L'Hermitage Barrière
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Hotel Details
Location
L'Hermitage Barrière · La Baule, France
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Key Highlights
- ✓Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "exceptional," "very professional," and "exceptionally kind," ensuring that every request is met and making guests feel pampered.
Expert Review: L'Hermitage Barrière
L'Hermitage Barrière in La Baule, a prestigious hotel holding a Michelin Key selection, is widely lauded for its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and prime beachfront location. This 1920s Anglo-Norman architectural gem offers a luxurious retreat on France's Atlantic coast.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for L'Hermitage Barrière is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "grand hotel" providing an "exceptional service" and a "wonderful experience." It boasts a "Wonderful" rating of 9.3 out of 10 based on 107 reviews on Booking.com. Agoda also gives it an impressive overall rating of 8.6, highlighting its luxury and attention to detail. The hotel is considered a perfect place for holidays, offering a sense of calm and escape.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise several aspects of L'Hermitage Barrière:
- Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "exceptional," "very professional," and "exceptionally kind," ensuring that every request is met and making guests feel pampered.
- Location: Its phenomenal beachfront position offers direct access to the vast sandy beach of La Baule, with many rooms boasting stunning sea views. There's no road to cross, providing immediate tranquility.
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes "classic French charm" and "elegance," featuring tastefully decorated interiors and a recently renovated ambiance that blends tradition with modernity.
- Amenities: The extensive facilities include indoor and outdoor seawater pools, a world-class Augustinus Bader Spa (with sauna, steam room, and fitness center), multiple refined restaurants and bars, and complimentary access to tennis courts. Kids' Clubs are also available for families.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at L'Hermitage Barrière are highly regarded for their comfort and design. They are "incredibly well appointed" with "very comfortable beds" and "facilities of the highest quality." Designed by Chantal Peyrat, all rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar and cable TV. Guests frequently highlight the comfort of the beds and effective blackout blinds, contributing to an excellent night's sleep. Many rooms offer large terraces with breathtaking sea views. Room types range from Deluxe Double Rooms (25 sqm) to larger suites, featuring modern amenities, plush bedding, premium bedding, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, in-room safes, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Allergy-free rooms are also an option.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel offers a memorable culinary journey with several dining options:
- Restaurants:
- Le Ciro's La Baule: An elegant establishment facing the Atlantic Ocean, known for its refined seafood cuisine.
- Le Pavillon: Offers a chic, timeless setting with garden cuisine and grilled dishes, celebrating local products from the Guérande region. Vegetarian options are available.
- Breakfast: A "very good" and "comprehensive continental buffet breakfast" is served daily in a spacious dining room, often with the option of a pleasant outdoor terrace. It includes an omelet and egg station, a good selection of hot drinks, and juices. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the comfort of their room.
- Bars: The Bar Les Evens, located poolside, offers a salad bar and stays open until midnight. The main Bar de L'Hermitage provides a cozy ambiance with a black, white, and gold decor and often features piano music.
5. Service & Staff
The service at L'Hermitage Barrière consistently receives high praise, with staff noted for being "attentive," "polite," "helpful," and "communicative." Guests appreciate that their requests are respected and that staff provide excellent advice on family activities. The concierge team is dedicated and readily available to assist with any inquiries or arrangements. Valet parking service is also highlighted as being top-notch. Staff in the spa are also considered excellent. English and French are spoken.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a "phenomenal" and "ideal" location directly on the beachfront of La Baule, offering uninterrupted views and sounds of the sea. It provides direct access to the beach without needing to cross any roads, enhancing the serene atmosphere. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring La Baule's charm and its beaches, and guests can easily walk to various attractions within the town. It's also conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive from Pornichet and a 20-minute drive from Saint-Nazaire. Le Pouliguen Station is a 5-minute drive away. For travelers, airport transfer services and a secure car park are available, along with bicycles for rent. The property offers accessible fully equipped rooms, toilets, bathrooms, easy parking, and an accessible dining room.
