Montpellier's Hidden Gem: Mercure Antigone Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Montpellier's Hidden Gem: Mercure Antigone Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Seriously, Book it!
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm about to spill the tea on the Mercure Antigone in Montpellier. You know, those hotel reviews that gleam with professional perfection? This ain't one of 'em. This is raw, unfiltered, and – spoiler alert – I'm pretty darn impressed.
(Why "You Won't Believe This!"? Because you’re seriously overlooking this place, and that’s a shame.)
First of all, location, location, location. Situated smack-dab in the Antigone district, this place is practically dripping with proximity to everything. You’re five minutes from the Place de la Comédie, the historic heart of Montpellier. Five minutes! You’re practically required to wander around and soak it all in.
Let's get into the nitty-gritty, shall we?
Accessibility: A + (Almost)
Okay, so I don’t personally require wheelchair access, but I did scope it out. And the Mercure Antigone? Pretty darn good. Wheelchair accessible overall, with elevator access of course. The facilities for disabled guests are definitely considered, but I didn't get to assess the intricacies because it's not my field, if you know what I mean. I'd advise just calling about it. I'm not a hotel inspector after all.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Feeling Clean!
(Deep breath) Okay, let’s talk COVID. I’m a worrier, people. Truly. But the Mercure Antigone gets it. Seeing anti-viral cleaning products being used everywhere was immediately comforting. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. And while I didn't see the professional-grade sanitizing services in action, the place just felt clean. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. Talk about trust! There's hand sanitizer everywhere and the staff is definitely very well aware of all the safety protocol. They also follow physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but that's a given in the covid era.
The hotel provided hygiene certification! They definitely had a safe dining setup too. Sanitized cutlery and kitchen stuff, you name it.
Rooms: Cozy Comfort - With a Few Quirks
My room? Let's just say it was comfortable. The air conditioning was a lifesaver (Montpellier summers boil). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Thank goodness, I need to scroll!). Comfortable bed and great blackout curtains too. What could be better?
Oh, right. Internet access [LAN]? Nope, didn't test it.
But let’s be honest. Things weren’t perfect. The décor felt…a little dated, if I'm being honest. The mirror in the bathroom was a little too close to the sink so I couldn't fully see my face (minor detail but I need to look good). Still, everything was spotless.
And the bathroom: it had both the shower and a bathtub, which is a luxurious detail, but I still have no idea why they put the bathroom phone where they did.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ooh La La, Food! (And Drink!)
Ah, the food. This is where the Mercure Antigone truly shines. Let's start with breakfast (buffet!). Seriously, the breakfast [buffet] was magnificent. I really enjoyed the Western breakfast, with so many options to choose from. I even spotted some Asian breakfast options, which was cool.
I am not a fan of alternative meal arrangement, so I didn't even bother.
They’ve got a pretty solid bar, and a poolside bar, just for good measure. You can get a bottle of water conveniently. And they have a coffee shop. I didn't expect a salad in restaurant, but yes they have it. As well as a soup in restaurant. The desserts in restaurant are amazing! I really loved them!
My Personal Dining Experience:
So, the first night I ate a pretty big salad in the restaurant. It was not a good idea. I didn't order a la carte in restaurant. Nor the buffet in restaurant. But my friend ordered both and loved them.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything!
Okay, so the Mercure is no slouch in the "helpful" department. Seriously, I got the concierge to book a taxi and it was there in minutes. The concierge also helped me out with my luggage. They have daily housekeeping (bless!). Laundry service, and dry cleaning - really, what more do you need?
I was also very grateful for the availability of cash withdrawal.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Ooh, That Pool!
Now, this is where the Mercure Antigone really surprised me. Forget the stuffy hotels with just a gym. This place is legit! I didn't use the fitness center, but I might next time I go. But the swimming pool… that was amazing. The pool with view isn't the most spectacular I saw, still great. And after a day of wandering around Montpellier, there's nothing better than chilling by the pool with a good book. No spa, but whatever, everything is great here. There's no steamroom, but they do give you bathrobes!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The location makes it easy. You've got easy access to taxi service. They offer airport transfer. I saw bicycle parking around too. I did appreciate the car park [free of charge], and the valet parking.
