Hotel de Pavie
One Michelin Key
Check Availability & Prices
Find the best rates for Hotel de Pavie.
Check Availability on Booking.comView the official listing on the MICHELIN Guide.
Hotel Details
Explore More Hotels
Expert Review: Hotel de Pavie
Hôtel de Pavie in Saint-Émilion, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Key property, consistently garners exceptional reviews for its luxurious offerings, impeccable service, and prime location amidst the historic vineyards of Saint-Émilion.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Hotel de Pavie is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "superb," "outstanding," and "fabulous." Many consider it among the finest hotels they have ever experienced, highly recommending it for a truly special and luxurious getaway. The hotel boasts an average rating of 9.7 out of 10 based on numerous reviews, with high scores across location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff performance.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the hotel's key highlights, which include its perfect location in the heart of Saint-Émilion, the world-class service and charm, exquisite rooms, and the unparalleled gastronomic experience at its two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The blend of antique architecture with fresh, modern interiors and boldly colored furnishings is also a frequently praised aspect of its design. The panoramic views over Saint-Émilion and its vineyards from the terrace are a particular favorite.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Hotel de Pavie are described as exquisite, beautiful, spacious, and well-equipped, offering a high level of comfort and luxury. The design thoughtfully mixes old and new elements, with tastefully decorated interiors and sometimes patterned wallpaper. Many rooms feature terraces or balconies, providing fantastic views over the rooftops of Saint-Émilion. Guests have reported large rooms and great bathrooms, even in separate buildings like the Maison Du Clocher and Maison De Village. Standard amenities include premium bedding, air conditioning, private bathrooms with bathtubs and separate showers, bathrobes, slippers, designer toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, minibars, coffee machines, and laptop-compatible safes. The hotel offers 24 rooms, suites, and villas across three buildings: La Maison du Clocher, La Maison de Village, and La Maison des Suites, each with its own unique charm.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience is a significant draw, centered around La Table de Pavie, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant overseen by Chef Yannick Alléno, with Executive Chef Sébastien Faramond leading the kitchen. The restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine that emphasizes local Aquitaine terroir and refined, intense sauces, with menus featuring both classic regional dishes and plant-based options. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced, featuring a superb selection of Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux wines.
Beyond the fine dining, the hotel provides a lavish breakfast spread, described as a "gastronomic pleasure," available in the living room, in-room, or on the panoramic terrace. Guests can choose from a "French" formula with fresh breads and pastries made on-site or a "gourmet" option including cooked meats, house-smoked salmon, and local cheeses, with chefs preparing scrambled eggs to order. The hotel also offers a bistro option, L'Envers du Décor, which is praised for its very good food.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Hotel de Pavie consistently receive stellar praise. Guests describe the team as "phenomenal," "professional," "warm," "attentive," "helpful," and "kind". They are noted for making every guest feel special and for going out of their way to cater to needs, from arranging chateau visits, wine tastings, and transportation (sometimes even in the hotel's Bentley) to providing excellent restaurant recommendations. The concierge service is readily available for all requests, ensuring a pleasant and serene stay. Many reviewers express a desire to return, largely due to the exceptional hospitality.
6. Location & Accessibility
Hôtel de Pavie boasts an outstanding location in the heart of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers panoramic views of the town and its historic vineyards. The hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Saint-Émilion on foot, with easy access to the village's attractions, including the Collegiate Church of Saint-Emillion, and many incredible wineries within walking distance. While parking in the village can be complex, the hotel provides a valet service and a large car park located 200 meters from reception. Bordeaux is approximately 40-45 minutes away. The property is multi-storey with an elevator and has at least one accessible room.
7. Value & Pricing
Hôtel de Pavie is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects the high-end experience it offers. While specific pricing can vary, rooms typically range from approximately $450 to over $1200 per night, depending on the room type, season, and inclusions. For instance, a deluxe double room package including breakfast, champagne aperitif, and a multi-course dinner can be around €1275 per night. Guests generally consider the hotel to be worth the cost, given the world-class service, exquisite accommodations, and exceptional dining experiences. May is noted as the most expensive month to stay, while February offers the cheapest rates.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, a very minor recurring criticism noted by some guests is the small size of the fitness room, equipped with only two machines. However, this is often mentioned as the only complaint in otherwise glowing reviews.
Sources
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
