Hotel Vitalparc, The Originals Collection

After cycling La Flow Vélo between Angoulême and Fouras, then part of La Vélodyssée from Rochefort to Lacanau-Océan, we spent a couple of nights here. It was a very relaxing and luxurious break during our holiday.

The rooms were small but clean, and we could make tea in ours with the hot pot. But when I tried to get coffee from the lobby, I was told it cost extra. Really? One front desk employee was rather rude, too. We’d spent the previous week traveling around the area and staying in many lovely places, so perhaps we’d been spoiled, but for the price we’d hoped for more.

The setting was serene, and the hotel was very comfortable. Check-in was a mixed experience: a lady first said our room wasn’t ready for early check-in and couldn’t tell us when it would be available. Five minutes later, a nice gentleman came by to say it was ready. Kudos to him for taking charge and helping us out.

The hotel emailed us after we left because we’d forgotten a shirt in the room. That’s never happened in all my years of travel, and I’m 60. The staff were wonderful, and the service was A+++! We loved the spa and outdoor pool, with a steam room, traditional hot sauna, cold room, whirlpool, and even cardio bikes in the pool. Our room was clean and newer, with everything we needed, though there was no coffee. I bought instant espresso at the store. We’d booked for two days, then added a third. We were driving up France’s west coast after someone in Biarritz suggested this beach and surfing town for beginner lessons. We’d usually choose somewhere right on the beach, but all the extras won us over. We’d never heard of Lacanau Ocean before, and we loved the town and beaches. We’ll come back and stay at least a week. It’s very kid-friendly, too. In the town of Lacanau, not Lacanau Ocean, there’s a lake with a water park full of inflatable structures and slides that kids will love. Thanks, James, Carole and team!