants? If there’s Asian cuisine and Western cuisine in the house, I'm happy. A Vegetarian restaurant is a must-have. The Breakfast [buffet], also very important. But also, what about some Breakfast in room? And I'm a sucker for a good Coffee shop for my mid-afternoon fix. I also want room service! Room service [24-hour]. Is there a Bar? Poolside bar? Are the cocktails decent?
The Nitty Gritty: Services and Conveniences
Okay, let’s talk practicalities. Concierge – a lifesaver! Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Dry Cleaning. Luggage storage. Currency exchange. Cash withdrawal. All the little things that make life easier. Doorman is nice, but not a deal-breaker. Air conditioning in public area is crucial in a hot destination - thank god they have it.
The Family Factor
Babysitting service? Important for those traveling with kids or wanting a night off. Family/child-friendly? Does that mean they just tolerate kids, or is there stuff for them to do? Kids facilities, and a Kids meal? Again, good in theory. (For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)
Rooms: The Personal Sanctuary
Here's where things get really personal. Air conditioning. Mandatory. Alarm clock. Necessary. Bathtub? Score! Blackout curtains? Praise be! I love a good nap. Coffee/tea maker. Essential. Free bottled water. Good. Hair dryer. Yes! In-room safe box. Okay. Internet access – wireless, is a must. Ironing facilities? I hate ironing, but, fine. Mini bar? Always a plus. Non-smoking? Hallelujah. Private bathroom. Obvious. Reading light. Yes! Refrigerator. Excellent! Separate shower/bathtub. Luxurious. Slippers. Nice touch. Smoke detector, Soundproofing. Toiletries? Essential. Towels. Thank god. Wake-up service. Useful. Wi-Fi [free]. YASSS! Window that opens? Please!
The Upsells: Extras and Add-Ons
These are the things that make a hotel special. Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed - sad for me. Proposal spot? Romantic! Room decorations? Now we're talking! Safe dining setup? Good to know. Smoking area? For those who need it. Terrace. Ah, a breath of fresh air. Valet parking is a nice luxury.
Safety & Security: Peace of Mind
CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]. Essential. Smoke alarms. Important. I want to feel safe!
Getting Around
Airport transfer? A must! Car park [free of charge]? Great! Taxi service. Helpful.
Here's my brutally honest, stream-of-consciousness take:
Okay, so reading that all-encompassing list, has my brain spinning.
The Good: The focus on hygiene and cleanliness is fantastic. Shows you care about your guests. And the whole accessibility thing? Kudos.
The Could-Be-Better: The "things to do" section feels a bit vague. What's nearby? What can I do? And the food – let's hope it's not all beige and bland.
The Quirks: I'm obsessed with the idea of a pool with a view. I'm picturing a rooftop oasis, a cocktail in hand, the city sprawling below. I need that.
My Emotional Reaction: I'm cautiously optimistic. There's a definite allure. It sounds like a well-thought-out place.
Let's talk offer time now:
The Offer: Escape the Everyday, Embrace the Extraordinary!
(Hotel Name) offers a sanctuary where luxury meets convenience, and every detail is designed with you in mind. Book now and enjoy:
- Unbeatable Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas!
- Rooftop Relaxation: Take a dip in the stunning pool with a view, and soak up the sun.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast and explore a variety of dining options—including Asian and Western cuisine—to satisfy your taste buds.
- Unwind and Rejuvenate: Experience ultimate relaxation with a spa that boasts body wraps, scrubs and relaxing massages.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing your safety is our top priority, with enhanced cleaning protocols and attentive staff.
- Accessibility for Everyone: Fully wheel chair accessible for peace of mind.
Special Offer: Book your stay within the next 30 days and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony and a bottle of bubbly upon arrival!
Click here to book your unforgettable getaway and experience the [Hotel Name] difference!
