Chateau de Sully, Bayeux, Normandie
Ah, hotels! This week's Sunday Scribblings topic has reminded me of many adventures while traveling.
Where to begin? Should I tell you about the time I arrived in London from the volatile Middle East, only to have my sleep disrupted by a bomb scare in the hotel? Or the heartfelt marriage proposal in a charmant Paris hotel?
Or maybe you'd be interested in the haunted 9th-century inn in Devon, England? Or the lovely hotel in Exeter, England which was brimming with 18th-century antiques and a world class restaurant? My husband and I returned a year later, only to find the new owner had thrown out the room-size 18th-century gilt French mirror that had graced the dining room - literally put it out with the trash. She had also discarded most of the hotel's remarkable antiques, replacing them with framed modern prints and cheap furniture totally out of character with the building's architecture.
Or perhaps you'd like to hear about the month my daughter and I spent at the Regency Palace Hotel in Amman, Jordan, refugees from the winter cold and an uncooperative landlord, who refused to turn the heat on for more than an hour a day? Or the hotel in pre-war Baghdad, its lobby filled with reporters, government minders and spies?
As a journalist and a traveler, I've visited many places in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East and stayed in numerous hotels, from ultra-luxurious to basic. At various times in my life, hotels have served as a refuge and escape; as a celebration and a delight. When I worked as a television reporter, hotel rooms were sometimes places to conduct political interviews, the hot camera lights focused so closely, I could feel sweat trickle down my back and my nose begin to shine.
I have dozens and dozens of hotel stories. Instead of telling those stories, today I'm going to recommend some unique hotel experiences in France. I promise you won't be disappointed:
1. Grand Hotel de la Reine, Nancy, Alsace-Lorraine. Located on the Stanislas Square in this beautiful city famed for Art Nouveau architecture, this former palace once hosted Marie Antoinette. Breathtaking surroundings for reasonable prices, depending upon the season. We had a huge suite, comfortably furnished with antiques and a Murano crystal chandelier for the equivalent of about $100 per night. UNESCO designated the hotel a World Heritage site.
2. Le Hameau de Barboron, Savigny-les-Beaune, Bourgogne. This beautiful stone farmhouse is in the countryside near Beaune, wonderful museums, restaurants and Burgundy wine country! Friendly owners and stunning rooms. On the winding road to reach the Barboron, deer may leap across your path. And the manicured grounds around the hotel are big enough to land a helicopter!
3. Ferme de la Ranconniere, Crepon, Normandie. Family-owned for several generations, this renovated farmhouse and stables features two locations, one about 900 metres down the road from the other. The stone buildings are elegant; the rooms filled with carefully-chosen antiques; the restaurant food and wine list superb and the family management very helpful.
4. Chateau de Sully, Bayeux, Normandie. When we were there, the restaurant's chef had been voted one of the Outstanding Young Chefs of Europe. The former chateau recently has been bought by an insurance company. Even with the change of management, it's hard to imagine staying here could be anything other than pleasurable. The rooms are stylishly furnished, with every modern convenience. And the restaurant's food and wine list are inspired!
You have had some amazing experiences. I'm glad you stopped by my blog. Yours is quite interesting.
Posted by: Michelle | 13 July 2006 at 04:51
Ah, haunted hotels and tacky new owners who don't understand value or ambience. Your stories have fascinating potential. We'd all enjoy hearing more. Thanks greatly for your valuable recommendations. And thanks, Tara, for taking time to read every entry in this weeks Scribblings--including mine--and give feedback. It is more appreciated than you know.
Posted by: sundaycynce | 12 July 2006 at 07:03
Your rundown of these nice French hotels made me envious. Unfortunately a pastor's allowance doesn't run to letting us stay in anything so luxurious.
Posted by: papyrus | 10 July 2006 at 16:08
One day I hope to visit Paris. I will stay in one of the hotels you wrote about! Lovely.
Posted by: Kay | 10 July 2006 at 15:57
Sigh...how lovely...great stories! You took me on a mini-vacation this morning!
Posted by: miandmiksmom | 10 July 2006 at 14:28
Oh I would have loved to hear more about those many stories you mentioned.
Just a glimpse was enjoyable.
Posted by: Thea | 10 July 2006 at 14:07
They all sound heavenly! Someday, someday...(sigh)
Oh, and someday, I'd love to hear the tale of the haunted inn!
Posted by: tinker | 10 July 2006 at 11:27
I checked out every one of your recommendations and all I can say is wow! I'm daydreaming of French chateaus now...one day...sigh... sounds like you really know how to live, m'dear! :)
Posted by: susanna | 10 July 2006 at 00:39
Wow! When is the book coming out. YOU are the ultimate travel critic. I'm calling you before my next trip.
Bravo!
SMooch,
The Tart
; )
Posted by: Cheap Tarts | 09 July 2006 at 22:42
They all look heavenly :) I wish I could sit down with you and listen to your wonderful stories.
HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 09 July 2006 at 21:37
Oh! What beautiful hotels. Wonderfully informative post. Thanks!
Posted by: mikim | 09 July 2006 at 21:10
amazing, beautiful, adventurous. Someday...
Posted by: jennifer | 09 July 2006 at 17:58
What lovely hotels! I think I need to plan a trip to France. Thank you for the advice!!
Posted by: bonnie | 09 July 2006 at 16:21
Wow! I have to add a few of these hotels to my "places to visit before I die" list.
Posted by: January | 09 July 2006 at 15:48
Yeah, I'm jealous. It sounds like fun experiences though. Love the photo!
Posted by: GoGo | 09 July 2006 at 11:58
I stayed at a chateau once. It is one of my favorite memories. During dinner out on the terrace, two hot air balloons filled up with hot air and lauched into the sky. I was charmed by it all to say the least.
Posted by: Linda | 09 July 2006 at 10:30
Thank you Tara! great advise!
I love also bed and breakfasts! :) (because you talk with other guests and the owners more easily and their different ways to present a breakfast are always interesting)
Posted by: Catalina | 09 July 2006 at 07:48
Oh Tara! *sigh* I love to hear about your life and adventures. And what a great idea for SS! My Aunt is looking places to stay on her trip to Normandie, right now as I write this! I will pass these right along to her. ;) (I WISH I were joining her.)
:)
Posted by: amber | 09 July 2006 at 05:29
Oh, Oh, I want to hear about all of those other hotel stories. Please divulge!
-Aly
Posted by: Aly | 09 July 2006 at 04:50
Sounds like you have had your share of travels! The bomb scare I will pass thank you!!
Oh just book me into anyone of those Paris "dream houses!"
Posted by: naturegirl | 09 July 2006 at 04:33
Tara: I can't wait to try your recommendations one day. (The hub took over the London trip because of business--so I was unable to stay at the place you suggested, boo hiss on him!) I love "different" hotels. Blasphemy! I can't believe the story about the antiques being thrown out for modern. Ew. Wouldn't you have like to have been driving by that night! Hey, what about that nouveau door??? Have you moved on it yet???? Oh, gee, do I have a story for you on my items from France finally arriving! I'll have to make a post on the saga! Hope you're well. xoxo
Posted by: Rosa | 09 July 2006 at 04:09
I hope to see France someday. How beautiful.
Posted by: michelle | 09 July 2006 at 04:02
Wow, you seem so cultured compared to my hotel experiences.
Those hotels are beautiful. Someday, I'll travel like that. Someday! (Hey, I've never even been to Hawaii)
Posted by: Chelle | 09 July 2006 at 02:54
Merci beaucoup, Tara, for the recommendations! I may be making use of them in the near future :)
Posted by: becca | 09 July 2006 at 02:29
I think that you should begine with more about the hotels in exeter, devon, england, PLEASE. I studied for a term at the Univ. of Exeter when I was a sweet young thing. The whole area holds a sentimental spot in my heart.
Posted by: ally bean | 09 July 2006 at 00:30
Hotels in France! Can I add a few to your list? There is nothing nicer than a glass of wine seating in the courtyard, at twilight in any of these places!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 08 July 2006 at 23:54
All these places are within a three or four-hour drive from Paris.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 July 2006 at 23:25
Thanks for the compliment on my post for this prompt. What a life you've had! And you not only graced us with exquisite memories, but threw in travel advice, to boot! Fabulous!
Posted by: Marilyn | 08 July 2006 at 23:25
When we next visit France it will be Paris although, I'm always game for recommendations. I'm excited about this prompt as well, although my post is still in the works.
Posted by: kristen | 08 July 2006 at 23:21
Ah, Tara, those hotels sound marvelous! We haven't really broken through to that caliber of accomodations quite yet. Hopefully someday! We keep wanting to plan a trip to France (Jim has never been and I haven't been since I was 17!!!) but haven't managed it yet. It's up high on the list of next trips, though.
Posted by: Laini | 08 July 2006 at 22:44
I know I'm not alone in that I want to hear ALL the stories you've brushed around. You've whetted my appetite. What a remarkable woman you are!
Posted by: bb | 08 July 2006 at 21:30
The photo and your hotel descriptions have taken me off into the land of make believe travel. I can't wait to be on the road again (or in the skies!) travelling to new places and with each hotel story I read my feet get a little itchier and I start reaching for my passport!
Posted by: Kamsin | 08 July 2006 at 20:56
thank you for your post. i am dreaming about being in europe this summer (unfortunately, not going to happen.) when it does, who knows, maybe we'll stay in one of these lovely places.
Posted by: heidi | 08 July 2006 at 20:47
I am drooling....drooling....drooling... so glad you are posting this week ! I will post about my favorite hotel here.
Posted by: diana | 08 July 2006 at 20:12