Indulge Your Senses: Edgar Hotel & Spa's Unforgettable Gastronomic Journey in Saint-Brieuc
Indulge Your Senses: Edgar Hotel & Spa - A Saint-Brieuc Adventure (and My Honest Review)
Okay, friends, buckle up. This isn't your typical sterile hotel review. This is my experience at the Edgar Hotel & Spa in Saint-Brieuc, a place that promised a "Gastronomic Journey" and delivered… well, let's just say it delivered something. Let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, the hotel had me all sorts of confused from the get-go.
First Impressions (or, "Where's the Receptionist?")
The Edgar Hotel. It's nestled in Saint-Brieuc, a charming town in Brittany, France. Getting to Saint-Brieuc was a breeze, thanks to convenient airport transfers – blessedly, I'm not a fan of navigating public transport with luggage. The hotel itself… well, the initial impression was a bit… understated? Finding the actual receptionist felt a little like a treasure hunt. I wandered around for a minute, wondering if I'd accidentally stumbled into a very stylish (and very quiet) office building. Finally, a friendly face appeared and checked me in via contactless check-in/out. This was a plus, considering my general germaphobia. But honestly? The initial vibes were a little… "I hope I'm not bothering them."
Accessibility - The Good, The Slightly Problematic, and The “Huh?”
Okay, let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way. This is important. The elevator was a lifesaver, and crucial for someone like me who has the knack of getting stuck at the top of the stairs with something heavy, though I didn't check the dimensions or whether it worked in an emergency. The Edgar Hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't specifically experience this firsthand. I’d really need to know exactly what that entails before recommending this to someone with mobility needs. I wish I'd had the chance to thoroughly look at the wheelchair accessible options. I am glad they have those options in general.
The car park [free of charge/on-site] was a definite win. Finding parking in a strange town is usually a quest. This made life so much easier.
Rooms - The Sanctuary (or the Place Where I Ate All the Mini Bar Snacks)
My room? Ah, my little haven. "Available in all rooms" they say - and it rang true! It had air conditioning (essential, because those Breton summers can be brutal!), a comfy bed, and a desk area where I could pretend to work (mostly I scrolled through cat videos). The mini bar was, as always, both a blessing and a curse. I did, eventually, devour everything. It's the only place I allow myself to buy fizzy water. The free Wi-Fi (THANK GOD! Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN*) was reliable, which is crucial because I don’t know how I can work off of my phone.
Room Tech Details: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (yes please!), Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed (glorious!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens (and I opened it and saw the town!).
Was it perfect? No. The decorations were… interesting. Let's call it "artfully mismatched." Sometimes the room felt luxurious, other times, I kept wondering what the design choices were supposed to convey. But hey, at least the soundproofing was good; I didn’t hear the existential angst of my neighbor. The daily housekeeping kept everything relatively tidy, even after my mini-bar rampage.
The Gastronomic Journey - A Delicious Rollercoaster
This is where the Edgar Hotel really started to shine, and occasionally stumble. The "Gastronomic Journey" was the main draw, and let me tell you, it was a proper adventure.
The Restaurants:
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. This is where the Edgar really delivered. The breadth of the options was a good thing if you had a dietary need or preference. I tried their vegetarian options and they were pretty good. I particularly enjoyed the restaurant and their coffee; the coffee shop was a great place to start my day.
Breakfast: The breakfast [buffet] was a delightful chaos. Breakfast in room was a lifesaver on the days I really didn't want to face humanity (happens). The Asian breakfast was a bold move, and surprisingly good!. Breakfast takeaway service was a godsend for those early excursions. You could select from Alternative meal arrangement or just order at the Counter the food was so good.
Poolside Bar: The Poolside bar was a dream to sit by. I grabbed a drink or two while I was there.
Room service [24-hour]: I was impressed that room service was literally available 24/7.
Snack bar: I didn't think I'd need a snack bar but I found it helpful.
