L'Estredelle

For a short visit of one to three nights, this is a good place to stay, though I wouldn’t choose it for longer. The staff are a strong point, as are the meals, which get repetitive but are enjoyable, and the river-view terrace and free parking. The bathrooms are tiny, there’s no air conditioning in the rooms, and it gets very hot. Housekeeping could be better, and the restaurant menu could use an update.

The voucher’s gourmet menu was delicious and full of flavor, and breakfast had a huge range of sweet and savory options. We chose the hotel with a Smartbox gift voucher and have no regrets. The staff were welcoming, pleasant, and always smiling, and the simple room was very clean. The only small drawbacks were no air conditioning, though reception can provide a fan, and a rather small shower with a curtain that sticks to your skin. I’d still highly recommend it.

The main disappointment was the lack of air conditioning, especially with the summer heat. With no shutters, the room temperature became unbearable. Such a shame, because we had a very warm welcome from the whole team during our few days in Pont de Château, and the food and service were excellent, plentiful, and offered plenty of choice.

The showers are a bit cramped, and the shower curtain clings to you, which is the one downside. Otherwise, the setting by the Allier River is peaceful. I stay here regularly overnight and find the food very good, with buffet options for starters and desserts. The service and welcome are on par with a Logis de France chain, and some rooms even have their own terrace.