La Maison 20 Degrés Sud - Relais & Châteaux

Rats in restaurant On arrival the hotel is really beautiful - a small oasis tucked away with gorgeous colonial style. The reception staff were really lovely and made us feel welcome. The room was really nice - but there were a few things we noticed (which we let slide at the start) - massive dirty lipstick mark on one of our water glasses, filthy lampshades above the bathroom sinks, bed linen that didn’t feel particularly fresh and the robes as well had a slight greyish colour rather than bright white which they were meant to be. These were all minor things at the start which we didn’t even mention to each other but did notice. We then had our first night at the cocktail bar where our drink was served by the lovely barman (very polite and smily) - as we were drinking we saw a huge rat run across the terrace - we decided it was an island and maybe this is normal (although we really weren’t happy about it). We then were dining within the restaurant and again a huge rat was running towards the table. For us, this is not ok. We asked to move tables as we saw a rat and the waiters barely acknowledged it - didn’t offer any apology and then proceeded to avoid our table for the rest of the night. We informed the manager the next day who assured us he was aware and the rat had been caught, and to “give it a chance”. We weren’t offered so much as a complimentary drink. After dining in the restaurant again the second night and again seeing a rat - for us it was time to check out. Not only is it unpleasant seeing rodents running around while eating but I would say it’s a hygiene issue and makes me question the cleanliness of the kitchen and the safety of the food. The only concession we were offered was to not pay for the remaining nights that we would not be staying for. Really disappointing. On hindsight some things we would add about the whole experience: - Not a 5 star in terms of food, service or cleanliness - Staff really hit and miss - some very friendly some really rude and unhelpful - Rooms didn’t feel clean - Food was average - nothing felt fresh including breakfast - Quite stingey with water - water not replaced within our room (had to ask for it) We are now staying at a different hotel and haven’t seen one rat, so don’t think this is “just an island thing” as the manager stated. The service and food are also worlds apart which has really solidified that our review of 20 degres sud as completely justified - not a 5 star experience whatsoever.

This little boutique hotel is different to your main stream hotels. They are small,intimate and ooze in romance . You arrive through a large wooden door off a small side road and once through the doors you feel as though your are at your own private retreat. They are nestled in a bay with a private small beach. What I loved about it, is that you can hop onto their boat and take a trip across the bay to Grand Baie. I took a taxi back which was easy and safe but they do offer a boat service later in the day. 20 degrees sud has old world charm to it and could be seen as dated but for R&C this all makes sense! Staff were excellent, food was 5 star and nothing short of and the linen ( which you can buy should you want ) was buttery. Yes buttery to the touch! For me personally I would combine this hotel with a second hotel which has more water sports on offer and that iconic island beach view like LUX etc. For couples who want to slow down or those who have just got married this little oasis is perfect !!!!

This is a lovely, small Boutique hotel in a quiet area of Grand Baie. We stayed at this hotel for 6 nights and only have good things to say about it. We stayed in a charm room which was more than adequate for 2 of us. Good size bathroom and also had outside shower and patio. Beach area is small but private with beautiful views of the Bay. Good facilities included boat shuttle to Grand Baie, free bikes which we used to visit Trou aux Biches and Cap Malheureux, kayaks, paddle boards etc. We were on a half board option which worked very well. Food at both breakfast and evening were excellent with plenty of choice available.On a couple of nights we had a live piano player and a guitar duo who were both very good. Also we had afternoon tea and cake at 4pm daily which was complimentary. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for peace and quiet in a wonderful location. The only slight disappointment was that could not walk along the beach for very far and we felt the cost of drinks was a bit on the expensive side eg cheapest bottle of wine is £40.