L'Étang-Salé Vacations from $521

Amazing pool and view. Bed mattress was stiff. Staff welcoming.

Lovely hotel, near a beautiful beach. The gardens were lovely, the swimming pools were brilliant. There were plenty of sun loungers to relax on, and it was right next to a safe sandy beach. As an English woman travelling with my teenage daughter, but without a man I felt ignored and overlooked, and on a couple of occasions it was assumed by hotel staff that I was a member of a larger party. Very little English was spoken, even by the "English speaking" staff. At check in we were given our key and told to keep walking up the corridor. We weren't told where anything was. There was a direct access to the beach through a coded gate, we only worked this out by watching other people. We asked for the code at reception, but then couldn't work out what to do so continued to go the long way round until another guest showed us. We then directed other confused guests. I had asked for a non-smoking room- it wasn't. I would have liked non-feather pillows, but asking for them was way beyond my basic level French. Food in the hotel was limited and expensive but there were lovely shops and bars close by. On the day before we left I was told by a receptionist that they had no info on my booked shuttle back to the airport- they did, they had just assumed I was with someone else so had put it aside. Beautiful hotel but communication is dire. A simple welcome pack- in any language would make such a difference.

Room with access to the pool is a must. Hotel is fairly dated, certainly needs renovations especially in the rooms. More like a 3 star in terms of service & amenities. Staff speak pretty much no English (thankfully I speak little french) and no translation for help/instructions, as well as breakfast is quite limited. In all beautiful hotel but expected much more in other areas.