7. Value & Pricing
While L'Hermitage Barrière is a luxury 5-star property, many guests feel it offers "luxury at an unbeatable value" considering the comprehensive experience. Agoda notes an average room price of around $353, which is higher than La Baule's average of $137, yet still perceived as excellent value. Booking.com rates its value for money at 8.3. Prices can fluctuate significantly with the seasons; August is typically the most expensive month with an average 19% price increase, while June offers the cheapest rates with an average 35% drop. Average weeknight rates have been observed around $552, with weekend nights averaging $745.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring minor issues have been noted:
- Air Conditioning: Some guests have reported that the air conditioning was not always sufficient on very hot nights, leading to rooms being quite warm. One instance even required a room relocation due to the heat.
- Water Pressure: A few guests mentioned that the water pressure in their rooms could be improved.
- Crowding: The pool area, especially during peak times, can sometimes feel crowded.
- Restaurant Availability: On occasion, the main hotel restaurant might be closed, potentially limiting dining options on-site.
- Breakfast Room Atmosphere: One review noted that the breakfast room felt less "personal" compared to the nearby Royal Barrière.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring minor issues have been noted:
Google Reviews
1,092 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Tobiah Tayo Photography
As a destination wedding photographer, I love travelling to capture weddings in some of the most beautiful locations, and the Hermitage Hotel in La Baule is truly one of the best. Situated right on the seafront, it combines wonderful French elegance with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. It truly was a delight to photograph at this amazing venue. The Hermitage is especially suited to couples dreaming...
Response from the owner
Dear Mr.,<br><br>Thank you so much for your wonderful words and for highlighting the unique charm of the Hermitage. <br>We are delighted that you enjoyed photographing weddings here and that our setti...
carla soldera
Amazing service. Great location on the beach. Great food, overall incredible experience.
Response from the owner
Dear Madam,<br><br>Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!<br><br>We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our amazing service, the beautiful beachfront location, and the delicious food. It make...
Kathy Denier
Oh I can’t say enough of this great hotel located in the beautiful town of La Baule on the Brittaney coast. If you are lucky enough to stay here even for a night or two it will be an experience that you won’t forget.. the beautiful guest rooms and the impeccable service from all the staff is just so great., this hotel closes in the winter so you can stay here in the spring summer or fall.. we had ...
Response from the owner
Dear Ms. XXX, Dear Mr. XXX, Dear Guest,<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback following your recent stay.<br><br>Please know that we have already shared your comments with our te...
Leonardo Weiss Chaves
The hotel is beautiful and the staff is very good. However, my experience at the sauna was far below expectations: the resting room is dark and far away from the pool. Most importantly, there is nothing to drink! I ended up drinking tap water from a tea cup to quench my thirst. Also, some magazines in the resting room would be nice.
Response from the owner
Dear Leonardo Weiss Chaves,<br>We are pleased to see that you enjoyed our hotel and our staff. We are sorry about your experience at the sauna. We offer tea in our resting room.<br>We took note of you...
Jeff Franzen
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of La Baule, Hotel Barriere Le Royal offers an unparalleled experience blending elegance, impeccable service, and breathtaking views. From the moment you arrive, the warmth of the staff envelops you, making you feel at home. The concierge, in particular, stands out with their exceptional attention to detail and personalized recommendations, elevating your st...
Response from the owner
Dear Mister Jeff Franzen, <br><br>We are delighted to your experience was an exceptionnal moment.<br>All your beautiful compliment wil be transmitted at Hôtel Barriere le Royal La Baule.<br>We look fo...
Nicolas Renaud
Very nice hotel to relax with the family. You will especially enjoy the kids club that organise many activities and is included in the room charge. A pity they don t accept anyone younger than 4. Pool is nice and access to the beach really easy. Staff was quite friendly and helpful.
Response from the owner
Dear Nicolas Renaud,<br><br>Thank you for your kind review following your stay at our hotel.<br><br>I am delighted that you appreciated the quality of our staff and services.<br><br>We sincerely look ...
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