Novotel Orleans Chemins de Sologne Demeures de Campagne

Pretty awful experience tbh. Only stayed one night, thankfully. Decor incredibly dated (woodchip wallpaper - seriously?) and just hideous. The toilet was separate from the bathroom and was like being in a cell with a flickering light. The safe swallowed our valuables and we couldn’t open it, neither could the receptionist. Fortunately, early next morning the night manager was able to do it. Room contained an exercise bike, bench and weights - not sure why - surely they would be better in a gym? These items took up so much room that there was no space for an armchair and the bed was squeezed up against the wall only allowing about 6 inches to get in the bed. Shame because the room was a decent size. Dinner was just execrable but there’s nothing much else in the area.

Everything is at ground level in this hotel but this does mean a long walk to your room and if you were a lone traveller opening a window at night might make you feel uncomfortable. Reception was a bit confused at checkin of our group and some rooms were not available which given that we arrived after 3pm was odd. The hotel has obviously had a face lift and was not unattractive but they really needed to strip off the artex on the ceilings and walls first as the result is a bit downmarket especially in the rooms. Some pictures had been placed in the corridors but there run out halfway down and they really didnt go with the rest of the decor. The room was nice but a bit dark although fine for a night. The toilet and bathrooms did not get modernised, other than the basin and good lighting over the mirror, and were clean and functional although the grouting on the floor looked like it had never been cleaned. The bed and pillows were comfortable, the bedside table lights worked well and the room was quiet so we slept well. Breakfast was quite nice, the orange juice, yogurt and fruits were fine and there is a kettle in the room. The set menu for dinner was ok but what was served differed from what was on the menu we saw which was odd. As I was ill staff kindly did me a mushroom omelette with vanilla ice cream to follow which was most welcome, although it did need chasing up to get delivered. Overall fine for a night but given its out of town location you will need to eat here.

All the people wear swimsuits and are barefoot at the reception, I felt almost like being at a beach. Flip flops and shorts at dinner are the usual attire. You are requested to keep the cutlery used for the starter for the main course. It is not acceptable to be decently dressed for dinner among barefoot companies.

Part of coach trip returning from Italy 6th October We were expecting a set 3 course meal after a long day travelling Starter was a mug, half filled with beige soup and hard as rocks stale bread crusts. At bottom of mug looked like raw egg yolk Main was a brown leg of chicken with mash flavoured with gravy Dessert was cheesecake Vegetarian passengers said later they were served raw white fish (they were fish eaters) Utter chaos at breakfast. Not small hot selection and I was unable to locate a tea bag. Staff kept well out of view though some people had to chase them up when mugs ran out Our coach drivers said they took photos and are lodging an official complaint about hotel, via their head office I am over 60 and this is one of worst hotels I've stayed in Rooms were fine but food at evening meal would probably infringe some people s humans rights I do have photo evidence but as phone saved these in heic format I cannot upload them at the moment

Good Hotel which does get quite busy. We tried the restaurant in the evening and were actually really surprised that the food was so good. Breakfast was a little disappointing but mainly because the hotel had a large group of business people. Enjoyed our stay and within four or so hours from Calais and not much more than an hour from Disneyland Paris.

We stay regularly at this hotel and the staff are always very friendly and helpful - my french is not perfect and their English is much better. All staff acknowledge you witha friendly greeting at any time of the day or evening.