Avignon's Hidden Gem: Sainte-Marthe Apart-Hotel - Unbelievable Stays!
Avignon's Hidden Gem: Sainte-Marthe Apart-Hotel - Unbelievable Stays! - A Messy, Honest, and Hilarious Review (and a Plea for You to Book!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Sainte-Marthe Apart-Hotel in Avignon. Forget those sterile, perfectly-crafted hotel reviews you usually read. This is the real deal, warts and all. And let me tell you, this place has some seriously charming warts.
First Impressions: The Accessible Entrance and "Oh My God, I'm in France!" Moment
Finding Sainte-Marthe was a breeze, even for a perpetually directionally challenged soul like myself. Accessibility? Tick! The entrance was flat, smooth, and welcoming, a godsend after dragging my luggage around cobblestone streets. (Speaking of cobblestones, Avignon is gorgeous, but my ankles were screaming by the end of day one.) The elevator whisked me up to my room with a quiet grace, proving that this place actually cares about making things easy for everyone. This is already a major win for me.
Then, BAM! I opened my door and had my "Oh My God, I'm in France!" moment. The Air Conditioning was blasting a welcome chill, the Free Wi-Fi was already purring, and the view… the view was chef's kiss. (More on that later.)
The Room: Cozy, Comfortable, and Kitted Out
Let's be real, a hotel room can make or break a trip. And Sainte-Marthe's rooms? They're winners. Mine had a desk perfectly positioned for my laptop (essential for this digital nomad), a ridiculously comfortable bed with extra long bed and a reading light that actually worked (a rare treat!), and a coffee/tea maker that was my best friend in the mornings. The bathroom was clean, modern, and stocked with fluffy towels and lovely toiletries. They even had slippers, which is a detail that always makes me feel fancy. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those glorious, long summer days.
And speaking of the bathroom, let me tell you about my initial panic. I swear I had a moment of existential dread when I couldn't figure out the shower. Then, I realized it was a separate shower/bathtub situation. Okay, maybe I'm a little dense, but hey, at least the shower was powerful and the hot water never ran out. Pure bliss!
But wait, there's more! They had thoughtful touches like a bottle of water waiting for me, a mini bar (perfect for a late-night celebratory glass of wine!), and a in-room safe box to keep my passport and valuables safe. They even had an ironing facilities and a hair dryer. Honestly, they thought of everything.
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously, They're On It
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the pandemic. Sainte-Marthe is taking things seriously. I felt completely safe. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and you could tell the staff were meticulous about daily disinfection in common areas. They even offered room sanitization opt-out, which I thought was a nice touch. The rooms sanitized between stays, and I saw staff in full PPE gear cleaning rooms. This gave me immense peace of mind. They've got Staff trained in safety protocol, Anti-viral cleaning products, and professional-grade sanitizing services. They are even using sterilizing equipment!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and a Poolside Bar!)
Okay, foodies, listen up! Sainte-Marthe has some serious culinary game. They offer Breakfast [buffet] or Breakfast takeaway service, which is perfect for those lazy mornings when you just want to eat in your PJs. I opted for the buffet a couple of times, and it was delicious! A wide variety of fresh pastries, cheeses, fruits, and hot dishes. The Asian breakfast was a welcome change of pace. Plus, the coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent.
But the real star of the show? The Poolside bar. Picture this: you're lounging by the sparkling Swimming pool [outdoor], the sun is kissing your skin, and you're sipping a perfectly chilled cocktail. Pure. Heaven. They even serve snacks at the bar, so you don't have to interrupt your relaxation to find food. They have Happy hour, which is always a bonus. And for a more formal meal, the Restaurants serve delicious international cuisine. I had a particularly memorable meal with a lovely salad in restaurant and a perfectly cooked steak. They also have a Vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Sainte-Marthe knows how to pamper you. They have a Spa with a Sauna and a Steamroom. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to try the Body scrub or Body wrap. But I did spend a glorious hour in the massage chair. I think I may have actually drooled a little.
And for the fitness fanatics, there's a Fitness center! (I may have skipped that one… exploring Avignon was my workout!)
