This is a beautiful hotel of great individualism and distinction. It is to be enjoyed for it's atmosphere and design and not for luxury services. There aren't staff running around everywhere waiting to help but it's not that type of place. It's a place for self sufficient travelers who don't need to be, or want to be waited on. You are left to get on with it and use the facilities as you wish. We've stayed lots of times and never had trouble checking in or out as some say and in response to the person who couldn't find out how to have breakfast, you sit at one of the tables under the trees at the front, where other people are sitting, and the staff bring you breakfast. I managed to lose our car keys when we last stayed and can't speak any French so the hotel sorted it all out for us while we sat by the pool. I thought that was good.
I can understand why some people don't like it. It is for a certain type of holiday maker and if you want 5* services and lots of attention then it's not for you, but if you want to stay somewhere of real aesthetic discernment and authenticity with loads of Provencal character and tranquility then you'll love it.
It's also in a beautiful part of Provence with Le Beaux down the road (which is too touristy, with coaches lining the road) but Oustau De Baumaniere is there and deserves it's reputation as one of France's best restaurants, although we prefer the terrace of it's sister down the road, La Cabro D’or as it's less formal.
St Remy is nearby, which is the nicest town in Provence in my view, and the scenery in the Alpilles is excellent, especially if you get off the roads and go into the hills via the tracks. The village of Eygalieres is small but picturesque.
- Mas Dou Pastre Eygalieres
