La Clef des Chateaux

The pool was nice when it wasn’t crowded, though it’s quite small. We found the room far too expensive at 100 euros a night, especially considering how dirty and dusty it was, the strong smell, and the dirty kettle. The bed was also very small for two adults and a child, and there was no phone in the room to reach reception. At night, the reception staff weren’t welcoming and didn’t even say “Bonjour.” The website advertised 24/7 room service, but that wasn’t available; we had to order directly at the restaurant. We skipped breakfast, but 15 euros per person seemed excessive for the limited selection, and we were told even a one-and-a-half-year-old baby would cost 9 euros.

Parking was plentiful and right beside the hotel, and our room was clean, though basic. Still, the small problems piled up over our three-day stay. We had to reactivate our key cards every day, and there were no bathrobes, which we’d expected at a hotel in this category. The front desk staff were polite and helpful. At the restaurant, though, dinner was mediocre, and the staff often seemed distracted or inattentive. Breakfast was another frustration: the coffee machines barely worked or didn’t work at all, buffet items were slow to appear, and the scrambled eggs and bacon were cold. With more than 50 guests, there was just one carafe of water, refilled only when someone asked. We tried to be patient, but never felt comfortable and left disappointed. We wouldn’t choose to return. Our rating: 3.5 out of 10.

We’d really been looking forward to a special girls’ night away, but dinner was a real letdown. My daughter’s children’s meal arrived before our sharing platter, which took a very long time. I’d ordered a main course too, and more than an hour and a half later I was still waiting for my meal or even the glass of wine I’d asked for after only having an aperitif. In the end I went to the bar to ask for the bill. They didn’t charge me for the aperitif, but my daughter never got her drink or dessert either. We went back to our room very disappointed.

The staff were honestly so rude. My burger came stone cold, and after I said I didn’t want another one because it had made me feel sick, they brought out a replacement anyway. When I said I didn’t want to pay for it, they flat-out refused. I paid just to get out of there, though I wish I hadn’t. Bad food shouldn’t be something customers are expected to pay for.