France 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Worst: Grand Hotel Leveque, Paris
Why: The hotel room and furnishings were run down and worn out. It was depressing to return to the room each night. Hotel wifi did not work, and hotel staff were indifferent. This hotel should not be recommended!
Jeff Evans in Springfield, IL USA 01/13/2012
Best: Hotel Valadon
Why: Location was perfect...loved Rue Cler, access to subway, walking to Eiffel, and all the cafes and restaurants.
Micki Turner in Chicago, IL USA 12/17/2011
Best: Hotel Nevons, Casa Pairal, and the Du Chateau
Why: The Hotel Nevons in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is great. Everyone there is super nice, many speak English,and the rooms are huge in the newer wing . The price is low and they even have a secure parking lot.This is great for the Sunday market because the town is packed and we walked to the Market. The Casa Pairal in Collioure is a Reais du Silence and is very nice. In high season I am not so sure how silent it would be , but we were there in the Fall and had a room on the garden. Lovely. The breakfast buffet was the best one we had.The Du Chateau is right across the street from the castle in Carcassone, but you would think is was in another town. Very quiet. You can see the Castle, but not the hoards of people. The rooms are very high tec. The people there are very nice and although it is not inexpensive, it is lovely .
J. davis in Lebanon, Oh USA 11/24/2011
Worst: Le Moulin du Fief Gentil in Blere
Why: My husband and I booked Le Moulin du Fief Gentil in Blere, for several nights, in order to tour the Loire Valley. Arrived back at the B&B after our first, very rainy day of chateau-hopping. We were soaked to the skin and used all four of our towels for showering and drying off that evening. Needed to use these towels the next morning, although they were still really wet. Left the B&B after breakfast, having dropped the used, wet towels on the floor to let the cleaning crew know we needed fresh, dry towels. Arrived back at the B&B that evening to find that the same wet towels we had left on the floor, were hanging back up in the bathroom - still soaking wet. When we complained to our proprietress, Fleurence, she pointed out that the B&B's hand-out states "for your comfort, towels are changed every two days". This being a rather unique B&B policy, we thought Fleruence should have specifically pointed this "rule" out to us. That she did not make an exception to the two-day-towel-policy, given the weather conditions, was even more upsetting. Would not recommend this B&B - found Fleurence a little too rigid with her guidelines.
Barb & Tom Gaggiano in Sturgeon Bay, WI USA 11/19/2011
Best: Le Petit Versailles, Beynac
Why: This charming B&B, also called Residence Versailles was the best of our 2-wk trip. Jean-Claude and Francois have a lovely home, just outside beautiful Beynac. Our room was large, very comfortable, very clean, with delcious home-cooked breakfasts. We also booked a dinner, cooked by Francois, served on the pretty outside terrace, which was so delicious!! A 3-course regional meal, served with Bergerac wine - highly recommended!! The rates at this B&B were perfect, too!
Ann in Plymouth, MN USA 11/13/2011
Best: Hotel le Chamonix
Why: http://www.hotel-le-chamonix.com/eng/index.html Inexpensive during off-peak season. We had a room with panoramic views of Mt. Blanc and various peaks. Breakfast extra cost. Best WiFi signal on 1st floor and in the lobby. Great bakery and TI are located across the street. 5-10 minute walk from Chamonix-Mt. Blanc station. English staff.
Kay Ishii in Renton, WA USA 10/30/2011
Best: Hotel Duquesne
Why: Wonderful service, location and the rooms may be on the small side, according to some, but they are delightful. We stayed a week and will go back again.
Worst: Le Mas d'Aigret in Les Baux
Why: The hotel smelled of cigarette smoke from employees. Also, the rooms are very small and tired. Nice location, but that is about it
Patricia in Chico, CA USA 10/26/2011
Best: Hotel Tardif, Bayeux, 2011 book, p. 283
Why: It's everything that's described in the Rick's guidebook! Lovely in every way and Anthony is the icing on the cake. He's very helpful and kind. My companion's birthday was during our stay and he helped me make it very special by chilling our Moet & Chandon champagne (from the tour) and arranging for a gift basket to be delivered to our room. He's the best!
Worst: Grand Hotel Continental, Reims, 2011 guide, p. 980
Why: Room number started with "000." Don't EVER get one of the rooms that begin with these numbers. Felt like I was in a dungeon! After the front desk clerk told us the room was down "a couple of steps," we soon learned it was 14 steps & a spiral staircase. Down a long, narrow, dingy hallway, we found a small, dingy, hot (due to the mini-fridge INSIDE THE CLOTHES CLOSET) room. View was a restaurant where the employees would smoke outside your window, so trying to get any fresh air was impossible. Would've moved but all hotels were sold out. And, "helpful Maxeme" was nowhere to be found at the front desk! Met other Rick Steves' followers who stayed at the Hotel Azure and said it was wonderful!
Maureen in Tempe, AZ USA 10/22/2011
Worst: page 781 2011 FranceHotel La Jobette Antibes, France
Why: This hotel has too small of rooms, horrible beds, showers with no curtains and an intimidating host whereby guests only speak in a whisper in a compact courtyard. This is not a welcoming place at all to stay. In fact, it has made us wonder about your recommendations and if you have reviewed your recommendations recently.
Carla Watson in Lincoln, NE USA 10/22/2011
Best: Hotel des Consuls in Sarlat
Why: A very well-run hotel. Everything in the rooms was clean and maintained. The bed was super comfortable. The free laundry was great. The Wi-fi (free in the lobby 3 Euro/day in the room) worked most of the time.
KAL in Issaquah, WA USA 10/15/2011
Best: Hotel Ibis, City Center, Beaune
Why: Very clean and modern. Easy walk to all the city highlights.
Worst: Hôtel des Célestins in Lyon
Why: Closet-sized "double" room and no functioning elevator. Way over-priced, especially compared to other Rick Steves' recommended hotels.
Marilyn Hawkins in Ashland, OR USA 10/12/2011
Best: Domaine Corgettes in St-Romain, Burgundy
Why: Very friendly owners, and a great place to be during harvest! Quiet, quiet, with excellent breakfasts. (OK, it wasn't entirely quiet during crush, which was going on across the courtyard but I loved it because it reminded me so much of home.)
Worst:
Why: Not at all bad, but Hotel Relais Medici on rue Racine felt a bit stuffy to me.
Kate in Sonoma, CA USA 09/16/2011
Best: There were many great places...I'll name a few.
Why: Hotel Jardin de Eiffel...the view...WOW! Chateau des Arpentis in Amboise was stunning and so inexpensive. It had everything and more. Chateau de Chorey les Beaune...what better way to visit arguably the world's greatest vineyards than to stay in an actual winery with a host who had stories of his family's vineyard history.
Donna Fraser in Orlando, Fl USA 09/10/2011
Best: Ferme du Pressoir outside of Bayeux
Why: A nice break from city accomadations; Odile works hard and so does her family on the farm;enjoy the drive there from Bayeux through the countryside; breakfast was ginormous (can pick your own eggs for the omelette!); honorable mentions go to Clos de Amboise, Belle Etoile In Dordogne,Couer de st Catherine in Honfleur (Mme. Giaglis did our laundry gratis!) and Hotel de la Catedral in Rouen..all were excellent recommendations
A Forster in Miami, FL USA 08/21/2011
Best: Hotel de L'Esperance (Paris)/HOtel Regence (Arles)
Why: Paris-Lovely location in the 5th arrondissement. Helpful staff. (Of note-There is a 1/2 flight up or down to carry suitcases as the elevator stops every 2 flights) So much to enjoy in the area even if you are done "touring" for the day. Shops, tons of restaurants. The market at Place Monge, place de la Contrascarpe was our favorite hangout.//Arles-Very helpful hotelier arranged a car rental for us and made a dinner reservation for us. Room was clean, cool and had a lovely view of the Rhone River.
