Aloft Dijon: Your Dreamy Dijon Escape Awaits!
Aloft Dijon: Dijon Done Right (and Maybe a Little Messy) – A Review That Actually Gets Real!
Alright, listen up, fellow travelers! You’re dreaming of Dijon? Think mustard, vineyards, maybe a little bit of that je ne sais quoi romance? Well, I just got back from Aloft Dijon, and let me tell you, it's a mixed bag – but mostly in a good way. Let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, trying to fit this place into a neat little box is just not gonna happen.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the Slightly Confusing
First things first: Accessibility. Aloft Dijon tries. They really do. They have elevators (thank god!), and the website says they have facilities for disabled guests. That's a check. HOWEVER, I didn't get a chance to thoroughly inspect the rooms or the specific arrangements. I'd recommend calling ahead and being very specific about your needs. Don't just trust the website's vague promises. Be proactive. Get the details.
Rooms: Clean, Modern, and… Well, Let's Just Say I Didn’t Expect the Blackout Curtains to Be THAT Good!
Okay, the rooms. They're… good. Clean. Modern. Think sleek lines, pops of color, and a definite "business traveler" vibe. You get the basics: air conditioning (essential!), a desk (if you must work), a safe box (always a plus), and free Wi-Fi (thank you, internet gods!). Free bottled water? Yep. Coffee/tea maker? You betcha. The blackout curtains? Oh. My. God. They are phenomenal. Like, "wake up at noon and think it's still 6 am" phenomenal. If you need to sleep off a night of Burgundy wine, this is your room. Seriously, they're that good.
But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? I found a small stain on the carpet that I tried to ignore. And the pillows? Could be better. But hey, you can't win them all. The bathrobes were nice, though! And the slippers were a welcome touch after a long day of wandering around.
And the Internet access – LAN and Wi-Fi [free] was top notch. I could stream my shows with no interruptions.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure… With a Few Bumps
Alright, the food. This is where things get a little… interesting.
- Breakfast: The breakfast [buffet] was decent. It had your usual suspects: pastries, eggs, fruit, the works. The Asian breakfast option? Not quite what I expected, but hey, points for trying! The Western breakfast was fine. Nothing to write home about, but it filled a hole. The coffee/tea in restaurant was always available, which was nice.
- Restaurants: They've got restaurants, and a bar (essential!). The A la carte in restaurant was a pleasant surprise, the Asian cuisine in restaurant was a good change of pace.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] is a godsend after a long day of sightseeing. I definitely took advantage of that.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams Shattered (But Still Fun!)
Okay, so this is where I got slightly disappointed. The website promised a Spa, a sauna, and a swimming pool with a view. And well, the pool is there, but it's not exactly the most inspiring view. Maybe I was expecting too much, but it felt a little… sterile. The fitness center looked decent, though I didn't actually use it (blame the wine!).
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But Still a Little Worried
The Cleanliness and safety measures were in place, and I felt pretty safe. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocol – all the buzzwords. But honestly, after the past few years, I'm still a little hyper-vigilant. I appreciated the effort, though, especially the individually-wrapped food options and sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The Services and conveniences were pretty good. The concierge was helpful. The daily housekeeping kept things tidy. The elevator was a lifesaver with my luggage. I especially loved the luggage storage.
For the Kids:
I didn't have any kids with me, so I didn't use the babysitting service or the kids meal.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a win!
- Taxi service: Available, but I'm not sure how readily available.
- Airport transfer: Did not use.
My Aloft Dijon Anecdote: The Blackout Curtain Redemption
Here's the thing that really sold me on the place. I arrived completely shattered after a red-eye flight. Jet lag was hitting me hard. I needed sleep. I needed serious sleep. I stumbled into my room, fumbled with the light switch, and then… bam. The blackout curtains. I pulled them shut, and it was like the world outside ceased to exist.
I slept for a solid 12 hours. I woke up feeling… human. Reborn, even. That, my friends, is worth its weight in gold.
Overall: Would I Recommend Aloft Dijon?
Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, five-star experience, this ain't it. But if you want a clean, modern, well-located hotel with a few quirks and killer blackout curtains, Aloft Dijon is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
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My (Unsolicited) Offer to You, My Dear Traveler:
Ready for your Dijon Escape? Book Aloft Dijon and Get Ready to be Blown Away (Mostly) by Those Blackout Curtains!
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Aloft Dijon now and get a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability, of course!) to a room with a view (maybe… hopefully). Plus, we'll throw in a voucher for a free drink at the bar. Because let's be honest, after a day of exploring Dijon, you're going to need it. Book NOW. Don't delay. And prepare for a trip that's as charming and slightly imperfect as Dijon itself. You won’t regret it (probably).
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Gramlich Heddesheim Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Dijon, France, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be something. I've got a vague plan, a healthy dose of optimism, and the distinct feeling that my suitcase is going to be a disaster. Here we go:
Aloft Dijon: My Dijon Disaster (or Maybe Delight?) - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Dijon, Baby!)
