Escape to Provence: Unbeatable Deals at Best Western Linko Hotel, Aubagne!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Best Western Linko Hotel in Aubagne, Provence. Forget those sterile, perfectly SEO-optimized reviews. This is the real deal. And I'm going to be brutally honest (and a little scatterbrained, because, let's face it, that's how life is).
First Impressions (and, okay, a little SEO, I guess):
Right, so you're dreaming of Provence, sunshine, cicadas… and you stumbled upon the Best Western Linko in Aubagne. My first thought? "Best Western? Aubagne? Hmm…" But let's be real: affordable Provence is possible, and this place is definitely pitching itself as an escape, with "Unbeatable Deals." Let's see if it lives up to the hype, because, let’s be honest, my expectations are always a little too high.
Accessibility (The Very, Very Important Stuff):
Okay, huge kudos: Facilities for disabled guests are listed. That's a solid start. I'm not disabled, but knowing a place is trying to be inclusive is a big win in my book. "Elevator" is mentioned too, which is…necessary. But seriously, if you need specific accessibility details, PLEASE call the hotel directly. Don't rely on some random review to decide.
Getting Around and Parking - OH BOY!
They offer Airport Transfer (BONUS!), Taxi Service, and even Valet Parking. Okay, fancy! But the big win here is Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Driving in Provence can be… well, let's just say it's an adventure. Having a safe, free place to park is GOLD. And they even mention Car power charging station, which is a massive win for EV-drivers.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, The World…)
This is where the Linko really scores points in the current climate. The whole thing seems to be built on safety and hygiene, which is amazing.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Hand sanitizer? Check, check, check!
- They list many things that are good.
I'm a bit of a germaphobe in a good way, and seeing all this made me breathe a little easier.
Rooms: What's Inside (And Will It Make Me Scream With Joy?)
Right, the rooms. "Additional toilet?" Not bad. "Air conditioning"? Essential. "Blackout curtains"? YES, PLEASE! "Coffee/tea maker"? Always a plus. "Free bottled water"? You know I am sold. Of course, there are the staples, like "hair dryer", "safe box", and "Wi-Fi [free]" everywhere. "Non-smoking rooms"? Praise be.
But here's a thing: "On-demand movies." Hmm. I have to say, "On-demand movies" is just too 2007, as they might not be actually on demand.
Food Glorious Food! (And, Let's Be Honest, My Biggest Weakness)
Okay, buckle up, foodies! Dining at the Linko seems pretty versatile. They have a Breakfast [buffet], which is always risky business – the endless possibilities can become a very bad thing. The listing mentions Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service, which is great for those "I just want coffee and a croissant in my pajamas" mornings. You can take a Bottle of water, very nice. Plus, there's Room service [24-hour]. Honestly, that's a major selling point for me. Midnight craving for a croque monsieur? Yes, please. Asian breakfast? Interesting. Asian cuisine in restaurant? even more interesting.
Restaurants are listed and there is a Bar. So, at least you can have some wine.
Wellness and Relaxation: Body Wraps and… Pool Views?
Here's where the Linko really starts to sound dreamy. Swimming pool [outdoor]? YES! Pool with view? Intriguing. I need to see this view. They have a Sauna and a Spa/sauna and a Steamroom with Massage, Body wraps and other things. This sounds like a proper escape!
Services, Services, and More Services! (Or, The Practical Stuff)
Concierge? Nice. Daily housekeeping? Wonderful. Laundry service? Essential, especially after a week of Provençal sunshine and olive oil. Luggage storage? Always welcome. Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Cashless payment service… they've thought of it all.
Things to Do (Beyond Napping by the Pool)
Okay, I'm not going to pretend I'm a super-explorer. But Provence is practically begging you to get out and explore. The Linko itself might not have the most extensive "Things to Do" list in the review, and that's okay. You're in Provence! Go wandering.
For the Kids (Or, How To Survive a Family Vacation)
They mention Babysitting service (SCORE!). Kids meal, and Family/child friendly. So, a thumbs up!
