Unbelievable Saint-Martin-des-Entrees Stay: La Naomath's Unique Charm!
Unbelievable Saint-Martin-des-Entrees Stay: La Naomath's Unique Charm!
Unbelievable Saint-Martin-des-Entrees Stay: La Naomath's Unique Charm! - A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at La Naomath in Saint-Martin-des-Entrees, and honestly, my brain is still trying to sort through the delightful chaos. This isn't going to be your typical, perfectly-polished hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, somewhat-scatterbrained experience of a traveler who loves a good hotel and spent way too long just… absorbing the place.
Metadata & SEO (Before We Dive In, Gotta Be Practical, Right?):
- Keywords: La Naomath, Saint-Martin-des-Entrees, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Normandy, France, Spa Hotel, Restaurant, Family-Friendly, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Wheelchair Accessible, Luxury Hotel, Unique Charm, Staycation, Vacation, Things to do in Normandy
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and utterly charming review of La Naomath in Saint-Martin-des-Entrees. Discover the good, the not-so-good, and the truly unforgettable aspects of this unique Normandy hotel, including accessibility, dining, spa, and more!
- Focus Keyword: La Naomath Review
Accessibility (Because It Matters):
Right, first things first. La Naomath attempts to be accessible. They have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (thank the stars!), and wheelchair accessible public areas. However, and here's where things get real, attempting isn't always achieving. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice some tight corners and slightly challenging approaches to certain areas. They’re trying, which is more than some places, but if you need absolute, perfect accessibility, call ahead multiple times and ask specific questions about the room you’re assigned. Don't assume. I definitely felt they were striving for inclusivity – but perfection is a work in progress.
Internet - The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler:
Okay, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is true! And thankfully, it was relatively stable. Internet access – LAN is also available but let's be honest, who's using LAN these days? Still, kudos for the option, even if it's for the die-hard tech nerds (or maybe just for really huge files). Overall: passable internet. Didn’t have to pull my hair out constantly, which is a win.
Cleanliness and Safety - A Post-Pandemic Paranoia Check:
They definitely take this seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays were all visible. I witnessed staff diligently wiping down surfaces, and there were hand sanitizers everywhere. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I never felt truly uneasy (which, for me, is high praise). They had staff trained in safety protocol and even sterilizing equipment. The individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch, and the Safe dining setup provided some reassurance. They also had physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which was pretty easy to maintain. The Hygiene certification probably helps, too. I loved that they offered an opt-out for room sanitization, giving you a choice.
But here's a confession: I did notice a tiny, tiny smudge on a window at one point. And, you know, you kind of fixate on that when you're supposed to be reviewing a place for cleanliness. But overall? They are doing a damn good job, especially given the current climate.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Rollercoaster:
THIS is where La Naomath REALLY shines. Let's start with the basics : Breakfast [buffet]. Oh my god, the breakfast. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I felt like I had won the lottery. I’d get up earlier every day even though I’m NOT a morning person just to not miss out on the buffet. There was a crazy variety: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine, Western cuisine, the usual suspects : a la carte, buffet in restaurant, coffee shop, coffee/tea in restaurant. The croissants were flaky perfection, the coffee was strong (thank you, universe), and the fruit was fresh and bursting with flavor.
But the highlight? THE OMELETTE STATION. I’m serious! The chef was a character, always cracking jokes, and made the best damn omelet I have ever had. The first day, I loaded it with cheese and veggies. The second day, I went for a spicy chorizo and pepper combo that made my tastebuds sing. And the third day? I had two. No regrets. I even had a little bowl of assorted pastries, which I normally wouldn't do.
Anyway, I was already full the entire time at the buffet, so I didn’t try the Room service [24-hour] or the Breakfast takeaway service. Now I'm thinking I should have just gotten it all, so I could have brought even more food back to the bed with me.
Beyond breakfast, the restaurants were, for the most part, fantastic. I had a lovely meal at the Vegetarian restaurant, even though I'm not usually that kind of patron. Everything was served in a safe dining setup due to Covid. I even found myself enjoying a salad so much that I had it on multiple occasions to accompany my soup and main meal. However, some of the dishes felt a little over-priced for what they were. The service was always impeccable.
The Poolside bar was a godsend. Sipping a cocktail while gazing at the Pool with view was pure bliss. The Happy hour deals made it even better.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - The Spa & the Steamroom
Okay, so here's where La Naomath's "Unbelievable" charm really tries to take hold. They really wanted to lean into the "spa" experience, and they did a decent job. The Spa/sauna was pretty standard, but clean and relaxing. The Steamroom was a highlight – I’m a steamroom fan, and this one delivered. They offered Body scrub and Body wrap options, but I, being a cheapskate who doesn't like people touching me, didn't try them. From observation, others seemed to be enjoying them.