Morning (ish - let's be real, probably afternoon): Arrive at Dijon-Ville station. Pray the train isn't delayed. Pray I haven't forgotten my passport. (Okay, deep breaths. Passport's in the designated pouch. CHECK.) The station… well, it's a station. Expect a whiff of stale coffee and a healthy dose of "tourist-looking person overwhelmed."
Afternoon: Check into Aloft Dijon. Sigh of relief. Hopefully, the room isn't a shoebox. (Aloft usually delivers on the cool factor, right? Right??) Unpack (a monumental task I always put off until the last possible second). Immediately spill something on my favorite travel t-shirt. Start the day with a small crisis. Then, locate the nearest vending machine for a quick sugar fix.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Wander. Just wander. Get lost. That's the best way to see a new city, isn't it? Hopefully, I stumble upon a charming little boulangerie. Maybe a ridiculously photogenic square. Maybe a grumpy local glaring at my attempts to speak French. (My French is… ehem… rustic.)
- Quirk Alert: I'm obsessed with finding the perfect baguette. It's a personal quest. The Holy Grail of Bread. Wish me luck.
- Emotional Reaction: Dijon, I'm ready for you! (Mostly. Okay, a little scared. But excited!)
Dinner: Finding a restaurant is going to be a challenge in itself. I am a picky eater. I will probably look for a place that sells a decent burger. If not, I'll eat something that I don't know what it is, just to broaden my horizon.
Day 2: Dijon Delights (and Maybe a Bit of Disappointment)
Morning: Attempt to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts. (I'm not a huge art person, but everyone says I should go. Maybe I'll fake it 'til I make it. Or maybe I'll just take a nap on a bench. No judgement.)
- Anecdote: One time, in a museum in Rome, I accidentally set off the alarm by leaning on a sculpture. Mortifying. Hopefully, Dijon will be less… explosive.
Mid-day: The Ducal Palace. Staring at it. Taking photos. Wondering how the hell anyone lived in a place like that.
Afternoon: The Owl's Trail. This is a must-do. Apparently, you follow little brass owl markers around the city. Sounds charming, right? (Famous last words.) I'll probably get hopelessly lost. I'll probably miss a few owls. I'll probably end up in a part of town that smells suspiciously of cheese.
- Messy Structure: Okay, here's where it gets real. I'm not sure I actually like the owl trail. It feels… touristy. And I, a highly sophisticated traveler, am above tourist traps. (Just kidding. I'm a total tourist.) But if it's truly awful, I'm ditching it and going to find some chocolate.
- Opinionated Language: The owl trail better be worth it. If it's not, I'm writing a scathing TripAdvisor review.
Evening: Dinner. I'm thinking something local. Something with mustard. (Dijon is famous for mustard, right? Or am I thinking of something else? Ugh, research, I hate you.)
- Rambling: Okay, so I did do some research (a little). Apparently, Dijon mustard is a big deal. Maybe I'll buy a jar. Maybe I'll bring it home. Maybe I'll accidentally set it off in my suitcase. (See, I'm already anticipating disaster.)
Day 3: Wine, Wineries, and a Possible Meltdown
Morning: Burgundy wine tour. This is the big one. The reason I came to Dijon. (Okay, maybe not the reason, but a big one.)
- Doubling Down on an Experience: Okay, let's be honest. This is the only reason I came to Dijon. I'm going to drink wine. A lot of wine. I'm going to learn things about wine. (Maybe. Probably not.) I'm going to pretend I know what I'm talking about. I'm going to try to act like a sophisticated wine connoisseur.
- Emotional Reaction: I am incredibly excited. And slightly terrified. What if I don't like the wine? What if I spill it all over myself? What if I get too into it? (Spoiler alert: I will.)
Afternoon: More wine. More wineries. More… everything.
Evening: Dinner. Possibly a food coma. Possibly a very, very happy person.
- Quirky Observation: I predict a lot of laughter. Possibly some impromptu singing. Definitely a few questionable decisions. I'll try to remember to take pictures. (But let's be real, the quality is going to decline rapidly as the day progresses.)
Late Evening: Stagger back to the hotel. Pass out.
Day 4: Departure (and the Aftermath)
Morning: Wake up. (Hopefully not with a hangover of epic proportions. But let's be real, it's a distinct possibility.) Pack. (Again. The eternal struggle.)
Afternoon: Train back to wherever I came from. Reflect on the trip. Realize I forgot to buy souvenirs. Vow to return.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm going to miss Dijon. Even if it was a disaster. Even if I got lost. Even if I spilled wine on myself. I'll miss the charm, the food (the wine), and the feeling of being somewhere new.
- Opinionated Language: Dijon, you were… something. I'm not sure what exactly. But I'm glad I came. And I'll be back. (Probably.)
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is subject to change. Heavily subject to change.
- I will likely get lost. Frequently.
- I will probably eat too much cheese.
- I will probably embarrass myself.
- Have fun! (If you're me, that is.)
- Most importantly: Don't take any of this seriously. It's just a trip. (Famous last words, again.)
Aloft Dijon: Your Dreamy Dijon Escape... Maybe? Let's See!
Okay, So, Is Aloft Dijon Actually, You Know, *Good*? I've Seen Pictures...
