Vallière Lodge

The booking site eventually refunded half the fee after reviewing the photos I sent. Our summer holiday was still ruined: we left after two days instead of staying for the week. The mattresses were filthy and mouldy, the pool was too dirty to use, and the outdoor areas looked neglected. When we complained, the owners were absent, brushed it off by saying we weren't staying in a five-star hotel, then stopped responding.

I had a terrible experience with the lodge and the people managing it. It was nothing like the photos: filthy, full of live and dead spiders, and covered in cobwebs. The sheets were stained and smelled dusty. I have photos documenting what I found. After I texted the site manager, they said it would be cleaned right away, but six hours later I ended up cleaning it myself. They then promised a full refund by text, and I have that agreement in writing. Once I got back to England, they stopped replying. I complained formally to homaaway.co.uk, the company I booked through, and was told the owner wouldn't pay and had stopped responding too. The worst accommodation, customer service, and experience of my life. Stay away.

The owner was very helpful, and I had a really nice stay in this beautiful retreat.

I loved the warm welcome and the carefully decorated, romantic feel of the place. The lounge is very well equipped, and the natural surroundings make it a happy little cocoon with lovely memories to take home, whether you're there for work or pleasure. It's in a privileged location. I'll come back as soon as I can.