Unforgettable Dining in Besançon: Vesontio Hotel's Restaurant Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Because we’re diving headfirst into the Vesontio Hotel in Besançon, and let me tell you, it's not just about the pretty pictures. We’re going to get REAL about this place, its food, its fluff, the whole shebang. And yes, that means I'm letting my inner whirlwind loose.
Unforgettable Dining in Besançon: Vesontio Hotel's Restaurant Revealed! (And My Honest Opinion)
Right, so, the Vesontio Hotel. It’s got this… vibe. You know? Like a slightly-too-fancy Parisian aunt trying to be trendy in the provinces. But hey, that's Besançon for you – a city that's both elegant and, let's be honest, a little… complicated. And the restaurant? That's where the drama really kicks off.
First Impressions: Accessibility and, You Know, the Basics
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is a big one. They claim to be good. Wheelchair accessible, Elevator. Great! But, and this is a big but, you need to ask if you need specifics. Just sayin'. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did see a ramp that looked a bit…iffy. So, call ahead, ask the questions, don't just assume. And that Car park [on-site] is a lifesaver, especially if you've wrestled a rental car through those narrow Besançon streets. Car park [free of charge]? Score!
Internet access – Wi-Fi is Free in all rooms! Phew, that’s a relief. Internet [LAN] too! Now, if only I knew the difference…
Getting Your Grub On: The Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups)
Alright, the main event: the restaurant. Let's talk food. They've got all the buzzwords: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant,Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant The menu, I will admit, is ambitious. They try so hard! Coffee/tea in restaurant, sure, but is it good coffee? That’s the real question. Coffee shop is helpful to get one's day started while on the road.
I went for the Breakfast [buffet]. That's where it got interesting. Look, buffets are always a bit of a gamble, aren’t they? You’re either going to be delighted or… well, you’re going to be me, staring at a lukewarm sausage and silently judging the person who just sneezed directly onto the croissants. No names!
But, back to the buffet: The bread was decent. The pastries? Meh. The fruit looked a smidge past its prime. But the eggs? Oh, the eggs. They were… perfect. Fluffy, creamy, and seasoned just right. It was a small miracle, honestly. And that Asian breakfast? Don't get me started on the kimchi. Delicious.
Here’s the thing, that breakfast was a bit of a rollercoaster. The Breakfast takeaway service is good for a grab and go, and Room service [24-hour] is essential after a night of Beaujolais. But overall, I’d say the food is a mixed bag. Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Bottle of water, all standard. Don't expect culinary genius, but do expect some moments of actual joy, like those eggs.
The Spa: A Bit of Bliss (Maybe?)
Okay, deep breaths. I am NOT a spa person. I’m more of a “run around like a headless chicken” type. But they've got a Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], (not sure if the Poolside bar is open for the season, I'd inquire) and I figured, hey, when in Besançon, right?
The Pool with view was a definite highlight. Looking out at the city while soaking in the water – pure bliss. The Sauna was hot, in a good way. The massage? Well, let's just say it was… intense. I asked for "relaxation," and I think I got "professional-level muscle manipulation.” My fault, probably. Still, could have been better.
The Nitty-Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, Etc.
- Cleanliness and safety: The Vesontio seems to take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol are reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays, and Safe dining setup are important.
- Cashless payment service – a lifesaver in these COVID times!
- First aid kit - Always a good sign, even though I didn't need it because I was well.
- Hygiene certification - Good for peace of mind.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter - Some places are better at this than others.
- Rooms sanitized between stays - Mandatory.
- Shared stationery removed - Good thinking.
The Rooms: Comfort and Convenience (or Not?)
Okay, the rooms. Air conditioning is a must in the summer; Non-smoking rooms are a given. Additional toilet, YES PLEASE (if I were to choose a room). The Air conditioning in public areas, excellent ! They have Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bedding, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, 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, Satellite/cable channels, 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. The rooms themselves are… fine. Clean, generally. Decent views. I did manage to find the perfect lighting, the desk was comfortable. Blackout curtains were a godsend. The free Wi-Fi was reliable, which is always a bonus. But there are definitely better hotels out there. The Alarm clock wasn’t as technologically advanced as I’m used to.