Final Thoughts:
Look, this hotel seems promising. It's got the basics down, it's focusing on hygiene (big plus), and it sounds like it cares about its guests. It's certainly not perfect, but hey, nothing is. The key is the experience. If it delivers on the promise of those quirky little extras – The pool view! The spa! - then it could be truly special. Only one way to find out, right? Book it and let me know!
Urban Deca Tower OYO 11 Philippines: Your Dream Manila Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is how I actually experienced Paris from the vaguely-sterile, yet charmingly reliable embrace of the citizenM Gare de Lyon. Get ready for some real talk.
Project: Paris - Operation "Croissant High" (and Avoiding the Pigeons)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Crushing (the Good Kind)
10:00 AM: Touchdown at Charles de Gaulle. (Ugh, CDG. It's like a concrete maze of delayed gratification. Found a rogue croissant in my bag. Score!) The train… I thought I was a pro by now, but navigating that labyrinth of French train stations still feels like a pop quiz I didn't study for. Got on the wrong train (of course). Ended up getting yelled at by a tiny, ferocious Parisian woman with a handbag that could probably kill someone. She fixed me with a glare that could curdle milk. Lovely.
12:00 PM: Arrive at citizenM Gare de Lyon. YES. The instant relief of knowing my luggage is safe and, more importantly, clean. The lobby…is always a vibe. Sleek, minimalist, with that weird, almost-too-perfect smell that always makes me feel like I should be wearing a lab coat. Check-in was smoother than expected (thank god, after the train situation). Immediately hit the coffee machine. Caffeine: the only friend I truly trust.
1:00 PM: Room. The rooms are tiny, but I actually kinda love it. Cozy, minimalist, and the mood lighting is a stroke of genius. Immediately jumped on the bed and did a little victory dance. Don't judge.
1:30 PM: Lunch. (I should have eaten the croissant earlier. Damn.) Found a boulangerie a few blocks away, a slightly frantic search. Ordered something that looked delicious (basically pointing and hoping). It was a quiche lorraine that practically sang to me. Stood there, inhaling it, and thinking… this is Paris. This is why I deal with the train chaos, the cranky Parisians, the pigeons that look like they’re plotting world domination (more on them later).
3:00 PM: Wandering around the 12th arrondissement. Trying to not look like a lost tourist. Okay, I failed. Immediately. Ended up in a tiny park, watching the elderly Parisians play pétanque. The casual grace, the confidence… I wanted to be them. I wanted to be fluent in French, a master of the throw, and utterly unfazed by pigeons.
6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted in the best way. Contemplating a pre-dinner nap. (Highly likely.) Deciding if I should use the hotel's umbrella or my personal one
7:00 PM: Dinner. Managed to snag a table at a charming little bistro called "Le Petit Zinc" near the hotel. Ordered the steak frites. (Cliché, I know, but COME ON. It’s PARIS.) So delicious. The tiny servings seem to be a Paris staple, but I was not disappointed
9:00 PM: Drinks at the citizenM bar. The bar is seriously cool. Met a couple of fellow travelers from… Scotland? Ireland? Couldn't quite place the accents, but we bonded over our shared feeling of being blissfully overwhelmed by Paris.
10:30 PM: Back to the room. Passed out almost instantly. Paris is exhausting, in the best way possible.
Day 2: Icons & Impatience (and More Pigeons)
8:00 AM: Wake up. (Jet lag is a cruel, cruel mistress.) Coffee. Then, the real pilgrimage: Croissant Acquisition. There's a bakery just around the corner from the hotel, and I dreamed of their croissants last night. They are almost as heavenly as I had hoped.
9:00 AM: The Eiffel Tower. Okay, okay, it's cliché. But seeing it in person? It makes me feel like a wide-eyed child again. Got there early (learned my lesson from the train situation), and even the line wasn't too terrible. The view from the top… breathtaking. My camera roll is probably overflowing with Eiffel Tower photos. I don’t care.