The Fitness center was adequate, but nothing special. A decent gym, enough to break a sweat if you're into that sort of thing. I am not.
Swimming pool was alright, but the Swimming pool [outdoor] has the wow factor. The Pool with view was a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
They had all the basics: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and an Elevator, which I am eternally grateful for. Cash withdrawal was available. I appreciated the Contactless check-in/out, which made the whole process super easy and efficient. Luggage storage was helpful. The Currency exchange came in handy, too. Plus the Gift/souvenir shop, although I didn't buy anything.
For the Kids - A Family-Friendly Haven (Or So They Say):
They claim to be Family/child friendly. They had Kids meal and Babysitting service. I don’t have kids so I can’t comment on the efficacy of these things. I just saw some families running around and having a good time. I just hope, for the sake of anyone who ends up staying near them, that the walls are thick.
Available in All Rooms - What You'll Find:
My room? It was lovely. Air conditioning was a lifesaver (particularly given the heatwave we were having). The bed was comfy with an extra long bed, the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were definitely appreciated. Some people like to drink coffee in the morning. I am one of those people. The free bottled water was a nice touch. Having blackout curtains was a godsend (I love to sleep like a bat). Bathrobes and slippers are always a classy touch. And they had internet access – wireless.
I will say, the Internet access – LAN felt a little antiquated for modern sensibilities.
Now, for the nitpicks: The mirror in the bathroom was a little too far away from the light for makeup application. And the hairdryer? A little weak. Fine, but not the best.
Getting Around - Navigating the Area:
They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. Plenty of Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
The Verdict - Unfiltered and Unapologetic:
La Naomath is a hotel with character – and a few quirks. It’s not perfect. Some areas are better at the “luxury” than others. But the staff were lovely, the food was fantastic, and the spa was good enough. It's the kind of place that sticks with you, the kind of place you'll probably
Rhodes Dream Getaway: Anthi Maria Beach Apartments Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to La Naomath – the "unusual accommodation" place in Saint-Martin-des-Entrees, France. Prepare for a trip that’s less "smooth travel blogger" and more "slightly unhinged tourist with a penchant for cheese." Here's the attempt at a schedule, with ALL the warts and all:
Day 1: Arrival & The Promise of Peculiar
07:00 - London to Caen Ferry (via train): Ugh, trains. They’re like toddlers: cute for a little while, then you just want them to stop. Found a seat next to a woman eating a suspiciously vibrant orange in a plastic container. Judging her quietly. Praying the ferry restaurant has decent coffee.
12:00 - Caen Ferry Terminal Debacle: The ferry! Glorious, salty air! Except, the coffee wasn't decent. Disaster. Managed to snag the last croissant (victory!) before the onslaught of screaming children descended. The "scenic route" bus to St-Martin-des-Entrees was, well, scenic, I guess. Mainly just very green fields, which, after a while, all start looking the same.
14:00 - Arrival at La Naomath! (Oh, the anticipation!) Driving directions were… vague. Let's just say I narrowly avoided becoming one with a particularly grumpy-looking cow. Finally, the sign appeared! It looked like a slightly overgrown Hobbit hole, which, honestly, was perfect. Wandered around, mouth agape, taking in the rustic charm. Found the "unusual accommodation" - a tiny caravan. My inner child rejoiced, my inner adult muttered about back pain.
15:00 - Caravan Inspection & Utter Delight (and Mild Panicking About the Bathroom): The caravan! Tiny. Adorable. A slightly wonky window. But the sheets smelled of lavender! Okay, I'm in love. Wait. Where's the bathroom? Oh, that building. It's… a walk. A long walk. Across a field. At night? This could be interesting.
16:00 - Exploring the "Garden": Seriously, this place is a garden in the loosest possible sense. Wildflowers everywhere! A slightly neglected vegetable patch. A chicken who clearly thinks she runs the place (she struts around like royalty). Sat on a wonky wooden bench, scribbling in a notebook. This place is doing something to me. Maybe it's the lack of wifi. Maybe it's the impending threat of the chilly outdoor bathroom. Maybe… I like it.
18:00 - Local Market Scampering: Made a mad dash to the local market in the village. Armed with my terrible French and a desperate desire for some cheese. Ended up buying a terrifyingly large wedge of something pungent and green. The vendor winked… I think he knew.