Bar was great for taking in the vibe
Bottle of water was a good touch.
Happy hour was a must
My Highlights
- I got a bit tipsy at Happy Hour.
- I was in the Poolside bar for an hour or two and it was great.
- Desserts in restaurant were fantastic.
- Soup in restaurant was divine.
The Spa & Relaxation - Finding My Zen (Eventually)
Okay, the spa. This was a key element of the "Indulge Your Senses" promise. And, for the most part, it delivered on that front.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. I had a massage. It was glorious. I actually fell asleep (which is a good sign, right?). Then went to relax in the sauna. Finally I was in the steamroom. After there I just went outside and sat by the swimming pool [outdoor]. The view from the pool was amazing.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness (I didn't go to the gym, because, well, vacation.)
The Imperfections:
- The "Pool with View" was, technically, a view of a… building. The promise of a breathtaking vista was slightly oversold.
- The "Spa" was somewhat hard to find and I got a little lost.
- Hair dryer I think it's a great item to have, but was missing.
- Bathrobes were supposed to be the epitome of luxury. Sadly, mine had a mysterious stain. I'd also not considered the slippers that would come with my room.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Secure (Mostly)
This is a big one, especially these days. The Edgar Hotel seemed to take precautions seriously.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They provided hand sanitizer, and everything seemed clean. Things weren't perfect with the Hygiene certification, but everything was safe.
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. This definitely helped me relax, The front desk [24-hour] was a good touch.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter
The Edgar Hotel went the extra mile in some areas.
- **Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. We're diving headfirst into my potential (and probably disastrously romantic) trip to Edgar Hotel & Spa and – let's be honest – the real star, Table Gastronomique in Saint-Brieuc, France. This itinerary isn't a sleek, robotic plan. This is… me, trying to look fancy-ish.
The "Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" Itinerary (Saint-Brieuc Edition)
(Note: This is all hypothetical, based on internet research and my wild, wild imagination. Reality? Probably a train delay and me spilling coffee.)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (or, “Where Are My Croissants?”)
Morning (ish - aka: Whenever I actually manage to pry myself out of bed after a transatlantic flight filled with dubious airplane food and the crushing loneliness of economy class): Arrive at Charles de Gaulle, Paris. Ugh. CDG. The airport equivalent of a crowded dentist waiting room. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that my checked bag actually makes it. (Side note: I’m convinced luggage fairies exist. They're either incredibly efficient or completely inept. Pray for efficient.) Find the train to St.Brieuc, a two-hour affair, and the journey begins!
Mid-Afternoon: Arrive in Saint-Brieuc. Okay, breathes deeply. This is where I channel my inner (slightly clumsy) Emily in Paris. Find the hotel. Hopefully, it's actually as charming as the photos. (Those hotel websites are LIARS, I tell you! Glorious, wonderful, lying liars.) Quick change. Take a peek in the mirror. "Alright, you. Fake a smile. You're French now." Decide I could use a drink to steady my nerves. Maybe a nice, crisp cidre. Must find a bakery. CROISSANTS. This is non-negotiable. Fuel up for the day… and the inevitable jet lag.
Evening: Check into Edgar Hotel & Spa. Fingers crossed it smells of lavender and not, you know, desperation. The internet promises amazing sea views. I'm a sucker for sea views. Mental note: Pack binoculars. In case the sea is a long way away. Quick unpack, settle in, and then… the big moment! The dreaded/anticipation-filled decision of the evening. Should I just chill in the spa with a glass of wine after the travel? OR…
Option A (The "Go Big or Go Home" Approach): Dinner at Table Gastronomique! (reservations confirmed, hopefully) I’m terrified and ecstatic in equal measure. I envision myself gracefully navigating multiple forks, chatting eloquently with the sommelier about obscure regional wines ("Oh, yes, I love the subtle notes of… uh… sea breeze in this vintage!"). Realistically? I'll probably spill something. On myself. On the tablecloth. On the waiter. deep breath
Option B (The "Embrace the Chaos" Approach): Order room service (if available - I didn't check, did I?) and binge-watch terrible reality TV on my laptop, because at this point, no one can judge me.
