La Commanderie de Ballan

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!!

This was a beautiful Chateau with modern oppulate rooms. The shower was huge and the bed was very comfortable. The staff were very friendly and spoke english very well which made check in easier for us. Wish we had of stayed longer and would recommend.

Un séjour agréable ! J’ai passé un excellent moment. La chambre était propre, bien équipée et spacieuse. Le personnel était sympathique et disponible. Je recommande vivement cet établissement et reviendrai sans hésiter. Merci pour ce séjour mémorable !