Maison d'Anthouard

Maison d'Anthouard, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque and upscale suburb of Ecully, France, offers a blend of 17th-century charm and modern luxury. This boutique hotel, with its 16 rooms, is recognized for adapting classic architecture for contemporary hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Maison d'Anthouard is highly positive, with guests frequently praising its charm and impeccable service. Review platforms show impressive ratings, including an 8.7 overall rating on Agoda, an 8.1 on Booking.com, and 7.8/10 on TheFork for its restaurant. The hotel is lauded for its elegance, sophistication, and a truly relaxing experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, combining traditional building elements with a modern approach. The atmosphere is described as aristocratic yet unintimidating.
• Service: Impeccable and attentive service is a recurring theme in positive reviews.
• Amenities: The property boasts beautiful gardens and a terrace, ideal for relaxation or dining al fresco. It offers good, secure parking and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
• Cleanliness: High scores for cleanliness attest to the hotel's attention to detail.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed upon request, making it suitable for guests traveling with their furry companions.

3. Room Quality

Maison d'Anthouard's 16 rooms and suites are described as well-appointed, comfortable, and stylishly designed. They feature tasteful decor and luxurious amenities, promising a memorable stay.

• Variety: Room categories include "Business" (160x200 cm double bed) with chic black and white decor and courtyard views, "Junior Suites" (32 sq meters) featuring soft green hues, king-size beds (200x200 cm), and park views, and more spacious "Suites" (40 sq meters) with refined decor, a fireplace, and magnificent park views. "Privilege" rooms offer stunning views of either the park or courtyard.
• Comfort & Amenities: Rooms are equipped with adjustable air conditioning, a desk, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and secure wired internet access. Guests appreciate the complimentary mineral water, a courtesy tray with tea and coffee, and a LAVAZZA machine. Bathrooms come with showers, L'Occitane toiletries, high-quality velour bath towels, and a hairdryer. Bathrobes and slippers are also provided in some rooms. One room is specifically adapted for guests with reduced mobility. All rooms are non-smoking.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's kitchen offers a range of dining options, from a hearty French breakfast to an artful gastronomic dinner.

• Breakfast: A buffet breakfast is served. While some guests found the breakfast very good in a pleasant part of the building, others noted limited choices and occasional disappointment with the selection.
• Restaurant Quality: The restaurant is known for traditional dishes with a modern touch, utilizing seasonal products. Many guests have praised the excellent food and service for both dinner and breakfast. The dining room is described as chic, and enjoying meals outside on the veranda or garden is a popular choice.
• Mixed Feedback: The Fork users rated the quality of food at 8/10 and the atmosphere at 8.3/10. However, some experiences point to inconsistencies. One critical review reported a disappointing dinner with limited menu options (a lunch menu offered for dinner), dry and insipid food, small portions, and inexperienced service lacking dynamism and coordination, ultimately offering poor value for money.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Maison d'Anthouard consistently receive high praise. Guests describe the staff as friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. The hotel emphasizes a warm welcome and empathy, aiming to provide a unique emotional experience. Specific mentions include a staff member named Maximillian for excellent breakfast service, and staff accommodating late arrivals for dinner.

6. Location & Accessibility

Maison d'Anthouard is situated in Ecully, an upscale suburb, approximately 7 km from the center of Lyon. This location strikes a balance between tranquility and convenience.

• Transportation: It's only a few minutes from the motorway, making it easily accessible for those traveling by car. The hotel offers secure, video-surveilled parking. The Lyon-Vaise metro and train station are 4 km away.
• Nearby Attractions: Its proximity allows for convenient sightseeing, with attractions like Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Opéra National de Lyon within reach.
• Accessibility Note: It's important to note that the hotel does not have an elevator, which might be a consideration for guests with mobility concerns.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider Maison d'Anthouard to offer "incredible value for money" for a luxury boutique hotel. While the average room price is around $232, compared to an Ecully average of $98, guests feel it provides an elevated experience without being excessively expensive for the level of luxury and service offered. Room rates vary by category and season, ranging from 120€ to 290€ in low season and 180€ to 350€ in high season.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Dining Inconsistencies: Some guests expressed disappointment with limited breakfast choices or items not being readily available. More significantly, one detailed review highlighted a very negative dinner experience with a restricted menu, poor food quality (dry, bland, small portions), and perceived inexperienced and uncoordinated restaurant service, leading to a feeling of poor value.
• Noise: A few guests mentioned that rooms located near busy roads or fire doors could be noisy.
• Lack of Elevator: The absence of an elevator is a practical consideration for guests with mobility issues.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. michelin.com
3. michelin.com
4. anthouard.fr
5. agoda.com
6. agoda.com
7. booking.com
8. thefork.com
9. booking.com
10. kayak.com
11. 1001salles.com
12. agoda.com
13. anthouard.fr
14. pagesjaunes.fr