A wonderful surprise. The steps definately took care of the gym for the day, but it is so worth it! The Innkeepers are very accomodating and English speaking. We wished we could have stayed longer, it is on our list of places to return to.

Dinard - for those who don't know it - lies in a bay at the foot of a hill. This hotel is someway up the hill. There are steps down to the hotel - and steps up to your room - then steps down to the beach and the town. Daunting for those of a certain age? No because help is at hand. Either Madame or Monsieur will gladly haul your luggage to and from the car park to your room. And what a room - either with stunning sea view or overlooking the garden with a fine conservatory type balcony. Breakfast is served on the terrace (that sea view again) and the only hazard is provided by the predatory sea gulls. The elegant and splendid mansion is a preserved building, the rooms are comfortable and the owners could not be more helpful. Heartily recommended.

We stayed at the Villa Reine Hortense for our four day honeymoon and couldn't have chosen a more romantic place to stay. The owners are delightful and so very helpful and proud of their beautiful hotel right on the pretty beach at Dinard. We were offered a choice of two rooms - one featuring a silver plated bath - but decided the huge terrace of the second room where we enjoyed breakfast each morning, with it's stunning views over to St Malo, preferable. We were sad to leave this beautiful hotel with its history and fascinating antique furniture and vow to return each year on our anniversary. Can't wait til next year!

I decided it would be a great adventure if we caught the ferry to St Malo and cycled to Dinard ! My partner is long suffering, but I assured him it would be an adventure.
We went last weekend and caught the overnight Brittany ferry, arriving in St Malo at 8am on Friday morning. Sadly I had forgotten that Dinard is not flat, and alarmingly (with my rucksack in place) my level of fitness was stretched further than I had anticipated. We also subsequently found out that there is actually a very convenient ferry across to Dinard from St Malo at 9am, on which you can take your cycles ! Instead we had the hair raising experience of cycling down the dual carriageway, and then back again on our return.
We arrived at Reine-Hortense a little the worst for wear, but were greeted very kindly by Madame, and immediately felt at home. Luckily our room was immediately available and we were able to recover peacefully.
What a lovely period house, in a fantastic position on the beach and overlooking the bay to St Malo. We were delighted to find that our room was on the top floor, and had a balcony overlooking the bay with wonderful views. The room was spotlessly clean, the bed was very comfortable, and the balcony was an unexpected lovely bonus.
Drinks on the main balcony downstairs in the afternoon were great, looking out across the bay. The beach is no where near as busy as you would expect when the weather is nice. The balconey is so far above the beach anyway, any noise is distant.
The resort is quite quaint and seems to consist of two main bays. The hotel is situated on the sandy beach which has a very seaside feel. The next bay is more of a marina, housing all the local boats, and where the ferry arrives and departs. This second harbour area seems to have the nicest restaurants. We particularly liked the Hotel de la Vallee restaurant, but the fish restaurant opposite is also very nice and probably more traditional. Prices were round about what we would expect to pay at home. Evenings are fairly quiet, even in the area around the casiono.
This is a lovely short break destination, where you dont need to bring your car. Staying at Reine Hortense made it very relaxing, and although maybe a little more expensive, I would recommend it without hesitation.