La Citadelle

We enjoyed staying in the historic Citadelle but we had a hard time getting into it. Why not email the code ? No-one answered the phone so we had to ask helpful tourists how to get in, then park and walk down to get the code for the bollard. This is not a good welcome especially after a long drive. The restaurant has a lovely position by the lake. Our food was good but the service a bit off-hand.

Warning, the chef did not understand and the waiting staff did not take it seriously. At booking we warned of oe person needing Gluten Free for medical reasons. We discussed the menu with the head waiter whom we had to pursuade to talk to the chef and he came back saying all could be gluten free except the tuile in the dessert. The main course was fish with what looked like a quinoa mixture. When we enquired if it was just Quinoa one said it was a mixture and another came back and said it was only Quinoa. Two minutes later the plate was wisked away and a new plate with only vegetables. Without anything to soak up the juices it was very oily. Then to cap it all the dessert arrived with the tuile! When confronted they did not take seriously the implications of their casual attitude, shrugging a half heated apology. Totally unacceptable if you have serious allergies.

We stayed here for three nights in an estuary view room. The room was excellent, comfy bed, spacious. Strangely only two hangers in the wardrobe! New bathroom, very smart. The rest was not so great. The staff were indifferent eg, no one offered to help us to our room with our bags. The restaurant seems to have sold out to tour groups and coach parties. It was pretty expensive and the table d’hote menu did not change much. We ate outside, which was very pleasant until the mosquitoes arrived. Not the hotels fault I know. I would not rush to return although the building is fascinating and it’s position is excellent.

The restaurant can be difficult to get to, in a car, as the way is not very well marked. However, it is well located on the ramparts of the Citadel. The food is reasonable and the service acceptable. The staff are clearly aware that the food is just part of the reason why tourists come here.

What a location! Approaching the hotel through the ancient arches of the citadel was an experience! The setting is just wonderful overlooking the Gironde estuary (where we spotted seals playing) and the rooms are modern, comfortable and well-equipped. Ours had air conditioning - very necessary as the temperature hit 36 degrees - and a view of the pool and river. The pool area was fantastic - a superb swimming pool surrounded by luxurious day beds for two, sun loungers and tables where guests can enjoy cocktails before dinner. Definitely a 5* stay but … the food! Such a huge disappointment - but that’s for a separate review. We did add the buffet breakfast to out stay. Mediocre at best.

One of the best approaches to a hotel I have experienced - right through the massive fortifications - amazing. But receiving a map with the booking confirmation would help navigation and getting the traffic bollard access code. Wonderful views over the river. But swimming pool not clean with significant debris. Breakfast just adequate - cold scrambled eggs and cold bacon on buffet. But liked ability to squeeze fresh orange juice. Would have liked to have stayed an extra day to explore Citadelle more, but no room with a/c available. Staff very helpful. Room clean and plenty hot water. Hope to return some day.

Nous y sommes donc allé pour découvrir en même temps les vins du coin ! Moments très agréable , cadre superbe , serveurs sympa , et un cuistot très bon ! Néanmoins j’ai trouvé qu’au niveau du service pas top . À l’apéritif oubli de certains verre, on a dû renvoyer des plats froids …je précise qu’il y avait beaucoup de monde ce jour là . Peut être en est ce la cause 🤷‍♂️. Le prix des plats me rend tout de même un peu moins indulgent 😅🙏

Soirée étape dans cet établissement. L'accueil est sympathique. Le personnel agréable. La chambre propre et spacieuse. Le restaurant propose une cuisine raffinée et les serveurs sont super sympa. Je n'ai pas pu profiter de la piscine mais elle semble plaire à beaucoup. Je recommande

un accueil fort sympathique; un personnel à l'écoute. Une vue exceptionnelle sur l'estuaire. Calme absolu. Bonne literie. Rapport qualité/prix convenable y compris pour le restaurant avec un bon menu du jour.