High Vosges Heaven: Cozy Chalet with Dishwasher in Le Thillot!
High Vosges Heaven: Cozy Chalet with Dishwasher in Le Thillot - A Rambling Review (Or, Did Someone Say "Chalet Chaos?")
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and probably some red wine, because, France). This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review; this is a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious account of my recent stay at "High Vosges Heaven: Cozy Chalet with Dishwasher in Le Thillot." Honestly, the name alone promised something… well, heavenly. Did it deliver? Let's dive in, folks, because I’ve got opinions, and I'm not afraid to share them.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle (or, "Pray You're Not Clumsy Like Me")
Right, let’s be real. I’m no Michelin-star reviewer, and accessibility is always a massive consideration. This chalet, nestled in the Vosges mountains, wasn't perfectly wheelchair accessible, but it was pretty good. They do list 'Facilities for disabled guests,' which I found promising! The website mentions "Exterior corridors". It wasn't a massive, multi-story hotel, which helped. The entrance I used wasn't exactly level, I’ll admit, but once inside, things were generally spacious. There wasn't an on-site accessible restaurant from what I could tell. Hopefully, someone sees this and makes it 100% accessible next time. I did trip once, but that might have been the celebratory champagne talking… (more on that later).
Internet & Tech Stuff (Because We're All Addicted):
Wi-Fi in all rooms! Free Wi-Fi! Praise be! Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but having decent internet is essential. Especially when you’re trying to upload those breathtaking pictures of the Vosges from those amazing trails. The Wi-Fi worked like a charm, bless its digital heart. Actually, it was super fast. More importantly, no more of those awkward Wi-Fi codes. No LAN cables, but honestly, who uses those anymore? My laptop got a serious workout.
Cleanliness and COVID-19: Did They Actually Sanitize?
Okay, let's get serious. We're all a bit freaked out by… you know, the thing. So, did they provide COVID-19 measures? Absolutely, and I was relieved. I saw tons of sanitization, including:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! (I may have gone a little overboard with it…)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check!
And there was a 'Room sanitization opt-out available', but why would you? I felt safe, which is a huge deal. They even mentioned 'Hygiene certification' which gave me extra comfort. They went above and beyond.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Maybe A Few Minor Hiccups):
Right, this is where things get interesting. They’re listed as having so many dining options.
- Restaurants: Yes, but not on-site. I did see a listing for 'Alternative meal arrangement'. I wasn't able to sample every single option, sadly. But I will say they do breakfast (Buffet) and they allow a 'Breakfast in room' arrangement, which is perfect for a lazy morning.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yep, coffee was decent. French coffee is never bad.
- Snack bar: No, but the mini bar was a decent substitute.
Room for Improvement (Literally and Figuratively):
The chalet itself? Charming. Cozy? Absolutely. Dishwasher? Bless the person who installed that. Seriously, a dishwasher is a luxury. But let's be real, the kitchen wasn’t exactly gourmet-chef-ready. The cookware was… basic. But hey, you’re in the Vosges, surrounded by stunning scenery. You're not there to whip up a Michelin-starred meal.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (AKA: My Zen Moment, Then My Wine-Induced Chaos):
Okay, I was expecting a spa, and I was let down, sadly. The reviews I read made it seem like a full-fledged spa experience. It was more like "spa-ish." No fitness center either. But the views… the views! That’s what really got me.
- Swimming Pool: Not here.
- Things to do: Hiking trails are the main attraction. The air is so crisp, and the views are unbelievable. I did find a few nice walking trails. They were challenging, but totally worth it!
- Ways to relax: Reading by that massive window, drinking wine on the terrace.
The Real Truth About My Wine-Fueled Adventure:
Okay, here’s where it gets personal. So, I had a bottle of local wine. Actually, I think it was two. The terrace was just too lovely to say no. The stars? Magnificent. The air? Crisp. I felt amazing. I started feeling like I could be a poet. In between sips, I wandered back inside, and then, disaster. My foot hit something, and I did a full-on "graceful" flail. I'm not entirely sure what I tripped over. But that’s what’s funny. I'm okay. I highly recommend the wine, and the location is stunning.