Maureen in Grayslake, il USA 07/18/2011
Best: Hotel Agnes Sorel in Chinon
Why: The new proprietor, Christine, was friendly, helpful and a complete delight! She speaks English fluently and went out of her way to make our visit enjoyable. We arrived without reservations and were grateful to find a comfortable room available in the courtyard. Christine gave us suggestions and description of several gastronomique restaurants nearby and made reservations for us at the one we chose. It was one of the best dining experiances of our three week trip. We ended up happily extending our stay there two more days before moving on.
Worst: Hotel de la Tour Eiffel
Why: Beware of how you pay and check that the correct amounts are being charged. We stayed there for six days and were in a rush to check out the final morning. We were over charged by €84 and there were no replies to e-mails sent by us after discovering the error. Upon our return to Paris the following week we spoke to the desk clerk who acknowledged the error (we had copies of e-mails from them stating the rates they agreed to give us) and said that they would refund this amount to our visa account number which was given to him at that time. Result – no refund after two months.
Steve C. in Marysville, WA USA 07/16/2011
Worst: Maison Martin Jund, Colmar
Why: We had reservations for a week but left after the first night. The room was just dirty: dead bugs in drawers in both the kitchen and bathroom, hair on the bathroom floor, toothpaste on the bathroom door, dust on the shelves thick enough to write your name. We explained to the owners why we were leaving. They seemed concerned but did not offer to give us another room or clean the room we had. We paid for the oen night and left.
Mike Haire in Petaluma, CA USA 07/13/2011
Best: Mme Christine Lrcher in Reims
Why: Immaculately clean, friendly host, amazing breakfast and beautiful spacious accomodtionsb
Worst: Miison Martin Jund Colmar
Why: Really run down ("ramshackle" as per Rick is really kind) and dirty. Needs major repairs. Owners not really interested.
Andrzej in West Vancouver , BC Canada 07/12/2011
Best: La Ferme de la Sauzette
Why: Lovely retreat in a bucolic setting among vineyards a short distance from Cazilhac. Charming hosts and their children were eager to help us make the most of our four-night stay. Partaking in their table d'hote was a memorable experience. What a fabulous way for foreigners to experience life in this beautiful part of the country.
J. Lehv in Nw York, NY USA 06/21/2011
Best: Hotel Sevigne, Paris (Marais)
Why: Fantastic location for the money. The bus and metro, a good pizza restaurant, super market, and patisserie are right across the street. A good wine shop is just a few blocks down Rue San Antoine. Buy the fixings and have lunch or dinner in your room and watch the world go by through your balcony window.
Gary P in Ramona, CA USA 06/20/2011
Worst: Hotel Champ du Mars
Why: Unfortunately I have to say we will not stay there again. Yes, price is good but the main reason is the attitude of the owners-bordered on the surly. IMO they are proficient enough in English to be very sarcastic. Don't need that from a hotel. They come across as being indifferent to needs/questions, etc. of guests.
Susan Jennings in Atlanta, Ge USA 06/15/2011
Best: Hotel D'Alibert, Caunes-Minervois
Why: My husband and I were utterly charmed with this amazing 16th-century mansion and consider it a completely unique hotel experience--we were amazed by our gigantic room and the castle-like interiors of the hotel, including stone arches, columns, staircases--just loaded with atmosphere. And Frederic is delightfully unique, too. The restaurant was excellent as well.
Linda Sherwin in Fayetteville, GA USA 06/12/2011
Best: Le Petit Versailles
Why: What a nice place.Surrounded by trees above town.Great food.The owners,Francoise and Jean-Claude,could not have been nicer.On the day I was leaving,I hadn't picked up my car yet(rail/drive pass),I was going to take a taxi to Sarlat.They said they had planed to go shopping there later that day.But instead they went in the morning so they could give me a ride.Very nice.
Worst: Again none
Why: While my stays with the monks at Carcassonne and at Hotel Primo in Colmar were very inexpensive.(To balance the Beynac,Sarlat,Arles,Paris stays). They worked well and came exactly as descibed.
Brad in Santa Rosa, Ca USA 06/10/2011
Best: Hotel d'Alibert in Caunes Minervois
Why: Hotel d'Alibert and the restaurant were both excellent. We must have had a "huge" double room that Rick notes because it was the largest hotel room I have ever been in. We measured it as at least 25 feet by 25 feet, with additional space for a large bathroom. It was like staying in a castle. Of all my many trips to Europe this was unique. And Frederic was very good to us. I think this was a much better choice than to stay in Carcasonne if you have a car.
Jim Perschbacher in Atlanta, GA USA 06/04/2011
Worst: L'Assiette Normand, Bayeux
Why: Rick - you have got to get this restaurant out of the book. It's awful, a real tourist trap (we should have known not to eat next to a major tourist site).
Example: we ordered gratinee a l'oignon (onion soup). Supposed to have gratinee cheese, melted on top of toast, floating in a rich onion and beef broth. What we were cynically, and insultingly, served was some tasteless beef broth with a few onion slivers, topped with--get thus--a slice of packaged white bread (much like Wonder Bread with crust removed), not toasted, topped with a dollop of butter (not melted). I couldn't believe my eyes, and for this they wanted 8 euros! Other dishes were not quite as repulsive, but there was nothing special at all. This place does not deserve an RS endorsement. Please update!
Scott Wittet in Seattle, WA USA 05/27/2011
Best: Chez Leslie in Colmar
Why: Only a 5 min walk from the train station and 15 min walk to center of town. Leslie has a very clean and warm B&B. It's a much better value than the expensive hotels in the center of town, and there's free parking.
Mike HAIRE in Petaluma, Ca USA 05/24/2011
Best: Le Castel and Le Tardif, Bayeux
Why: Excellent accommodations, super friendly host, great location. Superior hotels, both of them!
Robbie in Grady, NH USA 05/08/2011
Best: Grande Hotel Jeanne d'Arc
Why: Friendly staff, reasonable prices, good Marais location only four blocks from the St. Paul Metro stop
Mark Adams in Gig Harbor, WA USA 05/06/2011
Best: Le Tardif Guesthouse in Bayeux
Why: We loved this place with all the nice touches. Walking distance to everything. We had a triple and it was large and nicely decorated. Breakfast was delicious (probably the best yogurt I've had.) Anthony was helpful with train information and restaurants recommendations. We'd definitely return when in Normandy again.
Judy Johnson in Alexandria, MN USA 04/25/2011
Worst: Hotel Tardif
Why: Hotel Tardif in Bayeux. Anthony has quite an attitude about Americans which is odd considering many of his guests are from the USA. We found him to be rude and also found the bedding to be very worn. I'm not sure how you can recommend Hotel Tardif.