The "Unbeatable Deals" Catch (And Why You Need to Book)
Okay, let's get real. The "Unbeatable Deals" claim. I haven't seen the prices myself. But based on everything else, the Best Western Linko Hotel in Aubagne looks genuinely appealing. It's clean, well-equipped, and seems to be going the extra mile on safety and service.
My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Verdict:
Look, I haven't stayed at the Best Western Linko. But based on this deep dive, I'm optimistic. It's not a five-star luxury palace, but it feels like a solid, practical, and potentially very relaxing base for exploring Provence. It's got the essential elements: a great location (probably!), a pool, good service, and importantly, a focus on safety.
Here's the thing: Book it. Now.
Why? Because:
- Unbeatable Deals: The advertisement says it. Check their website.
- Safety, Safety, Safety: In today's world, that's HUGE.
- Provence Bliss: Wake up in the sun, explore villages, and then relax by the pool. Seriously, what are you waiting for?
- The Room Service: Did I mention the 24-hour room service?
In short: Best Western Linko, Aubagne, you have my attention. I'm almost ready to book myself!
Final, Slightly Rambling Thoughts:
I really really want to go. The idea of just lazing in the sun, reading a book (if I remember to bring one!), and maybe trying a body wrap… Sigh. Booking it now is a good idea. And hopefully, I'll get to write a follow-up review, after the real thing! Because, honestly, my brain needs Provence. We all do.
**Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Your Dream Stay at Hotel Olympic, Changwon!**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my (potentially disaster-prone) adventure at the Best Western Linko Hotel in Aubagne, France. This isn't a perfectly polished travel brochure, it's more like… me, unravelling on paper, with a baguette in one hand and a growing existential crisis in the other.
Day 1: Arrival & Aubagne Awakening (or, How I Nearly Killed a Croissant)
10:00 AM (ish): Landed at Marseille Airport. Jet lag punched me in the face the second I stepped off the plane. My brain felt like a bowl of scrambled eggs, and the only thing I really understood was the desperate need for coffee. Luckily, the airport shuttle to Aubagne was relatively painless (besides the guy snoring like a chainsaw next to me).
12:00 PM: Arrived at the Best Western Linko. Okay, first impression? Clean. Decently sized room. But the view? Well, let's just say it's more "industrial estate chic" than "romantic Provençal vista." Still, a roof over my head, which is more than I can say for my bank account lately.
1:00 PM: Lunch. I decided to be cultured and went straight for the boulangerie down the street. I pointed at a perfect-looking croissant, practically drooling. Tried to say "un croissant, s'il vous plaît" (because, you know, I'm fluent in terrible French), and what came out was a bizarre garble. The baker gave me the side-eye, but eventually, I got my precious pastry. And promptly almost murdered it by clumsily dropping it on the pavement. Crisis averted, but my croissant-eating skills clearly need some work.
2:00 - 5:00 PM: Exploring Aubagne. Wandered aimlessly through the town. Honestly, it's cute. Cobblestone streets. A few charming shops. But I'm still navigating the jet lag haze, and everything felt slightly surreal. Found a charming square – Place de l'Horloge – and just sat for a good half hour just soaking it all in. Watched locals play boules (or whatever it's called), trying to decipher the game while occasionally nodding in agreement with the French phrases I didn't even understand.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a restaurant with a menu that I kinda understood (thank you, Google Translate!). Had some sort of local stew (I think?), which was actually pretty amazing. The wine, though… well, let's just say it was the perfect fuel for an evening of existential pondering.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Crashed. Hard. Slept like the dead.
Day 2: The Pottery Pilgrimage & a Meltdown in the Sun
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Standard hotel fare. The coffee was…weak. Seriously, why is hotel coffee always so disappointing? This is a serious issue. I need a stronger dose of caffeine!
