Résidence Odalys Les Océanides

The location is beautiful, and we did have a good time, but the extra costs and conditions were frustrating. After booking, we were charged a lot more on arrival for tax. A travel cot costs extra if you have a child, and it comes without a mattress. Sheets also cost extra, and no towels are provided. When leaving, staff check the property, and everything has to be put back where it belongs. We weren’t told at the start that we’d have to clean the whole place until it sparkled, or pay another 70 euros for a cleaner to mop. The beds were so hard that the floor seemed more comfortable, the sofas squeaked, and the pipework smelled whenever we came inside.

There’s plenty to explore between Hyeres and St. Tropez, so I’d suggest renting a car or motorbike. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the two pools, the nearby beach, and the restaurant, which served good food and had a bar. The gym equipment is dated, and the cleaning done by the previous guests wasn’t quite complete, though I may be a bit fussy. I wouldn’t pay 40€ a week for a small TV, and the Wi-Fi is expensive too. Neither felt necessary with so much to see around the area.

The beach is only two minutes away, and the area is quiet and lovely. The accommodation itself was okay, and in the off season the price is fairly reasonable. The beds were extremely hard, though, so anyone with back problems should know that. My main issue was the extra 109 euros we were asked to pay on arrival, after we’d already paid for the stay. That covered taxes and things like Wi-Fi, sheets and towels, and it felt unfair. We also weren’t told anywhere that we had to leave the place spotless and wait for an inspection before being allowed to leave. Then we were told it wasn’t clean enough and that another 70 euros was needed for a cleaner. The message was essentially, “It is too dirty, you must pay.” In London, for that amount, you could hire a cleaner once a week for about three months to do a place that size. They should either explain this possible charge beforehand or include it in the price. Being made to feel awkward and bad while asked for more money for something that should be included, as it is in many places, was upsetting. I wouldn’t have minded if the full cost had simply been advertised up front. I’m a disabled wheelchair user, so getting the place spotless after three small children had been there for a couple of weeks was pretty much impossible. I wish that had been taken into account as a gesture of goodwill, especially since our extended family has stayed here regularly for many years. I hate to generalize, but I feel French hospitality can sometimes be poor. I think people may assume that superior cuisine and weather make it okay to seem rude and impose these little scams on guests.

The rooms were dirty and unpleasant, and the bed was awful and too short. The pool was closed, and the garden had no greenery, just dust like a desert. Customer service was poor, and the gym was dirty and old.