La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa

The hotel is about 100 metres from the Port, yet it feels very tranquil, with generous spaces and great privacy. We stayed four nights for our wedding anniversary, after friends recommended Ile de Re and St Martin de Re. We were warmly welcomed and had spa treatments booked in advance. Alexia gave a great massage. We also enjoyed Sunday brunch and some peaceful time in the gardens and outdoor heated pool. The hotel bar opens at 5 pm on weekdays and is closed on Mondays. Marine made us some fabulous cocktails, and reception were very helpful with advice on places to go and bike rentals. If we return, I'd go earlier in September, since lots of places start closing for the season in the second half of the month.

La Baronnie is well located, but our room, "Vauban," was awful. It was on the ground floor, very dark, and extremely noisy because it was near both the lobby and breakfast area. We could hear people coming and going. We complained, but the staff didn't seem very concerned or receptive. We also later learned that using the spa swimming pool cost extra, although that wasn't mentioned when we booked or shown at the hotel.

The building and grounds are beautiful, full of history and character, and the setting in the heart of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is wonderfully calm. La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa – Teritoria is one of the most atmospheric places to stay on Île de Ré. Our room was tastefully furnished, spotless, and clearly well looked after. Breakfast was mostly good, with fresh choices in a peaceful setting, though I did find yogurt that had expired several days earlier. Service could be inconsistent, and the rules felt overly rigid. One day the bar was closed, and we asked if we could buy a drink and sit in the sunny inner courtyard. We were told drinks had to be taken in the back garden, which was cold and windy that day. When we politely asked why, Sara replied curtly, “Because those are the rules.” At checkout we had a simple question, but the same staff member took a phone call in the middle of our conversation without excusing herself or acknowledging the interruption. Those moments took away from the luxurious feel. The architecture, location, and serene atmosphere are lovely, but at this category and price, service should be more consistent and considerate of guests. It could make for five-star memories, but the way guests are treated needs some attention.

The building has charm, and being a block from the port is convenient, but basic problems overshadowed the positives. The rooms have no air conditioning. On our stay they became stifling hot, and it was almost impossible to sleep well. We had to leave the windows open all night, which meant less privacy with the windows and drapes open, constant fan noise, flying insects, and no relief from the heat even overnight. For a four-star hotel charging premium rates and presenting itself as a luxury retreat, that lack of comfort is unacceptable. Parking was another major problem. The website says paid parking is available, so we thought we'd be able to get a space when we arrived. Instead, we were told they couldn't fit us in because the facility was oversold and we hadn't reserved ahead. If parking is limited and must be booked in advance, that should be made clear before arrival, not after a long trip. The sleepless, sweltering nights and what felt like misleading parking information made the stay stressful instead of relaxing. For the price, there are better options on Île de Ré that deliver on their promises. Would I return? Absolutely not. Until they install proper air conditioning and change the way they describe parking, I can't recommend it to anyone visiting in warmer months.