Manoir de la Poterie - Basse Normandie, France 

The Manoir is well situated between Honfleur and Deauville and is certainly beautifully furnished throughout, unfortunately this hotel has one significant problem - its restaurant is too small to accommodate all its guests! Somewhat tired and looking forward to an evening of gastronomic delights, promised on the hotel's website, we were greeted with the news that the hotel's restaurant was fully booked. They would not even provide room service to 2 desperate travellers who had just experienced a 14 hour stormy crossing of the Channel. My wife's request for a simple snack in our room was even denied. Clearly, anyone determined to book this hotel will have to book a table well in advance. Sadly, my experience will mean that I shall not be booking a room here again. Although I cannot fault the comfortable surroundings, and the quite outstanding barman who could not have been more attentive, in my opinion a good hotel should also make an extra effort to accommodate its guests, whatever its star rating. Heavy on the frills but lacking in soul and substance!

This is a large modern villa, with a limited number of rooms. Very quiet location, 10 minutes from Deauville. Room (we had a "prestige seaview") ok and very well kept. Good food, though a bit overpriced. For wine lovers : winelist with 240 entries, some very rare items at bargain price; also good selection of liquors, cigars and coffees. Service is very kind, but not really professional. They promise to open very soon an indoor swimming pool.