Saint-Nazaire's HOTTEST New Aparthotel: Adagio Access Opens May 2021!
Adagio Access Saint-Nazaire: Did It Actually Live Up to the Hype?! (A Review from Someone Who's Been There, Done That, and Had a Few Glasses of Wine)
Okay, so Adagio Access Saint-Nazaire. Opened May 2021. The buzz around this place was intense. "The HOTTEST New Aparthotel!" "Luxury!" "Perfect for Families!" My expectations? Higher than the Eiffel Tower, fueled by Instagram travel bloggers and the promise of a post-pandemic getaway. Did it deliver? Well, buckle up, because this isn't your typical sanitized hotel review. We're diving DEEP.
First Impressions & Arrival - The "OMG, I Need a Drink" Phase:
Finding the place was easy enough. Saint-Nazaire itself is… well, it's Saint-Nazaire. A bit industrial, a bit gritty, but with a certain undeniable charm, especially once you hit the waterfront. The access, though? Okay, let's talk accessibility. I thankfully didn't need wheelchair access, but I did notice a very clear, well-signed entrance and elevator, which is a HUGE plus. I could see how this would work for someone with mobility issues. Accessibility - Check! Wheelchair accessible - Double Check! They seem to have thought about that, which is a good start for the hotel chain.
The lobby was sleek, modern, and immediately gave off that "we're trying to be trendy" vibe. Contactless check-in/out? Smooth as butter. Check-in/out [express] - Check! They've clearly adapted to the whole Covid thing. Cashless payment service - Check! And the staff? Super friendly, a little too polished maybe? But genuinely helpful. (Side note: I'm a firm believer in the power of a good smile, and they had 'em.) There's also a front desk at 24-hour which is good if you have any problems.
The Room: Apartment Living, or Just an Expensive Box?
I booked a one-bedroom apartment. The photos online were gorgeous, all clean lines and minimalist chic. Reality? Pretty darn close, actually! (Score!) The Air conditioning in all rooms was a GODSEND during the summer. Air conditioning - Check! Plus, there were Blackout curtains… crucial for someone like me who lives on a sleep schedule dictated by the sun (or lack thereof). Blackout curtains Check! The In-room safe box? Genius. I hate carrying around valuables. In-room safe box - Check!
It also had a Refrigerator which I definitely needed so that I could keep my wine cold. Refrigerator - Check! There were even Essentials condiments available, a nice touch. Essential condiments - Check! It wasn't a massive space, but it was well-designed. And the kitchen and tableware items were clean too, which is very important. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - Check! My only gripe? The couch wasn't that comfortable. I mean, it looked good, but after an hour of binge-watching Netflix (thanks to the On-demand movies), my back was screaming. Sofa - Meh.
The Internet access – wireless everywhere! Wi-Fi [free] - Check! And the Internet access – LAN was working great! Internet access – LAN - Check! Also, the Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were good too. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker - Check!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The "Spa Day (Almost)"
Okay, so here's where things got a little… mixed. The Adagio Access boasts a Spa/sauna, a Fitness center, even a Pool with view. Sounds amazing, right?
The Pool with view was gorgeous. Seriously. Infinity pool overlooking the water. The water was the perfect temperature. Swimming pool [outdoor] - Check! I spent a solid afternoon there, just soaking up the sun and pretending I was a rich and famous influencer. The Poolside bar wasn't open, which was a major bummer. Poolside bar - Nooooo! The fitness center? Small, but functional. The gym was small, but at least there was one. Gym/fitness - Check! There was also a Sauna and Steamroom to enjoy. Spa/sauna - Check! Sauna - Check! Steamroom - Check!
Now, the "Spa" situation? Well, it wasn’t a full-blown, luxurious spa experience. There were no Body scrubs or Body wraps. Body scrub - Nope! Body wrap - Nope! However, there was a limited menu of massages which I did try. The massage was good (not life-changing, but good), but the ambiance was a little…clinical. It could have been cozier. Massage - Check! They had a Foot bath, but I was too lazy to try it. Foot bath - Meh! All in all, not bad, just not the full-blown spa experience I was hoping for.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The "Wine, Cheese, and Questionable French Cuisine" Adventure
The Breakfast [buffet]? Standard hotel buffet fare. Breakfast [buffet] - Check! There was Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Coffee shop, which was a life-saver. Coffee/tea in restaurant - Check! Coffee shop - Check! They also serve International cuisine in restaurant, and even had Asian cuisine in restaurant. International cuisine in restaurant - Check! Asian cuisine in restaurant - Check! I wasn't particularly impressed but wasn’t necessarily disappointed either. They also had Asian breakfast, which I didn’t try, but was available. Asian breakfast - Check!
