Selestat's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Stay at Best Western Plus Les Humanistes
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – and hopefully, the good tea – on the Best Western Plus Les Humanistes in Selestat. "Hidden Gem" they call it, and after my stay? Well, let's just say it left a bigger dent in my wallet (and my soul) than I expected. This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is real life, baby. Let's dive in, shall we?
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Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth (or Not…)
Okay, first impressions. Accessibility. A big one for me, as I’ve got a wonky knee that could rival a grumpy old gnome. The website says it’s accessible, and bless its heart, it largely is. The elevator? Essential. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus for elevators after a long drive. Ramps? Present, and not too ridiculously steep. However, the information provided could have been better. I almost ended up trapped in a dead-end corridor at one point – almost had to call out for help like a damsel in distress! (Luckily, my dignity stayed intact.) Update to the hotel: Consider clearer signage. Seriously.
Wheelchair Accessibility:
I didn't need a wheelchair, but I'm always scoping out accessibility. The hallways seemed wide enough, and the doorways appeared standard. But again clarity. A few more indicators (like specific room features) would go a long way versus making assumptions.
Internet Access: The Digital Lifeline (Mostly…)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah. And it actually worked! This, my friends, is a HUGE win. I rely on it for everything – research, streaming, keeping in touch with my long-suffering friends. My room also had Internet [LAN], but who uses a LAN cable anymore? Still, points for offering options. The Wi-Fi in public areas was decent too, allowing me to stalk the internet on the terrace a few times.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular Dreams (and a Reality Check)
Alright, this is where things get interesting. Let's talk about that elusive "spa".
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool: The Big Letdown Let me preface this by saying I love a good spa. The website touted a pool with a view, a sauna, a steam room… sounded divine! Except… it was closed! I mean, closed. Not "temporarily closed," but "under renovation – we're not sure when it'll be open" closed. My grand spa dreams got dashed against the rocks of reality. The disappointment was real. I'm not sure how to feel about them including it in the listing still, as the primary appeal for us was the pool. The only thing I can say is… avert your eyes.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't check it out. Looked like the usual suspects.
- Body Treatment: No body scrubs or wraps, sadly.
I'm thinking of starting my own spa. "Disappointment & Deep Tissue" would be the name.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germophobia’s Paradise? (Or Just Really Careful?)
Okay, I'm a bit of a neat freak, so this part was important. The hotel clearly took COVID precautions seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: They took all the precautions.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I actually felt safer than I do in my own house.
- Safe dining setup: Tables were spaced out, and the staff were masked.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to… Not So Much
The food situation was a bit of a mixed bag.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast: The breakfast buffet? Surprisingly good! A decent selection of pastries, cheeses, meats, and various (unidentifiable) French yogurt concoctions. The coffee? Drinkable. More than I can say for some places.
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: I ate dinner in the restaurant one night. The food was okay. The service was, let’s say, attentive. I think my waiter checked on me a dozen times. I wasn’t sure if he thought I was a slow eater or if he was bored. (I suspect the latter). The desserts were the highlight. Get the chocolate mousse.
- Poolside bar, Bar, Happy hour: Nope to all. See above.
- Room service [24-hour], Coffee shop, Snack bar, Bottle of water: They offered room service, which is always a plus.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They happily helped with my dietary needs.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], all solid.
- Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Nice to have, but I mostly stuck to my usual routine: the "throw it on the chair" laundry system.
- Outdoor venue for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events: This place is definitely geared toward corporate events.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A little overpriced!
- Air conditioning in public area: Hallelujah.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly… Maybe?
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Seemed okay for families.
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials (and a Few Surprises)
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: My room had everything you could ask for. The bed, the most comfortable thing ever. The curtains? Like a black abyss. I slept like a baby!
Getting Around: Free Parking, That’s a Win!
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Free parking! Yes! A HUGE plus. I loved exploring the area.
