Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III Hotel

Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III in Bouillon, Belgium, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, making it a notable destination in the heart of the Ardennes.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III is largely positive, with guests frequently praising its historical ambiance and prime location. The hotel consistently receives strong ratings for its location, cleanliness, and staff performance. On Booking.com, guests have rated the staff at 8.7, cleanliness at 8.4, and location at 9.3. Agoda also shows an impressive overall rating of 8.1, highlighting exceptional service (9.667), facilities (9.2), culinary experience (9.0), and location (9.3). While some minor concerns exist, the overwhelming consensus points to a highly enjoyable stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of Hotel de la Poste - Relais de Napoleon III:

• Location: Its central position along the Semois river and promenade, with views of Bouillon Castle, is frequently lauded as unbeatable.
• Historic Charm & Design: The hotel, housed in an elegant 1730 building, beautifully merges classical interiors with modern decorative elements, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives consistent praise for being friendly, helpful, professional, and often multilingual.
• Dining: The quality of food, particularly in the gastronomic restaurant, is a significant draw, with some guests describing dinners as "exceptional".
• Amenities: Secure underground parking with EV chargers is a convenient feature, though sometimes noted for its cost or navigability. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 60 rooms across six categories, including twin, double with river view, superior, and premium rooms, as well as Grande Suites with bubble baths and river views. Rooms are described as comfortable and generally well-kept. Many rooms have been renovated and feature modern bathrooms. Guests often commend the comfortable beds, with some even noting that they are handcrafted in Poland, emphasizing attention to detail. While some rooms maintain an "old-style ambiance" or "retro look," they are also described as tastefully decorated with antique furniture and modern amenities. River-view rooms offer stunning vistas of the Semois and the castle. However, some older reviews mention tired decor and basic bathrooms in certain rooms, suggesting that not all rooms may have undergone the same level of renovation. A recurring issue for some guests is the lack of air conditioning, which can make rooms stuffy in warm weather.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel de la Poste offers a comprehensive dining experience with multiple options:

• Gastronomic Restaurant ("La Diligence"): This restaurant serves refined, high-quality French-Belgian cuisine in an authentic setting, with seasonal menus and panoramic views of the castle and river. The presentation of meals has been described as "worth a Michelin star".
• Gastro Bar Bistro & Bar Napoléon: These provide a more casual setting, offering traditional Belgian meals for lunch and an elaborate menu for dinner, along with a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The bar is cozy and features a good selection of local beers.
• BOM Food & Drinks: Located in the renovated cellars, this trendy restaurant offers an industrial look with international and seasonal cuisine, encouraging a shared dining experience. It also features a cocktail bar with creative drinks.
• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is generally considered bountiful, extensive, and of good quality, sometimes including champagne. However, a common complaint is its high price (around €22-€25), leading some guests to opt for breakfast at nearby cafes. There are also reports that hot food items may not be replenished sufficiently after 9 AM.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel de la Poste consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Many guests appreciate their attentiveness and the fact that they are often multilingual, speaking Dutch, French, and English. The service is described as "excellent" and "well-coordinated," contributing to a welcoming and refined atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an exceptional central location in Bouillon, positioned directly on the banks of the Semois river and along the promenade. This prime spot offers picturesque views and easy access to major attractions. The Bouillon Castle, Archeoscope Godefroid de Bouillon, and the city center are all within short walking distance, typically less than 20 minutes to the castle. The location is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, serving as a starting point for hikes, Nordic walking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the Ardennes. Public transportation, including bus stops, is easily accessible nearby. For those traveling by car, secure underground parking is available, often with EV charging stations, though some guests find the parking to be expensive (around €17-€20 per night) or challenging to navigate. Street parking is also an option in the vicinity.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel de la Poste offers a luxurious experience, with average room prices around $121 per night, which is considered good value compared to the average $113 for a hotel room in Bouillon. However, opinions on value can be mixed, especially concerning additional costs. While room rates are generally seen as reasonable, the price of breakfast (approximately €23.50 for adults) and overnight parking (around €17-€20) are frequently cited as expensive. Some guests feel these supplementary costs detract from the overall value, leading them to seek alternatives for breakfast or parking.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its many positives, some recurring issues and criticisms are noted by guests:

• Breakfast Cost: The high price of the breakfast buffet is a frequent complaint, with some guests feeling it doesn't justify the cost.
• Parking Fees: The cost of secure underground parking is another point of contention for several visitors.
• Lack of Air Conditioning: The absence of air conditioning in rooms is a significant concern, especially during warmer periods, leading to discomfort.
• Noise Levels: Due to its central location, some rooms, particularly those facing the street, can be noisy from motorcycles and late-night activity.
• Room Condition (Minor): While many rooms are renovated, some older reviews mention tired decor or basic bathrooms, suggesting a need for consistent updates across all room types.
• Slow Service: Occasional reports of slow service in dining areas, with long waits for orders, have been noted.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. trivago.com
5. booking.com
6. paulinaontheroad.com
7. booking.com
8. hotels.com
9. hotelposte.be
10. agoda.com
11. michelin.com
12. hotelposte.be
13. kayak.com