La Villa Alizée

There’s a lot that could be good here. The place has a homely, slightly eccentric feel, and the owner may be better natured than her brusque, no-nonsense manner suggests. But the guest experience was one problem after another, and I was relieved to leave after paying £115 (€137) a night. I don’t have high standards, and I’ve tried to give an accurate account without exaggerating. I welcome a response from the owner, but I won’t be back. The dogs were the biggest issue. The owner doesn’t live at the property, but keeps as many as five dogs there, mostly unattended. They weren’t threatening, but the large white dog left outside day and night barked for long stretches whenever anyone came or went. The smaller dogs indoors jumped up and bothered us at the breakfast table. There was dog mess on a mat by the front door, on the grass outside my room where I could have stepped in it at night, and on the floor beside the breakfast table while I was eating. There were other hygiene problems too. Ants covered the breakfast table and plates on my last morning. I found plenty of mouse droppings in the kitchen cupboard under the sink, where food was prepared, as well as on the floor of my room and in the bathroom. That was completely unacceptable. Breakfast itself was okay: a croissant, plenty of bread, jam, soft cheese, juice, and tea or coffee. There was enough to eat, though I’d have liked fresh fruit and more choice. It ran from 9 to 10 a.m.; starting at 8 would have suited me better. Payment was another hassle. I had to send an international bank transfer before arriving, which took time and cost an admin fee. Cards weren’t accepted at the property. The owner speaks no English, as the listing says, but basic French and Google Translate got me by. I’m not the first guest to mention these recurring issues, and they don’t seem to be addressed. This place could be much nicer if it weren’t being used as both a kennel and guest accommodation. Taking all the dogs to the owner’s own home would make a major difference.