Escape to Paradise: Crabbe Mountain Inn's French Village Charm
Escape to Paradise: Crabbe Mountain Inn - My Unglamorous, Totally Honest (and Surprisingly Awesome) Review
Okay, so I've just wrestled my luggage out of the car (thank god for the free parking!), and I’m staring at the Crabbe Mountain Inn. "French Village Charm," they say. Honestly? I was picturing fussy, pretentious, and potentially overpriced. But I'm here to say… I was mostly wrong.
First, Let's Get the Nitty-Gritty Out of the Way (Because, You Know, We're All About Practicalities)
Accessibility? Hmm. I'll be real, I didn't specifically test the wheelchair accessibility (I'm not in that situation), but they do list "facilities for disabled guests" which offers hope. I'd recommend reaching out to the hotel directly to confirm specifics. (Pro-Tip: Call them - don't just email. You'll get a better read on things.)
Internet? YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Finally! I'm talking legit Wi-Fi, not that agonizing dial-up experience that makes you want to throw your laptop out the window. They even have LAN access if you're old-school (or just paranoid about security like me). The Wi-Fi in public areas was also reliable, which is a HUGE win when you just need to post that perfectly curated sunset pic.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Let's Face It, That's The World We Live In Now)
Okay, Crabbe Mountain Inn takes cleanliness seriously. I'm talking "anti-viral cleaning products" serious. They’ve got all the hygiene certifications. The staff is masked (though, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being slightly creeped out by the perfectly synchronized hand sanitization as I entered the dining room). They were definitely on top of things. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Individually-wrapped food options (mostly - more on that later)? You betcha. Room sanitization opt-out available? Yep. It’s reassuring, and while it does feel a bit sterile at times, I’d rather that than, you know, the alternative.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The REAL Test!
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Food. My weakness.
Restaurants & Bars: They have a few restaurants. I'd say the main one, the actual restaurant, is a solid contender. International cuisine, with a leaning towards the French village charm, and honestly, they're pretty good. They offer an a la carte option which I appreciated for not wanting the buffet every day. The pool bar is… well, a pool bar. Decent cocktails (I might have tested several, for research purposes, naturally). Coffee shop? Yep. Coffee and/or tea in the restaurant? Absolutely. They have a vegetarian restaurant. Asian cuisine is also an option. They serve desserts in the restaurant. Their soup was actually quite good and their breakfast service and buffet options have good offerings. They had a happy hour which was fun. The poolside bar was a nice touch as well.
The Breakfast… and My Personal Meltdown: On the first morning, I stumbled in, bleary-eyed and craving carbs. They have a buffet and it was okay, but the scrambled eggs tasted suspiciously like… well, like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. (Okay, I might be being slightly dramatic.) But then, the real drama started. They also offered a "Breakfast in Room" option. And I went for it. BIG Mistake! Okay, it wasn't catastrophic. But the coffee was weak, the toast was cold, and… (deep breath) …the croissant was, dare I say, stale. I mean, a stale croissant? In a supposed "French Village Charm" establishment? I briefly considered staging a one-woman protest in the lobby, but then I remembered I hadn't had my coffee yet and decided to just eat a muffin, instead. It was a slightly rough start to the day. (Pro-Tip: Stick to the buffet, or order something else.)
Room Service 24-hours: I didn't use it. However, the option is there and useful.
Things to Do (Or, How to Actually Relax)
Okay, now we're talking! Because, let's face it, "escape to paradise" better deliver on the relaxation front. And Crabbe Mountain Inn delivered… mostly.
- The Pool with a View: The outdoor pool is fantastic. It’s not enormous, but it’s clean and well-maintained. The view? Stunning. Seriously, the mountains are breathtaking. Lounging by the pool with a cocktail, watching the sun dip below the peaks – that’s what I call a vacation.
- The Spa (and My Transformation): The spa is where Crabbe Mountain Inn really shines. They have a sauna, a steam room, and a range of treatments. I opted for the massage, and oh. My. Goodness. It was divine. Honestly, I think I fell asleep for a solid hour. The masseuse was skilled and the whole experience was just… pure bliss. I actually felt the knot of stress in my shoulders melt away like butter. The spa/sauna was a nice touch. They also offered body scrubs and body wraps. The fitness center was also good. They also offer a foot bath – highly recommended. I left feeling like a new person.