Steve in Green Oaks, IL USA 04/21/2011
Best: Rue Cler area
Why: The area was close to the Ecole militaire metro stop, close to the Eifell Tower, and the neighbor made you feel at home. We felt very safe and fell in love with the open air style stores.
Karen Sokol in Suwanee, GA USA 04/14/2011
Best: Le Moulin du Fief Gentil
Why: We requested the dinner on your recommendation and found it to be delicious. Madame and the other couple staying at the Moulin joined us and it was just a delightful evening.
Patricia Stenzel in Arlington, VA USA 04/12/2011
Best: Les Caranques,Collioure, France
Why: CHEAP (55E), clean and spectacular view from the lavabo. Friendly staff felt like family.
Worst: Hotel Astoria, carcassonne
Why: The price was right, but I thought the train came across the foot of my bed. Many unexpected thresholds. Tripping a hazard. Poorly lit.
Gail in Concord, NH USA 02/15/2011
Best: Getting your own apartment (France: Homestyle)
Why: My husband and I went to Europe on our honeymoon and Paris was our first European stop. Having our own apartment was one of the most romantic experiences of the trip.
We got to experience things we never would have otherwise, such as trying to figure out what dishwashing machine detergent looked like in Paris and shopping in little markets for food and cooking our own dinners. Most importantly there was no concierge or staff between us and Paris. We were Parisians if only for 5 nights. They even gave us a discount for staying for only 5 nights vs the full week.
The owner of the company was fabulous to work with and the woman who greeted us was nice. There is everything you would want, even a washer and drier! (we had been in Florida for a week before at a friends wedding and family reunion so we arrived with dirty clothes)
On the negative side the bed was so uncomfortable it was almost impossible to sleep on it, there was no air conditioning and we opened the windows to let in what felt like hundreds of mosquitos to devour us in the nights, the toilet seat came off a couple of days in, the shower head would not stay in one place as you bathed and the towels where kind of like rags.
Even with all that, we loved the experience of renting an apartment and would do it again in a heart beat, next time however we will pay more attention to the quality of the bed (we stayed in train stop hostels in Spain with more comfortable beds, this one really was like a slab of wood with sheets over it)
Emma Alvarez in Redmond, WA USA 02/07/2011
Best: Hotel du Champs de Mars/ Paris
Why: Great location. Charmingly decorated rooms. Quiet street. Helpful and friendly owners and staff.
Cheryl Rollin in Seattle , WA USA 01/14/2011
Best: Au Charme Rabelaisien, Amboise
Why: Everything you say is true. We had the "Nature" room, a pavillion at the end of the garden--true luxury and unique, individual, very French charm.
Worst: Hotel de Lutece, Paris
Why: Our room was very small, with only one chair, no table (just a built-in desk). All the meagre furniture except the desk was wicker painted a hideous shade of green--the room was scarcely "warmly designed!"
Jay Novick in New York, NY USA 12/16/2010
Best: La Sauzette
Why: All of our other stays were in towns. The farm was sublimely quiet and even though we took day trips to hike, taste wine and eat cassoulet it was the most restful part of our vacation.
Dianne Milligan in Halifax, NS USA 12/07/2010
Best: Hotel Churchill (Bayeux), Hotel des Grances Ecoles (Paris)
Why: Excellent rooms with large baths. Friendly and helpful English-speaking staff (Hotel Churchill). Beautiful rooms centrally located in the Latin Quarter. Really helpful English-speakng desk people. The only problem was the smallish double beds. (Grandes Ecoles, Paris).
Worst: Hotel Musee, Arles
Why: Extremely rude and unhelpful staff. We were screamed at as we came in the door after not having eaten or slept for 24 hours due to the train strike. The door key wouldn't work and was only reluctantly fixed. When we asked to mail postcards we were told to "go find a yellow box."Located far from central attractions. Really scary deserted streets back to the hotel.
Jack and Sulie in Olympia, WA USA 11/20/2010
Best: L'Echappee Belle - La Cite, Carcassonne
Why: Wonderful lodging inside the walled city of La Cite, fantastic hostess (Johanna Lace), clean and spacious room, bathroom was large and very clean and the breakfast each morning was wonderful. We would go back in a minute and cannot say enough good things about our lodging and Johanna. She was very helpful in assisting with things to do, places to eat, transportation and just for general discussions about the area. La Cite is a hidden jewel in our books and through many trips to Europe this was a highlight for us.
Al & Mary Hermansen in Delano, MN USA 11/17/2010
Best: La Villa Fleurie, Beaune
Why: Madame Chartier has created a lovely, restful and inviting refuge for travelers. Her creativity is evident in the beautiful decor, gardens, and wonderful breakfasts. She and her staff work hard to make sure you have everything you need and feel welcome. A wonderful experience!
Worst: Hotel Adler, Murten
Why: Cigarette smoke from the bar downstairs infiltrates everywhere.
Kate in Foresthill, CA USA 11/06/2010
Best: parishome2000
Why: We were extremely happy with the studio apartment at 17 rue Amelie which is in the rue Cler neighbourhood in the 7th arrondissement and just a short walk to the Eiffel Tower. The location couldn't have been better, and we very much appreciated its cleanliness and that it was just as advertised with a fully equipped kitchen plus a number of bonuses - a washer/dryer, a telephone with free unlimited useage, both local and international and free high speed wireless internet. We especially appreciated the owner, Slim. He made us feel we could call on him if we found ourselves in need of anything. His personal attention on our arrival and departure made us feel comfortable and at home.
Albert & Dianna Wildeman in Unity, SK Canada 10/31/2010
Best: Normandy-Sebire B&B (Le Clos Neuf); Loire-Domaine des Bidandieres in Vouvray
Why: Le Clos Neuf: Friendly hostess, excellent price, very good location for the Normandy beaches and Bayeux. Rooms are very basic, and the bed was a bit soft, but all in all very satisfactory. Domaine des Bidandieres: Elegant splurge in a beautiful manor house. Nicely done rooms, breakfast in a lovely sun-room.
Marcia in Spokane, WA USA 10/23/2010
Best: La Ferme de la Sauzette
Why: We had the pleasure of staying with the departing owners, Chris & Diana, as well as the new owners, the Duponts. Luc, Magalie, and their three children, are delightful, warm, welcoming people. We felt like part of the family. Luc has more English than his wife, but they are both very eager to learn. We enjoyed our conversations with them very much. I think they will do well in their new venture. We would definitely stay with them again, and highly recommend La Sauzette to anyone visiting the Carcassonne area.
Holly Kennedy in Barre, MA USA 10/21/2010
Best: Hotel Villa Fleurie, Beaune
Why: Best place we stayed in France. Large room, helpful staff, excellent breakfast, beautifully decorated and landscaped. Would definitely stay there again.
Stuart Kirsh in Foresthill , CA USA 10/20/2010
Best: Chateaux de Pray and Les Jardins de Lois in Beaune
Why: Beautiful rooms, acres to relax in, lovely hosts.
Elyse Cole in Carlsbad, CA USA 10/17/2010
Best: Maison Martin Jund
Why: Love the friendly owner, Miriam. She carried my luggage all the way up to my third floor apartment! Appartment was comfortable; furnishings are old/budget level, but studios are spacious and have plenty of amenities for comfort; perfect location close to center of Colmar. Apartments are self catering but that is not a problem and I love having a kitchenette available in the studio. Shared internet available on the first floor lobby area. I've stayed here twice and would return any time - not the lap of luxury but safe, secure, friendly and comfortable.
