Ginkgo

Ginkgo in Quimper, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally garners highly positive reviews, praised for its elegant blend of historic charm and contemporary design, coupled with a prime location. While many guests experience an exceptional stay, specific criticisms regarding certain room features and aspects of service have also been noted.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Ginkgo is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing it as a "superb boutique hotel" and even "the most perfect hotel." It is often considered an "excellent" and "lovely and convenient base" for exploring Quimper and the wider Brittany region. The Michelin Key selection further reinforces its reputation for quality and a distinguished guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features of Ginkgo:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is set in a smart, historic Quimper building with quaint, moss-covered gardens. Interiors are described as hip, featuring bright artwork and contemporary design, creating a stylish and serene atmosphere. The owners, Catherine and Hervé Laurent, are credited with creating an elegant escape that harmonizes historic architecture with modern amenities.
• Amenities: The relaxing spa facilities, including a hammam, sauna, sensory shower, hot tub, and massage room, are a major draw for guests seeking wellness and rejuvenation. Free private parking is also a convenient amenity.
• Location: Its central yet quiet location by the Odet river, in the historic Locmaria district, is frequently lauded.

3. Room Quality

Ginkgo offers 11 rooms and 9 suites, described as "chic," "modern and practical," "airy," and "well-appointed." Many guests find the rooms to be immaculately clean and comfortable, featuring premium bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets, Select Comfort mattresses, and generously shaped pillows for a restful night's sleep. Some rooms and suites boast views of the Odet river.

However, one detailed review highlighted significant issues in a suite, including a "difficult and dangerous bathroom" with no shower screen, leading to wet and slippery floors. Other complaints included excessively hot water, a loose hot water tap, an uncentered basin, inadequate ventilation, "blindingly bright" side lights in the bedroom, and "cheap uncomfortable rubber pillows."

4. Dining Experience

Ginkgo does not have a full-service restaurant. However, a "generous" and "excellent" buffet breakfast is served daily in a sunny dining room or on an outdoor terrace. This breakfast features a wide variety of fresh local organic products, homemade cakes, and Breton specialties, often receiving high praise. There is also a bar/lounge. Some guests, however, noted the hotel's limited selection of wine from a machine and "terribly unappealing microwave junk" snacks for purchase. For other meals, guests are directed to the numerous capable restaurateurs in Quimper's Locmaria district.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is mixed, though largely positive. Many guests commend the staff as "friendly," "helpful," "incredibly helpful," "kind," and "attentive," with some experiencing a genuine warmth that made their stay feel like a "home away from home." They are often lauded for providing recommendations and assistance with arrangements.

Conversely, one review reported "poor" reception service, including a lack of assistance with luggage and some staff being "generally unhelpful and difficult." Another mentioned a "lack of warmth and welcome" and disinterest when a spa-related issue was raised.

6. Location & Accessibility

Ginkgo's location is a significant highlight, nestled in the historic heart of Quimper along the banks of the Odet river. It's ideally situated in the Locmaria district, known for its historic buildings and proximity to cultural sights, bars, and restaurants. Attractions like St Corentin Cathedral, Jardin de la Retraite, Locmaria Botanical Gardens, and various museums are within easy reach. The city center is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk along a flowered walkway by the Odet. The hotel also serves as an excellent base for exploring southern Brittany, with beaches like Benodet and Torch beach just 15-20 minutes away. Accessibility is good, with free private parking on site and easy access from Quimper–Cornouaille Airport (10-15 minutes by taxi) and Quimper Train Station.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property, Ginkgo is positioned as a premium choice. Room rates typically range from $251 to $300, which guests generally consider justified given the sophisticated amenities and serene ambiance. While breakfast is highly rated, it is typically a surcharge. Access to the spa area, including the sauna and hot tub, may incur an additional cost of approximately 32 EUR per person for a private, one-hour session.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms have been reported:

• Bathroom Design Flaws: Specifically in one suite, the absence of a shower screen, an irregular shower shape leading to wet floors, dangerously hot water, a loose tap, an uncentered basin, and inadequate ventilation were cited as significant problems.
• Room Comfort Details: "Blindingly bright" side lights and "cheap uncomfortable rubber pillows" were noted in one instance.
• In-Room Provisions: A complaint was made about only receiving half a liter of filtered water for two guests and strict rules against bringing outside food or drink.
• Limited Dining Beyond Breakfast: The "microwave junk" snacks and limited wine selection were disappointing for some.
• Laundry Service Issues: A 48-hour turnaround, an unpleasant chemical smell, and the lack of a laundry list or bag were reported.
• Inconsistent Reception Service: Some guests experienced unhelpful staff, a lack of assistance with luggage, and a perceived disinterest when issues were raised.
• Spa Temperature: One guest found the jacuzzi and hammam not hot enough.
• Hidden Fees: A 10 Euro charge for room service food delivery, written in small print, was a point of contention for one guest.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. thehotelguru.com
4. hotel-ginkgo.com
5. booking.com
6. michelin.com
7. hotels.com
8. agoda.com
9. petitfute.com
10. michelin.com