ibis Saint Die Des Vosges

The staff were among the kindest I've ever met. One evening, we brought pastries and they offered plates, tea, hot water for our own tea, and a place to sit in the lounge. That separate area has chairs, tables, beanbags, board games, a guitar, and a ukulele. The breakfast was a real surprise for an Ibis. It was unusually varied, with croissants, including filled ones, baked treats, baguettes, madeleines, pancakes, breads, eggs to cook yourself or scrambled, bacon, jams, spreads, local honey, fresh fruit in different forms, cheese, meat, and yogurt with toppings. There was coffee with milk in several forms, plus soy and almond alternatives during my stay. A bean-to-cup machine served it. Six kinds of loose tea from "Palais des Thés" were available too. I'd bought that brand before, and the teas are tasty and high quality. The large, modern breakfast room has comfortable chairs, and some tables had flowers. You can take hot drinks and fruit for the journey, which was a lovely and unexpected gesture. Dinner choices change daily, with some salads available all the time. There are regional dishes and familiar staples, and they can make meals vegetarian on request. That was possible here, unlike at a Novotel I'd stayed at recently. I'm sure the cook could make something vegan too. I had a salade vogesienne with cooked potatoes, greens, cheese, and croutons, as well as a starter. Both were delicious and well seasoned. The regional wines pleased me and my company. You can also take your meal to your room, and they bring it under a cloche for safe transport. The hotel is very central in Saint-Dié, near the city center. Parking is close by and free, and there's a river to walk alongside. Our small room was fairly clean, with AC, a rainforest shower, a little table, TV, several shelves for luggage, and a window with light-blocking curtains. The shower seemed recently renovated, while the rest of the interior was a little older but not outdated. Extra blankets and cushions were in the room. The AC could be stronger, or perhaps the roof unit needs servicing. This is the most luxurious Ibis I've stayed in. I understand complaints about small rooms and minor things, but it is an Ibis, not an MGallery. For a budget stay it offers unusual convenience, and I rate it 5/5, especially for the kind team and overwhelming breakfast.