Sylvia Grant in Osceola, WI USA 10/15/2010
Best: Bastide de la Brague
Why: Wonderful hosts, Isabelle and Franck. Isabelle is eagerly helpful and warm. The 25E dinner prepared artfully by Franck was fabulous, fresh and beautiful. Our time there is a cherished memory.
Worst: Hotel Reves d'Ocres
Why: One must be very sure not to arrive for the first time after dark, and to know that the lock-up time for the hotel is not necessarily 10PM, but more like whenever they are tired of waiting for you, maybe 9:30PM. And do not plan a snack in the room, as that is not allowed. "Eager to help" is an exaggerated description for Yvan. Breakfast was very nice.
Catherine in Walnut Creek, CA USA 10/15/2010
Best: Hotel Relais Bosquet, Paris
Why: Great location 1/2 block off Rue Cler; 1 block from Metro; large (for Paris)& modern bathrooms; comfortable rooms; excellent breakfast; very helpful & professional staff
Tom Duffy in Northbrook, IL USA 10/03/2010
Worst: Hotel Beaugency, Paris
Why: The location of the hotel between the Eiffel tower and Invalides wss great. The desk clerk gave away our room (w/ a confirmed reservation) and was quite snarky in finding us a place to stay. We would never stay there again.
Linda Monahan in Tigard, OR USA 10/01/2010
Worst: Hotel Beaugency, Paris
Why: The location of the hotel between the Eiffel tower and Invalides wss great. The desk clerk gave away our room (w/ a confirmed reservation) and was quite snarky in finding us a place to stay. We would never stay there again.
Linda Monahan in Tigard, OR USA 10/01/2010
Best: Hotel Du Chateau, Beynac
Why: The owner was so nice and helpful and our balcony room with the view over the river was beautiful. The book notes traffic noise from the road - we didn't notice this at all, even with the windows open much of the time.
Worst: Le Chappeebelle Carcassonne
Why: The hotel website (and the France 2010 book) state there are three rooms -- "all with AC" and "all with a view of the basilica". When we arrived, we were put into a 4th dark damp hot room on the first floor with a tiny window and no view. We complained immediately but were denied a refund or any recourse. The hotel is also very near to the Rick Steves recommended wine bar, and the music played loudly till 2am the weeknight we were there (the hotel owner said this was common), echoing through the lodging. Breakfast (a single croissant and a pot of coffee) is served strictly at 0830 and checkout is 1000. Bags can be stored "at your own risk" for 2 extra hrs for 20 Euros. We were very disappointed with the lodging and the owner's inflexible attitude and strongly advise against staying at this lodging if you want a good night's sleep.
Morris in Conifer, CO USA 09/28/2010
Best: Casino Hotel on Omaha Beach
Why: Left Caen, drove to Omaha Beach, followed your advise on the small Hotel du Casino Vierville spent the night and had a wonderful stay, best meal of the trip, one of the highlights of our trip.
Worst: Arles
Why: Found the town to be unfriendly, didn't feel safe, depending on where in town you were, an unsavory group of people. We shorten our stay.
Chris Mayes in Carson City, NV USA 09/19/2010
Best: Le Relais Medici Paris
Why: Room was clean, and relatively spacious; staff was unbelievably friendly and helpful
Worst: Hotel Londes Eiffel, Paris
Why: Room was incredibly small-we could not get have our luggage in the room, let alone ourselves. Manager was very helpful in helping us find another hotel. I noticed Rick had a group in the Hotel, but it did not work for us.
Dan Mulcahy in Washington, DC USA 09/10/2010
Best: Hotel Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix
Why: Very friendly and helpful staff (third generation family-owned), gorgeous surroundings, delicious buffet breakfast and dinners, easy access to Chamonix town by train or bus
Barbara in Simsbury, CT USA 08/24/2010
Best: La Hotel Bourdonnaise
Why: Wonderful staff , great housekeeping --it is really clean. Though not included in the price of hotel room, their breakfast was very,very very good
Phylllis Smith in Minneapolis, MN USA 08/21/2010
Best: Le Mas Normand
Why: Beautiful room, great farm setting near the D-Day beaches, friendly hosts, yummy breakfast.
Worst: Hotel Diderot
Why: The house is beautiful, but our room was dark and drab (even though, based on info in the Rick Steves guidebook, I requested a light-filled room). We also did not find the staff to be particularly friendly.
Diana Lucio in Alexandria, VA USA 08/16/2010
Best: all were great..Hotel la Roseraie, Duquesne Eiffel and Hotel du Pantheon
Why: all had wonderful rooms, helpful staff, great locations ..would stay there again
Mary Greene in St. Simons Island, GA USA 08/13/2010
Best: Hotel Churchill
Why: The location couldn't be more perfect and the rooms are clean and well-appointed. The Heberts are delightful. If you can manage superior or deluxe accommodations, you'll be better off, especially for the A/C and the size and comfort.
Linda in Garden City, NY USA 08/05/2010
Worst: Carcassone, L'Echappee Belle, p.531
Why: Cancellation policy, very unfair. Our plans changed and we had to cancel, almost two months in advance. Johanna Lace charged us 15 euros to cancel.
Martha Vlahos in Kensington, CA USA 08/04/2010
Best: Hotel les Cymaises, Semur-en-Auxois
Why: Really nice hosts helped us park our car and were very helpful and friendly. The room was large and nicely appointed and a huge bathroom that allowed cross ventilation from the bedroom which is really a boon since there is no air-conditioning and France is hot in the summer! I also must mention Sophie at Hostellierie des Commandeurs in Joucas. We were too late to get a room there and she called two other hotels and got us the best hotel/meal/experience of our trip. (I'm not telling where.)
Worst: Auberge du Lyonnais, Annecy
Why: Hot, noisy, dirty towels, indifferent service. These people may have a good restaurant, but the hotel was a complete bust. They were pretty nasty to us and another couple at check in because we'd walked through their late lunch crowd. They made it obvious that we should use the side entrance and not bother the busy staff. Very unusual for a Rick pick, but truly a grueling experience.
Ann Gillen in Yountville, CA USA 07/14/2010
Best: The Studio, in Chantilly, a B & B
Why: Small, but enough. The breakfasts were big enough to provide us with a small lunch! The Lokmer's were so helpful when our daughter's suitcase was lost, driving us to a store which was open on Sunday to buy clothes, after she'd worn the same clothes for four days. Horrors to a teenage girl! And they let us stay past checkout time on the day the bag was to be delivered, once it was found.
Worst: the Etap in Houndslow, England, our stop before departing back home
Why: We stayed in numerous Etaps in France and one in Belgium, and the English one had some issues--like no toilet roll, no towels and no soap! We followed your recommendations and carried our own towels and soap, and Mom brought a roll of tp, so we survived until the hotel got its act together.
Candy Marang in Norton, Oh USA 07/02/2010
Best: We used Apartments
Why: Superior location and ammenities for the same price or less.
James Mangin in Red Deer, AB Canada 07/02/2010
Best: Le Petite Versailles
Why: Location, location, location. Beautiful!