Day 2: Seafood and Soul-Searching (and Potentially Getting Lost)
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel (if the croissants are as good as I hope, my whole trip will be made!). Then, a stroll around Saint-Brieuc. Maybe visit the cathedral. Pretend to understand religious history (I'm not even sure I believe in the croissant fairies anymore, but it’d be interesting to try and know where things are from).
Mid-Day: Hit the seafood market. I love seafood. I might also be allergic. Cross my fingers and hope for the best. Buy some fresh oysters (because Paris is the city of love and oysters are sexy, apparently). Try not to look like a total tourist trying to shuck them myself. Probably will. Take plenty of pictures.
Afternoon: This is where it could get messy. I had some vague notion of taking a day trip to the coast. Maybe somewhere with a picturesque beach. But honestly? I'm already exhausted. Maybe I'll just reread my book in a cafe with a view, order more croissants, and stare at the sea. The sea is good for you. Right?
Evening: Round two at Table Gastronomique? Or maybe I've already blown my budget and am reduced to instant noodles and contemplating a career change… I hope for the first. I yearn for the second. I will write in my travel journal and contemplate what it means to be me in a foreign country.
Day 3: Spa Day and Sudden Epiphanies (and possibly a panic attack)
Morning: SPA DAY!! at Edgar Hotel. This, my friends, is why I booked this place. I'm talking massages, facials, the works. I'll emerge feeling like a newborn baby, radiating zen. Then again, perhaps I'll start hyperventilating on the massage table. Either way, it will be a experience.
Afternoon: Another leisurely walk in Saint-Brieuc. Do more reflecting. Buy more croissants. Contemplate my life choices. Realize I should have learned more French. Decide I'm going to move to Brittany. Immediately change my mind.
Evening: One last glorious dinner at Table Gastronomique/room service/noodle-based existential crisis. My soul will either be sated or broken. Either way, I'll be full. Also, I will write some more. I will take a look at my photos. I will find the beauty in the trip.
(Maybe, maybe, I'll consider trying to get to know the owner/chef. I'm not promising anything, it's just the romantic in me. If I can't get the chef, at least get the recipe for the croissants).
Day 4: Departure and Heartbreak (and the Luggage Fairy… Please, Please, Please.)
Morning: A final, tearful breakfast. Eat ALL the croissants. Check out. Hug the staff (awkwardly, no doubt). Go to the train station. Pray to the gods of travel that my luggage arrives safely back home.
Afternoon: Fly home. Begin planning my return trip to Saint-Brieuc. Then, I'll start saving for the return.
Evening: Collapsed on my bed, exhausted but invigorated (or maybe just exhausted). The aftermath of a dream. Start writing all the details of this magnificent adventure.
Important Considerations (aka, the things I'll probably forget):
- Language: I should probably, you know, try to learn some basic French phrases. "Where's the restroom?" "Do you take credit cards?" "Is this croissant, by any chance, magic?"
- Budget: I should probably know how much money I have, and make sure I leave some money for the trip back.
- Packing: Don't overpack. Do overpack. Pack everything. Forget everything.
- Adaptability: Be prepared for things to go wrong. Embrace it. Laugh. Cry. Eat more croissants.
- The Most Important Thing: Remember to appreciate every moment. Even the clumsy, imperfect, slightly disastrous ones. After all, that's what makes life, and travel, truly memorable.
Wish me luck! And send croissant-shaped good vibes. I'm going to need them.
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So, Edgar Hotel & Spa in Saint-Brieuc... Is it *really* as good as they say? I've seen the ads. They're pretty.
