Le Manoir du Lys
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Hotel Details
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Le Manoir du Lys · Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, France
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Key Highlights
- ✓Yvon Lebailly, the Head Sommelier, curates an exceptional wine cellar with a list of 700 wines (or 650 references and 10,000 bottles), guiding guests to perfect pairings.
Expert Review: Le Manoir du Lys
Le Manoir du Lys, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the serene Andaines Forest of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, France, offers guests an exquisite blend of luxury, gourmet dining, and tranquility. This 4-star hotel, part of The Originals Relais, is celebrated for its warm, family-owned atmosphere and deep connection to nature.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Le Manoir du Lys is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "wonderful" and an "excellent retreat." It boasts high scores for staff (9.7), comfort (9.3), and cleanliness (9.3) from numerous reviews. The sentiment leans towards a peaceful, elegant, and comfortable sanctuary where guests can truly unwind and embrace the French "art de vivre."
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Le Manoir du Lys:
- Michelin-Starred Restaurant: The 1-Michelin star restaurant, led by Chef Franck Quinton, is a major draw, celebrated for its inventive and regional cuisine with a focus on local and forest-inspired ingredients, especially mushrooms.
- Forest Location: The hotel's idyllic setting within the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park provides a tranquil backdrop, offering opportunities for nature walks, cycling, and observing wildlife.
- Family Hospitality: The Quinton family's genuine warmth and personalized service create a welcoming "family home" atmosphere, making guests feel truly special.
- Amenities: The property offers both indoor and seasonal outdoor swimming pools, a garden, rooftop terrace, gym, and tennis courts, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and activity.
3. Room Quality
The 29 rooms and suites at Le Manoir du Lys are designed to be intimate and cozy, blending traditional French charm with modern amenities. Each room and suite has a unique atmosphere and refined décor, with some offering a terrace or views of the orchard. Guests have reported "very comfortable rooms with large bathrooms" and often mention the presence of deep soaking tubs and amenities like coffee machines. Privilege rooms are typically located on the first floor and are well-equipped, starting from 20-25 m².
4. Dining Experience
The culinary experience at Le Manoir du Lys is a significant highlight. The hotel's restaurant, awarded a Michelin star since 1998, is under the direction of Chef Franck Quinton. Chef Quinton's cuisine is described as inventive, regional, and deeply inspired by the surrounding Andaine forest, with a particular mastery of mushroom dishes, showcasing over 70 different varieties. He champions local produce, sourcing ingredients from within a few dozen kilometers. The dishes are praised for their delicate, appetizing nature, perfect balance of textures and flavors, and elegant presentation.
Yvon Lebailly, the Head Sommelier, curates an exceptional wine cellar with a list of 700 wines (or 650 references and 10,000 bottles), guiding guests to perfect pairings.
Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with guests mentioning it as "very good with plenty of items prepared in-house" and available as a delicious buffet or a breakfast basket featuring homemade pastries and local produce. The restaurant is closed on Mondays for lunch and dinner.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Le Manoir du Lys consistently receives high praise, with a staff rating of 9.7. Guests frequently highlight the "exceptionally pleasant and helpful" nature of the staff. The personal touches and attentive service, fostered by the family ownership, contribute to a memorable and welcoming experience where guests feel like part of the family.
6. Location & Accessibility
Le Manoir du Lys enjoys an "exceptional location" in the heart of the Andaine Forest, within the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. It offers a peaceful and secluded retreat, yet is only a short, picturesque drive (around 5 minutes) from the town center of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, known for its Belle Époque architecture and thermal spas. The hotel is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes from Paris and about an hour from Mont Saint Michel, making it a convenient base for exploring Normandy's hidden treasures. Nearby attractions include Carrouges Château (25 km), the "Suisse Normande" area (30 km), and Le Haras du Pin (50 km). The hotel provides free self-parking and an electric vehicle charging station, as well as a shuttle service to the railway station.
7. Value & Pricing
While not considered "cheap," guests often state that the experience at Le Manoir du Lys is "worth every penny." The value is perceived to be high given the quality of the accommodation, the Michelin-starred dining, and the overall serene experience. Room rates for a double room can range from €155 to €325, with family rooms from €195 to €325. Breakfast is an additional charge, approximately €28 for adults. A city tax of around €2.20 per person per night also applies.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring points can be noted:
- Restaurant Closure: The Michelin-starred restaurant is closed on Monday for both lunch and dinner, which can be inconvenient for guests arriving or staying on a Monday, especially given the hotel's somewhat secluded location. One guest mentioned no other food options were available on site on a Monday.
- Service Speed (Restaurant): One review mentioned a wait of over an hour for the first course in the restaurant, though the food itself was highly praised.
- Outdoor Spaces for Children: The property advises that outdoor spaces like balconies and terraces may not be suitable for children, and encourages guests to contact them to confirm suitable room accommodations if they have concerns.
Sources
Google Reviews
551 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Almost Vintage
Room was very hot, very small and stuffy. No fan and no air conditioning. No window to open, only a door, couldn’t leave open at night. First night, the food was fine, second evening unfortunately, the protein element was rubbery. Outside terrace and grounds quite pretty.
Response from the owner
Dear Almost Vintage,<br><br>Thank you for sharing your insights. We're sorry for the discomfort caused by the room conditions.<br>Your observations about the outdoor spaces are appreciated.<br><br>À t...
Paul
A bit pricey but try to forget that and enjoy the experience. Great food and lovely staff.
Response from the owner
Dear Paul,<br><br>Thank you for your kind words!<br>We’re delighted that you enjoyed both the food and the service. Your appreciation means a lot to the entire team.<br><br>We hope to have the pleasur...
Gaye Brown
We spent Christmas at the Manoir and it was terrific! Comfortable and well appointed but not opulent which made it very relaxed. The staff were All charming and fun! Food terrific! And wine even more so! Nothing to do but ENJOY!
Response from the owner
Hello Mrs Brown,<br>We thank you so much for your review.<br>We hope to see you back in Le Manoir du Lys.<br>Kind regards,<br>The front desk.<br>
Merel van den Boomen
The rooms exceeded all our expectations, the staff was superb and the restaurant, oh la la c'était vraiment bien! What a great stay, we'll find a reason to come back
Response from the owner
Thank you so much for this wonderful message.<br>We’re delighted that the rooms, the team and the restaurant all exceeded your expectations. Finding a reason to come back? Don’t worry — we’ll have the...
Mike Nutter
A fabulous hotel & restaurant, set in a forest close to a championship golf course . Family run by the Michelin starred chef , and the service is truly excellent and friendly. The tasting menu is an absolute treat!
Response from the owner
Hello Mr Nutter,<br><br>thank you for your nice message.<br>Hope to see you back in Le Manoir du Lys.<br><br>Kind regards,<br>Vincent, front office manager.
Steve Stiles
We stayed here on our way back to Caen to get the ferry. Great service by the staff and great food. Although don't expect a normal restaurant menu,as the food is very fancy and served as a work of art (very french) . The rooms have been upgraded after our last visit. They are clean and tidy , although we had a door which went through to an adjoining room ,which when the people returned from a wedd...
Response from the owner
Hello Mr. Stiles,<br>Thank you for your positive feedback.<br>We look forward to welcoming you back to Manoir du Lys.<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Vincent, Accommodation Manager.
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