For the Kids and Couples:
I'm not either, but I saw family/child friendly services. They also have a babysitting service! I didn't get to see any couple's room, or the proposal spot, but I assume they have them.
The Annoyances:
- I wish they had a convenience store! It would have been useful.
- I didn't get to experience the happy hour.
The Verdict: Book It! Seriously, Just Do It!
Look, the Mercure Antigone isn't perfect. But what hotel is? What matters is the experience, and the Mercure Antigone delivers. The location is phenomenal, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the amenities are top-notch.
And the price? Surprisingly reasonable for what you get.
Here's Why You NEED to Book the Mercure Antigone RIGHT NOW (and a Sneaky Offer!):
- Location, location, LOCATION! Seriously, you're in the heart of everything.
- Cleanliness and Safety are a Priority: They're really taking COVID seriously.
- Relaxation Paradise: That pool! The breakfast! Need I say more?
- Great Value: You get a lot for what you pay.
My Special Offer for YOU (aka, just book it!):
Okay, I can't offer you a discount (I'm not that powerful). But I can strongly suggest that you go to the hotel website (You'll actually find it by searching this hotel name!), check availability, and use the dates you want to go to Montpellier. And please… if you do, let me know what you did!
Don't wait! The Mercure Antigone is a hidden gem that's just waiting to be discovered. And trust me, you won't regret it!
Istanbul's Hidden Gem: Gardan Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind adventure. Mercure Montpellier Antigone? Think of it as the starting point of my potential unraveling. Here's the plan, or what's left of it after I spilled coffee all over the original:
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Croissant Crisis
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Paris to Montpellier – Okay, so I thought I booked a direct train, but as usual, my organizational superpowers deserted me. Turns out, there were two changes. Cue existential dread on the platform while watching impeccably dressed Parisians glide onto the train. Amateurs, I am. The actual train ride? Scenic, I guess. I mostly just worried about whether I'd have enough data to Instagram all the charming imperfections of the French countryside. (Spoiler: I did.)
- Arrival & Check-In (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Mercure Montpellier Antigone. First impressions? The lobby is…beige. Not necessarily bad beige, just beige. Like a comforting hug, but a beige one. The staff were lovely, though. Bless their hearts for dealing with me at 10 AM, fueled by nothing but the trauma of public transport and a desperate need for caffeine. The room? Tiny but functional. Priorities, people, priorities – is there a balcony for dramatic pronouncements of my utter awe at everything? YES. Success!
- The Crucial Croissant Quest (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The most important thing. The croissant. I set out, armed with Google Maps, determined to find the perfect, flaky, buttery croissant. I envisioned a small, family-run bakery, the scent of heaven, and a life-altering experience. It was…a bit harder than I anticipated. I wandered, got hopelessly lost, and ended up in what looked like a very confused grocery store. I bought what looked like a croissant, but upon biting into it in my hotel room (desperate times), it tasted suspiciously like… cardboard. Disaster! Utter, croissant-related devastation. My day peaked at "Mild Disappointment and Stale Pastry."
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Recovering from the Great Croissant Debacle. This involved an afternoon of aimless wandering in the Antigone district (a somewhat sterile but aesthetically pleasing area). Found a cute little café, ordered another coffee (because, croissants) and watched the world go by. Montpellier is…interesting. Like a slightly sleepy beauty queen. Lots of bougainvillea. I think I'm in love.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant that sounded amazing online. It wasn't. Overpriced, underwhelming paella. I blame the Michelin Guide. Or maybe my expectations were too high after the croissant fiasco. Whatever. Wine helped. Lots of wine. And the people-watching improved dramatically. Ended the night on the balcony, marveling at the French night sky (still no croissant-worthy stars).
