Domaine des Roches

Ignore the pretty photos on the hotel site, and the shrewd advertising on travel websites. This hotel is NOT a 4 star, and barely a 3 star. The management has not spent a penny on this property in 10 yrs, I'd say, considering the stains and holes on its carpets, the broken appliances and the cheapness of all amenities (toiletries are barely 2 star worthy). A photo is worth a thousand words. See those I posted. Our room toilet was dirty when we checked in so the front office clerk ended up putting rubber gloves and cleaning it herself in front of us (no service staff on property at 6pm). A detail, to show the cheapness of it all, my computer monitor is bigger than the TV in our large room. What a let down! What a disappointment! Who on earth accredited this hotel???

We were met at reception by a charming receptionist, who upgraded us to The Bishop’s Suite. The suite consisted of a huge bedroom with the biggest double bed I’ve ever seen. A secret door led into a big walk in wardrobe. We also had a big bathroom with double sinks, and a separate wc. The bedroom had 3 floor to ceiling height windows with a first floor view of the grounds, and the town church in the distance. In the evening we had drinks on the terrace, followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant. My vegetarian meal was delicious and beautifully presented, whilst my husband enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak. Breakfast was buffet style with a big range of choice. The spa looked fantastic but our travelling schedule meant we had to get back on the road. We will definitely be back though and will try the spa then. The car park is also an essential part of our hotel checklist, and the parking here was perfect; right by the hotel, private, secure and plenty of spaces and some shade provided by the avenue of trees.

We spent 2 great nights here in May - the weather was beautiful, so we had lovely, peaceful walks around the grounds, coffee outside etc..Everything about Domaine des Roches is perfect: the staff, the spacious bedrooms, the restaurant dinners and breakfast (we didn't try lunch), the pool, the spa, the reflexology session we had with a lovely lady (sorry didn't catch her name). We really found the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable. We are already looking forward to going back !!

The hotel organised a reception during our stay, of which we weren’t made aware when we booked. We complained at 11pm because of the noise, the manager told us that it would stop shortly after, but it wasn’t the case before 1:30 am. So our « relaxing » time was pretty disastrous. We ate at the restaurant however, where the service and food were great.

The place corresponds well to the description and the promise is on averall delivered. Staff is kind and attentionned. Restaurant is good. The place remains a little bit unpersonal with staff nevertheless attentionned but also possibly having to deal also with the cottages clients. Rooms (hotel) are very clean and quiet.

I really wanted to love this hotel but sadly there were things that let it down. We booked a suite and this was a major plus. Big spacious sitting room with old but comfortable furniture. Large bedroom with large bed let down by rubber sheeting under the cotton sheets. Yuk! Separate toilet had a odd smell which did not go when the window was left open. Old fashioned bathroom with shower over. Good tea and coffee making facilities and bathrobes. Pool towels too which were in nice condition. Swimming pool was nice and a good temperature for April. Sadly the steam room and sauna cost extra. Despite the hotel brochure saying no children allowed in the fitness room I did notice two although well supervised by their mother. Breakfast was v good with lots of variety. I wanted to have a spa treatment but sadly noone was available until the morning of checkout so didn’t have time. So, what less this place down? Sadly , the restaurant. The boudin sausage starter was good and my husbands Steak main ok and reasonable quality. However my chicken dish was awful, overcooked and with a sauce that was just weird. The young sommelier almost slammed our mineral water down and seemed to have no interest in the wine he was serving . We and others had trouble getting the staffs’ attention when getting the bill . Very different to the breakfast service which was very courteous. We had drinks on the terrace twice and nothing was served with them - not even a crisp or peanut ! . Also on the second evening the lounge was being used for a dinner do there was nowhere for us or others to go so we took a drink back to our suite We had the option of dining there a second night but went a short distance to Eat in Gien instead. I loved the suite which could be superb with some updates but was disappointed with the restaurant.