I must qualify this review with the caveat that this place is expensive... as in, 400E per night, 200E/person (minimum!) per meal expensive. However, if you have the money to spend and are looking for a quiet retreat in Normandy, you can't go wrong with Saint-Simeon.
The staff and concierge are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and useful. Upon check-in, we had a bottle of Calvados (apple brandy--the local spirit) awaiting us in our room. The spa has a Roman bath style indoor pool, hot tubs and sauna. The rooms are exquisite, with surround sound, large bath, wood floors, large comfortable beds, and beautiful French windows which open onto the surrounding gardens and mouth of the Seine.
Breakfast was a bit weak (bread and fruit). The real prize is the dinner tasting menu. It was a whopping 7 courses, complete with cheese cart and dessert. I had the absolute most amazing foie gras I've ever tasted--it brought me to my knees. The cuisine is truly extraordinary.
It's in the beautiful Norman harbor town of Honfleur, which is just up the hill and has many shops and cafes. Be forewarned however that it's about a 2-hr drive to the D-Day beaches.
I can't give 5 stars just because it is a bit over the top expensive. We had to explain to the bartender how to make a simple gin martini, and the result was a mediocre drink that filled 1/3 of the martini glass--and cost us 15E. The absence of activities on site and things to do nearby also keep me from giving 5 stars. However, I recommend it if you can afford it, because we had one of the most memorable trips of my life. read more