R Hotel Experiences et Umami

R Hotel Experiences et Umami, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in Aywaille, Belgium, offers a blend of modern comfort, scenic beauty, and a range of facilities. Situated between Liège and Spa, at the foot of the famous La Redoute hill in Remouchamps, the hotel boasts exceptional views of the Amblève valley and the Ardennes forests. It caters to a diverse clientele, from business travelers utilizing its meeting facilities to families and individuals seeking relaxation or outdoor adventures.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for R Hotel Experiences et Umami is largely positive, though reviews indicate some areas for improvement. Guests frequently praise the hotel's charming atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, and friendly staff. On Trip.com, it holds an 8.5/10 rating based on 56 reviews, while Booking.com reviews range from "Good" (7.0) to "Exceptional" (10). However, some recurring criticisms, particularly regarding inconsistent service and maintenance in certain areas, contribute to a "mixed" overall sentiment from some guests.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of the R Hotel Experiences et Umami:

• Location & Surroundings: Its convenient position near major highways provides easy access, while its setting in a "green background" offers a peaceful atmosphere and an ideal base for exploring the Ardennes with opportunities for walking and cycling. The panoramic views from the restaurant and terrace are frequently appreciated.
• Dining Experience: The on-site Umami restaurant receives consistent praise for its delicious, tasty, and well-prepared food, with a varied and innovative gastropub menu using local products.
• Wellness Facilities: The hotel features a well-equipped wellness area with an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and infrared lamps. Access to the fitness center is included in the room price.
• Modern Design: The hotel is described as having a striking modern building with minimalist elegance and contemporary design elements throughout.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 53 modern and stylish rooms and suites, including Comfort, Junior Suites, and Deluxe rooms.

• Comfort: Rooms are generally found to be clean, comfortable, and spacious, with many guests appreciating the comfortable beds and clean facilities.
• Design & Amenities: Rooms are described as balancing comfort, design, and functionality, featuring individual controlled air conditioning, free high-speed Wi-Fi, 49-inch smart TVs, safes, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and Azzaro amenities. Deluxe rooms are particularly spacious (38 m²) and noted for their charm and prestige. Junior Suites (34 m²) include a relaxation/reading corner and a Nespresso machine.
• Views: All 53 rooms are designed with an exclusive style and offer a wonderful panoramic view of the Amblève valley.

4. Dining Experience

The Umami Bar | Restaurant is a significant highlight for guests.

• Cuisine: It offers a varied, refined, and innovative gastropub cuisine, with the chef selecting the best local products.
• Atmosphere: With a capacity of 140 covers and terraces offering panoramic views, it serves as a lively meeting place for breakfast, business lunches, dinners, or just aperitifs.
• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is highly praised, described as extensive, varied, fresh, and tasty, offering a wide range of sweet and savory options, including fresh fruit, cheeses, bacon, and eggs. A "Super Breakfast Experience" with a glass of bubbly is also available.
• Restaurant Hours: The restaurant operates for lunch (Wednesday to Friday) and dinner (Tuesday to Saturday), with Sunday brunch also available. It is closed on Saturday and Tuesday noon, Sunday evening, and all day Monday.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is somewhat mixed but generally leans positive. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, and eager to provide tips about the local area. The staff is described as professional and able to offer tailored service. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies in service quality, with occasional reports of long wait times, unhelpful responses, or rude behavior from front desk personnel.

6. Location & Accessibility

The R Hotel Experiences et Umami is strategically located in Aywaille (Remouchamps), offering a tranquil rural setting despite its proximity to major highways, making it easily accessible by car.

• Nature & Activities: It's an ideal base for exploring the Ardennes, with opportunities for walking and cycling. The hotel is close to the famous La Redoute hill and enjoys views of the Amblève valley.
• Nearby Attractions: Attractions like Le Ninglinspo (0.5 km) and Les Grottes de Remouchamps (2 km) are within easy reach. Spa is 9.3 miles (15 km) away, and the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is 22 miles (35 km) distant.
• Transport: It's less than twenty minutes from the Liège-Guillemins TGV station and about an hour's drive from Brussels National Airport. Free private parking is available on site, with electric car charging stations, including Tesla Superchargers.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, a starting price of €121 has been noted. The hotel offers various packages that combine stays with dining, wellness access, or romantic extras at preferential rates. Guests generally find the hotel to be of good quality and comfort for the price. However, some guests have reported issues with unexpected charges for room changes that significantly increased costs. Access to the wellness center is often an additional cost (e.g., €15 for a half-day or €30 per person per day for some facilities like sauna, spa, hot tub, and pool, although fitness is usually included).

8. Common Complaints

Several recurring issues have been mentioned in guest feedback:

• Cleanliness & Maintenance: While many rooms are clean, some reviews have noted cleanliness issues and inadequate maintenance in certain areas, such as moldy caulk in bathrooms or a general feeling of being run-down in parts of the wellness area.
• Wellness Area Condition: Although the wellness facilities are praised, some guests have pointed out that certain amenities like the steam room required maintenance, and unpleasant odors were sometimes present in the wellness area or jacuzzi. Children under 14 are not allowed in the wellness and fitness center.
• Inconsistent Service: While many staff members are friendly, there are reports of inconsistent service quality, including rude behavior from some front desk personnel during booking complications, long wait times, or unhelpful responses.
• Pricing Clarity: Some guests found pricing to be excessive for just a room, especially when additional costs apply for wellness facilities, leading to unexpected charges.

Sources

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8. trip.com
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