There's a restaurant on-site, and a Happy hour, which is always a plus. Happy hour - Check! They also have restaurants which is a plus. Restaurants - Check! But the food… well, let’s just say my culinary highlight was the cheese selection at breakfast. I stuck with the basics. Room service was available 24 hours, which is always a plus. Room service [24-hour] - Check! And there was a Snack bar, which was convenient for afternoon treats. Snack bar - Check!
Cleanliness & Safety: The "Did They REALLY Sanitize?" Checklist
This is a big one, right? Post-pandemic, cleanliness is king! I was very impressed here. Anti-viral cleaning products - Check! They have Hygiene certification - Check! Rooms sanitized between stays - Check! They even had Individually-wrapped food options - Check! Daily disinfection in common areas - Check! The staff were all masked. Staff trained in safety protocol - Check! Honestly, I felt safer there than in my own apartment. I even saw them using what looked like Sterilizing equipment - Check!
Services & Conveniences: The "Did They Think of EVERYTHING?" List
The Adagio Access Saint-Nazaire offers a lot. A Concierge desk, a Convenience store, Laundry service. Concierge - Check! Convenience store - Check! Laundry service - Check! They have Dry cleaning and Ironing service too. Dry cleaning - Check! Ironing service - Check! There's even a Doctor/nurse on call. Doctor/nurse on call - Check! The Elevator was a huge plus. Elevator - Check!. They also offer Babysitting service which I didn't use, but it's a nice touch. Babysitting service - Check! They seemed to have thought of everything. However, there was no Pets allowed, so that's something to consider if you were going to bring your darling furry animal. Pets allowed unavailable.
For the Kids: The "Are the Little Ones Entertained?" Factor
They claim to be Family/child friendly. I didn't see any dedicated kids' areas, but the apartments themselves are perfect for families. The Kids meal would have come in handy if I had brought my kids with me. Kids meal - Check!
Getting Around: The "How Do I Escape?" Options
Airport transfer is available. Airport transfer - Check! They had Car park [free of charge], but it was small. Car park [free of charge] - Check! There's also Taxi service which is convenient, especially if you've had one (or five) glasses of wine. Taxi service - Check! They also had Car power charging station, but I didn’t use it. Car power charging station - Check!
The Bottom Line: Worth the Hype?
Okay, so Adagio Access Saint-Nazaire.
Escape to Paradise: Vila das Aguas, Barreirinhas, Brazil - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, sterile travel brochure. This is a real, messy, human attempt to plan a trip to the Aparthotel Adagio Access Saint-Nazaire (Opening May 2021), which, let's be honest, sounds a bit like a waiting room for a dentist… but hey, Saint-Nazaire! Let's see what we can conjure!
The Saint-Nazaire Sojourn: A Plan (Sort Of)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Clean Sheets
- Morning: Arrive at Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport. Airports are stressful. They are designed to be. Specifically, to make you feel like a slightly panicked lab rat in a maze of duty-free perfume. I'll be clutching my passport and mumbling, "Find the gate… find the gate…"
- Transportation: Taxi to the Adagio Access in Saint-Nazaire (estimated: 45 minutes, depending on the taxi driver's existential dread of heavy traffic.) Let's pray for a chatty driver, someone who knows the best hidden patisseries.
- Afternoon: Check-in. Okay, the moment of truth. Let's hope the reception staff are friendly and not already battling the chaos of opening! The sparkling newness of the Adagio is intriguing. I'm picturing that "new car smell" but in apartment-hotel form. Maybe?
- Accommodation: Settle into the potentially sterile perfection of the room. Is it clean? Actually clean? The kind that makes you question the very fabric of the bedsheets? I hope so. I’m a little obsessed with clean sheets. It's a comfort thing.
- Unpacking and Internal Debate: Do I unpack and fully commit to this stay, or live out of a suitcase, perpetually poised to flee at the first sign of… well, anything? The internal battle commences. Probably a good idea to find the coffee machine first. Survival is key.
- Evening: Wandering and the Crêpe Conundrum. First impressions, people! Let's put on your best walking shoes, explore the neighborhood, and hunt for dinner. I'm craving a crêpe. A proper Breton crêpe, with all its buttery, salty goodness. The quest begins.
- Dinner: Hopefully, I'll stumble upon a local crêperie. If not, I shall suffer. I'll weep. I'll probably end up at a supermarket, buying some pre-made horrors. Please, universe, don't let this happen.
- Observation: Note the local architecture. Are the buildings charming and historic? Or does Saint-Nazaire have a more… functional aesthetic? This will influence my mood for the rest of the trip. Let's hope for charm, not a concrete jungle, I can't do a concrete jungle.