Getting Around (Or, "Where's My Car?"):
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, thankfully! Parking was easy and plentiful.
- Taxi service: Available, but who needs a taxi when the air is amazing?
- Airport transfer: Nope. But who needs an airport when you're in the Vosges?
For the Kids (Or, "Good Luck, Parents!")
Honestly, I'm not a parent. But the listing does say family-friendly. No babysitting service currently, which is a bummer, but hey, maybe that's the next upgrade!
The Fine Print (That Actually Matters):
- Non-smoking rooms: YES! Bless them.
- Pets allowed unavailable: Sad.
- Check-in/out [express/private]: Both available!
- Security [24-hour]: Felt safe all around.
Final Verdict: Should You Go?
Yes, with a few caveats. It's not perfect. It's not a five-star luxury spa resort. But! It is a charming, cozy chalet in a stunning location. The internet is speedy, the staff were lovely, and the dishwasher? A lifesaver. The food wasn’t incredible, but you aren't going there for the food, right? You’re going for the hiking, the wine, and the peace. Just maybe, watch the wine consumption, and watch where you step. 4/5 stars (and a solid "would recommend" with a wink). Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another glass… of water.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Holiday Home in De Haan, Belgium!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to the French High Vosges, Le Thillot, and it's gonna be less "perfect Instagram post" and more "surviving a week in the wilderness (with a dishwasher, hallelujah!)." This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, and sometimes slightly bonkers reality of a chalet vacation.
The Grand (and Slightly Flawed) Vosges Plan: Cozy Chalet Edition
Day 1: Debarkation Disaster…I Mean, Arrival!
- 08:00 (ish): Wake up. Realize I forgot to pack the fancy French press. Sigh. Commence coffee-making ritual involving a rusty old stovetop.
- 09:00: Drive to Paris airport. The drive takes longer than expected as the Uber driver had to drop the wrong passenger.
- 14:00: Flights, trains, car rental. The car rental place, a charmingly chaotic operation, involved a lot of frantic gesturing and the phrase "un peu difficile" which I think translates to "good luck." The car? Let's just say it's seen better days. The GPS is in French, and my French is…functional at best.
- 19:00: Arrive at the chalet. Finally. The chalet is adorable, all wood panels, exposed beams, and a view that actually does take my breath away. Oh glorious dishwasher. You've earned your keep before I've even unpacked.
- 20:00: Unpack. Discover the tap water has a slight sulfur smell. Panic. Google "Vosges water safe to drink?" Reassure myself with a glass of wine.
- 21:00: Dinner: simple ham and cheese and garlic bread, with fresh bread from the local boulangerie. It's heavenly. The wine is helping.
- 22:00: Attempt to build a fire in the fireplace. Fail. Spectacularly. End up with more smoke than warmth. Decide to just admire it (from afar) and cozy up with a book.
Day 2: Hiking…and Hilarity
- 08:00: Wake up to the sound of birds. Feel smug about my rustic lifestyle choice.
- 09:00: Attempt to make coffee. Stovetop continues to be a temperamental beast. Finally triumph and head out for our first hike. This is the real reason we come.
- 10:00: The trail. It's stunning. Pines, mossy rocks, glimpses of the valley below. I get completely lost. I didn't remember to print out the trail map, and I have no service. Decide to follow the path and hope for the best.
- 12:00: Finally emerge from the wilderness, slightly sunburnt and incredibly hungry. Found a picnic spot with a perfect view - and managed to avoid any encounters with bears (or anything else remotely dangerous – mostly, anyway).
- 13:00: Lunch: more bread, cheese, and that amazing local sausage I bought. It tastes even better after a hike.
- 14:00: Drive back home. Stop at a little village and buy a "pain au chocolat," which promptly gets squashed in the car. My spirits momentarily plummet.
- 16:00: Take a long, hot shower to wash away the smell of pine needles and existential dread.
