La Commanderie de Ballan

We stayed at Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan with high expectations, drawn in by the property’s undeniable charm and the clear investment in its renovations. Unfortunately, our experience was deeply disappointing, largely due to poor management and a complete lack of basic guest support. From the very first night, things went wrong. One side of our bed collapsed repeatedly due to broken slats, making sleep impossible. With no staff on-site after 8:00 p.m., there was no one to assist us. We reported the issue the next morning, but the response was slow and ultimately ineffective. It became clear that a single staff member was responsible for reception, food service, and poolside support, an unrealistic situation that led to widespread disorganisation. We were offered alternative accommodation for one night, but it was impractical, as it would have meant moving all our belongings and separating from our daughter. The bed was never repaired, so we spent three nights with little rest. To make matters worse, we discovered a nest of flying ants right by our heads. With no one available to help, we had to deal with it ourselves in the middle of the night. The ants returned every evening, and no action was taken. We pre-ordered breakfast using the in-room app, nothing arrived. No explanation, no apology, no follow-up. During a period of intense heat, the pool was the natural place to relax, but there were only two broken parasols for all guests, offering virtually no shade. They remained broken for all four days of our stay, with no effort to replace or repair them. After reading other reviews, we realized these weren’t isolated incidents. Guests frequently mention poor communication, broken amenities, unresponsive service, and insufficient staffing. This seems to be a pattern, not a one-off. Since returning home, we’ve reached out to management three times, including a formal letter, without receiving a single response. That silence sums up the experience. The setting is beautiful, and the potential is clear, but unless the management addresses these serious, systemic issues, we would strongly advise looking elsewhere. A scenic location can’t make up for the absence of hospitality basics.

The hotel looks lovely and the entrance hall, stairs and room were beautiful. However, as they say, beauty is only skin deep! I was appalled that, on using the bathroom on arrival, there was no soap for handwashing. I walked into the large shower (just as well it was dry!) to use the shower gel....and there was no shower gel, the container was empty. My husband went to reception to ask for soap, but they had forgotten to order it, so presumably there was none in the whole hotel, or they would have fetched some from an empty room. I would suggest that the provision of soap is essential, whereas guests can do without make up remover pads and cotton buds, which were provided. There were two receptionists on duty, so surly one could have popped to the nearby supermarket to buy soap? As guests, and presumably staff, are unable to wash hands after using the lavatory, I can only assume that this whole establishment is completely lacking in hygiene! It didn't stop there - the curtain was hanging off the rail in the bathroom, the antique chair was broken, the kettle didn't fit under the tap in the washbasin so had to be filled from the shower or using a paper cup. There was a coffee machine with pods and tea bags, but no milk. There was a mini bar which was empty, but would have been handy to use as a fridge. However, once plugged in, it didn't work. There was a pipe across the top of the ceiling which gurgled loudly when others turned on taps. This needed boxing in an lagging to reduce noise. And sound insulation was poor - we could hear those above us moving furniture, and their TV was on until 0230 hrs, so we didn't get a good nights sleep. The bedside table was dirty and the lamp was dusty. All the defects were basic housekeeping tasks, which could so easily have been dealt with prior to guest arrival. Clearly the housekeeping staff are lacking training or inclination. And who would be mad enough to pay E14 each for breakfast in a basket delivered to the room?? We wouldn't stay here again. Our hotel the previous night was of far better standard, with a wonderful breakfast included for a similar price. As my mother would say, this hotel was fur coat and no knickers!!

All in all, nice property. The staff was very nice and helpful. It’s quite out of the way so prepare to have a car or use taxi/Bolt. Don’t rely on their quotes for transport, far too expensive!

We had a lovely stay. It is worth noting there is no restaurant or food facilities on site - you pre order baskets