The Extras: What Else is on Offer?
- Concierge: Always helpful for getting around.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service/Ironing service: Convenient if you mess up your clothes at dinner.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Good for the hotel to offer these things.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For those impulse buys or forgetting a present.
- Luggage storage: Excellent.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/Meetings/Seminars: If your business takes you to Besançon.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always use them!
- Smoking area: If you need it.
- Terrace: Always a nice touch.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Available for a fee.
For the Kids
I didn't have a chance to experience the Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. So, I’m leaving this blank.
The Vibe: A Bit of This, A Bit of That
Honestly, the Vesontio is… peculiar. It's a hotel that tries hard, sometimes succeeds spectacularly, and sometimes… well, just doesn’t. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s not a total dive either. It’s serviceable.
My Verdict?
Okay, here's the deal. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, flawless hotel experience, the Vesontio might not be for you. But, if you're looking for a decent base in Besançon, with some genuinely lovely bits (those eggs!), a dash of quirky French charm, and willing to embrace the imperfections, then give it a shot. It's a hotel with character. That's worth something, isn't it?
Unforgettable Dining in Besançon: Vesontio Hotel's Restaurant Revealed! - The Compelling Offer!
Tired of Bland Hotels? Crave a Culinary Adventure? Book Your Besançon Escape Now!
Are you ready to experience Besançon like never before? The Vesontio Hotel isn't just a place to rest your head – it's a gateway to a world of delicious discoveries and unforgettable moments!
- Savor Sensational Flavors: Indulge in our acclaimed buffet breakfast (seriously, those eggs!), featuring a selection of international and Asian cuisine. Or, explore our à la carte options for a truly personalized dining experience.
- Relax, Reset, and Revitalize: Unwind in our spa, featuring a serene Pool with View, a Steamroom, and rejuvenating massage treatments.
- **
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because you're about to get the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover-after-a-bottle-of-Vin-Jaune truth about my trip to the Hotel Restaurant Vesontio in Besançon, France. This ain't your meticulously crafted brochure itinerary, honey. This is the real, slightly-chaotic mess.
Day 1: Arrival, Accidental Aperitifs, and a Michelin-Star-Shaped Question Mark
- 11:00 AM (ish) - Arrival: Landed in Geneva, the Swiss guard's uniform was more impressive than the actual airport. Then, a train journey to Besançon, which was supposed to be scenic. I squinted out the window, trying to appreciate the Jura Mountains, while half-asleep, my carry-on felt heavy, like it contained all my hopes and dreams (and a questionable collection of emergency snacks).
- 1:00 PM - Check-in at Hotel Vesontio: OK, first impressions. The hotel? Charming, I guess. It's got that French village vibe down pat. The lobby was all antique furniture that looks like it should be in a museum, and the staff were very French, as in, they seemed to have an innate ability to size you up in two seconds flat.
- 1:30 PM - The Accidental Aperitif: I'd planned to arrive, unpack, and then strategically plan my day. But the enticing aroma emanating from the restaurant won. Before I knew it, I was seated at a table (in the sun that was more hot than sunny) with this fantastic glass of wine, I did not know what it was, just that it was local. The waiter had a slight smirk, like he knew he'd tricked me into starting my afternoon early, along with some olives, and they were divine.
- 3:00 PM - Wandering Aimlessly (and getting slightly lost): Besançon is beautiful, that is the truth but getting around? Whew. I aimed to find the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ended up taking a wrong turn and discovering a charming, tiny street filled with flowers. (This is what they mean by "getting lost and finding yourself", right??) Then, a brief, internal crisis. Did I want to spend my trip chasing Michelin stars? Did I want to eat this delicious looking tarte I saw? I spent too much trying to figure it out.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant Vesontio: This is where things got interesting. The Vesontio's restaurant seemed to be the main draw. The meal? Exquisite. Truly. Every course, a work of art. The chef clearly had talent. I'm not going to lie, I had the feeling of "I don't deserve this." Everything was perfect. Perfect plates, perfect flavors, perfect wine pairing, perfect service. It was almost too perfect. There was a tiny voice inside me whispering that maybe a touch of imperfection wouldn't kill us.
