KYRIAD PRESTIGE BEAUNE - Le Panorama

We had great views of the vines all around us, and the rooms were a steal at less than 100 a night. The services were five star, too. We were on bikes, so a mile took five minutes to ride or about a 20-minute walk. Best value in Beaune.

We left and booked a lovely room at Hotel de la Cloche instead, where they showed us the specific room and let us check in at 1:30. At this hotel, we asked which side our room would face since standard rooms clearly have two different views and categories. We were told we wouldn't know until 4:00 p.m. We said we could cancel if that small request couldn't be met, and he simply told us to go ahead because someone else would take the room. He said the city was fully booked, but there were still a few rooms available. We didn't want to wait and find out we'd been given the bad room. The message from that lousy hotel was clear: when they're fully booked, they don't accommodate guests because they don't have to. Customer service should be there all the time, not only when you're desperate. Have a nice day, and I hope customers dwindle in the future.

The location worked well for us: close to the highway and surrounded by wine fields where we could walk our dog. The staff were friendly, and dinner and breakfast were okay. But the fries were soggy and the wine expensive. When we ordered a cheese platter for dessert, they charged us for the more expensive aperitif platter. Our room was worn and smelled musty. We expected more for the price and wouldn't return.

There's plenty of parking right beside your room. The restaurant and reception are a walk away, with umbrellas provided for rainy weather, and they have a couple of golf carts too. There's a lovely swimming pool with sun loungers, plus a mini gym and meeting rooms. Breakfast is very good, and the restaurant is good value during the week: starter or dessert plus a main meal for €20, or three courses for €26. All the rooms have vineyard views, but I prefer the superior rooms at the back. If you're happy climbing stairs, go to the first floor. The rooms are spacious, nicely decorated, with lovely windows, a very comfortable bed and pillows, a kettle, tea and coffee, a mini fridge, and air conditioning for hot or cold air. The bathroom is nice, with a bath and good showers. Porcelain mugs would be better than disposable cups. It's one of my favorite places to stay while traveling to the south of France. The vineyards all around give it a bit of magic. I'd happily spend a week there and will be back. 😃