My Verdict and the "Unforgettable Stay" Sales Pitch
Okay, so the Best Western Plus Les Humanistes in Selestat isn’t perfect. The spa situation was a major downer. But the staff? Really, really lovely. The rooms? Comfortable and well-equipped. The location? Great. The free parking? A lifesaver.
So, would I recommend it?
Yes. With a few caveats. If you're a spa aficionado, call ahead and make sure the pool is open. If you love a perfectly polished experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a comfortable, clean, well-located hotel in Selestat, with friendly staff and free Wi-Fi, the Best Western Plus Les Humanistes is a solid choice.
And now, the sales pitch, because that's what we're here for!
Escape to Selestat’s Hidden Gem: Your Unforgettable Stay Awaits!
Tired of the same old, predictable hotel experience? Craving a getaway that's both charming and convenient? Look no further than the Best Western Plus Les Humanistes in Selestat! Nestled in the heart of the Alsatian countryside, our hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and local charm.
Here’s why you should book your stay right now:
- Unwind in Comfort: Sink into
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle the chaos that is traveling, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. We're talking Selestat, France, home of the Best Western Plus Hotel Les Humanistes. Let's see if we can survive, shall we?
Pre-Trip Anxiety & The Great Packing Debacle (aka "Where’s My Passport?!")
- -4 Days: Panic sets in. My usual drill, I start by checking my flight booking, then immediately decide I need new shoes, even though I only have seven pairs already. Cue a frantic online shopping spree. Also, the dreaded task of packing. I tell myself I’ll be organized, but we all know this is a lie.
- -2 Days: The packing. This is where the messy structure starts. I pull out my suitcase. Stare at it. Have a breakdown. Where do I even start? I decide to prioritize the "essential" items – a book I probably won’t read, three different brands of sunscreen (because you never know!), and a pair of “comfy” pants that are definitely not comfy. This day had been all fun and games until searching for a passport! This is where the anxiety took over and my wife started screaming. We finally found it.
Day 1: Touchdown, Tears, and That Questionable Cheese (Selestat, Baby!)
- Morning (approx. 7:00 AM, depending on how long the security line is): Arrive at the Strasbourg airport (which, thank god, is relatively close to Selestat). The flight was a blur of crying babies, questionable airplane food, and my attempts to avoid eye contact with the overly friendly guy in the window seat.
- Morning (approx. 9:00 AM): Rental car pickup. I'd like to believe I'm a confident driver, but give me a tiny, European car with a manual transmission and narrow streets, and watch the stress levels rise. I nearly took out a charming little Vespa on the way to the Hotel.
- Mid-Morning (approx. 10:30 AM): Finally, the promised land! The Best Western Plus Hotel Les Humanistes. It's… perfectly pleasant. Clean, well-located, polite staff. Yawn. But hey, after the travel ordeal, this is heaven. I dumped my bags and promptly collapsed on the bed for a 20-minute power nap. (Don't judge.)
- Lunch (sometime around 12:30 PM): Found a charming little boulangerie close to the hotel. Stared blankly at the menu because my French isn’t as good as I’d like. Finally, pointed at something that looked vaguely edible, and ended up with… something I think was a sandwich. It tasted great! I think. The real highlight here was the coffee. Strong, black, and the perfect fuel to battle the inevitable post-lunch slump.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Selestat. The town is adorably quaint, filled with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. I found myself wanting to buy EVERYTHING. I was actually fighting the urge to buy a tiny, ceramic frog. This is how I become the cliché American tourist.
- Late Afternoon: Cheese shopping. This is where things get interesting. I entered a fromagerie, all puffed up with my "knowledge" of French cheeses. The shopkeeper, a woman with eyes that could see straight into your soul, and a smile, started talking about the difference between Munster and Comté and I was totally lost. I just pointed and mumbled something about wanting "the smelly one." I came out with a selection, and that's when I opened them and nearly choked. "Oh, it's not that bad," I said as I threw all the cheeses away.
Day 2: The Wine Route and Emotional Rollercoasters (Plus, I Almost Got Lost!)
