LILOU

LILOU, Hyères: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Design and Serenity

LILOU in Hyères, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its exquisite design, exceptional service, and prime location. Guests frequently describe the hotel as a beautifully renovated and stylish retreat, offering a tranquil and sophisticated experience in the heart of Hyères.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of "Fabulous" (8.9 on Booking.com) and "Exceptional" (9.0 on Priceline). Guests frequently use words like "beautiful," "amazing decor," "lovely," and "outstanding service" to describe their stays, highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction and a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of LILOU:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's interior is a significant draw, described as "very pretty," "gorgeous colours," "serene," and featuring "amazing decor" from the lobby to the restaurant and courtyard. The design, led by Studio Haddou-Dufourcq, seamlessly blends 19th-century elegance with contemporary elements, incorporating geometric lines, rattan furnishings, and glossy poplar burl wood accents. The hotel has a relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful interior and outdoor space, including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a lush garden.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives exceptionally high ratings (9.5 for staff on Booking.com) and is frequently mentioned as a key highlight. Guests commend the team for being "very good," "helpful," "kind," "welcoming," "attentive," and "professional."
• Location: The hotel boasts a "super centric" and "perfectly located" position in Hyères city center.
• Amenities: Key amenities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, a bar, and private parking.

3. Room Quality

LILOU offers 37 rooms across four themes, each designed to evoke a "feutrée et intimiste" (cozy and intimate) atmosphere. Rooms are well-appointed with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, soundproofing, and complimentary WiFi. Modern amenities include a work desk and coffee machine. Bathrooms are tiled from floor to ceiling, featuring 1930s-style ceramic basins, geometric patterns, and luxury Diptyque toiletries.

Design elements vary, with some rooms showcasing reimagined ornate ceiling moldings as geometric lines, textured trellis patterns, and arched doorways referencing Moorish architecture. Comfort is a recurring theme, with mentions of "comfortable beds" and "gorgeous bathrooms." Room sizes range from Classic Rooms at 161 sq ft (15 m²) to Superior Rooms at 183 sq ft (17 m²) and Junior Suites at 323 sq ft (30 m²). A distinctive feature is the intentional absence of televisions in the rooms, encouraging guests to disconnect and engage with their surroundings.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, which receives positive feedback for its "delicious" food. Brunch is available on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and dinner is served daily from 7 PM to 11 PM.

Breakfast, though not included in the room rate, is served in the restaurant from 7 AM to 10 AM and offers continental, buffet, and gluten-free options, often featuring local products. Many guests praise the "great breakfast" and the staff serving it. The hotel also boasts a "wonderful" bar, described as a "cocon" (cocoon), offering a selection of wines and cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at LILOU is consistently highlighted as a strong point, with staff receiving an impressive 9.5 rating for performance on Booking.com. Guests repeatedly praise the team's friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Comments include "very good service," "very helpful people everywhere," "kind staff," "all so welcoming," "attentive staff," and "professional." The 24-hour reception ensures guests are always well-cared for, regardless of their arrival time.

6. Location & Accessibility

LILOU is ideally situated at 7 Boulevard Pasteur in the city center of Hyères. This central location makes it "super centric" and "perfectly located" for exploring local attractions. It's a short walk (about 5 minutes) from the Casino des Palmiers and near the Church of Saint-Louis. The Villa Noailles Art Centre is less than 1 km away.

For transport, the hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from Toulon - Hyères Airport and the Hyères-Les-Palmiers train station. Toulon train station is a 25-minute drive away. Buses, taxis, and car hire services are readily available in Hyères, and the hotel staff can assist with reservations. Private, secure parking is available on-site, though spaces are limited and incur a charge of €25 per night.

7. Value & Pricing

The value for money at LILOU is generally rated well (8.7 on Booking.com). While specific room rates fluctuate, the hotel is positioned as an upscale boutique experience. Some guests note that the breakfast and private parking, though convenient, can be considered a bit expensive. For example, parking is €25 per night.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues have been noted:

• Room Size & Storage: Some guests found classic rooms to be "very small" with limited space for luggage or hanging clothes.
• Pricing of Extras: The cost of breakfast and private parking is occasionally mentioned as being on the higher side.
• Noise & Atmosphere: Guests with terrace rooms have reported loud construction noise during the day. Additionally, some noted a quiet atmosphere during the first week of September, suggesting it might be less lively during off-peak times.
• No Televisions: While a deliberate design choice to promote "disconnection," the absence of televisions in rooms might be a point of contention for some guests accustomed to this amenity.

Sources

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