Hotel-Restaurant Les Oliviers

The staff really made the visit, from the lovely woman at reception to everyone at dinner and the pool bar. The food was fantastic and the location was great. Can't fault anything.

We came in for lunch while charging our Tesla at the handy Tesla Destination Charger. The restaurant at hotel Les Oliviers is easy to find, just off the main road. This is a review of the restaurant only, not the hotel. After more than 40 years of travelling and eating everywhere from family-run places to three-star Michelin restaurants, here's my honest take. The garden is peaceful and has a striking, centuries-old olive tree. There’s also a lovely, spacious terrace with plenty of shaded tables. Staff were friendly and welcoming, though it took a while for someone to take our order and bring the check. We started with foie gras and tuna tartare, both excellent and nicely seasoned. The duck and the second tuna dish were well cooked and nicely presented, with a good mix of vegetables and tasty sauces. For dessert, we shared a refreshing strawberry creation with coulis and what I think was a light goat cheese espuma. It felt just right for summer. We had a very pleasant lunch, with warm service and good value for money. I’d recommend the restaurant to anyone in the area, particularly Tesla drivers who want to eat while charging.

The rooms were clean, decent, and freshly renovated, and we enjoyed the private spa room we’d booked. We were there for one night on 1 January, stopping on the way from ES to CH after a five-hour drive. The trouble was dinner. We asked to book at the restaurant when we arrived and were told it was closed for an event. Everything else nearby was shut for New Year’s Day too. The receptionist said guests had been told by email, but checking our correspondence with the hotel showed that wasn’t true. When we asked what the hotel could offer instead, we were told to drive 30 minutes to McDonald's. After our long drive, that wasn’t an option. We then asked the Chef de Service at the bar if the kitchen could make us something small, and got a simple “No.” Nobody apologised, showed regret, or tried to help us, or presumably the other guests in the same situation. I’ve never had worse service at a hotel.

The restaurant and waiting staff were excellent, but we won’t recommend the place or come back after this stay. Our first room had a man working outside by the small pool, so we had to keep the curtains closed, and the pool pump made terrible noise. We also had to pass other rooms where workmen were installing new bathrooms, with the beds already made up. At 10:30 in the evening, reception moved us to another room. Why hadn’t they given us that one in the first place? They said the first room was an upgrade and wouldn’t offer any discount. One of the worst experiences we’ve had.