Day 2: Culture, Confusion & Cathedral Crawling
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Determined to embrace the culture. Visited the Musée Fabre (lots of art – some I understood, some I didn't). My art appreciation is…limited. I’m more of a “ooh pretty colors” kind of person. The museum itself was beautiful, though. The architecture…a bit intimidating. I felt underdressed, which is a recurring theme in my life.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a… sigh another restaurant. This one was charming, though. Quiche Lorraine, finally! (See, I learn). Lovely little courtyard. And the wine? Excellent. Managed to nearly spill the entire carafe on the table while attempting a graceful "cheers" with my fellow bistro-goers.. Success!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Cathedral hopping! Montpellier has a cathedral. It was…impressive. Dark, awe-inspiring. Like a giant, stone frown. I was also completely lost inside it for a good 20 minutes. Seriously, how did I manage to get lost in a building? But hey, I needed to find the exit. I emerged blinking into the afternoon sun, feeling strangely cleansed…and still in need of a croissant.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Shopping at the local market, hoping to soak up the real French vibe. I bought some cheese (smelly, but good) and tried to haggle (failed miserably). I also tried to buy a beret. Let's just say I look less "chic Parisian" and more "lost tourist who needs a nap."
- Evening (7:00 PM - late): Drinks somewhere fancy. That's the plan. Maybe even manage a successful croissant hunt tomorrow. Or, you know, maybe I'll just embrace the chaos. Either way, I'm fairly certain I'll be slightly lost, occasionally bewildered, and thoroughly entertained.
The Unscheduled Events (because life)
- Bathroom Adventures: The hotel bathroom…adequate. But the shower? Tiny! I had to contort myself into the most awkward of poses to wash my hair.
- French Phrases I Know: "Merci." "Bonjour." "Un croissant, s'il vous plaît." (Okay, I need to work on that last one.)
- Things I Regret: Not learning more French. Not packing better shoes. Eating that cardboard croissant.
- Things I Love: The people-watching. The wine. The sunshine. The fact that I'm here, even if I'm a gigantic mess.
Day 3: Departure (and my Continuing Croissant Crusade)
- Morning: One last, desperate attempt at croissant perfection. Wish me luck! The train back to Paris – assuming I can find the station and don’t miss it (again). And finally, a post-trip nap. I’ll need it. Possibly forever.
See? Authentic. Messy. Delightfully imperfect. Now, wish me luck on the croissant quest. I'll need it. Wish me luck in general. I really need it. Pray for me.
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Mercure Montpellier Antigone: The Hotel Review That's More Drama Than Da Vincis Code! (Spoiler: It Involved Croissants)
Is this Mercure actually a "Hidden Gem"? Because "Hidden" usually means "I couldn't find it, even with Google Maps".
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is probably a *bit* of an overstatement. It's not like you're stumbling upon a secret speakeasy. It's right there, smack-dab in Antigone, the Neo-Greek mecca of... well, Montpellier. But in a city teeming with boutique hotels and charming Airbnbs, Mercure Antigone sometimes feels... overlooked? Maybe. The location is *fantastic* though. Seriously, central. Close to everything. So, not hidden in an "adventure-movie-treasure-hunt" kind of way, more like "easily missed amongst the architectural prettiness" kind of hidden.
And honestly, I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for a serious croissant craving. More on that later...
The Location! Is it really as good as everyone says? (Because "good" can mean *anything*).
Okay, location? Gold star. Seriously. Antigone is *gorgeous*, if you're into that whole neoclassical aesthetic. Walking distance to EVERYTHING. The Place de la Comédie? Yep. The shops? Absolutely. Restaurants? You'll be tripping over them. The tram? Right outside. I actually felt a *little* bit like a tourist, you know, the kind who actually *sees* things. It's a win. Unless you hate looking at beautiful buildings. Then, maybe prepare for major eye-rolling.
