Le Sanglier des Ardennes

Le Sanglier des Ardennes in Durbuy, Belgium, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely praised for offering a luxurious and memorable experience in the heart of "the smallest city in the world." Following significant renovations in April 2018, the hotel expertly blends historic charm with modern amenities and sophisticated design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Le Sanglier des Ardennes is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "excellent" or "superb." Review platforms show scores like 8.6 out of 10 based on over 1,500 reviews, with high marks for location (9.5), cleanliness (9.1), comfort (9.1), and staff (9.2). Guests often describe their stays as magnificent, perfect, and unforgettable, expressing a strong desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several outstanding features of Le Sanglier des Ardennes:

• Location: Its prime position in the peaceful center of Durbuy, overlooking the medieval castle and the River Ourthe, is a major draw.
• Dining: The hotel's diverse gastronomic offerings, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, are a significant highlight.
• Service & Staff: The friendliness, kindness, and attentiveness of the staff are frequently commended.
• Wellness Facilities: The extensive spa and wellness center, complete with a sauna, hot tub, steam room, and even a covered outdoor jacuzzi with castle views, is a beloved amenity.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's successful blend of modern decor with rustic charm, often featuring stylish details like well-designed wine cellar entrances and panoramic windows, contributes to its unique appeal.

3. Room Quality

Rooms and suites at Le Sanglier des Ardennes are described as modern, beautifully designed, and very comfortable. They often feature contemporary neutral decor with thoughtful touches like animal print textiles or designer toiletries. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, comfortable beds (including quality superior bedding and memory foam mattresses in some suites), and lavish, spa-like bathrooms, sometimes equipped with separate rainfall showers. Many rooms boast panoramic views of the river, castle, or the picturesque town.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Le Sanglier des Ardennes is a major draw, with four distinct gastronomic restaurants.

• Le Grand Verre: This restaurant, led by Chef Wout Bru, has been awarded a Michelin star for its inventive and refined cuisine, presented in a "surreal" setting.
• La Bru'sserie: Offers a convivial atmosphere with dishes inspired by global cuisines, including Asian, Spanish, and South American influences.
• Le Wagyu: Specializes in high-quality meat cuts, renowned for their tenderness and unique flavors, served in an elegant setting.
• L'Orangerie: Provides a bright and refined setting, serving a generous breakfast buffet with local flavors. It also transforms into a tea room and hosts the "Brunch du Sanglier" on Sundays.
• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is frequently described as "succulent," "excellent," and "delicious," with a wide variety of choices. While some guests find it a bit pricey, its quality is consistently praised. The hotel also boasts a very good wine list.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Le Sanglier des Ardennes consistently receive high praise. Guests frequently use words like "friendly," "kind," "attentive," "professional," and "efficient" to describe the team. Many reviewers highlight the staff's efforts to communicate in various languages, even if not perfectly fluent in Dutch, demonstrating their dedication to guest satisfaction. Personalized attentions are also noted as a pleasant touch, making for a very welcoming experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Le Sanglier des Ardennes boasts an exceptional location in Durbuy, often referred to as "the smallest city in the world." It's situated in the peaceful center, offering immediate access to Durbuy's charming cobblestone streets, the medieval castle, and views of the River Ourthe. The area is perfect for leisurely strolls and is a hub for various outdoor activities such as forest walks, kayaking on the river, cycling, and even golf, with two 18-hole golf courses nearby. Adventure Valley Durbuy, a large indoor and outdoor adventure park, is also within walking distance or a short drive. The hotel also offers services like bicycle rental and valet parking.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary depending on the season and room type, guests generally consider Le Sanglier des Ardennes to offer good value, especially given its luxurious offerings, prime location, and high-quality services. Some reviews mention that while the breakfast is excellent, it can be a bit pricey. The hotel offers various packages, including "Stay & Dine" options that combine accommodation with dining experiences, which can provide better overall value. One review, however, mentioned a high price for a night without breakfast, coupled with minor inconveniences, leading to a perception of poor value for money at that specific instance.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms, though less frequent, include:

• Noise: One review noted poor soundproofing in rooms, particularly given the price.
• Breakfast Price: As mentioned, while the breakfast is highly praised for its quality, some guests find it expensive.
• Minor Service Lapses (historical): An older review from 2021 noted minor inconsistencies in service during the initial rollout of a "butler service" concept, such as forgetting cutlery or topping up glasses, but acknowledged these were likely teething issues.
• Twin Mattresses: One guest specifically mentioned a double bed consisting of two mattresses that tended to separate, causing discomfort.

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