Les Bois Flottais
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Les Bois Flottais · Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, France
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Expert Review: Les Bois Flottais
A Charming Seaside Retreat: Les Bois Flottais, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré (Michelin Guide Selected)
Nestled between the golden beaches and the charming village of Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré on the picturesque Île de Ré, Les Bois Flottais offers a delightful and tranquil escape. This family-run hotel, recognized in the prestigious Michelin Guide, is celebrated for its blend of comfort, local charm, and attentive service, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Les Bois Flottais consistently receives high praise, boasting an excellent guest satisfaction rating, with an average of 9.0/10 based on 349 reviews, and an 8.9 "Fabulous" or "Excellent" rating from 335 reviews on Booking.com. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently highlighting the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and peaceful environment.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Les Bois Flottais:
- Service & Staff: The warm, friendly, and accommodating staff receive exceptionally high marks, with a service rating of 9.3. Guests appreciate their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile.
- Location: The hotel's prime location, midway between the village center and a blue-flag beach (just a 5-minute walk from both), is a major draw. It offers easy access to local attractions, lively markets, and stunning landscapes.
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes a rustic-chic beach decor with natural hues, vaulted wood ceilings, and white stucco and terracotta cottages encircling the pools. This creates a tranquil and charming atmosphere that captures the soul of Île de Ré.
- Amenities: Two heated outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness center with a steam room and massage cabin, and bicycle rentals are highly appreciated amenities. Private parking is also available.
3. Room Quality
The air-conditioned rooms at Les Bois Flottais are described as comfortable, clean, and charming, reflecting the island's style with pastel colors and high-quality materials. Each room is unique, with some offering wicker armchairs, bathtubs, lofted sleeping areas, or private patios. Rooms are primarily on the ground floor, often opening onto the swimming pool or overlooking a private courtyard. Guests frequently comment on the spaciousness of the rooms and comfortable beds. While generally praised, some guests noted that the air conditioning is cooled through the flooring, and a fan might be provided, which some found misleading. Room sizes vary, with Junior Double Rooms at 12 sq m and Classic Double Rooms at 14 sq m.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel's on-site restaurant, Bistrot Côte et Homard, is a significant highlight, specializing in locally sourced, seasonal products like fresh fish, Limousin or Salers beef, and Breton or Canadian lobsters. The food quality is consistently rated as excellent, with many non-guests also visiting the restaurant. Breakfast, served homemade on the terrace or in the dining room, is highly rated (guest review score: 8.5) and includes continental and buffet options, with provisions for dietary needs like gluten-free bread.
5. Service & Staff
The hospitality at Les Bois Flottais is a standout feature. Guests frequently praise the staff for being warm, friendly, accommodating, attentive, and helpful, receiving a remarkable score of 9.3 for service. They are noted for making guests feel appreciated and at home, contributing significantly to a positive stay. However, one isolated comment mentioned a young lady at reception being less welcoming and approachable.
6. Location & Accessibility
Les Bois Flottais enjoys an enviable location on Île de Ré, situated perfectly between the village of Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré and its beautiful blue-flag beaches. The area is quiet, offering easy access to the beach, local markets, and other restaurants within a short walk. The island itself is a paradise for cyclists, boasting 110 km of safe cycling paths to explore villages, hamlets, and natural landscapes. Water sports enthusiasts will also find opportunities for sailing, kayaking, surfing, and kite-surfing nearby.
7. Value & Pricing
Guests generally consider the hotel to offer good value for money, scoring 8.8. Some guests even highlighted specific packages, such as a €50 deal including a 3-course meal and breakfast, as brilliant value. However, budget-conscious travelers might find the rates "a bit steep," especially during peak season. Private parking is available for an additional €7 per day.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:
- Noise: One guest reported noise from the kitchen and restaurant in a room located nearby, particularly in the early morning and evening.
- Air Conditioning Clarification: The cooling system through the flooring, described as air conditioning, sometimes required a supplementary fan, which some guests found misleading.
- Single-Story Layout Preference: For guests who prefer high-rise accommodations with sweeping views, the hotel's single-story layout might not be ideal.
In summary, Les Bois Flottais stands out as a highly recommended Michelin Guide Selected property on Île de Ré, offering a serene and elegant stay with exceptional service, delicious local cuisine, and a prime location for exploring the island's charms.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:
Google Reviews
351 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Peter Walsh
We stayed here for the first week of September, our fifth consecutive year. The hotel’s location makes it a firm favourite for guests due to the very close proximity to the beach and the village centre. Rooms are tastefully decorated and cleaned every day. There are two pools on site. There is breakfast available every morning and there is also a lovely restaurant which opens every evening except ...
Rachel Jones
I have lost count of the times we’ve stayed at the beautiful Le Bois Flottais. Over the years, it has provided a wonderfully relaxing and comfortable base from which to explore Ile de Ré. The hotel is very conveniently located both for popping into the village (fabulous daily market, boutiques and cafes) and just a stones throw from the beach. But with 2 swimming pools to lounge around, you may ju...
Marietta Pinto
Had a divine experience, extending my stay. The room was wonderful and food in the restaurant totally delicious. All at a price that was totally acceptable. Can’t wait for my next visit. A very satisfied customer. Marietta Pinto-Hayes
Robin Normington
Warm welcome with efficient and friendly service. Located close to the beach in a quiet area. Fantastic food in the bistro. Rooms very comfortable, very clean and peaceful. Our fourth stay - planning our next visit.
Mark White
We wanted to stay for a few days on Il de Re and enjoy the beaches, and chose LBF as it had very good reviews, for the restaurant also, was only a short walk to the beach. We were not disappointed and made to feel very welcome by all the staff. There are two secure parking sites, one at the hotel and one for larger vehicles two minutes’ walk away. The breakfast selection was very good, and the e...
H M
A lovely hotel with a relaxing atmosphere. Very clean and good service with a nice pool. There are bikes to take for the day which are very handy as bikes are the best way to travel in Île de Ré. It is also one of the best restaurants in the area - I highly recommend if you like seafood!
IHG
