Escape to Oxfordshire: Mercure Thame's Luxurious Retreat Awaits!
My Chaotic Oxfordshire Escape: Mercure Thame - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Spa-tacular!
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind weekend at the Mercure Thame in Oxfordshire, and let me tell you, it was…an experience. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my inevitable overthinking, minor meltdowns, and moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. Buckle up, buttercups.
First Impressions & Getting There (and my near-miss with a rogue pheasant)
Right, so the “Escape to Oxfordshire” tagline? Definitely accurate. Getting there was, well, an adventure. My sat-nav, bless its little digital heart, decided to take me on a scenic tour of… every single village in the Cotswolds. Seriously, I saw more rolling hills and adorable sheep than I ever thought possible. (Pro-tip: double-check your route BEFORE you set off. Lesson learned.)
- Accessibility: Now, I’m not mobility-impaired, but I appreciate a place that thinks about accessibility. The Mercure Thame seems to do that. They have elevators (essential!), and the website boasts about facilities for disabled guests. Always a plus.
- Getting Around: Free on-site parking is a huge win. And no, finding a parking spot didn’t involve a Hunger Games-esque battle for supremacy. They also offer valet parking, but I'm more of a “park-it-myself-and-pretend-I-know-what-I’m-doing” kind of gal. They also have a car power charging station, so, brownie points for the eco-friendliness!
Arrival and My Room: A Sanctuary… Mostly
The lobby? Clean, bright, and welcoming. Check-in was a breeze – they offer contactless check-in/out, which I loved. (Honestly, who doesn’t appreciate skipping the awkward small talk after a long drive?)
- Rooms & Amenities: My room? Spacious. Comfortable. And stocked with all the essentials. Let's see: Air conditioning (a must!), alarm clock, bathrobes (yay!), a decent desk (because, let's face it, work never truly stops), a coffee/tea maker (vital), and free Wi-Fi, which worked like a charm. Extra-long bed? Yes, please! The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, and the soundproofing…well, it did its job, for which I was eternally grateful. (More on that later.)
- Important Roomy Stuff: High Floor? ✓, Non-Smoking? ✓. Room decorations were tasteful; nothing too fussy. The "Window that opens" was a nice touch, because seriously, some hotel rooms feel like airlocked spaceships.
The Food & Drink Saga: From Buffet Bliss to Midnight Snack Shenanigans
Okay, food is where this review gets interesting.
- Restaurants and Dining: Firstly, the breakfast buffet was EVERYTHING. Seriously, I went back three times. They had all the usual suspects: full English, continental delights, pastries that practically begged to be eaten. The coffee? Surprisingly good. I appreciated the options like the "Breakfast Takeaway service" because seriously, sometimes you just need breakfast in bed!
- Asian Vibes: I'll be honest and admit, I didn't try the Asian cuisine, but having the option is a plus.
- The Bar The bar was great for a pre-dinner drink; a solid place, a nice ambiance, and they serve a decent (if not groundbreaking) cocktail. They have a poolside bar, which I would have loved if it weren't freezing outside.
- Room Service Rescue: 24-hour room service? Saved my bacon. I ordered a burger at 11 pm one night after a particularly draining day, and it arrived quickly and perfectly edible, which is a win in my book.
- Snacks and Drinks: They have a coffee shop, and a snack bar to keep you going when your tummy's rumbling.
- Desserts: They have dessets in the restaurant, but I have to confess, after the breakfast buffets, I was too full to properly investigate this.
The Spa: My Personal Oasis of Bliss (Almost Ruined by a Cucumber)
This is where the Mercure truly shines. The spa! Oh, the spa!
- Spa and Relaxation: The pool with a view, ah, the pool with a view. GORGEOUS. Even the indoor pool was great when the weather was a little off. There's a sauna, steam room…the whole shebang. And the massages… insert angelic choir music here
- My Massage Misadventure: I booked a massage, and it was pure, unadulterated bliss. I chose a Swedish massage. The masseuse was skilled. The room was dimly lit, peaceful. Then, the cucumber slices on my eyes started to… well, tickle. Yep, I spent half the massage fighting the urge to giggle. But hey, even a cucumber-induced giggle fit couldn’t ruin the experience!
- Body Treatments: I didn't have time for body scrub or body wrap. But let's be honest, it sounds amazing.