10:00 AM: The main event: visiting the Atelier Santons Fouque, a workshop specializing in the pottery figures called santons. I thought this would be an enjoyable, cultural dive, but the sheer detail involved in these miniature figures was mesmerizing. I started to feel overwhelmed – too much color, too much detail, my brain struggling to process it all. Watched the artisans meticulously paint the faces and I was just…gone. Spent ages just staring at a little shepherd, wondering about his life and purpose. This workshop deserves all the praise it gets.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a small cafe near the workshop. Ordered a salad, but the heat was starting to get to me. I was starting to melt, both physically and mentally.
2:00 PM: Attempted to wander around the town, but the heat and the food coma hit me like a ton of bricks. I think I had a mini-meltdown trying to find an ice cream shop (it was, in fact, right around the corner, but I was blinded by heat and fury).
3:00 - 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel, collapsed into a sweaty, grumpy heap. The air conditioning was a glorious savior.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Decided to eat at the Linko. Ordered some basic french fries and a burger at the hotel. The fries were pretty good, I will be honest. The burger… well, let's just say I've had better.
7:00 PM: Contemplated my life choices while watching French television (mostly understanding absolutely nothing, but enjoying the colorful visuals).
8:00 PM: Bed. Hopefully, tomorrow will be less… melty.
Day 3: The Call of Cassi & the Crumbling Dreams
9:00 AM: The usual dismal hotel buffet. Managed to snag a decent croissant, which lifted my spirits slightly.
10:00 AM: The planned trip! A day trip to Cassis, a stunning coastal town. Got on the train like a champion.
10:30 AM: The train was delayed!! A train to Cassis, which I was looking forward to visiting. Some sort of line issue, or so the disembodied French voice on the loudspeaker kept explaining.
11:00 AM: The train was still delayed I sat there, my plans slowly dissolving. The idea of Cassis was lost.
12:00 PM: I gave up on Cassis. It was too hard and too frustrating. What now?
1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. I was feeling defeated and went back to the room.
2:00 PM: Napping
3:00 PM: The day was done.
5:00 PM: Looking at the horizon.
6:00 PM: Dinner.
7:00 PM: Bed.
Day 4: Departure & the Lingering Aftertaste of Aubagne
9:00 AM: Final sad breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM: Checked out of the hotel, still not completely sure I'd actually seen Aubagne.
11:00 AM: Left for my next destination. I am still processing the previous days.
Final Thoughts:
Aubagne, you were a mixed bag. Beautiful at times, frustrating at others. My French is atrocious, my sense of direction is questionable, and I'm pretty sure I developed a croissant-eating phobia. But, would I recommend you? Maybe? If you're looking for a little slice of real France, away from the tourist hordes, you could do worse. Just pack some patience, a good phrasebook and maybe a translator.
And for the love of all that is holy, learn how to eat a croissant properly.
Escape to Paradise: Nantou's Hillside B&B Awaits!
So, "Escape to Provence: Unbeatable Deals" – is that just marketing fluff, or is there actually a deal to be had? 'Cause frankly, my wallet is currently weeping.
Okay, let's get REAL. I'm not usually one for empty promises, but yeah, the deals are actually pretty good. It’s *Provence*, for crying out loud! Everything's expensive! But the Linko? They've got a handle on making it accessible. I remember, specifically, booking a last-minute trip because my cat (don't ask) decided to develop an elaborate conspiracy theory about my socks. Found a room, saw the price, and nearly did a happy dance in my pajamas. Seriously, I was picturing a week of dry bread and tap water, but thanks to the Linko, I got… well, not *luxury*, but definitely a solid dose of "living my best life" without having to re-mortgage the house. Think decent rooms, breakfast included (which is always a win!), and enough left over for a decent bottle of local wine. My wallet, for once, wasn't screaming at me.
Aubagne? Where *is* that, exactly? Is it, you know, safe? I've been watching too much true crime lately...
