Le Refuge - Gigaro Lodges

The breakfast team were a real pleasure, always smiling and attentive, and aside from one incident the service was excellent. As we were leaving, a staff member confronted us in an aggressive way, asking where we were going and saying the parking lot was private. We'd checked in properly just a few hours before, so the remark felt completely out of line and based on a snap judgment. We were the youngest couple staying there, which might have been unusual for them, but it doesn't excuse being rude. We felt offended and disappointed, and hadn't expected that from this hotel. We didn't see the man again during our stay, so there was no chance to talk to him about respect and manners. It's a shame to have a hurtful moment spoil what could have been a perfect stay.

The location near Gigaro beach is excellent, and there's plenty of space in both the garden and parking lot. Our room was spacious by French standards and surprisingly had a bidet. Furnishings are basic, but more than enough for a summer stay, and everything was very clean. Breakfast is included and can be brought to the room or eaten in the garden. It was simple: a hot drink, orange juice, jam, butter, and half a baguette per person. Rooms with shared bathrooms are also offered. For a room with its own bathroom, the value for money is excellent. A very positive stay.

The place is very pretty, which makes it a shame that we won't be back. We paid €180 for four people and expected at least a basic level of service. We're regulars here, so the lack of professionalism really surprised us. We'd booked a table for four for a special occasion, ordered a starter that never came, and then a menu board was put in front of another table's sea view. When we asked for it to be moved, they shifted it only a meter and sighed in exasperation.