- Fitness: They have a gym/fitness center!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe in a Pandemic World
Let's be frank: this is a critical matter. And the Mercure Thame? Did a damn good job.
- Hygiene and Precautions: I felt safe. Staff wore masks. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. They use anti-viral cleaning products. They have Hygiene certification, and they're serious about sanitizing rooms between stays. They provide an array of facilities for disabled guests.
- Food Safety: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, individually wrapped food options, and safe dining setup.
Things to See and Do (Beyond the Spa): Oxfordshire Adventures
Being in Oxfordshire is a treasure. Thame itself is a lovely town, and Oxford is within easy driving distance.
- Local Exploration: I explored some of the local shops in Thame, and enjoyed an afternoon tea.
- For the Kids: They have babysitting service and kids facilities.
The Nitty-Gritty: Services, Conveniences, and the Occasional Blip
- Concierge: The concierge was super helpful. They gave AMAZING recommendations for dinner and helped me book a taxi.
- Business Stuff: They have the usual: meeting/banquet facilities, business facilities, and wi-fi for special events – perfect for corporate stuff.
- Amenities: Laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms (a lifesaver)
- The Blip: The only real issue? The soundproofing wasn’t perfect. I could occasionally hear some noise from the hallway. (But, again, earplugs are your friends!)
Overall Impression: Worth the Escape? Absolutely.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. The Mercure Thame isn't perfect. But it is charming. It's comfortable. And the spa. Oh, the spa. It's everything you need for a truly relaxing break. They're also super helpful with essential services, and I'd give them 5/5 stars for their focus on safety in the post-pandemic world.
My Personal Quirks and Final Thoughts:
- Embrace the Imperfection: Don't expect perfection. Embrace the quirks. The slightly imperfect coffee. The ticklish cucumber. They make the experience more memorable.
- Book the Spa. Seriously, Just Book It: Don’t think twice. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
- Pack Earplugs: Just in case.
Final Recommendation: The Mercure Thame is a fantastic choice for a relaxing getaway in Oxfordshire. Book it! You won't regret it.
Crafting Your Escape: Book Your Oxfordshire Retreat!
Tired of the daily grind? Craving a luxurious escape? Look no further than the Mercure Thame, your gateway to a rejuvenating Oxfordshire experience! We're offering a special deal for a limited time:
- Spa & Serenity Package: Book a two-night stay and receive:
- Complimentary breakfast for two each morning! (Fuel up for fun!)
- Discounted Swedish massage!
- Access to our exceptional spa facilities, including the pool with a view!
- Complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon check-in! (Cheers to relaxation!).
- Free on-site parking!
- Guaranteed Comfort & Cleanliness: Relax with confidence, knowing that your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
- Book Now and Receive a Free Upgrade! (Subject to availability)
Don't miss out on the chance to escape to Oxfordshire and experience the ultimate retreat. Book your stay at the Mercure Thame today! Click [link to booking] or Call us at [phone number]!
**We promise to provide: *Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!* Free on-site parking! Superb hospitality *
Stillwater's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn & Suites Review (West Stillwater, OK)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average itinerary. This is my battle plan for conquering the Mercure Thame Lambert Hotel and the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside. And believe me, it’s going to be a bumpy (in a good way!) and utterly chaotic ride. Consider this my attempt at controlled implosion, or a very, very enthusiastic attempt at a slightly-organized holiday.
Operation: Thame Time (and Hopefully, No Tears…yet)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pub Reconnaissance
- 1:00 PM: Land in the UK. Jet lag? Oh, honey, jet lag is a suggestion at this point. After a long flight, I'm a hot mess wrapped in a slightly-questionable outfit. Taxi to the Mercure. Pray for a decent driver. (And for the hotel to actually have my reservation. My track record for these things is, shall we say, spotty.)
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby better have a comfy chair. I need to collapse for 5 glorious minutes. Maybe 10 if I can get away with it.
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Assessment: First order of business? The bed. Mattress check. Pillow check. Is there a good view? (Preferably not of a dumpster. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt that still smells faintly of stale cigarette smoke.) Unpack. Frantically search for my emergency chocolate stash. (Important. Vital. Life-or-death.)
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: The Great Pub Crawl of Thame BEGINS! This is crucial. Priorities: Find a cozy pub with a roaring fire (pretending it's not July - I want that pub vibe!) Order a pint of something suitably British, and a hearty, carb-laden lunch. (Pie? Fish and chips? Please, I’m not fussy.) This is where I judge the vibe of Thame. Do the locals look welcoming? Are the dogs friendly? (Important details, people.)