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Seriously!)
This place is all about making your life easier. They have a Concierge who can help you with anything, from booking tours to finding the best local restaurants. They offer Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning. They have a Gift/souvenir shop, in case you need to grab something for the folks back home. They even have a Convenience store for those late-night cravings. And, of course, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, nothing is perfect. I had a minor issue with the Internet on my first day. It was a bit slow, but a quick chat with the front desk and they fixed it right away. Another thing? The Pool with view is amazing, but sometimes it got a little crowded. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
The Verdict: Book This Hotel! (And Here's Why)
Sainte-Marthe Apart-Hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It's an experience. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and explore the beauty of Avignon. It's a place where the staff genuinely cares about your comfort and well-being.
Here's the deal: If you're looking for a hotel that's accessible, comfortable, clean, and offers a fantastic range of amenities, then book Sainte-Marthe. Seriously. Do it now. You won't regret it.
And because I'm feeling generous, here's a special offer:
Book your stay at Sainte-Marthe Apart-Hotel through [Insert Booking Link Here] and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival! Plus, get a 10% discount on your first spa treatment!
Don't miss out on this hidden gem. Avignon is waiting, and Sainte-Marthe is ready to welcome you with open arms (and a delicious breakfast!).
Hotel Julia Sveti Vlas: Your Dream Bulgarian Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, glorious truth of my Avignon adventure, and it all starts… well, it starts in the Apart'Hotel Sainte-Marthe. Don't get me wrong, the place looks lovely online – all clean lines and promises of sunshine. Let's just see how it actually goes.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Laundry Debacle (Oh, the Humanity!)
- 14:00: Arrive at Avignon TGV. Okay, first hurdle: navigating the train station. It's a cathedral of echoing announcements and stressed-out families. Found the taxi. (THANK GOD. My luggage weighs more than I do, I swear.) The drive to the Apart'Hotel? Scenic, sure, but mostly just a blur of "Wow, France!" and "Is my phone charged?".
- 15:00: Check-in at Sainte-Marthe. The lobby is nice, I'll give them that. The receptionist? Sweet as can be. But the room… okay, it's… functional. The kitchenette looks like it's seen better days, and the "balcony view" is mostly of a fire escape. Still, I'm here! French adventure, here I come!
- 16:00: The Laundry Situation. Oh, sweet, merciful heavens, the laundry. Apparently, the "washer-dryer combo" is a myth. I managed to get a load of clothes washed, but the drying part? Forget about it. My socks are still damp, and I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing the same shirt for the next three days. This is where the romance of France hits a brick wall, folks.
- 18:00: Wandering the streets: Getting lost is part of the charm, right? Found a tiny bakery, bought a baguette (the real deal!) and some cheese. Ate it on a bench near the Rhône river, watching the sunset. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. Okay, maybe this trip isn't a complete disaster after all.
- 20:00: Attempt at cooking in the kitchenette. Fail. Completely. Burnt garlic, raw pasta, and a general sense of culinary inadequacy. Ordered pizza. (Hey, even Julia Child started somewhere, right?)
Day 2: Pont d'Avignon & The Mystery of the Missing Euros
- 09:00: Breakfast: Okay, the breakfast buffet at the hotel is… well, it's there. Coffee is strong, but the croissants are a bit dry.
- 10:00: The Pont d'Avignon. This place is iconic! Walking on the bridge, imagining all the stories… and the sheer audacity of building it in the first place. It's a marvel! Took approximately one million photos. Tried to hum "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." Failed miserably.
- 12:00: Lunch at a cafe near the Palace of the Popes. Ordered a salad and a glass of rosé. The salad was good, the rosé was even better. Life is good. Until…
- 13:00: The Missing Euros Incident. Okay, this is where the trip takes a turn. I went to pay for lunch, and my wallet was… lighter. Significantly lighter. Several euros, gone. Did I drop them? Was I pickpocketed? My paranoia levels reached a new peak. The joy of the rosé was completely overshadowed by the fear of being penniless in a foreign country. Deep breaths. Maybe it just fell out.