19:00 - Sunset & Cheese Apocalypse: Made a picnic dinner in the caravan. Ate half of the cheese. It was potent. Really potent. Chased it with some local cider. Felt a sense of… peace? Until the sun went down, and the bathroom situation became a real issue. This is going to be a long night.
Day 2: Delving Deeper (and the Bathroom Saga Continues)
08:00 - Morning Stumbles and Sunrise Struggles: Woke up. Back a bit stiff. Walked across the field. Found a slug. (Who am I to judge?) Saw the sunrise. It was, surprisingly, gorgeous. Feel strangely refreshed.
09:00- Breakfast & Emotional Processing: Breakfast was bread, butter, coffee, and a sense of rising hope. Started processing the cheese from last night, the slug. The bathroom. This place is a strange cocktail of serenity and slightly terrifying.
10:00 - A Day at the Beach! (Or, More Accurately, The Search for Sand): The coast! The promised beaches! Drove, following a map that appeared to be drawn by a particularly distracted squirrel. Found a beach. Well, three. One was pebbles (nope), one was windswept and desolate (close, but no). And the last one… le sigh. A lovely stretch of sand. Bliss.
12:00 - Lunch Panic & Seagull Aggression: Found a tiny bistro near the beach. My French failed me. Badly. Ordered something entirely by accident, which turned out to be… delicious! Enjoyed it immensely before the seagulls came looking for it. They are brutal.
14:00 - D-Day Experience (Overwhelming and Amazing): D-Day sites. You can't come to Normandy and not go. The museums were… intense. Absolutely overwhelming. Saw the landing beaches. Omaha Beach. Utah Beach. The immensity of it all hit me hard. Tears. Lots of tears. It makes you want to shout. A lot.
16:00 - The Long Walk Back (And The Bathroom, Again): Back to La Naomath. The drive felt long. Feeling emotionally exhausted and the walk to the bathroom.
18:00 - Cheese Remnants: Somehow, the rest of the cheese is gone.
19:00 - Campfire Chaos (and the Bathroom Crisis): La Naomath had a communal campfire which sounded ideal. Except… I couldn't master the art of fire-starting. Eventually, the owner, looking amused, helped. Met a couple of other guests – a sweet couple who'd just been to a cheese festival in Switzerland (of course!), and a very serious-looking man contemplating the meaning of life. The bathroom? Still a trek. Still chilly. Still the main topic of conversation whenever I was near another guest.
Day 3: Leaving and Reflecting (or, The Bathroom Lives On)
08:00 - Farewell to the Wildflowers and the Chicken (and the Bathroom): One last sunrise. One last cross-the-field ritual. Said goodbye to the chicken whose name I never knew (something about a French accent, and a rooster?). Started packing, and the realization set in: I actually loved this slightly bizarre, rustic place. (Even the bathroom.)
09:00 - The Final Breakfast (and a Sudden Craving for Cheese): One last croissant! One last coffee - the coffee's finally made the cut! Ate it with a huge dose of gratitude. And a sudden craving for more cheese.
10:00 - Check-Out Debacle (and a Secret Promise): Check-out was charming. The owner, smiling, waved goodbye saying "Au revoir!" and promised to come back.
11:00 - The Voyage Home: Ferry, train, back to the city. Back to normal life. But I know I will be back soon. La Naomath… it’s a mess, a charlotte and a glorious mess. I'll never forget it. And maybe, just maybe, next time I'll bring my own portable loo. Or maybe not. Sometimes, the slightly absurd experience is what makes travel truly magical. Now, where can I get some more cheese?
Okay, spill. Is La Naomath REALLY as magical as the website says? Because let’s be honest, websites are LIARS.
Ugh, right? Websites. Total fantasy worlds. But… okay, FINE. La Naomath… yeah, it’s… magical. BUT it’s not some Disney princess-in-the-sky kind of magic. It’s the kind of magic that sneaks up on you while you’re swatting a fly in the kitchen (and trust me, there are flies). It’s the magic of stumbling out of bed at 7 am, bleary-eyed, and seeing the sunrise paint the water a shimmering gold.
I went expecting… something fancy, I guess? Modern, minimalist vibes? Wrong. La Naomath is… well, it's *lived in*. There's a certain *je ne sais quoi* about it, you know? Worn leather furniture, not in a show-offy "antique shop" way, but more in a comfy, "this chair has *stories*" way. There's a charming imperfection that just pulls you in. And the scent! It's a mix of sea air, freshly baked bread (seriously, that bread...), and… old books? I don't know, it just *works*.
