Chemin St Clair, Etretat, France | (888) 635-3814
Romantic, eclectic charm and a bric-a-brac aesthetic mixed with historical touches and beautiful gardens
Individually decorated rooms in rich jewel colors, some with whirlpool baths
Small, heated outdoor pool surrounded by shaded, cushioned lounge chairs
Beautiful lush gardens with a number of sitting areas and a fire pit
Spa with massage rooms
Library with honor bar
Free Wi-Fi
Many guests have complained about the price of the food, and some have said it doesn't always seem fresh
Hot and cold water is inconsistent
The 21 romantic rooms in this converted 19th-century dungeon are fancifully decorated with colorful draped fabrics and dark-wood furniture that cleaves more or less to a historic and opulent French manor aesthetic. This beautiful, if somewhat ramshackle, property might not be for everyone -- some might find the grounds a bit too rustic. Some guests believe the food is overpriced, and doesn't always seem fresh. Most, though, seem enchanted with the lush gardens, the heated outdoor pool, and the general air of romance that pervades the property. It's a 10-minute walk to the charming fishing village of Etretat.
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Scene
Eclectic, winsome decor on the grounds of a 19th-century structure
Outdoors, between the patches of riotous vegetation, sits an upright baby grand piano near a cluster of deep-cushioned armchairs. This is the perfect emblem of the pervading aesthetic, which mixes the slightly formal with the ramshackle. The stone, castle-like, ivy-covered structure is set on a hillside overlooking the sea, surrounded by stone pines. Popular with couples, the hotel is also often booked by wedding parties, at which time the grounds and facilities might be off-limits to other guests.
Location
On a hillside overlooking Etretat, on the outskirts of town
The property enjoys an elevated position on the outer edge of the charming seaside town of Etretat, which is in itself quite small, and has appeared in numerous tableaux by that giant of French painting, Claude Monet. The hotel is a six-minute walk from the town center, with its quaint Norman houses and small shops and restaurants. Walking into town is easy, if a bit hilly. The Havre Airport is the closest one to the town, and is about a half-hour's drive. There are also private shuttles from the nearby train stations of Le Havre and Breaute.
Rooms
Each room is named after a historic figure and decorated in jewel tones and bohemian accents.
Floor-to-ceiling draped taffeta curtains and equally decorative canopy beds characterize the opulent rooms here, which combine deep jewel tones and the occasional beaded lamp, with dark wood cabinets and brilliantly painted versions of country furniture. All have flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, safes, and coffeemakers. A couple of the rooms have built-in saunas, and some of the white-tiled bathrooms have full tubs.
Features
Gorgeous gardens with lots of places to sit, a small swimming pool, a spa, and restaurant
The restaurant reviews range from good to mixed; most can agree that the food is on the expensive side, the wine list especially so. The bucolic outdoor pool is heated, and surrounded by a good number of cushioned lounge chairs. There is also a spa, where guests can book massage treatments.