- 14:00: Palace of the Popes. The scale of the palace is mind-boggling. I spent a good hour wandering through the halls, imagining the grandeur and the intrigue. But I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me, waiting to snatch my last remaining euro.
- 17:00: Ice cream. Needed to cheer myself up. Found a gelato shop and ordered a double scoop of pistachio. Delicious. Slowly starting to feel human again.
- 19:00: Dinner at a restaurant in the old town. Decided to splurge on a proper meal. French onion soup (amazing!), steak frites (classic!), and a glass of red wine (needed). Felt marginally better about the missing euros, but still kept a very close eye on my bag.
Day 3: The Lavender Fields (And a Lesson in Patience)
- 08:00: Another breakfast buffet. Managed to find a decent croissant this time. Small victories.
- 09:00: The Great Lavender Field Quest. I rented a car (terrifying experience, navigating French roundabouts). The GPS took me on a detour through some tiny, winding roads. I got a bit lost. I got a bit frustrated. I may have yelled at the GPS. But finally…
- 11:00: The Lavender Fields! Oh, the lavender fields. They were… well, they were beautiful. Fields of purple stretching as far as the eye could see. The air was filled with the scent of lavender. It was… perfect.
- 12:00: Lunch in a tiny village. Found a little bistro with a terrace. Ordered the plat du jour, which turned out to be some kind of stew. It was hearty and delicious. The owner, a woman with a warm smile and a thick French accent, made me feel welcome. It was the best meal of the trip so far.
- 14:00: More lavender fields. This time, I just sat and soaked it all in. The sun, the scent, the beauty… it was pure bliss. This is why I travel, people. This is why.
- 16:00: The Long Drive Back. The drive back was long. I was tired, and the car was a bit cramped. I didn't make the best time. But I was happy.
- 18:00: Back at the Apart'Hotel. The laundry situation is still a disaster. The fire escape view remains unchanged. But I'm okay. I've seen the lavender fields. And that's all that matters.
- 20:00: Wine and cheese on the balcony (fire escape view, remember?). Contemplating the universe. And the missing euros.
Day 4: The Avignon Market & The Farewell Baguette
- 09:00: Last breakfast at the hotel. The croissants are still dry. I will not be defeated.
- 10:00: The Avignon Market. The sights, the smells, the chaos! Bought some olives, some tapenade, and a scarf that I probably don't need. The market is a sensory overload, in the best possible way.
- 12:00: Lunch at a cafe. Tried to order in French, but ended up mangling the words. The waiter laughed, but he was nice about it.
- 14:00: Packing. The dreaded task. Realized I overpacked. Again.
- 15:00: Final walk around Avignon. One last look at the Pont d'Avignon, the Palace of the Popes, the charming streets.
- 16:00: The Farewell Baguette. Bought a baguette from the same bakery I visited on day one. Ate it on the steps of the Palace of the Popes, watching the sun set. This is the best way to say goodbye to Avignon.
- 17:00: Taxi to the train station. Feeling a mix of sadness and relief. Sad to leave, relieved to go home and do laundry.
- 18:00: Train back to reality. This French adventure, with all its messy glory, will be in my memory.
So there you have it. My Avignon adventure. Imperfect, messy, and full of moments I'll never forget. And hey, I still have some damp socks to remind me of the whole thing. Until next time, France!
Split's Hidden Gem: En-suite Rose on Rokova (5-min Walk to Old Town!)
Sainte-Marthe Apart-Hotel: The Unfiltered Truth (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Sainte-Marthe *really* as good as everyone says? I'm seeing all these perfect Instagram posts...
Alright, deep breaths. The truth? Mostly. Let's just say it's not *quite* the airbrushed paradise you see online. It's… real. Think charm, but with a healthy dose of "oops, the elevator's *again*." I stayed there last spring, and honestly? The location? Unbeatable. Right in the heart of Avignon, steps from everything. You can practically *taste* the history in the air. And those apartments? Beautiful. Rustic. Full of character. My apartment? Okay, the kitchen sink *did* leak the first day (minor drama, fixed quickly, don't panic!). But the exposed beams? To die for. And the view from the Juliet balcony? Worth every single euro. Seriously. Worth it.
