Hotel SPA Piscine le Petit Castel

We loved this small, welcoming hotel, especially the lovely indoor pool. If you can, ask for a room facing the garden, so you can step right out and head to the pool. Breakfast is the classic French kind, with excellent coffee. Everyone on staff seemed to speak fluent English. When we arrived in our electric car, they showed me a spot in the private rear car park with easy access to an outlet for charging, and didn’t charge extra. It’s very dog friendly, too. The little town is pretty and worth seeing. Don’t miss the stained glass windows in the church, they’re quite exceptional.

The indoor saltwater pool was a highlight. It was beautifully warm and really helped us feel restored, whether for my in-laws, who are over 83, or for my wife and me. A jacuzzi and sauna are available if you ask. We went for the superior rooms and had rooms No 1 and 15, both great. The owner was excellent when we booked, and Robin Suty gave us such a charming welcome that our long drive faded from mind. We’d had hours on the road in the heat, with long tailbacks from A84 roadworks, and were glad to find parking at the back. We’ve had plenty of trouble getting into hotel car parks, from St Emilion to St Malo. Breakfast was a treat, with fresh yoghurt, meat and cheeses, freshly squeezed orange juice, apple juice, a freshly baked egg, and lots more. There was real care in putting it all out, and it made for a great start to the day. We took a September special offer for a late trip to Normandy. I was surprised that accommodation was so busy, even with the children back at school. It had been a while since I’d stayed in a French 3 *** hotel, as I’d got used to, and perhaps spoiled by, 4 to 5 **** places. A recent stay at Les Grenettes Il de Re hadn’t been pleasant, so I wanted to give French 3 *** hotels another chance. Before the internet, our family would set out with a map and usually an old Michelin guidebook. We mostly found wonderful little family run hotels with character, good food, and nice rooms. I was asked why I chose Le Petit Castel in Beuzeville. It seemed like a perfect base for Deauville, Honfleur, and the other towns. Beuzeville turned out to be quiet, which was a blessing, with a Wednesday market where we bought amazing salami and blue cheese, a good carrefour, and local restaurants serving honest, good food. It’s a wonderful, well managed place, and it restored my faith in French 3* hotels. If it were up to me, the hotel on Il de Re should be a 3 *** and Le Petit Castlet a 4 ****, though I worry the latter might lose its charm and character that way. Those are exactly why we loved staying there.

I called to book a week and gave the receptionist my credit card details. Before we hung up, I politely asked him to send a confirmation email. He replied, “Don’t you think I have better things to do?” and then made several other inappropriate comments. Accepting bookings is part of a receptionist’s job. I wouldn’t book here if you want to feel welcome. After I posted this review, the receptionist called my mobile to insult me. I can’t believe this kind of customer service still exists.

The rooms were comfortable and well appointed, and breakfast was delicious. We stayed at Le Petit Castel in Beuzeville, Normandie, while celebrating New Year 2022, and the management and staff made us feel extremely welcome. It was my first trip since the pandemic began, and I was impressed by the safety measures at the Hôtel. There are lots of places nearby to visit, including the beautiful city of Honfleur and others our Host recommended. I’ll definitely return to the Petit Castel and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Normandie.