Alright, alright, let's get real. Those glossy brochures? They're doing their job. Is Edgar Hotel & Spa *utterly* perfect? Nope. Is it a genuinely memorable experience? Absolutely. Think of it like this: imagine someone promised you a perfectly formed, Instagrammable croissant. Edgar's more like a slightly lopsided, warm-from-the-oven croissant that's got a smear of butter on your cheek after the first bite. Delicious and messy.
My first impression? "Ooh, fancy." The lobby smells like a high-end candle and expensive wood. But honestly, the real charm kicks in when you actually *live* there. Don't expect everything to be pristine. Sometimes the elevator takes a beat, and once the Wi-Fi was iffy in my room. But hey, it's Saint-Brieuc, not Silicon Valley. Embrace the imperfections, that's my motto.
What's the food *actually* like? Is it just pretentious tiny portions? Because I am a hungry human.
Okay, listen. Food is a big deal, right? And at Edgar, it's... well, it's an adventure. The tasting menu at the restaurant is the star. Tiny portions? Sometimes, yes. Pretension? Maybe a whiff or two. But the *flavors*... oh, the flavors! One dish, a delicate scallop ceviche with lime and something I think was pickled seaweed – I swear I closed my eyes and almost wept. It was that good. I could have eaten five plates!
Okay, I may have gone back for more bread to soak up all the amazing sauces just to fill my belly, but who's judging? My husband on the other hand, is a 'meat and potatoes' type of guy, and let's just say he needed something more substantial after the amuse-bouche. He wasn't quite as impressed, or perhaps he was simply a bit hangry. I can definitely recommend the wine pairing - oh, the wine...
Tell me about the spa. Is it worth the hype? I need a good massage, desperately.
Oh, the spa. This is where things get... blissful. The hype? Absolutely warranted. The hydrotherapy pool is a winner. I practically lived in there. The massages? Phenomenal. For a chronic neck-tension sufferer like myself, it was heaven. The masseuse, Martine, had hands of steel and a heart of gold. She knew exactly where all my knots were hiding.
The only slight downside? The relaxation area is a little too quiet at times. I'm a light snorer (mortifying, I know), and I think I woke someone up once. Oops. But honestly, that's a small price to pay for the overall experience. Book the massage. Seriously. Book it now.
What about the location? Is Saint-Brieuc actually interesting? Because I'm not just there for the hotel.
Saint-Brieuc... It's not Paris, let's be clear. But it has a certain charm. Think cobblestone streets, a lovely harbor, and a slower pace of life. Wander around the old town, poke your head into the artisan shops (I bought the most gorgeous scarf!), and maybe take a ferry trip. It provides a nice backdrop to be honest.
Okay, the weather *can* be a bit unpredictable. We got caught in a sudden downpour one afternoon. I was utterly drenched. But even with the rain, it's charming. The hotel makes a great base for exploring Brittany in general, too.
Is it kid-friendly? Because my little monsters are coming with us.
Hmm, that's a tough one. Edgar is definitely geared towards a more, shall we say, refined clientele. I saw a few kids there, but I wouldn't say it's particularly *designed* for them. The spa, with its quiet zones, might be a challenge. The tasting menu? Probably not ideal for picky eaters.
That said, the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. I think if you have well-behaved children and make them aware of the kind of environment, then it'll work. You might have a better time, frankly, if you book a babysitter. You'll get more out of your experience and perhaps avoid some awkward glances in the restaurant.
What's the best thing about Edgar Hotel & Spa? What stuck with you most?
That scallop ceviche. No seriously, I'm obsessed! I think it was the *intention* behind everything. It didn't feel like a manufactured experience. It felt considered, with attention to detail. I had that one dish I can't stop thinking about, and it wasn't perfect. Remember my husband's meat and potatoes guy, I told you about him? Well, you know what he loved? The bread! He asked about it repeatedly, not the most expensive dishes. And that little detail, wanting more bread..It sums up the entire experience. The hotel has heart. It's not just about the luxury; it's about the people, the place, and the food -- yes, even the bread. That's what's memorable.
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