Aubagne is in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, very close to Marseille. It's a classic Provençal town, all winding streets and the scent of lavender (when the lavender is *actually* in bloom – I went once a bit early, and felt a little… cheated). As for safety? Look, I wandered around at night, I had my purse slung over my shoulder (I know, I know, I'm a terrible tourist), and I encountered absolutely *zero* problems. Felt completely secure. Of course, I am also relatively street smart-ish (mostly), but Aubagne has a relaxed, friendly vibe. It's not a high-octane, flashing-lights kind of place, which is part of its charm. Think more "charming village" than "crime-ridden metropolis." You'll be fine. Probably. (But, you know, keep an eye on your stuff anyway. Just in case. Because, you know... cats.)
The hotel itself… what are the rooms like? Are they… clean? 'Cause I'm a bit of a germaphobe. (Don't judge.)
Alright, let's tackle the room situation. Cleanliness is a *major* concern, I get it. I'm not saying it's a five-star palace, but yes, the rooms are generally clean. Look, it's a Best Western. Expect… well, what you'd expect from a Best Western. My room was certainly habitable, the bathroom was sparking (at least, as nearly as I'd look), and the sheets smelled… fresh! Which is more than I can say for some places I've stayed. I am a stickler for a clean bathroom and it passed my test! There are, like, *maybe* a few minor scuffs here and there (we are talking about lived-in space, real life), but nothing that would make you want to run screaming for the hills. The beds were comfy enough to slump on after a day of exploring. I slept like a log. And that, my friends, is a win. It wasn't the most fashionable place, sure, but it *was* functional and clean enough. *That's* what matters.
Breakfast? Is the breakfast any good? Because a bad breakfast can ruin an entire trip. True story.
OH. MY. GOD. Breakfast is where the Linko shines. It’s not *Michelin-star* level, but it's... *good*. And, for me, that is what I was after. A good, filling breakfast is my morning mantra, and this delivered. There's a buffet, which, let’s be honest, is *always* a good start. Fresh croissants (I may have eaten, like, five), pain au chocolat, decent coffee (essential!), fruit, yogurt, cereal, the whole shebang. I remember one morning, I stumbled down, bleary-eyed, and the sheer *sight* of the croissants brought a tear to my eye. Okay, maybe that was the wine from the night before. But the point is, the breakfast buffet is a solid, reliable, delicious way to start your day. The selection and the quality were both quite good. I remember vividly my first morning and the sheer joy. I loaded my plate up with a bit of everything. I had a second cup of coffee and was ready to take on the world! You are guaranteed to find *something* to make you happy. And to give you the energy for all the exploring. Do go. You won't regret it.
Is there parking? Because driving in France is… an experience.
YES! Blessedly, yes. There is parking. And it's free! Okay, to be fair, it probably isn't *vast* parking but I never had a problem finding a spot. I've driven in France. It is… an experience. Navigating tiny, ancient streets while trying to decipher the French version of road signs will test the limits of your sanity. Having free parking at the hotel is a lifesaver. It's a small thing, but it makes a massive difference to your stress levels. So, yes. Parking. Rejoice! (Although the parking lot *might* sometimes be a bit crowded. But I mean, it wasn't a *nightmare*.) Phew.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around to see the sights?
The Linko is conveniently located. It's not smack-dab in the *absolute* center of everything, which I personally prefer. It's a short (and pleasant) walk into the heart of Aubagne, where you can find restaurants, shops, and the kind of charming atmosphere you'd expect. Plus, you're close to main roads making it easy to take day trips around Provence. The Route des Crêtes is nearby, and it's stunning (highly recommend!). And you can easily take the train to Marseille, which is well worth a visit. I took day trips all the way to Cassis (perfect for a boat tour! The Calanques are gorgeous!) and Aix-en-Provence. I would say that the location is fairly good. I would not say it is perfect, or central, but that is fine. You can either walk places or get an Uber. It is accessible!
Anything else I should know, like, hidden gems or things to avoid? Spill the tea!
Okay, here's the insider info. First, explore Aubagne itself! It's got a lovely, less-touristy vibe. Find that little bakery on the corner, grab a coffee, and just *breathe*. Smart Traveller Inns