Marilyn in Cypress, TX USA 06/27/2010
Best: Amboise - La Chevalerie; Sarlat - La Maison du Notaire Royal
Why: La Chevalerie: Our room was beautiful and spacious and the hosts were extremely welcoming and helpful, giving us dining recommendations and even a ride to town when our bike plans were rained out. I especially enjoyed waking to the sounds of birds and wind blowing through the trees and fields. the tables on the porch provided opportunity to meet a family from Austria who shared their chateaux recommendations with us. The host provided a good breakfast of bread, coffee and juice along with preserves and cook to order eggs.
La Maison du Notaire Royal: This B&B is an amazing value in the heart of the village. The host shared the history of the B&B and was around often to answer questions and share maps and books. Our room was very large and comfortable with a suitable bathroom and breakfast of bread, coffee and juice was provided every morning.
Ginger Bigbie in Gainesville, FL USA 06/26/2010
Best: Auberge du Veyret
Why: Dinner, breakfast, the farm, the owners,
Jim Carr in Ridgecrest, CA USA 06/23/2010
Best: Hotel Les Cretes Blanches
Why: Very helpful staff plus very nice accommodations - reminding us of a Colorado mountain lodge. My son left his backpack on the train from Chamonix to Switzerland. Fiona, of the Hotel Les Cretes Blanches, helped us with phone numbers and even took up the quest for us upon our return to the states. We are eternally grateful for her assistance!
Jean Waters in Omaha, NE USA 06/20/2010
Best: Chateau des Arpentis
Why: Castle close to Amboise. The hotelier Olivier was over the top. He brought cake out to us without asking as we sat on the terrace one afternoon. Gave another couple a bottle of wine from his own collection and when we commented we liked the music playing during breakfast wrote down the name and emailed us one of his songs after we left.
jim in winter park, f USA 06/20/2010
Best: Hotel Beaugency on the Rue Duvivier
Why: Can't say enough good things about this hotel. First - location, location, location!! Easy, short walk from the Ecole Militaire metro stop, short pleasant walk to the Ivalides, Eiffel Tower, Grand and Petit Palaces, Rue Cler, Rue St. Domanique, etc. Loved the area for meandering in the evenings. Extremely helpful, pleasant staff, very nice adequate, single room with good bathroom. Loved it - would stay there again.
Judith Beck in Perkasie, PA USA 05/29/2010
Best: Hotel Eber Mars, Paris
Why: An excellent hotel in a great area. Mnsr. Eber Mars was a delight, with a great sense of humor and a pile of maps to guide us. We loved the rue Cler area and could have stayed another week.
Joy Lambert in Vero Beach, FL USA 05/21/2010
Best: Le Mas Normand
Why: Mylene and Christian treated us like family from the time we arrived. They have done a great job of transforming a formerly abandoned farmhouse (make sure you ask to see the “before” photos). Mylene has a flair for decorating, giving each room a great deal of character. Breakfast in the bright and cheerful sunroom was a highlight, with a nice selection of fresh baked goods, homemade jams, fruit, yogurt, and cheeses. Squeezing the car into the parking area at the end of their dead end street was challenging, but Mylene found a way to make it work. Overall, this was a delightful stay.
Jay Fluehr in Omaha, NE USA 05/07/2010
Best: Hotel Le Florets in Gigondas
Why: Charming room at the back of the hotel. We had room 22. It has a small patio at the entrance, French doors, huge bathroom, and good views of the surrounding area. It's located a few mins away from the town of Gigondas in a quiet hilltop location.
Jen Lee in San Francisco, CA USA 05/06/2010
Best: Hotel Regence in Arles
Why: Owner is wonderfully friendly. Room was clean and relatively spacious. This was an excellent value. Absolutely a delightful stay there.
Ruth Hund in Golden, CO USA 04/25/2010
Best: Les Vieilles Digues
Why: Visited France March 17-28 2010 our best stay without question Les Vieilles Digues near Mont St. Michel. Our room was amazing Danielle and her husband treated us like family.
Alan Kopplinger in Auburn, WA USA 04/18/2010
Best: L'Lion d' Or
Why: GREAT location, friendly staff, nice rooms and only a few blocks from some fantastic pastry shops
Worst: Chez Leslie
Why: WORST EVER! Yes, I think you should NOT recommend Chez Leslie in Colmar. After a 3hr train trip and an expensive phone call confirming our arrival time, we carried our very heavy luggage from the train station to her B&B. SHE WAS NOT HOME! We ended up having to stay at the hotel next to the train station, the Best Western, which was both cheaper and more convinient. After contacting her by using an internet cafe, I later got an incredibly rude email from her blaming me for not trying harder to contact her when we arrived and she was not home. I know mix ups happen, but for her to not be there when we discussed, and then to blame us for not calling her (I had no working cell phone, no commputer, no internet, no anything as most Americans living out of a backpack for three weeks would) was simply absurd. I live in CA and have stayed in some of the best, and some of the much less than average B&Bs, and Leslie's attitude is one of the most obnoxious and absurd ones I've ever had from the proprietor of a B&B.
Scott Cobun in Brentwood, CA USA 04/11/2010
Best: Hotel Le Vinci Best Western
Why: We was only charged 60 Euro and the room provide the best value for the money. The Room was clean and comfortable with view over the vast country.
Worst: Hotel Calendal, Arles
Why: The room was small with a very tiny bathroom. The hallway is filled with oddor from the restaurant. The room rate is overcharging although not quite a ripoff.
Genhone in Toronto, ON Canada 03/07/2010
Best: Hotel d' Ailbert near Carcassonne
Why: I can't say enough about how wonderful Fredo and his Hotel d' Ailbert are. This would've been our favorite accommodation even if it had not followed on the heels of the worst accommodation. We called Fredo at the last minute and were extremely fortunate to find he had a delightful room for us in his 500 year old hotel. Hotel d' Ailbert is about 30 minutes outside of Carcassonne, but we would have gladly traveled twice as far for such a delightful experience. Fredo couldn't have been more accommodating. Our windows overlooked the glorious courtyard with Roman arches where we were served a fabulous dinner. We spent the next day in Carcassonne, a town well worth seeing with its wonderfully restored buildings. But as interesting as Carcassonne was, we couldn't wait to get back to Hotel Ailbert. We have traveled extensively in France and Italy and Hotel d' Ailbert, along with Residence Versailles In Beynac, was our all-time favorite. Fredo is a charming host, serving wonderful meals along with songs and smiles and Hotel d' Ailbert absolutely delightful.
Worst: convent hotel in Carcassonne
Why: We had reserved a room in the (former?) Convent recommended for Carcassonne in Rick Steve's book. We arrive to find the room dingy, dreary, depressing and none too clean. The beds felt very uncomfortable. The showers (down the hall) weren't much better. They were kind enough to refund our money but it was getting late and we still had to find accommodations. We checked at another hotel about 3 blocks away. It was better but not great. We checked a third hotel. Again, better but not great. Thankfully, we had the guidebook and our cell phones with us. We called Hotel d' Ailbert (see "best" above)
Kay Spena in Berkeley, Ca USA 02/07/2010
Best: Le Moulin du Fief Gentil in Blere, near Amboise
Why: Charming building, beautiful grounds with the pond and sycamore trees for shade, great dinner cooked and served by Florence. Also great recommendations were Le Vieilles Digues near Mont St Michel and LA COUR SAINTE CATHERINE in Honfleur.
