What is Hotel de Toiras?

Hotel de Toiras is a Selected hotel located in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Hotel de Toiras have?

Hotel de Toiras has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Hotel de Toiras located?

Hotel de Toiras is located in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Hotel de Toiras?

You can view more details and booking information for Hotel de Toiras through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Hotel de Toiras | Selected in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France

Name: Hotel de Toiras
Address: Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Europe, France
Rating: 4.5

Key Highlights

✓Hotel de Toiras in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised as a luxurious and charming haven, offering an exceptional experience on the Île de Ré.

Expert Review: Hotel de Toiras

Hotel de Toiras in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised as a luxurious and charming haven, offering an exceptional experience on the Île de Ré.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel de Toiras is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful" and "exceptional." Review scores are consistently high, reflecting a general consensus of an outstanding luxury experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's prime location, superb and attentive staff, and beautifully maintained, charming decor. The blend of a 17th-century residence with modern amenities, along with a tranquil garden and a restaurant offering harbor views, are frequently highlighted as major draws. The "made to feel at home" atmosphere and focus on stellar service are also significant highlights.

3. Room Quality

The 29 rooms and suites at Hotel de Toiras are individually decorated in a classic and elegant style, featuring antique furnishings, and often pastel tones, floral or patterned wallpaper, and wood floors with antique rugs. Rooms are air-conditioned, spacious, and provide modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs with cable channels, minibars, safes, and private bathrooms with deep bathtubs or shower/tub combos, and upscale toiletries. Some rooms offer picturesque views of the harbor, while others face the charming garden. It's worth noting that some rooms are only accessible by stairs.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, "George's" (also referred to as "La Table D'Olivia"), offers gourmet French cuisine with a strong regional focus, celebrating locally sourced ingredients. Popular dishes include locally sourced seafood platters, artisan cheeses, lobster pasta, and Atlantic pollock. Breakfast is highly regarded, with American-style and continental options including cooked-to-order items, fresh pastries, artisanal honey, and organic jams. Al fresco dining in the charming garden is a popular option during warmer months, and the terrace provides a beautiful spot for an early evening cocktail overlooking the harbor at sunset. A unique "Basket Market" concept allows guests to select ingredients from the local market for the chef to prepare.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel de Toiras receive widespread acclaim. Guests consistently describe them as "superb," "professional," "engaging," "efficient," "welcoming," "attentive," and "incredibly helpful." From arranging bike rentals and restaurant bookings to providing valuable local advice and offering valet parking, the team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. Many reviews highlight the staff's natural dedication and kindness as a defining aspect of their experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an exceptional and "perfect" location right on the picturesque Saint-Martin-de-Ré harbor, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers stunning views of fishing boats and is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding pedestrianized promenade, swanky boutiques, and upscale eateries. Nearby attractions include the Ernest Cognacq Museum (a one-minute walk) and the local market (a two-minute walk). The island is flat, making it ideal for cycling, and the hotel has partnered with a local rental shop for guests. While the location is superb, it's housed in a historic 17th-century building, and some areas, including certain rooms, are only accessible by stairs, and the quayside has cobblestones, which may impact accessibility for some.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel de Toiras is considered a luxury property, and while it is acknowledged that it is "not cheap," many guests find it to be "worth it" for the exceptional experience. Prices can vary significantly depending on the room type and season, with reported rates ranging from approximately €221 to over €1300 for suites. The average price for a weeknight can be around €656.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring criticisms have been noted. Some guests have found that certain rooms lack kettles for in-room tea and coffee. There are no full spa or fitness facilities directly on-site, though guests do have free access to an outdoor swimming pool at its sister hotel, La Villa Clarisse, located a five-minute walk away. One guest reported an issue with a room smelling of "bad plumbing/sewage," which was promptly resolved with an upgrade. Additionally, during the off-season, the on-site restaurant may be closed, which can be a disappointment if not communicated in advance.