Rooms (The Honest Truth About My Room!)
My room? Okay, it wasn't perfect. It wasn't a palatial suite, but it was comfortable, cozy, and clean.
- The Good Stuff: The bed was comfy. The blackout curtains actually worked (a godsend for a light sleeper like me). And the free Wi-Fi, as I said, was a game-changer. I loved that they had free bottled water and complimentary tea.
- The Minor Gripes: The decor was… well, it was "French Village Charm," so think floral patterns and slightly dated furniture. The bathroom was functional, but not exactly spa-like (though the bathrobes were a nice touch). The toiletries were adequate, but I'd suggest bringing your own fancy stuff. And I swear I heard the neighbor's television through the wall one night.
Overall Vibes - The Bottom Line
- The Good: Location, location, location! The views are insane. The spa is amazing. The staff is friendly. The cleanliness is on point. Plenty of things to do! The atmosphere feels "escapist" which is what makes it escape to paradise.
- The Not-So-Good: The breakfast (potential croissant trauma). The decor, which is subjective, but can feel a bit dated.
- The Verdict: Crabbe Mountain Inn is a great option. It's not perfect, but it's charming, relaxing, and offers a truly memorable experience. It's the kind of place you go to actually unwind. Will I return? Absolutely. But next time, I'm skipping the croissant.
- What's Missing? They are missing a convenience store. No need to grab extra supplies.
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The "Book it NOW!" Offer (Because You Deserve Some Paradise!)
Tired of the daily grind? Stressed to the max? Need to actually escape?
Then it's time to consider Crabbe Mountain Inn.
For a limited time, book your stay and get:
- A complimentary spa treatment of your choice! That's right, melt away your stress with a massage, body scrub, or whatever your heart desires.
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- 20% off all dining experiences! Because you deserve to eat like royalty.
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Don't wait. Paradise is calling.
Goa's Paradise Found: Sea Breeze Beach Resort Candolim
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your Instagram-perfect travel guide. This is the real deal, a messy, meandering, and hopefully hilarious account of my attempt to "find myself" (or at least find the damn ski lift) at the Crabbe Mountain Inn in French Village, Canada. Prepare for typos, tangents, and a healthy dose of existential dread. Let's do this!
Crabbe Mountain Inn - My Soul-Searchin' Ski Trip (aka, the "I Hope I Don't Break a Leg" Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread Olympics
- 9:00 AM - The Great Bag-Packing Debacle: Okay, so I figured I'd pack light. Famous last words. Ended up hauling a suitcase the size of a small car packed with stuff I might need. "Just in case," I always say. In case a sudden blizzard requires me to build an igloo… in my designer snow boots. Sigh. My back already hates me.
- 9:30 AM - Airport "Adventure": Flight delayed. "The joys of travel", they call it?! More like the "misery of modern air travel." Endless lines, screaming kids, and the faint smell of burnt coffee. (Is that just me, or do airports all smell the same?)
- 1:00 PM - The Car Rental Conundrum: Picked up the rental car. Gave me the wrong size, like a clown car. Had to squeeze my gigantic bags in it, and it looked straight out of a low-budget movie. Now I'm driving a vehicle named "Rusty" that is as old as me. I feel like Rusty and me are going to have a great time.
- 4:00 PM - Journey to the Promised Land (aka, French Village): The drive! Oh, the drive! Apparently, this is "scenic." I saw a lot of trees. And more trees. And maybe a moose? Wait, was that a moose? I think it was! Anyway, I'd prefer a nice cafe and a book versus this winding road.
- 5:30 PM - Crabbe Mountain Inn - Check In! Surprisingly pleasant. The innkeeper (a lovely woman named Agnes, who looks like a stern but kind owl) gave me a room key. The room… well, let's just say it's "rustic charm." Aka, the decor is older than I am. But hey, it's clean. Mostly. The view? Glorious. The kind that makes you feel like you might, just might, have made a good decision. This is kind of the best feeling of all time.
- 6:30 PM - Settling In and the Unspoken Question: Unpacking and putting away my stuff (finally). Looking at the beautiful views. Wondering if I know how to ski. Wondering if I'll break a leg. Wondering if I should have stayed home and binged Netflix. (But hey, at least I can post photos of the stunning scenery, right?)
