Relais Manderen

Relais Manderen: A Charming Michelin Key Selected Retreat in Rural France

Relais Manderen, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the tranquil village of Manderen, France, consistently garners high praise for its warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and excellent local cuisine. Guests frequently describe their stays as wonderful and exceptionally pleasant, highlighting a dedication to detail and a truly welcoming atmosphere.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Relais Manderen receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with high ratings for staff (9.7/10), cleanliness (9.5/10), and comfort (9.4/10). The general sentiment is one of delight and satisfaction, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return. It's often described as a "first-class hotel" and a "cosy place in the countryside" that feels more like staying with a friend who has excellent taste.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Relais Manderen:

• Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as incredibly friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive, making guests feel like nothing is too much trouble. The owner's passion is evident in the hotel's operation.
• Delicious Dining: The food, especially the breakfast and dinner, receives rave reviews, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local produce.
• Charming Design & Ambiance: The hotel offers an elegant and cozy atmosphere, with inviting common areas like a shared lounge, sun terrace, and garden.
• Peaceful Location: Situated in a small, quiet village, it provides a serene escape with lovely views.

3. Room Quality

Relais Manderen offers 12 unique rooms designed for comfort and relaxation. Guest feedback consistently highlights the very comfortable beds, often described as some of the best they've slept in. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities including a work desk, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and coffee machines. Private bathrooms come with free toiletries and hairdryers.

The hotel offers different room categories, including "Cosy rooms" (16m² with shower and separate toilet), "Vintage bedrooms" (16m² with a 160cm wide bed and an original-state shower room, featuring 5-star bedding), and "Deluxe rooms" which are spacious and unique, some with castle views or terraces. Guests appreciate features like luxury bedding, blackout curtains, and Rituals toiletries. Family rooms and suites with sitting areas are also available.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Relais Manderen is a significant highlight for many. The family-friendly restaurant focuses on local cuisine served in a traditional ambiance. Almost all produce used is from local farms.

• Dinner: Guests enjoy dinner, high tea, and cocktails, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The restaurant, "Relais M," serves fresh, traditional cuisine, including local and Savoyard specialties.
• Breakfast: A delicious and generous breakfast is served, including continental, buffet, and à la carte selections with fresh pastries, cheese, fruits, and juice. Many consider it excellent value for money, appreciating the selection of local products, especially breads and cheeses.
• Bar & Tea Room: "Le Boudoir de Clémentine" is a cozy tea room offering hot chocolates and pastries in winter, and refreshing drinks in the garden during summer, including British afternoon tea. The bar offers a variety of drinks, beers, and cocktails.
• Limited Service: While the main restaurant is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, a lighter, substantial, and tasty meal can still be enjoyed.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Relais Manderen consistently receives top marks. Guests describe the staff as incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Many feel a genuine sense of being cared for, as if invited into a friend's home. The owner's passion for the hotel is frequently mentioned as a driving force behind the excellent guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Relais Manderen is ideally situated in Manderen, a quiet village in the heart of the "Trois Frontières" region, close to the German border.

• Local Attractions: It's a charming refuge on the road to Malbrouck Castle, which is within walking distance (0.8 km). Other nearby attractions include Saar-Hunsrueck Nature Park (2.0 km) and Roemische Villa Borg (within 10 km).
• Transport: The hotel is approximately 26 km (16 miles) from Thionville Train Station and 42-49 km (26 miles) from Luxembourg Train Station. Free private parking is available on-site, including bicycle parking and an electric vehicle charging station.
• Accessibility: The property offers accessibility features such as accessible parking, a front entrance ramp, and handrails in stairways.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Relais Manderen to offer excellent value for money. A 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $112.49 (excluding taxes and fees), with prices subject to change. Breakfast, while delicious and copious, typically costs around €15.50.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been noted by guests:

• Restaurant Closure: The main restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, though a satisfactory light meal option is available.
• Vintage Room Bathroom: One specific room type, the "Vintage bedroom," has a bathroom that is described as being in its original state and not renovated, without a plug at the head of the bed.
• No Elevator: The hotel does not have an elevator, which might be a consideration for guests with mobility issues as some rooms are on the first floor.
• Limited Reception Hours: Reception operates during limited hours, from 7am to 12pm and 3pm to 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, and by reservation only on Monday.

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