Brindos, Lac & Château

Dinner was a real treat, from the amuse-bouche to the petit-fours. The food looked beautiful and tasted fantastic, and all ten of us agreed on the taste, presentation, and ideas behind it. They also handled a coeliac guest without fuss, making lovely gluten-free alternatives with only small changes since everything seemed freshly prepared. My husband was delighted. The team were a pleasure, from the welcome at the door to breakfast in the quaint chocolaterie. Professional, relaxed, and immaculate. Thomas looked after the elegant, well-stocked bar and was attentive and knowledgeable. Even the rain over the lake couldn’t spoil the setting or the welcoming, elegant interior. It made the stay feel more romantic. We had one of the best nights’ sleep I’ve ever had in a hotel. We’d recommend it to anyone visiting Biarritz and will make an effort to return.

The hotel and setting are lovely, but our experience with the spa and the way feedback was handled fell well short of what I’d expect from a five-star place. My wife was eight months pregnant when we booked spa treatments for both of us. There was a mix-up about the confirmed time, and we arrived 10 minutes late. We’d tried calling and sent a message, but heard nothing back. They said they were fully booked and couldn’t reschedule, and initially wanted to charge us in full for treatments we never received. After a long discussion with reception, the manager, and spa staff, they agreed to reduce it, but still insisted on 50%. Only after more dispute did they remove the charge. Breakfast for two was another €75 at checkout, steep for what was provided. When we posted a review describing what happened, the hotel contacted us privately to ask us to take it down, saying our account was inaccurate. My wife left it up, and the hotel replied publicly by calling us liars. That simply wasn’t true.

Some rooms can only be reached by boat, which adds privacy and a little adventure. You can borrow a boat for an easy tour of the lake, then have dinner and wine on the terrace with its warm lighting. This dog-friendly Relais & Châteaux sits beside a peaceful, pretty lake. Our room had a private terrace, a nice spot for slow mornings, and you can relax there with your dog while watching ducks on the water and fish below.

The staff are so polite, and the rooms are comfortable with tasteful decor. A charming place that made the stay even more enjoyable. Highly recommend it.