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. Freshen up (aka, put on some make-up, because even I have standards). Wander the hotel trying to find the gym. I’ll skip it, probably.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: I'm hoping for something vaguely fancy. I deserve a decent meal after the travel chaos. This could be a hit or miss. But I embrace risk.
- 8:00 PM: Early night? Ha! Okay, maybe. I'll aim for an early night. More likely I will be watching TV until my eyes begin to burn, then I'll feel really guilty about it.
Day 2: Aston Rowant Adventure (aka, Did I Pack Walking Shoes?)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. (Or, more realistically, wake up after hitting snooze six times.) Coffee. Lots of coffee. I'm picturing a proper British breakfast. Eggs, bacon, the works. Or maybe just a croissant. (I have a habit of underestimating my appetite in the morning).
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore the Aston Rowant Nature Reserve. (This is where the walking shoes of mine would come into play, were I to find them). Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and the potential for wildlife sightings! I've downloaded an app to identify bird calls, because I'm nothing if not overly-prepared. (Famous last words.) But mostly, I'm hoping to avoid getting hopelessly lost and eaten by a badger.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at…somewhere. A cute little village pub? An overpriced cafe? I have no idea. I'll play it by ear, which is often a terrible strategy. But hey, spontaneity is the spice of life, right?
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive to Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway. I’m super excited about this! Trains transport me to stories of British history, mystery, and romance.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Return to the hotel.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Free time. Spa time? I don't know. Either way, I am exhausted, but happy. Think I will have a bath and read.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner, hotel or somewhere else.
- 8:30 PM: Early night? ðŸ˜
Day 3: Thame Market and the Gentle Winding Down (HA!)
- 8:00 AM: Attempt a slightly more civilized start to the day. (Emphasis on attempt.) Another coffee intervention is highly likely.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Thame Market! I'm anticipating a sensory overload. Fresh produce, artisan crafts, maybe even a busker playing a jaunty tune! I'll try to restrain myself from buying the entire market. (Wish me luck.) This is also a great chance to interact with those friendly locals. (And practice my terrible British accent.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the market, or a cute little cafe.
- 1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Check out.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Free time.
- 4:00 PM: Time to fly home!
- 7:00 PM: Back home.
The Messy Bits (Because Life Is Messy)
- The Weather: It's England. Prepare for rain. And sun. And wind. And possibly snow, all in the space of an hour. Pack accordingly. (And maybe a waterproof camera.)
- The Food: I reserve the right to change my mind at any point. I am, after all, the Queen of Impulse Decisions.
- The Unexpected: Something will go wrong. Guaranteed. It's part of the adventure. Embrace the chaos. Laugh at the mishaps. Tell the stories later.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm anticipating everything from sheer joy and wonder to a sudden, inexplicable desire to crawl into bed and watch bad TV. (See day one.) This is normal. This is human. This is me.
Final Note: This itinerary is more of a suggestion than a strict rulebook. I'm going with the flow. I am going to have fun. And if I come back slightly overweight, covered in mud, and with a head full of ridiculous stories? Then, consider it a resounding success. Wish me luck! (I'll need it.)
Escape to the Hudson Valley: Hampton Inn New Paltz Awaits!
Escape to Oxfordshire: Mercure Thame - Seriously, Is it Worth the Hype? My Chaotic Q&A
Okay, first things first: Is the Mercure Thame *actually* luxurious, or is that just marketing fluff? I'm skeptical, okay?
Alright, buckle up, because honesty time: It’s… complicated. "Luxurious" in the way some hotels *say* and the way they ***are*** are sometimes worlds apart. The Mercure Thame *tries* hard. The lobby is grand, all sweeping staircases and sparkly chandeliers – seriously, I almost tripped taking a picture because I was too busy gawking. Feels fancy. Then… you get to the room. Mine was… good. Clean, comfy bed (thank GOD, I need sleep!), a decent-sized bathroom. Not *Rolls-Royce* luxury, more like… a very well-kept Mercedes. Solid. Reliable. Gets the job done. But still, maybe a bit of a missed opportunity for some real wow factor. I will say, the toiletries were nice – I stole the lavender-scented body wash. Don't judge! My actual concern was the lack of a mini bar. A tragedy.
