We stayed in the St Endreol hotel for a week in July 2010. I believe the estate and golf course have been there for some years, but there has clearly been a complete upgrade (ie a new build) of the hotel accommodation and spa in the last couple of years. To start with the positives, the hotel room itself was fantastic - brand new (apparently) -really large with huge bed, proper wardrobe, desk area, table and chairs, reasonable sized balcony, (tiny) kitchenette and a superb bathroom with double ended bath, two washbasin and separate shower. You really could not fault the room (other than my partner thought that the kitchen area was a bit dangerous with sink, oven, fridge, hob, kettle all practically on top of each other). Kept spotlessly clean as well.

Really lovely pool next to the hotel - about 20m+ long and plenty of space around it for loungers etc

The golf course was likewise amazing - really interesting and challenging course winding through a forest and up and down the hills. Lakes on the course with beavers in them. Course quite frustrating sometimes, but plenty to keep you occupied for a week's golf. Rather too hot for us, but that is our fault for trying to play in July!

Our deal included breakfast and this was of a good continental standard with a wide choice and a fresh orange juice presser. All self service though (inc coffee), so a bit of a scrum sometimes. The restaurant has a fabulous view over the golf course and then the forest and mountain beyond.

There is a brand new spa as well, with indoor pool, water jets, hammam and treatments available. Quite nice, but i thought it was a bit soulless. No cafe on the spot but there is one nearby. The fitness centre which is advertised does not exist (there is a sign on a door, but reception confirmed that there is no gym).

On the negative side, there were a few things. The hotel residence is a separate building from reception so there is no-one on the front desk in the building. It feels a bit like an apartment building (and apparently you can buy rooms in the residence). And a bit annoying not to have someone on front desk for enquiries etc. Neither is there a bar in the building or next to the pool although there is a drinks machine inside (not the same). The bar at the resort is very nice but is next to the restaurant and pro-shop which is about 7-8 mins walk from the hotel and pool through the woods.

Finally, I would say that the place is expensive. I don't mind paying for a good quality holiday up front, but it does get on my nerves that every time you move, you are charged a chunk more. The golf buggies were expensive at 36 euro, no water was provided on the course and the restaurant was expensive without real justification in terms of quality (I recommend eating at La Maurette which is excellent value - situated at the roundabout just before you get to the resort). Also, we were put in a room on the cheaper side of the hotel when it was pretty much empty and they could easily have upgraded us at no cost - good hotels will always do this. The cleaning staff in the hotel and the people on reception were very friendly, but we found the restaurant and some of the bar staff not to be so.

So, all in all, a good stay with some gripes. I would go again at a cooler time of year for the excellent golf and the location is good and the surroundings are beautiful. However, owing to the resort being so split up and there being no real facilities in the hotel building, the place does lack a bit of atmosphere and it is priced at a premium.