Alright, deep breath. "Good" is a loaded word, isn't it? The pictures? They lie, sometimes. They're professionally lit, angles are carefully chosen... you get the drill. Aloft Dijon? It's... a vibe. Think modern, sleek, maybe a little... sterile? Like a very well-dressed robot.
My first impression? "Wow, this lobby is *loud*." The music was cranked up, a mix of stuff I vaguely recognized but couldn't quite place. And the people! A mix of business travelers glued to their laptops (probably checking their expense reports, ugh), and a smattering of tourists like me, wide-eyed and slightly bewildered by the French efficiency.
So, good? Depends. If you love a clean, predictable hotel experience, with a decent gym and a bar that serves a pretty okay cocktail, then yeah, it's good. If you're looking for authentic French charm and a cozy, lived-in feel? Maybe look elsewhere. My room was pristine, but I missed the little imperfections of a truly old hotel. You know, the creaky floors, the slightly lopsided furniture... the character!
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They Actually Comfortable?
The rooms... okay, here's the truth. They're comfortable. I mean, the bed was a cloud. Seriously, I could have slept for a week. The pillows were plump, the sheets were crisp, and the blackout curtains? Glorious. I'm a light sleeper, and I slept like a baby. This is important, because jet lag is a beast.
But... and there's always a but, isn't there? The rooms are a bit on the small side. It's not a palace, you know? And the layout? A little... efficient. Everything has its place. You won't be tripping over anything, but you also won't be sprawling out in luxurious space. I'd rather have a bit more space, even at the cost of a little less "stylish" design. I'm a messy person, what can I say?
My biggest gripe? The lack of readily available power outlets. Seriously, I had to practically crawl behind the desk to find one to charge my phone. In this day and age?! Come on, Aloft! You're supposed to be "modern"!
Is the Breakfast Worth It? I'm a Breakfast Person. A *Big* Breakfast Person.
Breakfast... okay, this is where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet at Aloft is... adequate. It's not a culinary masterpiece. It's not going to blow your mind. But it's there. And it's convenient.
They have the usual suspects: pastries (some of them were actually quite good!), cereal, yogurt, fruit, eggs (scrambled, and a bit... rubbery, let's be honest), bacon (crispy, thankfully!), and some cold cuts. Coffee? Drinkable. Juice? Well, it's juice. Not fresh-squeezed, but it'll do the trick.
Here's the thing: I'm a croissant snob. And the croissants at Aloft Dijon? They were... fine. Not the flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection I was hoping for. I actually walked down the street one morning and bought one from a local boulangerie. Worth it. It was a *revelation*. So, for breakfast? It's a solid "meh." If you're a breakfast fanatic like me, consider venturing out. Dijon has amazing food!
What About the Location? Is it Easy to Get Around?
Location-wise, Aloft Dijon is pretty good. It's within walking distance of the city center, which is a huge plus. You can easily stroll to the main sights, like the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne and the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne. That said, I will say that the walk is not the most scenic. You go past a few less-than-charming streets, but it is safe.
Also, it's close to the train station, which is convenient if you're arriving or departing by train. This is a huge win, honestly. Imagine dragging your luggage through cobblestone streets! No, thank you.
One little anecdote: I was trying to find a particular restaurant one evening, and I got hopelessly lost. Dijon's one of those cities where you can turn a corner and BAM! You're suddenly in a maze of narrow streets. I ended up asking a very friendly local for directions, and he actually walked me halfway there. So, yeah, the location is good, and the people are generally helpful. Just be prepared to wander a bit. It's part of the adventure!
What's the Vibe of the Hotel? Is it Lively? Quiet? Somewhere in Between?
The vibe... well, it's definitely more on the lively side. Aloft is marketed as a "trendy" hotel, and they try to live up to that image. The lobby often has music playing (sometimes a bit too loud, in my opinion), and the bar area is usually buzzing with activity.
It's not a place for a quiet, romantic getaway, that's for sure. I actually saw a DJ setting up one evening! I thought, "Okay, this is a little much." But, hey, if you're into that kind of thing, you'll probably love it. I just prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
But, honestly, I'm not sure it's always as trendy as they think it is. The crowd seemed to be a mix of business travelers, families, and a few younger people. I did see one guy wearing a truly hideous Hawaiian shirt. So, there's that. (No offense to Hawaiian shirts, but...) It's generally friendly and welcoming, but not necessarily "cool."
Let's Talk About the Bar. Any Good?
The bar... okay, here's a confession. I'm a sucker for a good cocktail. And the bar at Aloft Dijon? It's... serviceable. They make a decent Negroni, which is always a good sign. They have a decent selection of wines. And the bartenders are friendly enough.
But it's not a destination bar, you know? It's not the kind of place where you'd linger for hours, chatting with the bartender and sampling their latest creations. It's more of a "grab a drink before dinner" kind of bar. And the music in the bar can be a bit too loud, sometimes.
One night, I ordered a cocktail that was supposed to be "unique." It tasted like... well, I'm not entirely sure what it tasted like. It was a bit of a miss. So, the bar? It's fine. But don't expect miracles. Dijon has aHotel Explorers