- 9:30 PM - Wine and Angst: Back in my room, replaying the meal. The perfect meal in a perfect hotel. What am I missing? I'll need another glass of wine to figure this out, which really, probably I don't want to do.
Day 2: The Citadel, Cheese Dreams, and a Lesson in Overthinking
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Okay, I have to give it to the French. Breakfast at the hotel was an absolute triumph. Crusty bread, perfect croissants, and a selection of jams that could make a grown person weep. I am NOT a morning person, but I made the effort
- 10:30 AM - Citadel of Besançon: Finally, I made it! The Citadel itself is fascinating. It's huge! Incredible views. The animals are the reason I came, and they actually looked happy. The kids were screaming with excitement. The whole thing was a bit crowded, and I got a little claustrophobic at the top of the ramparts. But still, it's a must-see.
- 1:00 PM - Cheese Overload: I had to sample some local cheese. So I bought the most pungent, gloriously stinky Comté I could find. Took it back to my hotel room, along with a baguette, and ate myself into a cheese-induced stupor. Seriously, this was a life-changing moment. I might just move to France for the cheese.
- 3:00 PM - "Rest" Time: Let's be honest, I think this time was a total waste. I had this plan to go on this walk and take a ton of photos. I was tired, though, emotionally. I had spent so much time worrying about my "perfect" trip. I just ended up staring out the window, people-watching, and contemplating my life choices. Okay, maybe I needed this.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (The Quest for Imperfection): Tonight, I decided to go off-script. I told myself I wouldn't eat at the Vesontio's restaurant again. Found a little bistro. The food was good, yes. But the whole experience was chaotic. I'd ordered too much wine. I spilled some on my pants.
- 9:00 PM - Rambling Walk: Back in my room, I went for a walk along the river. I almost got lost (again). Looking out at this bridge that was so perfectly lit, it was what I needed, I guess. I felt at ease, in this beautiful city.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (Again): Another amazing breakfast, which made me sad to leave. I swear the staff was starting to recognize my face. I wonder if their eyes were saying: "Here we go again…"
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunting: Ran around trying to find some last-minute souvenirs. Managed to snag a beret and a bottle of local Crémant (because what the hell else am I going to do with my life?).
- 10:00 AM - Check-out: The staff seemed genuinely sad to see me go (or maybe they were just happy to be rid of me, who knows?).
- 11:00 AM - Train back to Geneva: The train was on time this time, though. The Jura Mountains were still mostly blurry. And I spent the entire journey replaying the entire trip. The perfect meal, the chaotic bistro, the cheese coma.
- Final Thoughts: Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I love it? Beyond measure. The Hotel Vesontio and Besançon gave me the beautiful, perfect meal. But the other parts? They were all mine. And that, my friends, is what made it unforgettable. I would go back, even if it’s an adventure, a mess, and a little bit perfect all the same.
Unforgettable Dining in Besançon: Vesontio Hotel's Restaurant – The Lowdown (and My Honest Thoughts!)
Okay, so you're thinking about eating at the Vesontio Hotel's restaurant in Besançon? Good choice, bad choice, *maybe* choice? I’m not quite sure yet, and honestly, I think that's the most exciting part. Let's break it down, shall we?
Is the Vesontio Restaurant actually *good*? Like, Michelin-star-worthy, or just...hotel-restaurant decent?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Here’s the thing. It's not *Michelin-star* good. Let's be clear. No, no, a thousand times no. And honestly, I wouldn't expect that from a hotel restaurant (though, you never know!). But is it "decent"? Better than decent, actually. I went with my family, and my teenage niece, who thinks everything is "meh," actually finished her plate – a minor miracle. That should tell you something.
What's the Vibe? Is it stuffy and formal, or more relaxed? I can't deal with *too much* formality.