Speaking of rooms – what about the size? I'm claustrophobic, and tiny rooms are my nemesis.
Okay, good question! Seriously, being trapped in a shoebox for a weekend is NOT my idea of relaxation. My room wasn’t *huge*, but it wasn't a coffin either. I'd say… average? Comfortable enough. You could move around without banging into everything. I've been in hotel rooms where I felt like I needed to walk sideways to get to the bathroom. This wasn't one of them, thank heavens. It was probably a slightly bigger than a standard room, which was a big plus for my sanity. Ask for a room with a better view...I didn't. My view was... well, a brick wall. Lesson learned.
The food! Tell me about the food! I'm a foodie, and a bad hotel restaurant can ruin a whole trip.
Alright. The food. This is where things get... interesting. Let's start with breakfast, because breakfast is KEY. The buffet was… standard. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon (always appreciate bacon), pastries, cereal. It wasn’t *amazing*, but it wasn’t terrible. The coffee was decent; I didn't have to sneak out for a Starbucks fix, which is a win in my book. Now, the dinner… ah, dinner! I went for the roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes. Sounds amazing, right? It *looked* amazing, all golden-brown and crispy. The potatoes were fantastic! The chicken, however... was a little dry. A *smidge* overcooked. Okay, a *bit* too dry. But the gravy saved it! Devine, rich and it masked the issues! I am still pondering if I should write a complaint. But I am not known for my decisiveness. I guess I will have to move on. Oh, and the desserts were good. Don't skip dessert. Never.
Is there a gym? Because I have to work off all that lovely food, right? And is it any good?
Yes, my friend, there is a gym. And it's… well, it exists. It's not a *luxury* gym, let's put it that way. It's got the staples – treadmills, a few weights, maybe an elliptical. I, personally, didn’t use it. Okay, I peeked in once. I was on holiday! I needed to *relax*, not exhaust myself with a treadmill! From what I saw, it looked… functional. If you're a serious gym bunny, you might be disappointed. If you just want to keep from feeling *completely* guilty about the breakfast buffet, it’ll probably do the trick. It's all relative, really.
What's the atmosphere like? Is it romantic? Lively? Stuffy?
Ah, the atmosphere! This is a tough one to nail down. It's not *stuffy*, thankfully. It’s not a party-all-night kind of place either. It's more… generally pleasant. A good mix of couples, families, and solo travelers. I'd say it leans towards the more relaxed side, which I appreciated. There was a nice buzz in the bar in the evening, but not so much that you couldn't hear yourself think (or have a conversation without shouting). Romantic? Potentially. If you've got the right company, any place can be romantic! Bring your own romance, you know?
Is it kid-friendly? I’m thinking of taking my niece and nephew.
Yeah, generally speaking, yes. I saw a few families with kids during my stay. There weren't any screaming toddlers running amok, which is always a good sign! (I have a high tolerance for kids... but only when they aren't my responsibility.) They have family rooms, so that's a plus. The restaurant *should* be fine for fussy eaters, though the menu isn’t particularly geared towards children. But honestly? Take them! Thame is a lovely town, lots to explore nearby. Just... prepare for the potential chaos. And bring snacks. ALWAYS bring snacks. For you, too!
The location – is Thame a good base for exploring Oxfordshire? Or is it just... Thame?
Thame is a *brilliant* base. Seriously. It’s a charming little market town, very pretty, with loads of independent shops and restaurants. Walking distance. You can wander around and soak up the atmosphere. And most importantly: It's close to everything! Oxford is a short drive away (definitely worth a visit, even though the traffic can be a nightmare). The Cotswolds are easily accessible. Blenheim Palace… close. You get the picture. You're well-placed to explore the area. It made for a great starting point. I drove myself mad deciding where to go each day. So many choices! Not a bad problem to have, all things considered, but still... decisions, decisions!
Anything I should watch out for? Any hidden costs or things I should know *before* I book?
Ugh, yes, the sneaky hidden costs! This is where I get grumpy. Check the parking situation! I *think* it was included, but always double-check. Hotel parking always gives me such a headache. Honestly, just confirm *everything* beforehand. If breakfast isn't already included in your room rate, add it. Seriously. You *will* want breakfast. And… maybe pack your own snacks. I was very glad ITrending Hotels Now
Mercure Thame Lambert Hotel Aston Rowant United Kingdom
Mercure Thame Lambert Hotel Aston Rowant United Kingdom
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