re: Hotel Grillon - Beaune
 

I've been trying to access the English version of the web site for the Hotel Grillon in Beaune, France. I've seen many posts stating that Madame Grillon speaks excellent English, so I was hoping, there would also be an English version of the site. Everything I've seen *looks* lovely, and I've seen a few recommendations on Fodors, but I'd really like to be able to translate what is said on the web site as well (if it's possible). The site I'm using is http://www.hotel-grillon.fr/

Also, if you have any personal comments about the hotel, I would be interested.

Thanks so much.

Katie

I'm so embarrassed. I guess I just haven't looked as hard as I thought I did, considering the web site text alternates between various languages. Oy. Sorry 'bout that. I would still, however, like to hear any personal comments on Hotel Grillon.

Katie

I hate to tell you this, but that site is actually in three languages. If you look at the second paragraph, you'll see it is in English. Oddly enough, I just emailed them this past weekend to book a reservation after "Joel Grillon" had quickly and politely answered some question. The confirmation came right through by email as well.

Too funny, I started my reply and got sidetracked. Glad you discovered the English -- I've done the same thing. Even funnier was when I couldn't find a way to click English on another site and kept overlooking a tiny little circle with the Tower Bridge in it. Guess I was supposed to figure out that meant English.

Did you do a search here for the hotel? I first saw it here a week or so ago and changed my reservation to it from LeCedre, based on the high recommendation given here by a Fodor's poster. Plus it's saving me a bunch of money from our first, much more expensive option -- gotta watch those falling dollars -- LOL.

Patric: I guess I'm so used to seeing the little icons to click for English, too.

Yes, I did see it here. It looks really nice & the price is excellent. So, did Joel Grillon give you any answers to questions that might be helpful for others? And... did you write to them in English or French? I wasn't sure if I should *try* French, just to be polite. I don't speak it, but I have "cheat sheet" forms in various books I've purchased which are recommended (by the authors). When are you going?

Katie

I asked him about the distance to the train station and to town as we'll be arriving by train, not driving. Also asked if all rooms are air-conditioned which he assured me they are. He told me the train station and the city are both about one KM, and also said that there are sidewalks all the way (part of my question), so easy to walk. When I booked I said we didn't care about a bathtub, but take showers, and said we'd prefer that unless the bathtub rooms are larger or nicer. He said they aren't and confirmed a room with shower, not tub.

From his writing, he could be American for all I know -- perfect English. OOps, no, I guess not. How many Americans do I know with perfect English?

M. Grillon is not American. He is French and his parents owned the hotel before he did.

I was floored to discover he speaks English. We've stayed there since 1996 and every time he's spoken to us, he's spoken French. His wife has spoken English to us often, especially in the evenings when she is feeling chatty. They are both lovely people and now we know his little secret.

Thanks for the info. It's kind of funny. Joke's on us!

Well, there is the possibility that some employee is doing the email messages, but then signs him name to them. I don't think that would be that unusual. Since I don't speak French, I may see if I can get any English out of him while we're there.

The last time we were there a couple Brits walked into the breakfast room as we were leaving so I didn't see if he said anything to them or not. I'm going to watch very closely next time.

Let me know what you see. Just curious.

Any feedback here? Anyone stay there recently? My plans for Beaune are to come in off the autoroute late in the day, be able to walk to somewhere we can taste a bit of wine and have dinner, then leave in the a.m. Therefore, I'm not looking for a 'luxury/destination' sort of hotel. Is the Grillon location good for walking to places?

If you hit my screen name I am doing a trip report on Beaune right now. We stayed there March 6 throught the 8, 2005. We stayed at the Hotel Grillon in Beaune. We walked there from the train station and we walked back and forth from the city center. We had no problem with the walking. It was even frigid snowing weather!
The Hotel Grillon is wonderful, you are in for a treat! We stayed for the breakfast, very satifying. Read my report if you want some tidbits on Beaune.

Hi Hoping,

I stayed at Hotel Grillon last September. It's a small, well-kept hotel located as you enter Beaune.

It's an easy 10-15 minute walk from the hotel to the center of town, where you'll find numerous restaurants and wine shops, of course.

Have a good trip!

Ginny

Thanks for the quick replies. The walk sounds perfect for walking off dinner and wine. So far most of the reports I've looked up sounded good.

As reported above we were booked there when this thread started. Since then we've been, stayed and had a pleasant stay. We also walked with our luggage to and from the train station. And we walked back and forth to town numerous times.
The breakfasts in the "conservatory" were especially pleasant. Nothing special about the rooms (particularly the decor) but they were clean and well maintained.