Located along the route de l'abbaye de senanque, this place is extremely convenient to the…read more l'Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque and also the cliffside village of Gordes.
However, other than it's prime location, the hotel itself was a bit stale. The lackluster decor was quite dated and sparse in the country house room where we stayed and the pools crowded with what looked like wealthy old-money European tourist. From the website and photos online, you'd think it was a very chic modern establishment that attracted a more hip crowd - but in my personal opinion, this hotel was anything but. (Compared to other Provencal resorts and hotels in the same price range ($$$), you would certainly fare better by going to places like Hotel Crillon Le Brave near Mt. Ventoux or if you adamantly want to stay in Gordes, La Bastide de Gordes & Spa)
Furthermore, the service always seemed to have a slight air of arrogance - from the front desk attendant at check-in, the bell boy, restaurant maitre'd, etc. I recognize they do boast a 1 michelin-star restaurant (Gastronomique by Pascal Ginoux) and a wide range of spa services - all of which they should feel proud of, but no so proud that guests like myself feel uncomfortable. For all that money to feel uncomfortable, I would certainly go elsewhere and rate my hotel experience a 2 star.
The 3rd star I gave is more on account of the restaurant. While I was not blown away by the hotel experience, the restaurant was good enough to help salvage another star. Again, I wasn't impressed by the maitre'd, where we were seated on the terrace (we were seated at the entrance of the kitchen where the bus boys and waiters came in/out of) or by our server - but I did feel the quality, presentation and execution of food was deserving of some praise. It was a decadent French course meal that like all the rest of Souther France, paid attention to the best fresh seasonal products and traditional french preparations. Though, if you are looking for unique innovative courses to awaken your taste buds - you are better off going elsewhere or back to Paris.
