Excellent self-catering accommodation, quirky
6 October 2016 at 11:26:48
We stayed in the "hotel studio cosy" section but despite the name, it was not a hotel, really a self-catering villa. It would have been great to know in advance that this was the case - i.e. no soap, shampoo, hairdryer or safe. However, the villa was spacious with a well-equipped kitchen including all... dishes, coffee-maker, kettle, (no toaster - but with plentiful French bread didn't need it), microwave/combi-oven, full fridge and dishwasher. A nice living area included a table for 4, TV (no DVD) and sofa bed. A private outdoor area had another table and chairs and washing line. The bed was on the hard side of firm which is how we like it but can see others found it very hard. Whisper-quiet at night (late September), well ventilated, nice and dark - so absolutely ideal sleeping conditions.
Some other tips - although cleaning is supposed to be included in the "hotel" section, they included only 3 cleans in our 10 night stay. One had occurred before we arrived and one was booked for the end so in reality there was one provided during our stay and involved a change in linen (both sheets and towels) and floor cleaning. The premises are in good condition and this was no problem, everything was clean when we arrived. We emptied the bins ourselves throughout and cleaning the kitchen (dishes and fridge) is also your own responsibility. A vaccuum, mop etc is provided but dish-washing liquid and sponges were not. The floor is tiled in all areas including the bedroom.
It's well-located a short drive from central Sarlat and a large Carrefour supermarket where we obtained all necessary provisions. Reception takes orders for baguettes, croissants etc for the following day's breakfast. The other strange thing was that check-in only starts at 5pm and there is no-one at reception most of the day, or all day on Wednesday and Sunday. We didn't use the pool but it looked pleasant enough. There is also a minimalist gym with cross-trainer, treadmill and bike. Free wifi required regular re-logging in but otherwise worked fine. Gravel pathways could mean that villas in the central sections would get a bit of noise from people walking to and from their rooms but we were on the end of our section so didn't get passing foot traffic at all.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. For independent travellers not expecting hotel facilities it is fantastic. Parking is plentiful and the location is ideal for getting about the magnificent Dordogne region. Being a less busy time of year, we enjoyed the privacy and space. We would gladly stay there again.
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