We have found Relaix & Chateaux establishments to be of a consistently high standard and Audrieu didn't disappoint in this regard. From the excellent response to our initial enquiry to the e-mail advising of possible roadwork disruption the day before we arrived. Customer satisfaction is clearly the focus. Match the service to a fabulous setting, varied menu and able chef and you have the perfect 'recipe' for relaxation. Audrieu is an excellent location to tour Normandy and the fish market at Ouistreham is something to behold.

On the basis of having stayed here with immense pleasure some years ago we booked for 3 nights. The outward appearance of the chareau and the grounds remain as beautiful as ever, but the operation seems to lack the personal supervision of the owner that was previously so evident in every department. The standard rooms we were shown were cramped and had tiny bathrooms (nowhere to hang the towels) and far too expensive for what they offered. The big disappointment however was in the dining room. The menu is very short. Of the four meat dishes, one was calves intestines, one was pigeon one was beef and the other was unavailable on both nights we stayed (we cut short our stay). The beef comprised a very small piece of steak served with some pasta mixed with anchovies and peppers. All the effort goes into presentation except for the puddings which are both attractive and good to eat. On the second night the staff could not cope with the number of people to be served and it was difficult to get even bread and impossible to get both bread and butter until we made a fuss. So, we left after two nights at a cost of almost 1000 euros. Not money wel spent.

This is a review of the restaurant - we did not stay here. Seeing that the restaurant had a Michelin star we drove there for dinner - the journey was not worth it. The 59 Euro menu we had was a minced veal rissole (burnt), fish in curry sauce, very tough beef (definitely not fillet) with chopped vegetables followed by deep fried tagliatelle smothered in lapsang souchon tea that was inedible and sent back. Wine by the glass was 10 Euros. The bill for two came to 182 Euros - there was no offer of a reduction. The low technical skill of the cooking and the ingredients were not worthy of a Michelin star and not what we are accustomed to as frequenters of Michelin starred restaurants throughout Europe.

This is a beautiful hotel. The staff are the best of what French hospitality can be. They are there when you need them and invisible when you don't. It was posh and casual at the same time. As it is Relais and Chateau the food is "A". There is a pool, which when travelling with kids is key. The pool is beautiful, well maintained and perfect after a day of sightseeing. The chef had offerings for the kids that were always eaten with relish. They have a bar the opens on to an outdoor area. Both are great. The nightly bartender was jovial and attentive without being obsequious. The only shortcoming of the kitchen was there is not a casual menu for lunch, but that's it. Otherwise a solid 9 out of 10.