- 18:00: Cook dinner – a valiant attempt at French onion soup. It's…rustic. Meaning, it's got a bit too much smoke flavor from the fire and I forgot the croutons. Oh well.
- 20:00: Stargazing. The sky is a tapestry of diamonds. Simply breathtaking. Drink more wine and feel grateful for this life.
Day 3: The Grand Ballon…and Gratitude
- 09:00: Up early to tackle the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges. The drive up is winding and scary, with hairpin turns that make me question my life choices.
- 10:00: The view. OH. Em. Gee. From the top, you can see forever. It's a panoramic masterpiece – the valleys, forests, and tiny villages scattered below. I actually cry a little. Don't judge me.
- 11:00: Wander around the hilltop, soaking it all in. Meet a grumpy old goat who seems to be judging my hiking boots. Give him a wide berth.
- 12:00: Picnic! This time I remembered the croutons for my sandwiches. Even the goat approves.
- 14:00: Head back down the mountain, feeling incredibly alive. Stop at a charming cheese shop (because, France!) and purchase a selection of smelly, delicious cheeses.
- 16:00: A long, hot bath in the chalet. Ah, the bliss of being clean and warm.
- 18:00: Trying another one of those authentic French recipes I found on the internet. It is very important to add a lot of local wine while cooking.
- 20:00: Another successful fire. Snuggle up on the sofa with a blanket and a good book. I feel utterly and completely content.
Day 4: The Quirky Villages and an Unexpected Art Gallery
- 09:00: Decide to stay in the chalet, do chores, and relax.
- 12:00: Explore the local villages.
- 13:00: Lunch in the village. I try and order a coffee, but it's a whole process of speaking with the locals.
- 14:00: There's this little art gallery in the village. I found it by accident and the art is interesting.
- 17:00: Dinner; another home-cooked meal. I have to learn to cook when I get back home.
- 20:00: Relax in the chalet and watch a film. I have never felt so at peace.
Day 5: Waterfalls and a Day of Rain
- 09:00: The weather turns and it starts to rain. I decide to make the most of it.
- 10:00: We go for a walk around the waterfalls. The water is beautiful.
- 12:00: Lunch: I go for a local cafe.
- 13:00: I go for breakfast and read more.
- 17:00: I go for dinner: I go to another local cafe.
- 20:00: I end the day with more wine.
Day 6: Souvenirs and Sadness
- 09:00: Head to the local market to buy some souvenirs.
- 11:00: Have brunch.
- 13:00: I drive back to the chalet and plan to leave.
- 15:00: Head home.
Day 7: The Long Goodbye
- 08:00: Pack. The chalet seems much emptier now.
- 09:00: Final cup of coffee (stovetop still sputtering, but more manageable now). Say goodbye to the dishwasher. You're a real hero.
- 10:00: Drive back to the airport, the GPS now my very best friend.
- **The rest of the day is a blur of flights, transfers, and general travel fatigue.
- 22:00: Back home. Exhausted, but utterly rejuvenated. Already planning my return to the Vosges. And this time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker. And maybe a French phrasebook.
This, my friends, is the reality of travel. It's messy, imperfect, and full of surprises. But it's also beautiful, enriching, and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime. And that, my friends, is what truly matters. Bon voyage!
Escape to Paradise: Your Kassel Sauna House Awaits!
Okay, so this "High Vosges Heaven" thing… is it actually heavenly?! Spill the tea!
Dishwasher! Is it actually functional? Because my last "dishwasher" was basically a decorative drying rack.
What's the deal with the location in Le Thillot? Is it actually near… anything? Like, a bakery? A pub? Civilization?!
Is it really *cozy*? My definition of cozy and some Airbnb listings sometimes… they don't align.
The "High Vosges" part… is it… high? Like, am I going to need oxygen tanks?
Anything I should *absolutely* bring?
- A good book (or three).
- A camera (those views!).
- Slippers (the floors are chilly in the mornings).
- A sense of adventure (and a willingness to embrace the unexpected).
- AN ADAPTOR FOR YOUR PHONE. I almost died (again!).
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect, right?
Would you go back? Be honest!