What's the *worst* thing about staying there? Be honest!
Okay, okay, here's the unvarnished truth. The noise. Sometimes. Avignon is alive, especially in the summer. You’re in the thick of it. Cobblestone streets echo everything. The church bells? They *love* to ring. Early. And the deliveries? Oh, the deliveries. I swear, one morning I woke up to a truck unloading crates right outside my window at 6 AM. It was brutal. BRUTAL. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Pack like you're preparing for a rock concert. Also, the Wi-Fi wasn’t always a speed demon. But hey, you're in France. Disconnect. Embrace the slow life. (Unless you *need* to work, then… good luck.)
The pictures look amazing. Do the apartments *actually* look like that?
Mostly. They're really beautifully done. Think charmingly antique, not sterile and modern. But, and this is a BIG but, remember, you're in a historic building. Which means… quirks. My bathroom? Perfectly functional, but… the shower head was a little… let's say, *enthusiastic* in its water pressure. And the lighting? Romantic, yes. Sufficient for applying makeup? Debatable. Pack a small mirror with a light, ladies. You'll thank me later. Oh, and the air conditioning? It worked… eventually. Sometimes. (It's France. Expect a little… improvisation.)
Is it family-friendly? Can you bring kids?
Yes, absolutely! They have family apartments, which is great. But… and this is where the *real* family experience begins… My friends took their two kids. Adorable kids. And the kids? Loved it. Ran wild. Played hide-and-seek amongst the furniture. (The antique furniture… gulp). The parents? Well, let's just say they needed a *lot* of wine at the end of each day. The stairs can be a bit of a challenge with little ones, and the balconies, while beautiful, require constant supervision. So, yes, family-friendly. But pack your patience, and maybe a bottle of something strong for yourself. You'll need it.
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
Honestly? Mostly fantastic. The reception staff were lovely, helpful, and spoke good English (phew!). When my sink decided to become a fountain, they were on it in minutes. Seriously impressive. The cleaning staff were also super friendly and kept the place spotless. One lady even left me a little note wishing me a good day! Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Okay, maybe a little *too* warm and fuzzy, because I left my favorite scarf in the apartment. And haven't seen it since. (Cries internally). So, yeah, the staff? Mostly great. Just… triple check you've packed everything before you leave.
Is parking a nightmare?
Yes. Absolutely. Parking in Avignon is a special kind of hell. Sainte-Marthe doesn't have its own parking. You're on your own. I spent a solid hour circling the area the first day, getting increasingly frustrated, muttering French swear words I didn't even know I knew. Eventually, I found a public parking garage a few blocks away. It was expensive. And a pain. So, my advice? Don’t drive if you can possibly avoid it. Take the train. Or a taxi. Or walk. Your sanity will thank you. Trust me on this one. Parking? Avoid it like the plague. Unless you enjoy stress and the thrill of the hunt.
Tell me about the location. Is it *really* that good?
Okay, let me gush. The location is *everything*. Seriously. You're literally a stone's throw from the Palais des Papes. Like, you could probably throw a baguette and hit it. (Don't do that, though. It's a historical monument!). The Rue des Teinturiers? Five minutes away. Full of charming restaurants and cafes. The Pont d'Avignon? Easy walk. Everything you want to see and do in Avignon is right there. I walked everywhere. Got lost a few times (blissfully, in a good way). Discovered hidden squares. Found the best gelato in the world (at least, I think it was). The location? Makes all the minor imperfections worth it. It's pure magic. Seriously, pure magic. I’m already planning my return.
Is there an elevator?
Yes! Sort of. There *is* an elevator. It's… old. And small. And occasionally temperamental. Think of it as part of the charm, you know? It’s a character, like the apartment itself. I'll never forget the time I was trying to squeeze in with my suitcase, a bottle of wine, and a bag of croissants (priorities, people!). It got stuck. For like, five minutes. I was mortified. But, hey, it eventually started working again! So, yeah, there's an elevator. Prepare for potential adventure. Or, you know, take the stairs. They’re good for you. (Unless you’re lugging a suitcase up five flights. Then, Godspeed.)
