La Naomath

Nathalie was a welcoming and helpful host. We spent four nights in the cottage, which was clean and roomy, with parking. It’s very convenient for Bayeux and the D-Day beaches. After a full day sightseeing, we also enjoyed relaxing on the sunny patio.

We paid in advance for two nights at £190, but didn’t stay there in the end. The outside looks neglected, more like a garden shed that needs paint or varnish, and the photos are very misleading. Inside, it was dim and dingy, with poor furnishings and holes in the curtains. The floor mats needed a proper clean, and the shower room was dark too. The wooden shower wall needs waterproofing, and there were woodlice in the shower tray. There’s nowhere to hang clothes except in the shower room, so they’d get damp. There were few power points in the main room, no tea-making facilities, and just one cup. For that price, it felt extortionate. Please be warned.

I booked two rooms for two nights, but Natalie wasn’t at the property when we arrived, and she didn’t answer our calls. We had to find a hotel for the night. Check-in is only from 17:00 to 19:00, which is very unusual. If you can’t arrive then, Natalie closes the gate and you’re left looking for somewhere to sleep. I’ve never experienced such a nasty policy, with no excuse given. Owners who treat guests this way shouldn’t be in this business. The place is also in poor condition for the price she charges, so it’s not worth the money.

Our reservation, made through an official booking agency with an active availability calendar, wasn’t honored by the hotel. They also didn’t respond when we asked them to resolve the issue. If you book here, contact the hotel directly beforehand to make sure you’ll have a room when you arrive.