Le Donjon - Domaine St-Clair

Le Donjon - Domaine St-Clair in Etretat, France, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its unique charm, stunning location, and exceptional culinary offerings. Housed within a 19th-century Anglo-Norman castle and a Belle Époque seaside villa, the hotel offers a distinctive and memorable stay on the heights of Étretat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Le Donjon - Domaine St-Clair is overwhelmingly positive, with an "excellent" rating based on numerous reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as charming, unique, and unforgettable, highlighting the property's French elegance and cozy, familial atmosphere. Review scores indicate particular satisfaction with the location (9.3), cleanliness (8.7), comfort (8.9), and staff (8.8).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of Le Donjon - Domaine St-Clair:

• Location & Views: The hotel's hillside position provides breathtaking views of Etretat and its famous cliffs, especially at sunset.
• Unique Design & Ambiance: The charm of the historic buildings, with their unique decor and intimate settings, is a major draw.
• Exceptional Dining: The presence of a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant is a significant highlight for many visitors.
• Amenities: A heated outdoor swimming pool, a spa with massage and beauty treatments, a sauna, a rooftop Jacuzzi with 360-degree views, and a library are highly appreciated.
• Hospitality: The staff's friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go "above and beyond" are frequently commended.

3. Room Quality

Le Donjon features 25 rooms, each uniquely decorated and often named after fictional characters or historical figures like Monet or Sarah Bernhardt, contributing to a distinctive and memorable stay. Rooms are described as beautiful, spacious, comfortable, and luxurious, with plush bedding. Many rooms offer private bathrooms with spa baths or jet showers. Amenities typically include flat-screen TVs, coffee machines (including Nespresso with pods), free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms, like the "Impératrice Eugénie" in the Grand Donjon tower, have been recently renovated (in 2021) and feature unique elements like a four-poster king-size bed and a balneotherapy bathtub. While the decor is not subtle, it contributes to the hotel's individual character.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel is renowned for its culinary offerings, featuring two distinct restaurants:

• Le Donjon (Gastronomic Restaurant): This Michelin-starred restaurant (awarded its first star in January 2021 and renewed in 2022) is led by Chef Killian Allain (formerly Gabin Bouguet and Rodolphe Pottier). It offers high-quality, inventive cuisine deeply rooted in the Cauchois terroir, specializing in fish, seafood, crustaceans, and local plants, often served as a "carte blanche" experience. The setting is elegant, with one dining room decorated by artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, and all offering views of the Channel.
• Racines (Bistrot du Donjon / Le Bistrot Saint Clair): This bistro, also recognized by Gault&Millau with 2 toques, provides friendly and gourmet cuisine, sometimes with Lebanese influences or weekend barbecue formats.

Breakfast is described as excellent and copious, with homemade and local products. However, some guests find the breakfast pricey, at around 25 euros.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the service and staff. They are described as friendly, professional, attentive, and incredibly helpful. Guests have reported staff going "above and beyond" to assist, such as helping with electric car charging. The team is noted for making guests feel welcome "as if you were at home."

6. Location & Accessibility

Le Donjon - Domaine St-Clair boasts an "unparalleled location" on a hillside overlooking Étretat. It offers stunning views of the town and cliffs. The hotel is conveniently located close to town, just a 5 to 12-minute walk from the city center, the beach, and attractions like the Etretat Casino and the famous cliffs. The Etretat Golf Club is also nearby. While the walk to town is generally manageable, some note it involves walking down a hill. Private parking is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific prices vary, Le Donjon - Domaine St-Clair is considered by some to be "a bit pricey for the value you get," though others highlight it as "affordable luxury" given its unique offerings. Room prices start from around 90-350 EUR, with suites ranging from 250-580 EUR. The buffet breakfast is an additional cost of 25 EUR. The overall sentiment suggests that the unique experience, high-quality dining, and excellent service often justify the cost for many guests.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues have been noted:

• Cleanliness: One guest reported discovering a swarm of ants, suggesting a potential lapse in cleaning from a previous guest's food.
• Room Styling: The eclectic and individual room decor, while a highlight for many, "may not be to everyone's tastes."
• Accessibility in Main Building: The main building has narrow stairs, which can make it challenging to bring luggage up, though staff assistance is available.
• Parking: Parking spaces can be limited.
• Breakfast Price: The breakfast, while excellent, is considered expensive by some.
• Wear and Tear: Some recent reviews mention that rooms and common areas show signs of wear and tear, and garden areas are not always immaculately maintained.

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