11:00 AM: Louvre. (Breathed a sigh of defeat. I'm not sure I have the patience to wait in lines for an hour.) Strolled very close to the Louvre, admiring the exterior: the architecture is amazing.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a cafe, but it was packed. Okay, fine. I will have baguette from a local boulangerie.
2:00 PM: Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur. Navigating the crowds, getting hassled by street artists, and the sheer effort of getting to the top of the Sacré-Cœur. (Note to self: invest in better walking shoes.) The view? Worth it. Even the (inevitable) horde of pigeons couldn't ruin it. I swear those pigeons are plotting something. I tried to feed one a crumb, and it almost ripped the baguette out of my hand. Aggressive little buggers.
4:00 PM: Moulin Rouge. Okay, I did not go inside. It's a bit…touristy for my taste. But seeing the iconic windmill? You can't not take a picture. And the sheer energy of that area is intoxicating.
5:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a brief recharge. So I can go shopping and have more adventures.
6:00 PM: Dinner: Sushi near the hotel, because I was craving something different than what I usually eat.
8:00 PM: A walk along the Seine river. Found a cozy spot just to sit and enjoy the view. .
Day 3: Culture Shock (and the Price of Baguettes)
9:00 AM: Another croissant, naturally. I have become dependent. I may start buying French goods for the next few weeks.
10:00 AM: A short train to a local artist district. I went in and out of gallery stores.
12:00 PM: Lunch. I opted for the classic croque monsieur, which I have been craving
2:00 PM: Back to the hotel to relax.
Rest of the Day: The rest is a blur of exploring, getting slightly lost, and realizing I'm starting to understand the metro system! Paris has sunk its claws in. I'm officially in love.
Observations & Ramblings:
- The French: They are… a mixed bag. Some are incredibly friendly and helpful. Others? Well, let's just say my French is improving rapidly, mostly out of sheer necessity.
- The Pigeons: STILL PLOTTING. I'm watching you, feather-brains.
- The Food: Oh. My. God. Every single thing I've eaten has been a delight and I have to say I'm in heaven.
- citizenM: A sanctuary. A clean, comfortable, and consistently reliable sanctuary. I'd move in if they’d let me.
- The Feeling: Paris is a city that does not apologize. It exudes a confidence, a history, a certain je ne sais quoi that's both intimidating and utterly captivating. And even with the occasional train delays, the pigeons, and the language barrier, it's a place you just can't help but fall in love with. And I have. Completely.
This is a work in progress. Paris is a living, breathing thing. There will be more croissants. There will be more pigeons. And there will definitely be more adventures. This is just the beginning.
Crockett's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review & Hidden Perks!
Okay, So What *IS* This Thing We're Talking About, Anyway? (Because Seriously, I'm Confused)
Alright, alright, let's address the elephant in the room. What *is* it? Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? And honestly? Sometimes *I* don't know. It’s like… trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. You *see* it, you *feel* it… but pinning it down? Fuggetaboutit!
I *think* what we're circling around is this: the messy, beautiful, chaotic, embarrassing, exhilarating, and utterly baffling *experience* of… Living? Existing? Just… *being*. Yeah, let's go with that. Just… *Being*. Deep, right? Sorry, I get philosophical when I haven't slept. Which is… often.
So, if you came here hoping for a concrete definition, you're in the wrong place. But if you're looking for… solidarity in the face of universal confusion? Welcome home, friend. Pull up a virtual chair. We're all just winging it. And sometimes, that's the *best* part.
Is This... Fun? (Because I'm Starting to Regret This Entire Endeavor)
Fun? Hah! That’s like asking a rollercoaster if its a fun ride. It depends. Sometimes! Sometimes you’re screaming with your hands in the air, exhilarated, wind in your hair. Other times, you’re clinging on for dear life, regretting the last questionable decision you made (like, oh, I dunno, *ordering that extra slice of pizza at 2 AM*). (Don't judge me!)