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at the Inn's "Restaurant": The food is… hearty. Think "Canadian comfort food." The "poutine" is like a hug on a plate. The beer is cold. The conversation is… quiet. Everybody here is either deeply content or deeply contemplating the meaning of life. Or, maybe they're just exhausted after a day of skiing. Anyway, I feel good.
- 9:00 PM - The First Existential Moment (and maybe a little bit of wine): Back in my room. Staring out the window. Feeling overwhelmed. But also, calm. Maybe, just maybe, this trip won't be a complete disaster. Tomorrow, the mountain calls. And so does the possibility of a spectacular faceplant.
- 9:30 PM - Bed time. I'm so tired.
Day 2: The "Learning to Ski" Saga (aka, "Goodbye, My Knees!")
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up Call: I'll say waking up in the morning is beautiful. But getting out of bed is the real work.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet of Champions (or at least, people who like scrambled eggs): The buffet is an experience. A glorious, carb-loaded experience. Eggs, bacon, pancakes… fuel for my impending ski-related trauma.
- 9:00 AM - The Dreaded Ski Rental: Okay, so the boots. The boots. Remember that part in Cinderella when her foot didn't fit the glass slipper? Yeah, that's how I feel.
- 9:30 AM - The Mountain and the Ski Instructor (who looks suspiciously like a Disney villain): I signed up for a lesson. The instructor is… intense. He's clearly seen it all. And "it all" probably includes a lot of people falling on their rears. I'm pretty sure his name is Vlad, but he's probably just some dude named Kevin. I can't tell.
- 10:00 AM - The Beginner's Slope of DOOM: "Pizza!" "French fries!" These are the instructions I'm trying to understand. I'm pretty sure I'm spending more time on my butt than standing.
- 11:00 AM - The First Near Death Experience: I'm going down the tiny slope, a little bit too fast. I'm panicking. The world is a blur of snow and terror. Then I went and ate a tree for breakfast.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Break (and a much-needed shot of "courage" in the form of hot chocolate): A whole lot of bruises, and the ski instructor is starting to grow on me.
- 1:00 PM - The "Actually Trying" Phase: Started to see the light. I'm beginning to understand how to go down the slope (sort of). A little bit less falling, a little bit more skiing.
- 3:00 PM - An Experience: I skied all the way down the slope. And I didn't fall. I did it. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
- 4:00 PM - Apres-Ski (or, the reward for not breaking every bone in my body): The bar opens at the Inn. The hot chocolate has turned into a beer.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and The Aftermath: I'm walking like a penguin, but smiling like a fool. Dinner (more hearty Canadian fare), chatting with other skiers. We share our stories of survival: I had fun.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep.
Day 3: Snowstorm Surprise and Early Farewell
- 8:00 AM - The Storm: Woke up to a whiteout. The inn is covered in snow. The view is incredible.
- 9:00 AM - Snow Shoeing: I tried snowshoeing. It was a lot easier than skiing. And super fun.
- 12:00 PM - Goodbye dinner.
- 1:00 PM - Goodbye.
Final Thoughts (or, the post-trip musings and a tiny bit of wisdom):
- Would I recommend it? Yes. Go. Even if you’re a klutz like me. Just pack extra socks.
- Did I become a ski ninja? Absolutely not. But I survived. And that's a win in my book.
- Did I find myself? I found a slightly bruised, possibly snow-covered, and definitely hungrier version of myself. Maybe that's good.
- The memories: Being in place where I can be myself. The snow. The food. The bruises. The existential dread. All of it was worth it.
Now if you will excuse me, I have a date with a hot bath and a long nap. Until the next adventure… Cheers!
Escape to Royalty: Little Prince Hotel, Gunsan's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Crabbe Mountain Inn - You Got Questions? I Got...Answers (Kind Of!)
So, is this Crabbe Mountain Inn actually paradise? Like, *real* paradise?
Paradise, huh? Look, let’s be realistic. It’s not like you’re stumbling into the Garden of Eden, okay? There's no apple-gnawing temptation – unless you consider the *amazing* apple crumble they serve a form of temptation, which, frankly, I do.
It’s more... *idyllic*. Think cozy fireplaces, the crisp mountain air, and a general sense of "ah, finally, some peace, the world can kiss my rear end" kind of feeling. It's got a French Village vibe, which means charming, but *not* perfect. Expect a few quirks. More on that later.