Okay, so the vibe…it's a bit of a mixed bag. Depends on the night, I guess. I've heard it's more formal some nights - they really try for that fine-dining thing, I'm sure. But I’ve been on a Saturday evening with jeans and a slightly-too-loud floral shirt (don't judge me!) and didn't feel *completely* out of place. My husband, bless him, wore a suit and tie, and he looked a bit... overdressed. So, lean towards smart-casual, but honestly, I’d say don't be TOO worried. Just don't rock up in your pajamas. Unless…well, no, don't do that.
Tell me about the menu. What should I order?! I'm starving just thinking about it.
Okay, the menu. Right. It’s… varied. Classic French, definitely. Fresh ingredients, that much is obvious. They seem to change things up seasonally, which is always a good sign. I remember this one time, they had this amazing *boeuf bourguignon*. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth stuff. I think the chef might have a genuine love for slow cooking. The problem? Last time I went, it wasn't on the menu. Devastating!
The wine list is extensive – which is great, but also slightly overwhelming. They’ve got local stuff (try the Jura wines!), which is always a good shout, and plenty of the classics. I over-ordered once and paid for it the next day (in more ways than one…ahem). My advice? Ask the server for a recommendation. They *usually* know their stuff. And if you're feeling brave, give the escargots a go. They're good... maybe a bit heavy on the garlic for a first-timer, so warn your companion.
Okay, let’s talk *service*. Are the waiters attentive? Do they speak English? I don't want to awkwardly mime my order.
The service…it varies. One night, it was impeccable. Seriously, the waiter anticipated our every need (and even managed to subtly rescue my husband from a ketchup situation – an artistic masterpiece of a spill!). Another night? A bit more…chaotic. Like, we waited a *looong* time for the bill. But, and this is crucial, the staff is generally friendly and tries very hard. They usually speak decent English, too, but it's always a good idea to brush up on your basic French phrases. Learning a few words is a sign of respect, right?
Oh, and one more thing: Don't be afraid to send something back if you're not happy. French restaurants are generally good about that. Just be polite. (Though, I did see a woman once *completely* lose her temper over some slightly overcooked fish. DON'T be that woman.)
Best/Worst Experience at the Vesontio Restaurant
Oh, this is easy! The *best*? That *boeuf bourguignon*. Pure. Bliss. Seriously, it was so tender that I almost cried. The rich sauce! The perfectly cooked vegetables! It was a culinary symphony in my mouth and I still think about it now and then. The *worst*? Actually, it's part of the same night. That same night...my date (who was, admittedly, a bit of a disaster even before we sat down) decided to order the steak. Medium rare, he asked. Now, I'm not a food expert, but I know a well-cooked steak when I see one. This? This was practically still mooing. He took one bite, looked at it, looked at me, and then…well, he spent the rest of the evening in the bathroom, shall we say. The restaurant was lovely, but honestly, the food was the least of my problems that night.
Is it kid-friendly? My little monsters are coming with (I love them, I swear!*
Hmmm… Kid-friendly... that’s a toughie. They *do* have high chairs, so that's a plus. And honestly, they're usually pretty accommodating with younger children. You'll probably have to choose a time when it's not too busy. The other thing is, the menu isn’t exactly geared towards picky eaters. My advice? Call ahead and confirm, because I'm not your food nanny! And maybe pack some snacks. Just in case.
Any other tips or things I should know?
Okay, a few random thoughts:
- Reservations: Definitely book ahead, especially on weekends. You REALLY don't want to be turned away, especially if you've been planning a romantic dinner.
- Outdoor Seating: They have outdoor seating in the warmer months! If the weather's nice, grab a table outside. It’s lovely and has a great atmosphere. Much better than the slightly-stark dining room, actually.
- The Dessert Trolley: If they have it, RUN, don’t walk, to the dessert trolley. It might be a little dated (maybe), but it always looks amazing. Just try not to eat *everything* on it. I made that exact mistake once.
- Don't be afraid to try something new: Like I have said before, French cuisine is the best of the best, so try something you wouldn't normally order.
Honestly, going to Vesontio is, for me, a gamble. It can be amazing, and it can be… well, not so much. ButHotel Adventure
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