L'Hermitage Gantois

L'Hermitage Gantois, a Michelin Key Selected property in Lille, France, offers a unique blend of 15th-century historical grandeur and contemporary design. Housed in a former hospice, the hotel strives to provide a luxurious experience, though guest feedback indicates a mix of exceptional highlights and some areas for improvement.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for L'Hermitage Gantois is largely positive, with an average overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Marriott and a "Very Good" score of 8.4 out of 10 from over 1,200 reviews on Booking.com. Guests often praise the hotel's unique historical ambiance and friendly staff. However, some reviews suggest that while charming, certain aspects may not fully align with the expectations of a 5-star luxury property.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of L'Hermitage Gantois:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's historic 15th-century building, a former hospice, creates a unique, chateau-like atmosphere with a blend of old architecture and modern design elements, including Louis XV oak panels and contemporary furniture by designers like Philippe Starck. The glass-roofed courtyard, serving as a bar, is particularly appreciated.
• Service: The staff is frequently described as friendly, polite, attentive, and helpful.
• Location: Its central position in Lille is a major draw, offering easy access to the city center, La Grand Place, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Old Town.
• Amenities: The "Spa by Hermitage Gantois," featuring an indoor pool and hammam, is a significant highlight for many guests seeking relaxation. A library and a well-equipped fitness center are also available.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers various room types, including Standard, Superior, Privilege, Executive, and Hermitage Suites, ranging from approximately 20m² to 40m². Rooms aim to combine historical charm with modern comfort, featuring amenities like air conditioning, minibars, private bathrooms, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms overlook the quiet courtyard gardens, contributing to a sense of calm.

• Comfort: Beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable and supportive, with a generous supply of pillows.
• Design: Rooms showcase a mix of Louis XV style oak paneling with ultra-contemporary furniture. Some rooms feature original historical elements like fireplaces or beams. Bathrooms often boast Carrara marble.
• Criticisms: Some guests have found room lighting to be too subdued. There are also mentions of outdated or uncomfortable plastic chairs in some rooms. Certain rooms, especially those "under the eaves," can be small and cold, and some bathrooms have been criticized for dim lighting, poor water pressure, or inconvenient layouts, such as the toilet being far from the sink.

4. Dining Experience

L'Hermitage Gantois offers a diverse culinary experience:

• L'Estaminet Gantois: This brasserie serves regional cuisine from Northern France in a relaxed and warm setting, often accompanied by local beers.
• Gourmet Restaurant: The hotel also features a gourmet restaurant offering seasonal dishes.
• Bar L'Hermitage: Located under the glass roof, it's a popular spot for coffee, tea, and evening cocktails, transforming into a piano bar at night.
• Breakfast: A buffet breakfast is available daily, with the option for in-room dining. While generally good with healthy choices, some guests have noted it might not meet the expectations of a 5-star hotel and the dining room can become crowded during peak times.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at L'Hermitage Gantois consistently receives high praise for their politeness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The service staff at the bar and concierge are often specifically mentioned for being kind and genuinely helpful. Occasional feedback points to some disorganization or perceived annoyance from reception staff during busy periods, particularly regarding room readiness or late check-outs.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an excellent, central location in Lille.

• Attractions: It's a short walk (around 5-15 minutes) to major sights such as La Grand Place, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Opéra de Lille, and the charming Old Town. The Zenith Arena and Grand Palais Exhibition Center are also within a 5-minute walk.
• Transport: L'Hermitage Gantois is conveniently located near public transport. The Mairie de Lille metro station is just 5 minutes on foot, and both Lille Flandres (15 minutes walk) and Lille Europe train stations (0.7 miles away) are easily accessible. Valet parking is also available.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing for rooms at L'Hermitage Gantois can vary, with average weeknight prices around $249 and weekend nights around $281, though prices can drop significantly in low season (October) and rise considerably in high season (July). While some guests consider it worth the cost for the historical experience and service, others feel the value for money is lower for a 5-star hotel (rated 3.9/5 for value on Marriott). Issues such as small rooms or specific bathroom shortcomings have led some to find the stay disappointing for the price.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, recurring criticisms include:

• Room Issues: Some rooms, especially those located under the eaves, can be small, cold, and have subdued lighting. Bathroom design has been a point of contention, with complaints about poor water pressure, dim lighting, and inconvenient layouts (e.g., toilet being separated from the sink by a living area).
• Cleanliness: Some reviews have pointed out issues with cleanliness.
• Outdated Facilities: While historic, some areas or aspects of the hotel are perceived as "tired" or outdated.
• Breakfast Experience: Despite good quality, the breakfast room can feel small and overwhelmed, leading to queues during busy times.
• Spa Amenities: A lack of certain expected 5-star spa amenities like a sauna has been noted in some older reviews, though the hotel's website and more recent reviews confirm a hammam and indoor pool.
• Inconsistent Service: While staff are generally excellent, some guests have experienced minor inconsistencies at reception, particularly regarding timely room availability or minibar restocking.

Sources

1. hotelhermitagegantois.com
2. hotelhermitagegantois.com
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. marriott.com
7. thehigherflyer.com
8. kayak.com
9. travelguys.fr
10. hotelsinlille.com