L'Estelle en Camargue

In my opinion, this was more like three-star treatment. The room, breakfast, food, and service all fell below average, and nothing felt up to five-star level. The only thing we found that matched a five-star hotel was the price.

The food was fine and nothing was offensive, but the menu felt uninspired, and the cooking didn't match the hotel's five-star service, amenities, or prices. A top-line chef would be the icing on the cake. Even so, it's a lovely place for a relaxing luxury break. The hotel is small and sits in a great setting, with rooms arranged around a nice infinity pool that meets a small étang. Stables for the white horses that graze in adjoining fields sit beside the building. Our junior suite was comfortable and well maintained, with a spacious bathroom and private garden. The staff's service is deliberately high-touch, with managers frequently and pleasantly guiding junior staff on the details. A cool drink by the pool, in the hot tub, or in the outdoor lounge overlooking the étang makes for a pleasant afternoon. Breakfast on the stone-flagged terrace by the pool was lovely. Saint Marie, a busy seaside town, is about a ten-minute drive away, with lots of bars and restaurants and even an arena for bullfights.

The terrace beside the little picturesque lake makes up for the odd room layout. The toilet is by the entrance with no sink, while the sink, shower, and bath are on the other side of the room. We also had trouble getting butter, so learn the French word if you definitely want some. Still, this is a perfect place, highly recommended. The staff are friendly, very supportive, and mostly effective.

A special meal in wonderful surroundings. The fresh ingredients were cooked perfectly and presented beautifully, and the food was fantastic. Service was super attentive too. A unique experience, and we'll be back.