- Morning: Embark on a driving adventure. Today's goal? The Alsace Wine Route. I envisioned myself, effortlessly gliding through rolling vineyards, sipping fine wines, and looking… sophisticated. The reality? Narrow roads, wrong turns, and a near-breakdown when I had to reverse up a steep hill.
- Mid-morning: The first winery! I have a wine tasting! At this place, the scenery was stunning, and hey, the wine was good too. I bought a bottle of Pinot Gris, mainly because the label was pretty.
- Lunch: Found a restaurant in a picture-perfect village. The food was delicious, but it was the atmosphere that really got to me. I sat there, soaking in the sunshine, the smell of the flowers, the laughter of other diners, and had a moment of genuine peace. I sat there for a long moment, it almost brought a tear to my eye.
- Afternoon: More driving, more wine. I almost got lost. I hate getting lost. But hey, I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a village. I was so taken with the place that I forgot about my worries altogether.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant. I ordered something with duck and nearly cried at how good it was. Afterward, I sat on a little balcony and had to resist the urge to start planning my move to France and start over.
Day 3: Day of Reflection, and a Near Disaster (and More Wine!)
- Morning: The day of reflection. I felt a sense of calm, and I spent an hour just taking in the beauty of the hotel. I almost thought about moving in.
- Mid-morning: I had decided to go on a hike, but when I got back to the car, I saw it had been broken into! I burst into tears, I felt as though my entire life had been destroyed. I quickly composed myself and called the police.
- Afternoon: I went to a spa, where I got a massage, and it was exactly what I needed!
- Evening: Back to the hotel to finish the trip. Went back to that winery to get two more bottles that I couldn't live without.
Day 4: Parting Words and the Promise of (Probably) Returning
- Morning: Time to pack up, check out of the hotel, and face the music of the journey home. I feel a bit of sadness. I got to see France, and I found a place that had a special place in my heart.
- Late Morning: I grabbed a final coffee at the boulangerie. This time, I ordered with (slightly) more confidence.
- Afternoon: Return to the airport, fighting the urge to buy a one-way ticket and disappear into the French countryside.
- Evening: Head home. Looking back upon the trip, maybe it was a disaster. But I learned a lot about myself, and I fell in love with France!
Post-Trip Reflections (aka "What Did I Actually Accomplish?")
Did I successfully navigate tiny European cars? Not really. Did I master the French language? Absolutely not. Did I find inner peace? Maybe for a few fleeting moments. But the imperfections, the moments of chaos, the near-disasters – those are the things that made the trip unforgettable. Would I go back to Selestat? In a heartbeat. The Best Western Plus Hotel Les Humanistes? Absolutely yes. And next time, I'm buying that ceramic frog. Wish me luck, world. And prepare for the next chapter.
Escape to Paradise: Your Zanzibar Dream Awaits at MobyDick Lodge!
So, what *is* this whole "life" thing, anyway? Like, seriously?
Ugh, don't even *get* me started. I mean, isn't it just the BIGGEST existential joke? One minute you're a gooey, adorable potato-chip-stained baby, the next you're, well, *gestures vaguely*, this. It's mostly a series of frantic attempts to get through the day without accidentally setting something on fire or saying the wrong thing to your boss. Or forgetting your keys. That happens to me *all the time*. And then there's the whole "meaning of life" thing. I used to think the meaning was chocolate. Definitely chocolate. Still might be, honestly. I once had this *whole* epiphany that life was like a really complicated karaoke night. You get up on stage, you're either prepared, or you're freestyling – usually a bit of both. You stumble through some lyrics, the crowd (society) either cheers you on or silently judges. Sometimes you kill it – and that's pure, blissful joy! Other times, you completely butcher the song – but hey, you still had a go. And eventually, the song ends. And you have to figure out what you want to sing about next.
Okay, that's... helpful? What's the point, then? Is there, like, *a point*?
