Jooloos and I stopped off for one night at the Hermitage on day 8 of our 2011 Eurotrip as we reluctantly departed from a memorable stay in Switzerland.

This is not a cheap hotel and our expectations were high. First impressions were not good and Jooloos was not happy. After a long car journey a quick check-in and off to your room for a bit of rest is essential and not a lot to ask for especially if you have a prepaid booking - isn't it?

Reception at this hotel can be summed-up in a word. Chaos. How hard is it to give someone a key and tick them off on a list? How long have these guys been doing the job, because this felt like day one. The group of three French ladies in front of us stalled things a little but there were two staff on the desk. Problem is that they insist on giving you a guided tour of the hotel and your room which takes ages and is completely unnessessary. After giving our details we were left standing like lemons with our bags at reception until the previous 'tour' was completed - about 20 mins. Just chuck-us the key suggested Jooloos but that's not how its done Hermitage style.

Things looked-up a bit once in the room which had a great view over the Lake and gardens (at extra cost) and was very well appointed, having been recently updated.

We viewed the swimming pool and spa area but did not use it as the pool was underwhelming and the spa treatments eyewateringly expensive ( and we had just left Switzerland, don't forget, where our eyes had been all watered-out).

We looked at the restaurant menu which was uncompromisingly French (and, guess what- expensive) We had a drink in the beautiful bar where the service was good, barman being friendly and helpful .G&Ts with nibbles went down a treat. Where are we going to eat then, Jooloos? Restaurant here a total no-go area for a vegetarian. At this point you might ask what the hell is a vegetarian doing in France? A suicide mission? A crash diet? An amusement for the French?

We took a stroll through the gardens to the sister hotel, The Royal, which is much more traditional. I think I like traditional - what a warm welcome. The other side of the front desk was overcrowded with staff all, simultaneously, offering assistance. We were shown the two restaurants and their menus which were beautiful and varied respectively. Ate there later and it was great. Jooloos didn't think that tofu existed in France and I lost my bet. Meal and service splendid, desert looked like a sputnik but was exceptional. Only complaint was a pretentious winelist (well, I suppose this is France) which included wines at 5000-8000 Euros (no typo, my friends).

We checked-out early in the morning as breakfast in the Hermitage was a crazy price and all we wanted was a coffee and a croissant, which was had in the town with the locals. I checked out quickly but noticed that we were able to collect our bags, retrieve our car, drive to the front door, pack, plan our route, pay one last visit to the loo, all before the fella behind me had managed to get his bill printed.

To sum-up, the setting is charming, the gardens are beautiful, the new interiors are nicely done in a contemporary style. The pre-refit building shows through in some details and in the pool area in particular, which disappointed. Front desk service is hopeless. Hotel Royal offers a good dining option. Value for money? Not even slightly.

The hotel pleased us in every way.

The service was so delightful. Everywhere, we went we were greeted with smiles and help offered along the way.

They catered for our baby in ways we didn't even imagine a hotel could provide. There was baby bath thermometer, a sterilising unit and a milk bottle heater.

The outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa, sauna, bar was so enjoyable. There was so much to choose from at breakfast time and there were lots of healthy options.

There was a 24hour shuttle service into the town. The vehicle was spotless! The funicular train was fun too.

We stayed in room 1425. The room was lovely- it was actually 2 rooms with a television in each room. The room was tastefully decorated and very clean. The room was visited twice through the day to refresh supplies and maintain cleanliness.

A description of the list of the TV channels was the extra thought that went into the room. Normally, it’s a matter of scrolling through the channels to find an English-speaking one. It’s a minor point but it’s the little things that set hotels apart.

Toiletries supplied were lovely. The rooms were very quiet. Room service was fantastic. Thick,luxurious bathrobes meant a dignified visit to the spa, pools and sauna!

Staff were so polite and well mannered. Any special requests were always accommodated.

This is such a relaxing, special place. The gardens in the hotel grounds were lovely and perfectly manicured. The view of the lake from the hotel was stunning whist sitting eating.

There is a lovely walk into the neighbouring hotel grounds over a bridge and from there, gardens can be viewed. There, a vegetable patch is grown to supply the hotel with ingredients.

I could go on but I recommend you go see for yourself. It is truly gorgeous.

This is definitely the best hotel we’ve ever stayed at.

I stayed here for two nights in 2009 and loved it. We had a business meeting. The surroundings are magnificent, with the Alps all around. Used the workout facility -- quite good. The grounds are beautiful as is the surrounding village. Excellent food in restaurants. Room was clean and very charming. This is a great get-away-from-it-all location. Five stars.

I have stayed at Hotel Ermitage Evian-les-Bains in June and December 2010, and enjoyed both stays. It reflects what is evian all about: being pure, premium, and reflecting "live young" mindset.

The hotel is completely renovated, reflecting a luxurious touch with modernity and lightness.The vast view from the room balcony was splendid- the Alps, the lake.
I used the spa daily, and started my day at the pool. Both indoors and outdoors are highly recommended.

Free internet is another plus. I care about this offer more and more (recently I stayed at Westin Astir Palace, Athens- the hotel charges 450 Euros/night, and still do not provide free wi-fi in the rooms! Unacceptable!)

If you are in Evian for a relaxing weekend, or visiting Evian Masters Golf Tournament, this is the place to stay. The lounge area, the library, the restaurants are truly amazing.