Manoir de Surville

Manoir de Surville, a Michelin Key Selected property in Surville, France, consistently garners exceptional reviews, praised for its blend of historic charm, modern comfort, and personalized hospitality. Guests frequently describe it as a tranquil escape that feels more like a welcoming family home than a traditional hotel.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall rating and sentiment for Manoir de Surville are overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it as "exceptional" and "fabulous." Reviewers frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and the warm, welcoming nature of the hosts. The hotel boasts high scores for cleanliness, comfort, staff, and facilities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Manoir de Surville:

• Hospitality and Service: The owners, Camille and Hugues, are repeatedly commended for their warm welcome, attentiveness, and multilingualism, creating a genuine family-like atmosphere.
• Design and Renovation: The thoughtful and tasteful renovation of the 16th-century Norman vernacular architecture is a significant highlight, blending historic elegance with contemporary amenities.
• Amenities: The heated outdoor swimming pool (available May to September, heated to 29 degrees Celsius), full-service spa with sauna, hammam, and massage treatments, and the beautiful, spacious gardens are frequently mentioned as loved features. A comfortable lounge with a fireplace, books, and a chessboard also provides a relaxing haven. The property also offers free bicycle rentals and EV charging stations.
• Dining: The "absolutely incredible" and "extraordinary and original" dinner experience, featuring creative, seasonal, and locally sourced cuisine, is a major draw.

3. Room Quality

Manoir de Surville offers eleven individually designed rooms and suites, spread across two buildings. Each room is described as unique, with warm and natural colors, wooden furniture, and a focus on relaxation.

• Comfort: Guests consistently praise the comfortable beds, often mentioning premium bedding and memory foam mattresses, ensuring a sublime slumber. Soundproofed rooms contribute to a peaceful stay.
• Design: The rooms feature a blend of classic contemporary and secluded styles, with modern granite and natural stone bathrooms, often equipped with deep baths and delicious-smelling toiletries (e.g., luxurious Hermès products). Some "cocoon" rooms feature open baths under sloping eaves. All accommodations include a flat-screen TV, a desk, bathrobes, and slippers.
• Space: Suites are noted for being very spacious, with some offering a seating area and an outside terrace. An accessible "lime green" room with a suntrap terrace is also available.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Manoir de Surville is a significant highlight for many guests.

• Dinner: The hotel's restaurant offers "superb multi-course suppers" with a daily changing, creative four-course menu based on fresh, local, and seasonal, often organic, ingredients. Guests describe the dinner as "outstandingly good," "extraordinary and original," and "absolutely incredible." The "chef's table" is open for dinner only.
• Breakfast: A continental breakfast is offered, which guests find "lovely" and "perfect," often featuring local produce. However, it's worth noting that breakfast is not always included in the room rates for all bookings. For lunch, picnic baskets filled with local products can be arranged. There is also a bar where guests can unwind.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Manoir de Surville receive consistent commendation. Owners Camille and Hugues are frequently highlighted for their enthusiastic, warm, and attentive hospitality, making guests feel truly at home. They are described as gentle, multilingual hosts who go above and beyond, providing helpful suggestions for local visits and reflecting a "family feel." The efficient and friendly service extends throughout the entire team. Services include room service, concierge service, and luggage storage.

6. Location & Accessibility

Manoir de Surville is situated in Surville, in the heart of the verdant Eure region of Normandy.

• Neighborhood & Attractions: The bucolic countryside offers a peaceful and tranquil setting, surrounded by lush lawns, trees, and apple orchards. It serves as an excellent base for exploring Normandy's historic chateaux, abbeys, gardens, and quaint half-timbered towns. Nearby attractions include the Palais des Congrès Le Cadran (29 km), Rouen Exhibition Centre (35 km), and Giverny (a 4-star hotel near Giverny). Other recommended visits include the magical town of Bec Hellouin, Harcourt Castle's arboretum, and Biotropica (France's largest tropical zoo). Honfleur and Deauville are also within reasonable driving distance (Deauville approximately 1 hour away).
• Transport: The Manoir is approximately 50 minutes from Paris and about 90 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle/Orly airports. Deauville's Saint Gatien airport is closer at 101 km. A car is recommended for exploring the region, though the hotel offers free private parking and EV charging stations.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing can vary, general indications suggest a nightly rate between €180 and €465. Many guests consider the experience to be well worth the cost, praising the high quality of facilities, service, and dining. The inclusion of access to the wellness area (hammam and sauna) and the heated swimming lane is part of the overall value. However, it's noted that breakfast might be an additional cost for some bookings.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of feedback have been noted:

• No Air Conditioning: Due to the Manoir being a classified monument, the installation of air conditioning is difficult. However, the hotel notes that Normandy nights are typically fresh, even in summer, and efficient thermal insulation helps keep rooms cool. Fans are provided in every room.
• Limited Wardrobe/Drawer Space: Some guests have mentioned that there is limited wardrobe and drawer space in the rooms.
• Upper Floors Accessible by Stairs Only: The property does not have elevators, with upper floors accessible by stairs only.
• Breakfast Not Always Included: As mentioned, breakfast may not be included in all room rates.
• Unfenced Pool: For families, it's noted that the pool is unfenced.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. postcard.inc
3. manoirdesurville.com
4. pretty-hotels.com
5. michelin.com
6. hotels.com
7. sawdays.co.uk
8. i-escape.com
9. manoirdesurville.com
10. mrandmrssmith.com
11. manoirdesurville.com
12. manoirdesurville.com
13. manoirdesurville.com