Day 2: Ships, Sea, and the Questionable Charm of Maritime History
- Morning: Shipyard Exploration! The Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard is a BIG deal. They build huge, fancy cruise ships. Touristy, yes, but… ships! I love ships. They're like giant, floating cathedrals of the sea. I'll probably spend a lot of the time fantasizing about being on one, sipping a cocktail, and getting away from this whole "reality" thing.
- Experience: The "Escal' Atlantic" - A must-see attraction that will take me down into a submarine. I'm not particularly claustrophobic, I think, but imagine the views!
- Afternoon: Beach Bliss (Maybe?). Saint-Nazaire has beaches! But what are the beaches actually like? Are they sandy? Rocky? Full of rogue seagulls with beady little eyes that judge your fashion choices? This is the question that will dominate my thoughts.
- Observation: I'll seek out local fishermen. They always have a perspective on the world. I'll try not to look like a clueless tourist, though that is, undoubtedly, what I am.
- Evening: A meal with a waterfront view, but first, coffee. I will seek a local cafe for an espresso. I am a caffeine addict to a level.
- Dinner: Fresh seafood, if possible. A bouillabaisse would be divine. Or, if my crêpe-related trauma from yesterday resurfaces, I may become a hermit and eat instant noodles. No judgements!
Day 3: Art, History, and Possible Existential Meltdown
- Morning: A little bit of culture, as the brochures always say. We are going to visit a museum or art gallery, depending on local attractions. Maybe the Musée de Saint-Nazaire. I like art, I like history, but too much information can lead to brain-fry. Try not to get too absorbed in the past. Though, if there are any compelling stories of ships or maritime mishaps, I will be fully engaged.
- Afternoon: The Ecomusée de Saint-Nazaire, focusing on the history of the area. The real history of the area? I'm not sure that I know, but I feel as if I should by now.
- Reaction: Here, is where I will come up with a fully-formed opinion. Probably a good one. Maybe I'll cry. Maybe I'll laugh. Maybe I will need a nap.
- Evening: A final stroll along the coast. Contemplating life, death, the price of baguettes, and whether I'm making the most of this trip.
- Dinner: Where did I not eat yet. Let's get a fancy dinner at a new restaurant. Before my departure, I'll buy local specialities, like salted butter caramels and perhaps a bottle of local wine.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Questions
- Morning: A final, bleary-eyed breakfast at the Adagio (hopefully with decent coffee). Packing, and grappling with the fact that this whole adventure is ending. The existential dread returns, but this time, it's mixed with a tiny, bittersweet pang of… fondness?
- Observation: Reflect on my time at Adagio. Did I love it? Was it the best hotel in the world? Was it simply somewhere to sleep? Time to decide.
- Afternoon: Taxi to Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE). Praying for a smooth flight.
- Evening: Home. The real adventure begins. The post-holiday blues, the laundry, the re-entry into the daily grind. But hey, at least I'll have memories (and hopefully, some decent photos) of Saint-Nazaire, the place where I momentarily escaped the mundane.
Important Notes:
- Flexibility is Key: This plan is a suggestion, a loose framework. Life happens. Flights get delayed. Restaurants close. Embrace the chaos!
- The Food Factor: I am at the mercy of the local cuisine. Crêpe-induced meltdowns are a real possibility.
- The Weather: I will curse the rain. I will bask in the sun. I will adapt.
- The Adagio Access: Let's hope it lives up to its potential! Fingers crossed for comfy beds and no bed bugs!
- The Verdict: I will judge everything. Harshly. But I will also try to find the good.
- The Truth: I am going to be honest, maybe too honest, and that is the point.
So there you have it. My totally haphazard and probably slightly neurotic plan for a trip to Saint-Nazaire. Wish me luck, and may my crêpe dreams come true!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Sandhill Hotels, Anand, India
Adagio Access Saint-Nazaire: The Unofficial & Mostly Unhinged FAQ - 'Cause We've All Been There (or Maybe We're Headed There!)
So, Adagio Access...Saint-Nazaire...May 2021. Is it worth the hype? (Honestly.)
What's the deal with the "aparthotel" thing? Is it just a fancy word for a glorified hotel room?
The location… how convenient is it, really?
Are the rooms actually *nice*? (Pictures can be deceiving, you know...)
The breakfast buffet? Worth it, or should I hit up the local boulangerie?
Did you encounter any, ahem, *interesting* situations? (Come on, spill the tea!)
What's the *worst* thing about the place? (Be honest!)
Okay, so... would you go back?
Bonus Round: Any tips for first-timers in Saint-Nazaire?
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