La Réserve

Our party of 12 enjoyed the restaurant, and the wine cellar is worth visiting. The rooms and hallways are gorgeous, with a luxurious, well-considered look that doesn't overdo it. I had a room with a lake view and a terrace or balcony. The view was amazing, and I'll request the same kind of room on my next visits.

Breakfast at La Réserve Resort in Knokke was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. The staff were attentive and professional, and the setting is perfect for a relaxing seaside break. The rooms are spacious, elegant, and very comfortable, with stunning lake views. A wonderful place to stay.

I still have a lot of affection for La Réserve, and usually enjoy the comfort and high service standards there. This stay was disappointing, though. A strong sewage smell and plumbing noises meant we had to change rooms. In the replacement room, the bathroom light stayed on all night and couldn't be switched off, which affected our comfort and wasn't what I'd come to expect. I also saw that the pet fee has gone up to €75, which seems quite high. At most resorts or five-star hotels, pets are usually given a small bed, blanket, and sometimes a little gift box. Those gestures make a real difference. I hope these issues can be addressed so future visits meet the standards I value at La Réserve.

The rooms are elegant, and the hotel feels chic but still cozy. Staff were friendly and respectful. The windows do an excellent job of blocking outside sound, so you literally hear nothing from outdoors. I didn't try breakfast because it was too early for me, before 10 a.m. At the welcome drink, I saw the terrace, which looked like a peaceful, well-kept place to lounge and dine, with a beautiful lake view. One small letdown was the bar service: the person in charge seemed untrained and hard to communicate with, and had limited language skills. That wasn't what I'd expect from a five-star hotel.