But I have to rant a little. The actual *street* it's on isn't the cutest. It's a bit... practical. But hey, you're not living on the street. You're in a hotel!
The Rooms! What's the vibe? Modern? Dated? Did you find any ghosts? (Asking for a friend.)
The rooms... ah, the rooms. They're… functional. Let's go with that. Think "Mercure Standard." Clean. Comfortable. Nothing groundbreaking. My room was perfectly fine, but it didn’t exactly scream "Instagram moment." The décor felt a little… safe? Like, they picked the most universally inoffensive beige palette possible. No ghosts, thankfully. But no serious character, either.
And the bathroom? Perfectly serviceable. Hot water? Check. Enough towels? Yep. Mirror? Present. (I checked, multiple times, mostly for croissant crumbs.)
I really expected a little more pizzazz after seeing the exterior! Maybe a pop of color? Some quirky artwork? But hey, maybe they're going for a "blank canvas" vibe, so you can bring your own personality. Fair enough.
Speaking of Croissants... Tell me about breakfast! This is crucial.
Okay, buckle up. The breakfast situation is the *real* highlight, and the reason I might… *might*… actually stay here again.
First, the croissants. Oh, sweet, flaky, buttery croissants. They were *divine*. Seriously. Flaky perfection. I may or may not have had three. Okay, maybe four. Don't judge me! They were warm, golden brown, and melted in your mouth. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. The rest of the breakfast buffet was decent – the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, bread, yogurt, fruit. But the croissants? They were the stars.
Here's the confession: I checked in *just* to get access to those croissants. I'm not even kidding. Worth. Every. Penny. The entire experience revolved around those croissants. It truly was the best croissant of my life. I'm not exaggerating when I say I experienced an epiphany while enjoying it.
The Staff! Were they friendly? Did they speak English? (Because my French is…well…)
The staff were fine. Perfectly polite. They spoke English. (Thank the heavens!) They did their jobs, which is, you know, a good start. No major complaints. No enthusiastic over-the-top service. Just professional and efficient. They were there to serve you, not become your best friend. (Although, I would have gladly beenfriend them if they promised to smuggle me some extra croissants.)
I did have a slight issue with the key card not working at one point. But it was sorted out quickly, which, considering my croissant-related anxieties, was a huge relief.
Okay, final verdict. Would you stay again? And what's the *one* thing you'd change?
Would I stay again? Honestly? Yes. Mostly because of those croissants. The location is a huge plus. It’s not a *perfect* hotel, but it's a solid choice. A reliable choice. A croissant-fueled choice.
What would I change? Inject more personality! The rooms could use a little more… life! Some local art. Some bold colors! Something, anything, to break up the beige monotony. But maybe that's just me. I'm a person of extremes, especially when croissants are involved.
So, yeah. Go for the croissants. Enjoy the location. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll have the same croissant-induced epiphany I did. Just, you know, pace yourself. And maybe hide some extras in your suitcase. For emergencies, obviously.
Is there a pool? Because, you know, Montpellier is hot. I need a pool.
Nope. No pool. Sorry to burst your bubble. If a pool is a dealbreaker, this isn't the hotel for you. There's a gym, if you're into torturing yourself. (I wasn't. I had croissants to think about.) I'm a big believer in a pool. Especially in that heat. I'd totally pay extra for a small pool! But, sadly, no pool.
Any hidden fees? Because I hate hidden fees more than I hate a stale croissant.
Standard Mercure fees. Nothing too shocking. Check the fine print, of course, but I didn't get any major surprises. No unexpected charges for breathing air after you leave your room. Just the usual stuff – maybe a city tax, but nothing that made me want to stage a protest in the lobby. You know, the kind of protest you'd stage if someone stole your last croissant. They didn't steal my croissant, so I was happy.
Seriously though, check the fine print. I’m not a lawyer. Just a croissant enthusiast.
Comfort Inn
