Metafort

Metafort, nestled in the picturesque village of Méthamis, France, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, celebrated for its exceptional charm, breathtaking views, and highly personalized hospitality. This 17th-century house, lovingly restored, offers a unique blend of historical setting and contemporary-chic design, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and exploring the unspoiled beauty of Provence.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Metafort consistently receives "exceptional" ratings from guests, with high scores across all categories, including cleanliness (9.9), comfort (9.7), facilities (9.7), and staff (9.9). The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing their stays as "magical," "superb," and a truly memorable experience. The Michelin Key selection further underscores its excellence in architecture, interior design, service, personality, value, and local experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enchanted by Metafort's stunning location, perched on a cliff edge with panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the dramatic Nesque Gorge. The sleek concrete infinity pool, offering plunging views, is a major draw, perfect for lazy days. The design of the property, characterized by minimalism and industrial chic with eclectic furnishings and artwork, receives significant praise. The warm and attentive service from the owners, along with delicious homemade breakfasts and evening aperitifs, also stand out as key highlights.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Metafort are described as chic, minimalist, and luxuriously spare, with bold splashes of color from modern paintings, reflecting the surrounding nature. Each room is well-appointed with modern comforts, including air conditioning, free WiFi, and notably, an indulgent hot tub bath, perfect for unwinding. A unique feature in some rooms, like the "Sky Room," allows guests to roll their bed onto a roof terrace to sleep under the stars, offering an unforgettable experience.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Metafort is highly praised, particularly the "lovingly cooked" and "inviting continental spread" served for breakfast. Guests enjoy homemade jams, breads, pastries, juice, cheese, and fresh fruits, often highlighting the quality of local products. In the evenings, around 6 pm, guests are treated to refreshing rosé wine and homemade nibbles, fostering a sociable atmosphere. While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, the property offers a bar and picnic area, and the owners are known to provide fabulous, hyper-local cheese-and-meat platters for dinner by the pool.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Metafort is consistently lauded as exceptional. Owners Isa and Philippe (also known as Elsa and Arnaud) are frequently highlighted in reviews for their charming, attentive, and welcoming nature. Guests appreciate their dedication, describing them as "exceptional and very attentive hosts" who go above and beyond to ensure a magical stay. They are also eager to help guests plan their days and suggest local dining options.

6. Location & Accessibility

Metafort boasts a serene and secluded location in the quiet, untouristy village of Méthamis, a quintessential Provençal village built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Nesque Gorge. This provides an immediate sense of peace and seclusion. While offering tranquility, the hotel is well-situated for exploring the Vaucluse region. It is about an hour's drive from Avignon, which has the nearest TGV station, and 17 kilometers from Carpentras. Guests can enjoy cycling and exploring nearby attractions such as the Village des Bories, Thouzon's cave, the Papal Palace, Pont d'Avignon, and the stunning Nesque Gorges. A car is recommended for accessibility due to its mountain village setting.

7. Value & Pricing

With a "Value for money" score of 8.5 out of 10, guests generally perceive Metafort as a worthwhile experience. While specific pricing details vary, the high level of service, unique amenities, stunning location, and overall exceptional guest experience contribute to its perceived value as a luxury, design-focused B&B.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points have been noted by guests. One recurring comment relates to the layout of five of the rooms, where the bathtubs are situated within the bedroom, which might be a consideration for guests desiring more privacy. Additionally, the village of Méthamis itself may not have restaurant options during the winter months, although numerous fantastic dining choices are available in nearby areas.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. michelin.com
4. thehotelguru.com
5. i-escape.com
6. booking.com
7. ventouxprovence.fr
8. provenceweb.fr
9. trip.com