I have more mixed feelings about this hotel than almost anywhere I've stayed. Its location, at the top of a hill overlooking Bonnieux, is beautiful. The grounds are wonderfully kept. The pool and pool area are lovely. Breakfasts are gorgeous, especially when served outside on warm mornings in the sun-dappled courtyard.
And yet. There is an prevailing atmosphere here that the vast majority of luxury hotels simply do not project: that the customer and their comfort is not a priority.
This is the flagship of M.Loubet's empire and his name and face are everywhere - even in Bonnieux, the signs are not only to the hotel, but also to 'Edouard Loubet'. Perhaps this is normal for a chef-patron? (Georges Blanc in Vonnas is the paragon of this approach.) But maybe this is also the problem. The hotel adheres to a vision, perhaps constructed by M.Loubet himself. In many ways it is vision of some loveliness and he obviously believes in it. But it does have cracks.
I was on a five day luxury link package that seemed initially like an incredible bargain: five nights dinner and breakfast for £1100.
The room we were shown, in the main part of the hotel (there are apartments are across the road) was large and airy. Problems soon arose. No shower. Toilet visible from the bed - audible too, unfortunately. And sleep proved difficult as the room, like the others in this part of the hotel, was adjacent to the restaurant and reception: noise goes on until the place is finally quiet, around two a.m. Not just the usual buzz and chatter, but the ridiculously noisy front gates (just oil them for pity's sake!) which opened and closed all night. A person was walking up and down the path at 3 a.m - perhaps unable to get in - and we could hear every clack of her heels. The air conditioning is practically useless. An alternative room was offered, but would have had the same problems. So we stuck with it. No further enquiries from the staff about how we were sleeping. Obviously these rooms have to be used, but they need decent air conditioning if they are to be anything but uncomfortable to stay in. Housekeeping is good. There is no room service. Laundry is offered at billionaire's prices: 13 euros for a shirt. There is no-one on reception until 7 a.m. Internet is charged per device, not per room, at 12 euros for 500 hours usage.
Dinner is served in a conservatory through which the sunlight shines brightly. More than one guest left their table to get their sunglasses. it can get very hot, but for some reason, the hotel will not put up blinds and keeps the main door and the windows closed. A menu is presented and not explained: I'm not asking for English translations, but it still feels a little 'here you are.' We waited on the terrace for half an hour to get a drink. The food is artistic and strongly herbaceous, perhaps too 'medicinal' for some. It is served with reverence. Of the eight courses we ate over the two nights, at least three were 'memorable'. We ate dinner in the restaurant twice as we preferred something less formal on other nights. There is nothing under 35 euros on the wine list. We were also served the smallest, most expensive glass of champagne ever - 22 euros. A bottle of Kronenbourg is 7 euros. A half bottle of red which I partially drank and asked to be kept for another night did not turn up again.
On Saturday afternoon, the 'public' come into the gardens for picnic lunch and that looks a delightful option.
M.Loubet is talented, absolutely dedicated and has probably worked his behind off to get to where he has. Mrs. Loubet is very approachable and helpful. The other staff are mostly young and look slightly frightened. The waitress at breakfast was delightful. When I checked out, no-one asked if we enjoyed our stay, or if we needed directions etc. We weren't glad to leave but we weren't sad either.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