Craig Steinfeld in Morrison, CO USA 01/31/2010
Best: Hotel Beaugency Paris-Rue de Cler
Why: This was a very clean (for the most part-read "the worst")hotel, small-30 rooms, quiet, attractive, convenient hotel. The rooms and lobby were very modern and updated with nice tile bathrooms with porcelin tubs. Nice heavy windows that opened out for fresh air. All of the desk clerks spoke some English and were very helpful with anything that we would need, including directions, suggestions, etc. The continental breakfast is not included and is 12 euros. There is a WONDERFUL pastry shop just 100yds from the hotel and several small grocery stores also within a block from the hotel so I only ate the hotel breakfast once when I was in a hurry to leave. There is a computer with free internet in the lobby or you can buy a day/week of wi-fi for 5euros. Very small elevator to take your bag upstairs so you don't have to haul it upstairs yourself. Very conveniently located to the metro and to MANY restaurants, cafes, boutiques...nearly perfect but see below.
Worst: Hotel Beaugency
Why: I hesitate to write this but I think the public should know. The first night that my daughter and I were here I woke up in the morning with a bed bug in my bed and one in my pajamas and many small red dots on the bottom sheet near where the upper part of my body was lying. When I grabbed the bedbug on the sheet to get if off, it exploded with blood. It was about the size of an apple seed. The one on my arm inside my pajamas was the size of a tick but flat. I didn't have ANY experience with bedbugs and the hotel was so clean that I thought perhaps they were bugs that had just flown in from the window and I thought bedbugs were very small, like fleas, but my daughter insisted I report this to the front desk and so I did. They immediately moved us to another room and we were not bothered with bedbugs anymore. We also were with other people in 3 other rooms who never saw a bedbug. I still was doubtful that we had the "bedbugs" until I got home and looked them up on the internet. Sure enough what we had were definetly bedbugs. I'm not sure how to avoid them because I hear that there are many hotels throughout the world that have them now and they are very hard to get rid of. Just wanted to let you know. Be sure and check the mattress before you empty your suitcase and go to bed. I didn't see anymore but I'm sure there were more in the room.
Margaret in Cartersville, GA USA 01/30/2010
Worst: Vaisson La Romaine
Why: None of them were open or answering their phones in October. We did not try the last one in the book. Since we were driving in from Liguria and it was raining and getting dark. We diverted to St. Remy.
Ed & Rita Reed in Port Aransas, TX USA 01/19/2010
Best: Hotel Saint-Martin in Colmar
Why: Nice hotel, great location.
Ed & Rita Reed in Port Aransas, TX USA 01/19/2010
Worst: Grand Hotel Leveque
Why: Simply awful! The "GHL" is an extremely low-budget dive hotel. Yes, it's in a great location and the staff is friendly, but this isn't how I choose a hotel. I actually care about the look and feel of my room; is it clean? is it esthetically pleasing to the eye? is it comfortable? do I want to relax in my room? The answer is "no" to all of my criteria. The GHL is more of a hostel/flop-house than a hotel. After travelling for over 20 hours to get to Paris, imagine my shock when entering my "superior" room. I had no problem with a small room, I do however have a problem with a room, that I paid extra for it being "superior" looking like it was fashioned after a cell at San Quentin. The bed was shoved against the wall (a long black hair was found as I turned down the sheets), a small desk, and a coat rack (which was to be used as my closet, where was I to store my clothes?). White, barren walls to stare at and I was told my room had a view of the courtyard; not a courtyard, but in fact an alley, with a view of the building next door. Not even a poster print (even Motel 6 has better decor!). With all of the great places to pick up bites and nibbles, you can't even bring anything back, nor store it for that matter. Another gross thing, besides the hair in my bed (not mine) was the TV remote had dried-up goop on it (never touched it). Based on this experience, and reading the positive posts from Rick Steve's readers, I've come to the conclusion that the RS crowd just wants a place that's cheap where they just sleep and shower. Not my style at all. I would rather spend a little more money and enjoy my stay than feel like an inmate (and yes, they served stale croissants and coffee for 13 euros, and canned fruit cocktail!)No, not my style at all.
Autumn in San Francisco, CA USA 01/03/2010
Best: Les Vieilles Diques
Why: I have never met such a friendly B&B owner, nor stayed in a more divine place. It was like a movie set, so beautiful, with a great breakfast and minutes away from Mont St. Michel.
Catherine in Edmonds, WA USA 12/15/2009
Best: We stayed at the B&B recommended in Montfort called La Barde.
Why: It was in a small town with a scenic castle on the hill. The owners of the B&B were transplants from London, so English speaking. Very helpful with restaurants and locations of chateas and castles.
Peg Donahue in Palatine, IL USA 12/06/2009
Best: Rue Cler
Why: Not a specific restaurant, but it's a great place to get lunch during market hours. There's a charcuterie in the middle of the street that operates an outdoor stand during lunch hour that has traditional French dishes (veal in cream sause, beef bourguignon, frites, etc.) at bargain (for Paris) prices.
Dave in Philadelphia, PA USA 12/01/2009
Best: Grand Hotel Leveque
Why: Very helpful staff (Christophe and Francoise) and fabulous location on rue Cler.
Marianne Kurtz in Union, KY USA 11/11/2009
Best: Hotel Montaigne, Sarlat
Why: Spotless hotel. Well maintained by Jean Martinat and his wife. Great location. Reasonable rates. The owners are the best part. They know the area and are very generous with their time and help.
George FL USA 11/02/2009
Best: Hotel La Roseraie in Chenonceaux
Why: The whole experience was the best. Meet many Steves followers at the hotel. Thanks
Richard Perkins in Pleasant Hill, CA USA 10/29/2009
Best: La Ferme Du Pressoir
Why: Mme. Delalande was the most wonderful hostess one could imagine. The rooms and bed were incredibly generous and comfortable. Plenty of hot water, welcoming cider, chocolate, fruit. The breakfasts made with eggs that we picked were delicious. Perfectly located for day runs to all of the beaches, knowing that you have a great place to stay at night. I can't imagine missing this experience.
Mike in Rainone, Tx USA 10/29/2009
Worst: Hotel le Chanticleer
Why: No one on the staff (of two people) spoke English. We reported a leaking radiator soaking our rug, and also a ragged blanket on our bed and they did nothing about it. Without a car, it was a 15 minute walk to the center of town.
Jim & Arlene Knutson in Bloomington, MN USA 10/26/2009
Best: please read the following:
Why: Rick Steves
During our trip to France last month my husband and I stayed at two of your recommended chambres d'hotes: Le Petit Versailles in Beynac ( two nights) and Le Mas du Petit Grava) near Arles (six nights). Both were wonderful and we were made to feel welcome by the warm and caring hosts of each establishment. We will especially remember Jim and Ike at Le Mas du Petit Grava and their attention to detail, the wonderful foods from their garden, and their genuine caring for our comfort and enjoyment. They are two really terrific guys!
But I must encourage you to visit another wonderful chambre d'hote that we discovered in the Dordogne region near Sarlat. This place is a true gem! It is called "La Roche d'Esteil" (www.larochedesteil.com) and it is an exceptional location. This is a lovely, 18th Century farmhouse that the young owners, Marc and Sandrine Audouard, meticulously restored with their own hands over a three year period. They showed us a photo album of their progress. Their attention to detail and quality is amazing.
