La Grande Terrasse Hotel & Spa La Rochelle - MGallery Collection

Dinner at Le Bistrot de La Grande Terrasse came with a sunset view over the sea. The service was excellent, and our waiter gave helpful suggestions. The Parmentier de canard coffin au Porto was especially good, a rather fancy shepherd’s pie with what seemed like all the butter in France in its potato topping. The wine list was long, including some very expensive bottles. We booked a sea view at MGallery Hotel Collection La Grande Terrasse and were given Room 1128 on the first floor. It was a long walk from reception through corridors at different levels, but the room was a good size, with an en-suite shower, kettle and balcony furnished with a table and two chairs. We were on a corner, looking over the grounds and sea, as well as the spa and outdoor jacuzzi, which you reach by swimming through a channel from the indoor pool. The gardens had lots of places to sit and sunbathe, with far-off views toward Île d'Oléron. WiFi worked well throughout. Breakfast was one of the best I’ve seen in France, with lots of choice, excellent cheeses and a lovely mushroom omelette. Everyone we met on staff was friendly and helpful. A very pleasant one-night stay.

The rooms have been hot and cluttered, and the WiFi was among the worst I’ve run into on work trips. I’ve stayed here a few times with colleagues, but the service keeps making us feel like day pass holders coming to use the pool, rather than guests. Some colleagues had travelled more than 48 hours from New Zealand and arrived an hour before check-in, hoping just to shower. Staff didn’t offer the pool area showers so they could freshen up, and were impolite and unable to help. The person at the front desk seems to change every day, and the welcome leaves you feeling like a number.

The spa was a highlight, with a steam room, sauna and indoor/outdoor jacuzzi full of bubbles and jets, plus a great sea view. It did get busy at the weekend, and there weren’t many seats left. I think hotel guests should come first over outside visitors. The staff were friendly and made us feel welcome. Breakfast offered a big, excellent selection, and dinner at the Bistrot Restaurant was delicious and well-priced. The waitstaff at both meals were lovely and let me practise my French. Our room was modern and very clean, with a comfortable bed and a great shower. The facilities and location were fantastic. We were there for our first anniversary and couldn’t have asked for a better place. Thanks to everyone for making it special. We’ll definitely be back!

It’s around 20 minutes from La Rochelle, which caught me by surprise at first. Once we arrived, though, it was clear this is a very family-friendly hotel. The staff were welcoming and helpful, everything was clean and well looked after, and there’s a pleasant little walk along the ocean. Dinner was a bit chaotic at first because they didn’t want to serve a particular area. With my kids, I also didn’t want to eat in full sun. In the end they made an exception, which I appreciated. For families: children can use the pool at any time. There are two high chairs in the restaurant, though one was a bit dirty. They also have a children’s menu.