There will be moments of sheer, unadulterated joy. Like when your dog finally learns that "sit" command. Or when you accidentally stumble upon a song that makes you want to dance in your underwear. Or (personal fave) when you realize the coffee is already made. Pure bliss.
But, yeah, there will also be the, shall we say, *less* fun bits. The moments when you trip and face-plant in front of a crowd. The job rejection letters. The existential crises that hit at 3 AM and make you question *everything*. The times your favorite socks disappear into the abyss of the washing machine. (Seriously, where do they *go*?!)
So, fun? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. Even the awful bits. Because those are the ones that make you… *you*. Even when you wish you were someone, *anyone*, else.
Okay, Fine, But How Do I *DO* This Thing Called… Life? (Serious question. I'm lost.)
Oh, honey, if *I* had the answer to that, I'd be a billionaire on a yacht, sipping a Mai Tai and laughing at everyone else struggling. (Okay, maybe not the laughing part. Mostly. Except at the people who *really* deserve it, obviously.)
There is no manual. No cheat sheet. No secret decoder ring (believe me, I've looked). It's all just... trial and error. Mostly error, if I'm being honest.
But okay, okay, here's what *I* think, for whatever it's worth (probably very little).
- Breathe. Seriously. It's a miracle we're still alive, let's actively remember to inhale. And exhale. Repeat as needed, especially during moments of panic. Like when the washing machine eats your favorite socks.
- Try stuff. Even the things that scare you. Even the things that seem stupid. You might surprise yourself. (Or totally embarrass yourself. It's a gamble!)
- Be kind. To yourself, first and foremost. And then to others. (Unless they cut you off in traffic. Then a little road rage is perfectly acceptable. Just kidding! Mostly...)
- Don't take yourself too seriously. We're all just walking, talking, slightly-flawed messes. Embrace it. Laugh at yourself, for goodness sake. It's therapy!
And, most importantly... don't be afraid to ask for help. We're all lost in some way or another. And there's strength in numbers, or something like that. Or maybe it's just comforting to know you're not alone. Whatever works.
What About Like, Goals? Should I Have Those? (Or is that too… ambitious?)
Goals? Oof. The 'G' word. I have a love-hate relationship with goals. On one hand, they give you something to aim for, a sense of purpose, like a beacon in the foggy mess of existence. On the other hand, they can be colossal, soul-crushing disappointments if you don't achieve them. Or, you know, get distracted by a shiny thing.
I used to be *obsessed* with goals. "Write a novel!" "Become a CEO!" "Learn to speak fluent Klingon!" (Okay, maybe not the Klingon. Although… ). I’d make these elaborate plans, spreadsheets, vision boards… it was exhausting. And, honestly, most of those goals? Didn't happen. Or I gave up after some time. Sometimes I feel like a total failure because I never finished any of them.
Now? I lean towards smaller things. Like, "drink more water today." "Call my mom." "Don't cry when the cat looks at me expectantly as I take away his food." It's much less pressure. And the (relatively) small victories feel… well, they feel like victories! Progress, even if it's baby steps. And that, my friends, is better than nothing. A million times better.
So, have goals if they motivate you. But if they’re just making you feel like you’re failing? Chuck ‘em. Seriously. The world won't end. Might feel a wee bit lost, but maybe that’s part of the charm?
Okay, So What's the Deal With *Other People*? Aren't they the Worst? (Sometimes. Okay, Often.)
Oh, *other people*. The bane of our existence. The source of endless frustration, second-hand embarrassment, and, occasionally, pure, unadulterated joy.
Look, it's easy to get cynical. To see the world as a bunch of self-absorbed jerks. And, to be fair, sometimes... it is. I've witness some mind-blowing stuff. Rude cashiers. People who talk on speakerphone in public. People that take my specific favorite parking spot. Stuff that pushes me to the brink of a mild rage.
But... and this is a big, messy, complicated "but"... other people are also pretty darn amazing. Random acts of kindness. Genuine connection. SharedCozy Stay Spots