But they, themselves, are also what make a visit here memorable. They are both wonderful hosts. We were the only Americans who were there during our three night stay and both Marc and Sandrine went out of their way to converse with us and make sure we were enjoying our visit. Marc's English is very good but it was fun practicing our French with him. The first night we were there, Marc and Sandrine prepared a fabulous four-course meal in their tiny kitchen for ten guests. I was amazed at how effortlessly they were able to serve us all in a timely fashion.
We would definitely recommend La Roche d'Esteil to your readers. Marc added extra insulation between the walls and floors when he rebuilt the barn for his guests; so the rooms were especially quiet. We are tall people and we were happy to sleep in the very comfortable king-sized beds that seem so difficult to find in Europe. Our bathroom was modern, beautifully tiled by Marc, with a walk-in shower, plenty of counter space at the sink, and good lighting and ventilation.
But as you well know, it is not only lovely surroundings that make for a fabulous accommodation but it is the people who greet you and make you feel at home that are the most important. That is why we seek out the chambres d'hotes in France and that is why we will always remember our visit to La Roche d'Esteil and Marc and Sandrine.
Additional contact information:
Email: contact@larochedesteil.com
Tel: +3 (0) 5 53 29 14 42 / +33 (0) 6 87 72 19 80
Diana Campbell in Allentown, PA USA 10/26/2009
Best: La Ferme du Pressoir
Why: We rented their beautiful gite for 4 nights for 3 couples, which has 3 spacious bedrooms ensuite, a kitchenette, living/dining room and a washing machine (no dryer). It is located directly south of Bayeux, and is an easy drive to the D-Day beaches. The gite is a stone building situated by itself away from the main house. It was immaculate with modern conveniences and different themed bedrooms, which were all beautiful. The gite is located in the french countryside set on a lovely working farm complete with cows, goats, chickens and horses as well as apple and pear orchards. We went for walks down the country roads, and the scenery was picture perfect. We cooked four breakfasts and dinners in our gite while we enjoyed our peaceful surroundings and gorgeous pastoral views. The owner, Odile, speaks no English, but she has a sparkling personality, which transcends language barriers. She is ever-so-kind, and will take you on a tour of her farm, give you fruit from her orchards, and suggest sites to visit. If you have a car and want to totally immerse yourself in the Normandy countryside in a peaceful and rural setting, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, and stay here. You will not want to leave.
Cindy in West Sacramento, CA USA 10/25/2009
Best: Ferme du Clos Neuf, Ryes, FR
Why: The room was wonderful, the breakfast delightful. Mrs. Sabile is a wonderful host who supplied all our needs in a most gracious manner. A great Rick Steves suggestion.
Larry Neal in Warren, PA USA 10/21/2009
Best: Vent des Greves, Mont St Michel
Why: The view from the rooms at night is amazing. Very nice, clean, large rooms. Also liked Le Pappagall in Arromanche, very hard working Rosa was great and accommodating.
Worst: Hotel le Home
Why: Had a room in the outer building which was musty, dank and noisy. Any footsteps, noise or bathroom sounds in any of the other rooms were CLEARLY heard. Not only dark as suggested. This was in August so can't imagine it during the cold weather.
Debra in Delta, BC Canada 10/20/2009
Best: Hotel la Belle Meuniere in Nice
Why: very nice, helpful staff; good breakfasts, very laid back. Like a good old shoe.
John Vogt in Ft. Collins, CO USA 10/19/2009
Best: Hotel La Bourdonnaise
Why: Clean, cute and great location! Helpful staff.
Sherri Campbell in Katy, Tx USA 10/18/2009
Best: Hotel des Celestins in Lyon
Why: A very charming hotel in a great location, our room had recently been renovated, and everything was bright and new. Oriana took good care of us, and we enjoyed meeting the owner, Laurent.
Worst: Expensive breakfasts at hotels
Why: In northeast France the hotel breakfasts were extra, ranging from 8-12 Euro for a simple continental breakfast. We thought we could do better at some neighborhood patisseries or boulangeries, but found almost none with coffee and seating areas.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009
Best: La Jacotiere near Mont St. Michel
Why: Claudine is wonderful--wish she was my neighbor. The location is beautiful. The rooms are roomy and very reasonably priced.
Susan Gibb in Santa Ana, CA USA 10/09/2009
Best: Hotel de Selves, Sarlat
Why: Great location, very professional staff, very clean and quiet. Great breakfast.
Worst: Auberge des Platanes
Why: If you can't get into La Belle Etoile, move on to Beynac or Sarlat. The proprietor and the staff basically ignored us, despite the fact we were there for 3 nights. Most other hotels and B and B's were most appreciative of our visits. the Auberge could have cared less- made no effort at all to ensure our stay was pleasant or even to communicate with us.
Martha in Calgary, Canada 10/03/2009
Best: Chez Leslie, Colmar, France
Why: What a treat! Leslie is fantastic and we greatly enjoyed our stay. Our room was very large, clean as can be and overlooked the courtyard. Our breakfast was excellent each morning and Leslie was very helpful in directing us to places like Freiburg, The Wine Road and the Old Town. Free parking. We enjoyed the courtyard at night and our discussions with Leslie.
Al & Mary Hermansen in Delano, MN USA 09/28/2009
Best: Maison Martin Jund, Colmar
Why: The atmosphere was wonderful with grapevines covering the walls and stairs. Having your own terrace to relax and enjoy wine from their vineyard, cheese and a baguette made for a relaxing and enjoyable time.
Worst: None
Why: All of the recommended accommodations (we stayed at 6 different ones) were clean, well-located and a good value.
Vickie Sprowls in Lake Nebagamon, WI USA 09/22/2009
Best: The hotel Relais Bosquet in Paris
Why: It's clean, staff are friendly, breakfast is good (especially if you get it free by recommending Rick's book), and it is close to everything --- #69 bus, walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, and metro. Yet its just far enough from the other hotels that you don't feel overwhelmed with noise or touristy trappings.
Mimi Simon in Edmonton, AB Canada 09/18/2009
Best: Le Mas Normand
Why: Mylene and Christian are wonderful hosts. The breakfast was certainly one of the highlights of our trip. We arrived at Le Mas Normand immediately after our arrival in France, very jet-lagged, and Mylene took care to make us very comfortable, and gave us great advice on the local sights. The setting is very peaceful. Our only wish is that we had stayed a day or two longer.
Paul in White Bear Lake, MN USA 09/08/2009
Best:
Why: We only stayed at the Hotel Beaugency. The hotel was convenient, rooms were clean and the staff very helpful.
Jim Colgan in Bixby, OK USA 08/15/2009
Best: Hotel Le Petit Trianon--St. Jean-de-Luz
Why: Hotel Le Petit Trianon had a great location, wonderful air-conditioning, a great shower, and continuously-working Wifi. I also enjoyed the Toulemon rooms in Sarlat.
Worst: Notre Dame de l'Abbaye--Carcassonne
Why: This really isn't bad, just know what you're in for; you get what you pay for. The room was *very* basic and hot. The check-in is mostly in French. Breakfast is very sparse (and wasn't included in my rate). Check to see if a towel is included before leaving check-in. (It wasn't included with my room.) One of the beds in my room broke, and the bottom of the shower I used completely filled with water and wouldn't drain.
Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 08/11/2009
Best: Chez Leslie in Colmar
Why: Leslie was wonderful (she even drove us to the Hertz car rental place and helped translate for us) the house was very comfortable and the breakfast was yummy and large. Colmar was a fantastic 2-day stop.
Randy in Mineapolis, MN USA 07/29/2009
Best: Taxi from CDG.
Why: Drivers are excellent, prices are fair and it is a lot of fun.
Jennifer Stanley in Tracy, CA USA 07/09/2009
Best: Hotel Churchill in Bayeux
Why: all around delightful, helpful staff, great hotel shop, wonderful breakfast, fabulous hotel-sponsored trip to Mt. St. Michel, use of their computers to send home messages ...
Nikki Rajala in Rockville, MN USA 06/23/2009
Best: Le Mas du Loriot
Why: Gracious, just what we expected, helpful.
Linda Beilstein in Corvallis, OR USA 06/22/2009
Best: Les Jardins de Loïs, Beanue
Why: Philip and Mary Ann were wonderful hosts. Their B &B was first class all the way. It was a delightful experience.
Worst: Hotel de Blauvac, Avignon
Why: This hotel should be removed from your book! It was dark, dreary, old and unairconditioned! We even checked their web-site before we booked and they talked about their "recently" renovated rooms. The room they put us in had not been touched since the Popes lived in Avignon! We did not stay and moved to another hotel.
Fred Morelli in Pittsburgh, Pa USA 06/15/2009
Best: La Roserie, Chenonceaux
Why: A wonderful, charming hotel in bucolic Chenonceaux, a short walk from the chateau entrance. It was everything we had hoped for and more -- large, beautifully appointed room, modern and large bathroom, excellent restaurant and terrific hosts Laurent and Sophie. Our only regret was that we had to leave after three nights!
Honorable mention: both Hotel St. Martin in Colmar and Hotel Relais Bosquet in Paris, both excellent recommendations. Thanks Rick!
Steven Hauser in Atlanta, GA USA 06/13/2009
Best: Auberge des Planates-La Roque-Gageac
Why: The hotel is across the street from the river. Our tour book called the service impersonal, but I must strongly disagree. Wake up calls were delivered by a hotel employee knocking on your door. We were constantly asked if we needed anything whenever we sat down. The staff provided tons of knowledge on Dordogne. We thoroughly enjoyed Lionel, one of the workers. They all made over Paul (our 21 year old son), bringing Paul his own breakfast that his parents were not allowed to touch. I did not find any of the staff impersonal, perhaps just English challenged, but you know, we were in France.
Worst: Hotel les Cretes Blances-Chamonix
Why: The staff in this hotel spoke beautiful English, but were quite unhelpful. For 110 euros a night, we couldn't get a wake up call. They were completely unhelpful as to how to work their system (it didn't) or suggesting other solutions
Jody Distad in Denver, CO USA 06/07/2009
Best: Hotel La Fete en Provence of Vaison la Romaine
Why: Most comfortable accomodations and friendly staff. Best sleep we had in Provence and enchanted rooms.
Sbloom in Dallas, TX USA 06/02/2009
Best: Andre and Madelines Sebire's B&B
Why: Fantastic Norman farm, great room, exceptional breakfast, and unbelievably low oost.
Paul Beck in Cupertino, Ca USA 06/01/2009
Best: Hotel la villa Fleurie, Beaune
Why: Great hostess and wonderful room that was quiet and comfortable. Good breakfast and Madame was very helpful. Easy walk to downtown.
Tom in Olympia, Wa USA 05/12/2009
Best: Le Manoir de Rigourdaine
Why: Le Manoir de Rigourdaine in Plouer-sur- Rance was the most delightful place! The van Valenberg's were warm hosts and the location was not only a perfect home base for exoloring Brittany but the hotel itself is charming with spectacular views of the Rance and surrounding countryside. Off the beaten path, it is very quiet. The room was one of the most spacious rooms we have ever stayed in.
Kathy Wilson in Indialantic, FL USA 05/08/2009
Best: Hotel Relais Bosquet in Paris
Why: Very friendly and professional staff, great value for the money, extremely clean, free breakfast was terrific!
Sue Cromwell in Chester Springs, PA USA 05/04/2009
Best: All were good. In Paris, stayed at Hotel Perle, in Avignon, at B and B in your book
Why: Hotel Perle, great location, great staff to help with transportation..always helpful...breakfast (included) was best we had anywhere this trip. B and B (townhouse in Avignon) there for 4 nights, great location, good value, even though it was more than we usually pay...terrific hostess.
Meg in Chicago, IL USA 04/27/2009
Best: La Grange B& B, Amboise, Loire, France
Why: Yveline and her husband are delightful people, willing to help and full of suggestions. Rooms are ample, clean and comfortable. Breakfast is outstanding and relaxing in the garden a delight.
Worst: Dinard, Brittany, France
Why: Nothing special in the town. Not very colorful and shopping limited. However, ferry trip across the bay to St. Malo was worth it. Exploring the town by walking the ramparts as you suggest was a good way to start.
Gerald Plummer in Concord, CA USA 03/05/2009
Best: Hotel de la Paix
Why: Very friendly, good accomodations. They now have private parking. We have stayed with them several times.
Amy in Houston, TX USA 03/04/2009
Worst: Hotel des Recollets - Sarlat - France
Why: After 15 years of international travel this was the most dreaful hotel I have ever had the misfortune to stay in (developing countries and back packers dorms included). We booked the hotel for two nights on the recommendation of the tourist board located near the market square.
We were given the 'last' twin room available. The room was located off the courtyard (room 36 if I 'recollet' correctly). The room was small and felt / smelt of damp as soon as we walked in - it needed a serious airing. The room had a small frosted glass window which provided no ventilation or privacy. The bathroom and the sky light above the beds were covered in black mould. It was disgusting. As it was so late in the day we felt we would make do for that night. God help us.
It rained heavily that night so we had to close the window and sky light and spent the entire evening breathing in the musty damp air. We were kept awake till 2am by a cat howling in the rainy courtyard. I ended up letting the cat into to the foyer of the hotel so it would get out of rain and shut up.
Next morning I straight away noticed red bites on my fingers, face and arms. 22 bites in total. Having caught these several years ago while backpacking, I knew they were bed bugs. I went to reception and told them politely that we needed to change rooms and they had bed bugs. I showed them my bug bitten fingers and the welts developing on my face. The man on reception shrugged and said the hotel was full. Merci mate.
I went and complained to to the tourist board who were (to their credit) incredibly good about it and asked me to put it down in writing. We then moved to the much more pleasant ,but twice as expensive Madeleine Hotel up the road.
Sarlat is a beautiful town and this was the only depressing point of a lovely stay in France
intrepid in sydney, Australia 01/23/2009
Best: Hotel la Roseraie in Chenonceaux.
Why: Because of the beautiful rooms and grounds, and the excellent caring attention of Laurent and Sophie. They are the BEST!
Worst: Hotel Muguet, sorry to say.
Why: My husband and I did not fit the room we were given. The room was tiny, to say the least, and the shower was almost impossible to get into.
Zoe Maurer in Southampton, NJ USA 01/01/2009