Hôtel Saint Gelais

Just checked out this morning, after one night in this wonderful, small hotel. Booked as a treat after a week on a houseboat in Cognac, we were in desperate need of air-con, a pool and some low key luxury. Absolutely gorgeous, calm and relaxing hotel, lovely staff, excellent rooms and tasty breakfast! The pool area felt as if we had a private pool, so relaxing and tranquil. Would have loved to have stayed a few days more. Fabulous place 🥰

Stayed here 1 night after spending a week on a boiling hot boat in Cognac. Decided we needed a treat on our last night in France and booked the last room available. It's a small hotel with only 17 incredibly comfortable rooms (think ours was a superior double, so huge!). We were checked on an hour early, by a super friendly guy who showed us to our room, after first bringing our heavy luggage to the room first. Excellent, above and beyond service!! We'd had a week of extreme temperatures in Cognac and the first thought we did was have a long shower, then on to spend a few hours by the tranquil pool area. Absolutely perfect! Best end to our holiday and wish I could've stayed another couple of nights. One of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at!

One of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had abroad. The property is gorgeous, the breakfast pastries sourced locally were the best I’ve ever eaten, and the staff was incredible and kind. I actually needed an emergency chiropractor during my stay and they found someone for me in town and set up my appointment and everything!! Cannot speak more highly about this property.

I enjoyed a very pleasant stay at this hotel while travelling through the area. It was easy enough to find (be careful the satnav tries to take you to the road above the hotel, not through the arch) and has wonderful views dominated by the church above it. The staff were very friendly, the room smart, modern, and well apppointed, and it was very quiet. The beautiful ramparts and city centre are a short walk away so it was an excellent place to explore from.

I booked this hotel for my husband’s 50th birthday. We had planned a holiday but he broke his ankle 2 weeks before so we had to cancel. Having visited lovey Angouleme before I was looking for a place with a touch of luxury to take the sting out of loosing or holiday. This hotel did not disappoint! The staff went out of their way to make our stay special. So friendly and helpful. The room was beautiful, comfortable bed, clean and everything you could want in a room. The grounds are perfect, a relax by the pool. Breakfast was good quality continental with the option of boiled eggs. We ate at the restaurant in the evening which was exceptional. I don’t think I’ve stayed in a better hotel. We will definitely return!

We were somewhat surprised that our taxi driver would not take us down the 100 yard driveway as he said it was difficult to turn at the bottom. Should not have been a problem! Our room with en suite shower and separate toilet was clean and perfectly adequate but nothing special. There is no lift and so access is by stairs only. Not a problem as we only had hand baggage but could be for those more heavily laden. We had to ask where the television was hidden as it was behind a panel let into the ceiling and far from obvious. Although it all appears to be run by the same group of people we could not charge meals or drinks to our room but had to settle bar, restaurant and room separately. It seemed an unnecessary complication. Dinner and breakfast were pleasant without being exceptional. Given the high Tripadvisor rating we felt a little disappointed.

We have not been very happy in our previous French hotels and restaurants as the mannerism are not often friendly or comfortable. However on this occasion staff were wonderful. I wonder whether it is because it is a young team. They do a very good job and for the first time in a French hotel we felt welcome. The room was wonderful and clean.

Checked into room 9, found that the toilet had excrement in it – NOT FLUSHED! A bogie stuck to the inside of the toilet door and a stain on the bedding. Otherwise the staff are pleasant and the breakfast is rather basic for 15 euros. Excellent location 5 minutes from the center. ||||Definitely, not what expect from a 4 star hotel!