Le Manoir de la Barbacane

It’s a lovely hotel with a great pool in a nice little village with a fab castle. However, after a great dinner in the village we got back to the hotel at 21.15 and thought we would have a drink in the terrace. No. No chance. Too late. I accept that there have to be limits but that seems pretty harsh whilst on a summer holiday on a warm August night not to be able to get a drink. There’s no mini bar in the room or any drink making facilities so your only option is a glass of water from the tap in your room. I also don’t appreciate being told that there have to be limits. Indeed, but maybe 9.15pm on your summer holiday is just a step too far. I am not having a rave-just wanted a glass of wine. What a load of rubbish. First time and sadly last time.

Access to the second floor is very cramped and the stairs are quite steep, a real trap in case of fire. Old room with wallpaper stained by moisture drips. Stifling heat, no air conditioning, and a very small window which lacks light. Let's not talk about the shower faucet where it took an incredible amount of time to understand how the faucet works. As for breakfast, nearly 15 euros, yet there is no cheese, cold cuts, or eggs. Just bread, jam, and frozen pastries that are overcooked; given the price of 15 euros, I would almost call it a scam. So, a hotel that calls itself a manor should be avoided.

We were making a return visit to the Puy du Fou where we have normally stayed closer to the park, but on this occasion found ourselves looking further afield. Having passed through Tiffauges before, we found the hotel Le Manoir de la Barbacane online and booked for two rooms - one for 4 persons and one for a single parent. We arrived just before mid day - the hotel was easy to find, being directly opposite the church, and we were able to secure a parking space right outside the hotel - which does not have it's own parking. Once we were able to go up to our room, we found it spacious, and comfortable, with a large bathroom. There was a large double bed, a single bed, and a separate but attached single room. The decoration was in keeping with the rest of the building, which has a real feel of individuality about it, and we were delighted to find free WiFi included, to share our experience with friends. We were especially pleased to find the front window looked out over the square in front of the church, and the quaint buildings that surround it. After a visit to the town and substantial historic now ruined Chateau, just a very short walk away, we made use of the outdoor pool, situated in the garden as the weather was so hot. It was delightful, although the pool surround was too hot to walk on in bare feet, so I recommend some appropriate footwear! The gardens are well tended and supply welcome shade while you are not actually in the pool. The hotel has an electronic entry system, by means of a code, so you will not find yourself locked out provided you keep the code handy should you stay out late. Breakfast is of the continental variety usually found in France, served in a small lounge. It was sufficient to satisfy our party, but if you prefer a full English, you may find it lacking in substance. There are cereals, fruits, breads and pastries, and yoghurts. Across the street is a small supermarket and a bakery that provides freshly made baguettes to order, should you be going out for the day. There is much to see and do in the region, but I especially commend to visitors the Puy du Fou, and the Chateau de Tiffauges, which boasts demonstrations of medieval siege machines and castle building machines, and a 3D cinema. You will not have much call to spend lengthy time in your hotel room!