Le Relais Bernard Loiseau

Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu, France, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional hospitality, exquisite dining, and luxurious amenities. It is widely regarded as a destination that offers a truly special and memorable stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Le Relais Bernard Loiseau is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their experiences as "wonderful" and "exceptional." The hotel scores an impressive 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com, with comfort and staff receiving a high rating of 9.8. The Michelin Guide awards it "One MICHELIN Key – A very special stay," reflecting a guest score of 19.1 out of 20. Many guests highlight it as a "magical and timeless place" where well-being takes on its full meaning.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Le Relais Bernard Loiseau:

• Service: The staff is frequently described as "wonderful," "attentive and helpful," and "au petit soin" (very caring). Guests often feel treated as valued, frequent visitors.
• Amenities: The "Villa Loiseau des Sens" spa is a major highlight, considered one of the finest in Europe, offering multisensorial and delight experiences across 1500 square meters, including 10 treatment cabins and a VIP spa suite. The property also boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a library, and a billiards room.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes "traditional elegance & quiet" with "discreet luxury" that celebrates local culture. The rooms are elegantly decorated, often featuring Burgundian terracotta tiles, stone fireplaces, and antique woodwork, balanced with contemporary comfort. The breakfast room itself is a listed historical monument.
• Gardens: The "glorious gardens" and attractive outdoor spaces provide a serene backdrop, with dining rooms offering panoramic views.

3. Room Quality

Le Relais Bernard Loiseau offers 33 to 34 "spacious and luxurious" rooms and suites, each individually designed and decorated. These range from standard rooms to opulent junior suites and King Suites, varying in size from 25 to 75 square meters. Many accommodations feature balconies or terraces with views over the central garden. Comfort is paramount, with amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms (some equipped with whirlpool tubs), minibars, flat-screen TVs, and iPads. Some suites also boast fireplaces and separate living rooms, contributing to a "cocooning style."

4. Dining Experience

The culinary experience at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau is a cornerstone of its reputation. The flagship restaurant, La Côte d'Or, holds two Michelin stars and is renowned for its creative French gastronomy.

• Restaurant La Côte d'Or: Under the leadership of Chef Louis-Philippe Vigilant (following in the footsteps of Bernard Loiseau and Patrick Bertron), the cuisine emphasizes "frank and marked tastes," "gourmet sauces," and the authenticity of exceptional local products, often featuring innovative land-sea pairings. Classic Bernard Loiseau dishes, such as frogs' legs with parsley coulis and garlic purée, remain on the menu. Pastry Chef Lucile Vigilant crafts desserts focused on authenticity, less sugar, and delightful textural contrasts. The dining rooms offer panoramic views of the beautiful gardens. There is also a second restaurant, Loiseau des Sens, which is an organic restaurant located within the spa. Additionally, a bistro, Loiseau du Morvan, celebrates regional classics.
• Breakfast: While generally considered good, some guests suggest there is room for improvement given the overall quality of the establishment. Some reviewers have noted that items like eggs come at an additional cost, despite a potentially high breakfast fee. However, other guests have described the breakfast as "copieux et excellent" (hearty and excellent).
• Other Dining: Room service is highly praised, with one guest even calling the French fries the "best ever." The wine cellar is impressive, offering a vast selection, and the sommelier is highly knowledgeable.
• Pricing: Tasting menus at La Côte d'Or range from approximately €155 to €310, with à la carte starters from €52-€85, main courses from €70-€120, and desserts from €25-€32. A cheaper lunch-only menu is available at around €70.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau receive consistent acclaim. Guests frequently highlight the "attentive and helpful staff" and "excellent service." Many appreciate the genuine warmth and professionalism, noting that the personnel are "au petit soin" and go above and beyond, even extending to the personal attention of Dominique Loiseau. Valet parking is also available.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is nestled in Saulieu, a charming and historically rich town located in the heart of the picturesque Burgundy region, within the Morvan Nature Park. It is conveniently situated roughly halfway between Paris and Lyon, about an hour's drive from Dijon. While Saulieu itself is described as a "sleepy commune" by some, offering a peaceful and authentic French experience, it provides a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Nearby attractions include the Château de Chailly golf course, located about 20 minutes away, and the famous Burgundy wine route, with options for hot air balloon or plane tours over the vineyards.

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel receives a "value for money" rating of 8.4 on Booking.com. While the average room price hovers around $453, and some guests feel the room rates can be "exaggerated despite its quality", the overall luxurious experience and the inclusion of top-tier amenities like the spa and Michelin-starred dining are factors to consider. Exclusive packages, such as the "Expérience Remarquable," can be priced at €1365 for two people, reflecting the comprehensive and high-end offerings.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Breakfast: Some guests feel the breakfast, while good, could be enhanced to match the hotel's luxury standard, with specific mentions of eggs sometimes being an extra charge.
• Local Area: Saulieu, the town where the hotel is located, has been described by some as "a little dull" for those seeking more lively surrounding attractions, though its charm is also noted.
• Service Hours: A minor point of critique was the lack of late-night room service for simple requests like tea.
• Staff Formality: A few guests found some staff members to be slightly too formal, wishing for a more natural interaction.
• Maintenance: One reviewer mentioned perceived minor issues with exterior maintenance, such as the pool and balcony doors.
• Wi-Fi: An observation was made regarding unsecured Wi-Fi.
• Restaurant Taste: One isolated comment suggested the restaurant's food was "more flashy than tasty."

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