HA! The million-dollar question! And you know what I think? There *isn't* a single, universally agreed-upon "point." It's like trying to find the perfect avocado – everyone has an opinion, and half the time they’re wrong and you still get a brown mush. But here’s the thing: I think the point is to *find* your own. And the beauty of it being personal is the fact that it can change! So go ahead, have a try. My point, personally, is to make the most of it, you know? To experience as much joy and love as possible, to suffer through as little unnecessary bullshit as I can manage, and maybe, just maybe, leave a tiny bit of sparkle wherever I go. Yeah, cheesy, I know. But I also think it's about finding your people, your passions, and probably chocolate. LOTS of chocolate. And maybe, just maybe, to NOT accidentally eat the entire bag of chips while watching the news late at night. (Totally not speaking from personal experience...)
What do you do when things feel overwhelming? Like, *really* overwhelming?
Oh, HELL YES. Those are the times when you just want to crawl into a cave, order ALL the pizza, and binge-watch something mindless, eh? Well, I've been there, sister/brother. Done that. Wore the t-shirt. Honestly? It's a multi-pronged attack. First- and most importantly I have a massive, irrational, unadulterated love for my animals. Their unconditional love and the fact they’re dependent on me, usually trumps any feelings of despair. (Unless they're being extra naughty of course, then I just want to scream). Then, there are a few fail-safes. First, I get outside. Sunshine and fresh air work *wonders*. Even if it's just a quick walk around the block. Second, I talk to someone. A friend, family, my therapist (who, bless her heart). Just getting the noise out of my head helps. Thirdly, I write. It's a massive form of catharsis for me. All the emotions come pouring out. But I just *have* to keep myself in check, because the last thing I want to do is spend hours writing about how I'm feeling. Then (and ONLY then I think) do I indulge. A long hot bath and a good book. Or some truly terrible reality TV. And chocolate. Definitely chocolate.
What's your biggest regret? Come on, spill the tea!
Ugh. Regrets. They're like those phantom internet tabs you forgot to close - always lurking in the background. There are the big ones, the ones that make you stare at the ceiling at 3 am (you know, the job you didn't take, the person you didn't call), and the small ones, the ones that make you internally cringe (I will *never* forgive myself for that haircut in '08). If I had to pick *one*? It would probably be not taking more risks when I was younger. Seriously. That thing you're scared of? DO IT! Don't let fear hold you back. Because, let's be honest, the things you *don't* do are the ones you'll end up regretting the most. I spent way too much time worrying about what other people thought and not enough time just, you know, *living*. I wish I had danced more, laughed harder, and told people how I really felt. So yeah, take the risk. Trust me on this. (and seriously, be kind to yourself. it's a messy journey.)
What do you think about love? The big L word?
Oh, love. Ah, love. It's about as easy to define as a cloud. Fluffy, complex, and sometimes, totally unpredictable. It’s messy, it’s painful, it's extraordinary, it's…a bit much, really. For me, love is a crazy, beautiful, utterly terrifying freefall. It's the warm, fuzzy feeling of snuggling up with my partner on the couch after a long day— complete peace. But it's also the gut-wrenching ache of missing someone. Love is a rollercoaster, and not the smooth, tame kind. The one that has those crazy twists and turns. If love is a dance, it's with the other, and most of the time neither of us knows the steps. But still, we try. And, even when we fall, we get back up. And you know what else? You can't just find *one* love. There's your partner, your family, those precious animals, your amazing friends. The love for your work, your passion. So, embrace it. Even the hard parts. Because without the darkness, the light wouldn't shine so brightly.
What do you consider your greatest strength?
Oh, boy. Fishing for compliments now, are we? Alright, alright. If I had to pick *one* thing? I'd say it's my resilience. I've been through some stuff, let’s just say. And even when I've felt like I was ready to curl up in a ball and disappear forever, I’ve *always* managed to pick myself up again. Look, I'm not always graceful about it. Sometimes I stumble, sometimes I cry, sometimes I make a spectacular mess of things. There was this *one time* that I. . . well, never mind. But the point is, I keep going. I keep trying. I getAround The World Hotels