I went in expecting a 5-star experience and boy, was I right? And wrong! Let's just say the bathroom isn’t quite Versailles, but the view from my window? Oh yeah, that was pretty darn close to heavenly.
What’s this "French Village Charm" all about? Does that mean they force me to speak French? Because my high school French was...well, let's just say it involved a lot of "bonjours" and a distinct lack of understanding.
Relax, you don't need to conjugate verbs. Although, if you DO happen to let out a "oui oui" when ordering dessert, I highly recommend it... the staff seems to appreciate the effort (and maybe secretly think you're a little bit crazy, but in a good way!).
"French Village Charm" means: think stone walls, maybe some exposed beams, a general sense of rustic elegance. It’s like stepping into a slightly faded postcard. It's got an old, charming vibe, where you feel a million miles away from the modern world. Think of it as a very handsome, slightly grumpy old uncle. Lovely, but a bit… particular.
Personally, I found it to be a much welcome change from my tiny city apartment.
Okay, lodging! Tell me about the rooms. Cozy? Cramped? Do I need to bring my own air freshener?
Cozy is the word, my friend. REALLY cozy. Think of it as a hug for your soul. Some rooms are a bit more spacious than others, so do your research! I heard rumours that sometimes, you get a room with a balcony, which is a definite win. My room? Small. But clean. And the bed? Oh, the bed! I'm pretty sure I slept for about 12 hours straight one night. That's the mark of a good bed.
Air freshener? Nah. The air smells of fresh mountain air and whatever the kitchen smells like. The bathroom? Fine. Not spotless, but clean enough. Think of it as a charmingly aged painting rather than a pristine gallery.
Word of warning! The walls? Not exactly soundproof. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. I could hear the couple next door arguing about the proper way to make coffee one morning. It was entertaining, but definitely woke me up earlier than planned.
The Food! Is the food actually good? I'm a picky eater...
Okay, listen up, picky eaters! This is important. The food is... *mostly* fantastic. They lean into the French theme, which means lots of hearty dishes, rich sauces, and delicious cheeses. Their French onion soup is legendary. I swear, I almost licked the bowl clean. The apple crumble? As I said before, tempted to confess my sins for that.
The breakfast is a buffet, which is a plus in my book, because who doesn’t love being able to choose from a ton of options on a relaxing morning. They do try to cater to dietary needs, but let them know beforehand, because you can tell the kitchen crew works their tails off.
The thing is, with a place like this, it's not about Michelin stars, it's about comfort food done right, I swear. I went back for seconds on the bread almost every meal!
What's there to *do*? Is it just sitting around looking picturesque? Because I can do that at home. (And occasionally, I do).
Alright, you restless souls! Yes, there is more to do than just gazing wistfully at the scenery (though, let's be honest, that's a pretty good option). There's skiing/snowboarding in the winter, of course (Crabbe Mountain is right there!), and hiking trails galore in the warmer months. The countryside is beautiful, so make sure to explore.
I got stuck in the library a couple of times – it was a charming little room with a fireplace. I sat down and read something I'd been putting off for months. It was a nice change of pace for me. Oh! You can take a cooking class! I went for the croissant one - it was a disaster. But a delicious disaster!
But my advice? Don't overschedule. Leave room for wandering, getting lost, and doing absolutely nothing. That's the *real* magic of the place.
Let's talk service. Are the staff friendly? Efficient? Do they serve the usual French attitude?
The staff? Generally lovely. They are warm and they genuinely seem to be trying their best. They're not stuffy, they're not overly formal. They're friendly, welcoming, and for the best part, not that annoyingly efficient. I like that.
I heard rumors that there can be issues if the place is slammed, and honestly? I could see that. It's not a luxury hotel with a huge staff. They're run off their feet sometimes. If you need something, be patient, they're trying their best, you're in the middle of the mountains, so try and give them a little love, they're working hard, after all! I mean, who doesn't love a bit of character, eh?
The only "attitude" I encountered was from a very sassy cat who hung around the bar (who, by the way, I named "Croissant". I'm pretty sure he loves it.) I can only assume Croissant doesn't like people.
Any dealbreakers? What should potential guests be aware of?
Dealbreakers, huh? Here's the lowdown:
- **DonRoam And RestsCrabbe Mountain Inn French Village Canada
Crabbe Mountain Inn French Village Canada