What's the deal with the owner, this… Naomath person? Is she a real person or some ethereal being made of seafoam and good vibes?
Okay, so Naomath. She's… well, she's Naomath. And she's REAL. And yes, she *does* seem to be made of sunshine and possibly, just possibly, a sprinkling of magic dust. She's this tiny woman, probably 90 years old (no, I'm kidding… maybe), with eyes that sparkle like the sea and a smile that could melt glaciers.
But here's the thing: She's not *perfect*. She's not this flawless hotelier in a perfectly pressed uniform. Nope. She's… human. One morning, she was struggling with a particularly feisty seagull who was trying to steal a croissant. It was glorious! She cussed (in French, of course), then she laughed, and then she gave the seagull a piece of the darn croissant! It was the most endearing thing I've ever seen. That's her, that's Naomath. She's chaos and charm rolled into one beautifully imperfect little package.
The food… I’ve heard whispers of legendary breakfasts. True?
"Legendary" doesn't even *begin* to cover it. The breakfasts… oh, the breakfasts! Forget your sad continental breakfast with stale croissants. This is a FRICKIN' FEAST. Freshly squeezed orange juice, enough crusty bread to build a small house, homemade jams that could launch a thousand ships, and… the eggs. Oh, the eggs. She makes the fluffiest, most flavorful omelets you'll EVER taste.
And it's not just the food. It’s the *experience*. Sitting at the long table with the other guests, chatting in broken French (or not, who cares!), the smell of coffee… it's… it's just *heaven*. The only downside? You'll have to loosen your belt before the day even gets started. I'm still trying to work off those extra pounds. Totally worth it though.
Okay, but what about the location? Is it actually near anything interesting? Or is it just… out there?
It's *perfectly* out there. Saint-Martin-des-Entrees isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. It's quiet, charming, and utterly delightful. Think: cobblestone streets, fishing boats, and the constant whisper of the sea. It's close to the D-Day beaches (which, honestly, is a very sobering, but essential, experience) and a short drive from bigger towns like Bayeux, which is worth a visit for the tapestry alone. But honestly, sometimes I barely left the grounds of La Naomath.
It's a bit of a drive to everything, sure. Expect some winding roads, but that adds to the charm of being away from things. And that *isolation*? Glorious. It forces you to slow down, breathe, and actually *be present*. It's a break from the chaos. It's restorative. (Although, be warned, the Wi-Fi can be spotty. Which, again, might actually be a *good* thing.)
What about the rooms? Are they… you know… clean? And comfortable?
Clean? Yes. Comfortable? Absolutely. Luxurious? Maybe not in the way you think. Think more… cozy. Think more… “charmingly cluttered.” (And sometimes, you know, actual clutter. It’s a real place.)
Don't expect sterile perfection. The rooms have character. They're filled with knick-knacks, vintage furniture (that might creak a little!), and windows that look out over the sea. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with crisp, clean sheets. There was one room that really sticks in my memory. It had a little balcony that overlooked the garden and the water -- a total dream to sit on and relax into. You'll never want to actually leave it. This is *not* a place for people who need pristine, minimalist spaces. This is for people who like to feel… like they’re visiting a really cool, slightly eccentric friend’s house.
Okay, but is there a catch? Seriously, what’s the *catch*? Is it overpriced? Terrible service? What's the DEAL?
Listen, I spent DAYS looking for a catch. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. The price is fair, not cheap, but absolutely worth it for what you get. The service… well, it’s not the stilted, overly-formal service you might expect in a luxury hotel. It’s Naomath. She’s busy, she’s running the whole show, and she’s charmingly disorganized. Sometimes she disappears for a little while, and you have to find her (usually, she's gardening). But that’s part of the charm, honestly.
The *only* catch? You might not want to leave. Seriously. I had to *force* myself to pack my bags and go home. I'm still considering a permanent escape. Maybe I could offer to help Naomath with the seagull problem. That wouldn't be a bad life. It's that kind of place. It gets under your skin. And you *will* miss it. You'll probably start planning your return trip before you even get to the airport. Be prepared.
So, to be clear: you really loved it? Like, actually, truly, head-over-heels loved it?
Look, I'm a cynical person. I'm hard to please. I find fault with *everything*. But La Naomath… yeah, I adored it. I fell hard. It's the kind of place that makes you question your life choices (in a good way). It's the kind of place that makes you want to be a better person, a more relaxed person, a person who appreciates the smallKyoto's Hidden Gem: Shijo Kawaramachi Tei - Unbelievable Miro!
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