Hôtel des Bains

Hôtel des Bains in Robertville, Belgium, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers guests a serene and luxurious retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Ardennes. While generally well-regarded for its exceptional setting and wellness facilities, guest experiences highlight both strong positives and areas for improvement.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hôtel des Bains is largely positive, with many guests describing their stays as relaxing and enjoyable. Booking.com shows an average rating of 8.0 ("Very Good") based on 133 reviews. Guests frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and luxurious amenities. However, some reviews indicate a mixed experience, particularly concerning service and additional costs.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Hôtel des Bains:

• Location & View: The hotel's position on the banks of Lake Robertville, offering stunning lake and garden views, is a major draw. Its proximity to the Hautes Fagnes Nature Park also appeals to nature lovers.
• Wellness & Spa: The Nuxe Spa, spanning 450 square meters, is a significant highlight, featuring an indoor heated pool (31°C) with hydromassage, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, and an outdoor infinity pool. Many consider the spa facilities exceptional and very clean.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's elegant design, with streamlined decor incorporating natural materials like wood and pebbles, creates a welcoming and intimate atmosphere.
• Dining: The on-site restaurant, O'LAGO, is frequently praised for its delicious and refined cuisine.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Hôtel des Bains are often described as stunning, spacious, and comfortable, with a highly personal ambiance. Many rooms offer fantastic lake views, and some include terraces. Accommodations are thoughtfully furnished, featuring premium bedding, minibars, safes, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. However, one guest noted a "very old-fashioned room" with stained curtains, suggesting some inconsistency in room quality.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hôtel des Bains generally receives high marks. The restaurant, O'LAGO, is celebrated for its tasty, delicious, and exceptional cuisine, with a focus on local flavors and international dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The breakfast is often described as varied, copious, and delicious, with some guests appreciating the "share concept" implemented to reduce waste. The coffee shop also offers a cozy spot for relaxation. Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, one review cited "deplorable service, very long waiting times between courses, tasteless food" for both dinner and breakfast.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is notably mixed. While some guests praise the "attentive and friendly staff," "welcoming hosts," and "super nice welcome and service," with specific mentions of "Olivier being a perfect host" in the restaurant, others report less positive interactions. Common criticisms include staff appearing "not interested," "not very welcoming," or lacking English language skills. One particular front desk experience was described as encountering an "arrogant and rude person." There were also instances where the manager was perceived as "blunt" during phone calls and difficulties finding staff for breakfast.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hôtel des Bains boasts an "absolute fabulous" location on the shore of Lake Robertville, offering direct access to its shaded grounds and stunning views. It is nestled at the foot of the Hautes Fagnes Nature Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The hotel is also conveniently located for those attending events at Spa F1. Free Wi-Fi and complimentary on-site parking are available.

7. Value & Pricing

With an average room price ranging from $201 to $250, Hôtel des Bains is positioned as a luxurious stay at competitive rates within Robertville. However, a significant point of contention among guests is the additional charge of approximately €25 per person to use the wellness and leisure facilities (indoor pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi). Many guests found this extra fee surprising and felt it made the overall stay "on the expensive side," especially when booking through third-party sites like Booking.com, where breakfast might also not be included.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Extra charge for wellness facilities: The €25 per person fee for spa access is a frequent complaint, as many guests expect it to be included in the room rate for a luxury property.
• Inconsistent staff service: While some staff are highly praised, a noticeable number of reviews mention unhelpful, unwelcoming, or even rude interactions with certain front desk personnel, and a lack of English proficiency.
• No in-room tea/coffee making facilities: This is a minor but recurring point of disappointment for some guests.
• Maintenance issues in wellness area: Occasional reports of facilities like the sauna being out of order, the jacuzzi not being hot enough, or the hammam lacking staff.
• Dining experience variability: While generally positive, one review noted very long waiting times and tasteless food at the restaurant.
• Breakfast not included: Guests booking through certain platforms like Booking.com have reported that breakfast was not included in their rate, leading to an additional cost.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. agoda.com
4. booking.com
5. michelin.com
6. robert-hotels.com
7. booking.com
8. robert-hotels.com
9. robert-hotels.com
10. booking.com
11. kayak.fr
12. weekendesk.be