Hotel Le Chanteclair - Tracy-sur-Mer Arromanches-les-Bains

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Group

stayed in Jun 2008

This is my first ever review. I would normally rely on people providing a balance but having read previous reviews I felt I had to temper the views. I stayed at Le Chanteclair with several friends for 2 nights. This was the only hotel accomodation available during the D-Day celebrations in Arramanches. We joked with ourselves regarding the standard of accomodation we could expect. I can only say the owners have read the reviews and tried extremely hard to rectify the situation. Basil Fawlty has definately moved on. The welcome from the moment of our arrival was friendly and professional. The breakfast, while continental (as you'd expect), was plentiful and fresh. There is no restaurant but it is only a short walk down a quiet road to the promanade. You can then walk along the sea wall into Arramanches to one of the many restaurants available. Total walking time 10 mins. The rooms are dated but clean, and recently decorated. It is not the Ritz but more than adequate. I have stayed in Arramanches several times and it is not cheap but this hotel does deliver on what it promises. I will be returning, with my family. I hope if you book you see the charm of the hotel and get a taste of what France has to offer. I am sure there are people who will be dissappointed as it may not meet everyone's expectations, but it is certainly not Fawlty Towers.

Guest name: Simon Drew, United Kingdom

Average rating:  0.6

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

In far to many years of staying in hotels both for work and pleasure I can say without reservation that this was the worst.We were given a room in the converted stables next to the main house.The room was tiny and in a very tired condition.The wall between the two rooms was so thin you could hear every noise from next door.The small electric heater barely kept the room warm enough to take your coat off.Although we spent very little time in the hotel it was so bad we left after two nights even though we had paid for three.I am quite prepared to complain if things are not right but time and energy meant on this occasion I didnt.We spent the last night in Dieppe in one of the cheap chain hotels for 35 euros and it felt like the Ritz!

Guest name: Jim Watson, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Dec 2007

I would not say the welcome was a warm one. I travel both for business and pleasure. We were only staying one night perhaps the welcombe would have been different if we were staying longer.

Guest name: John Roberts, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

The hotel is advertized as boutique 1930s. It doesn't look as though it has changed in 77 years! Outside of location and parking, this was a disappointment. The photos make it appear to be charming; it is less than that. The "restaurant" in/near by is very misleading. The closest is down the hill and in Arromanche. The breakfast seemed rationed and hurried. While the bed and bathroom were clean, window ledges and curtains were not. In a word, it felt "seedy".

Guest name: KR, USA

Average rating:  4.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

It all looked a little bit tired - we got summoned to breakfast at 9.00am (I thought we were on holiday). Made to feel a little in the way at breakfast as everything was tidied up around us! Plumbing left a lot to be desired!

Guest name: JB, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.2

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Jul 2007

the hotel was basic and satisfied our needs. Its location with respect to Arromanches and the US war cemetery was great, Mulbery harbour stuff good too. Photos make hotel look better that it actually is. Breakfast served on the run by a Reginald Perrin lookalike. However perfectly adequate for a 1 or 2 night stopover.

Guest name: Sarah Mulhall, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2007

There is one big problem with the advertising, which claims that le Chanteclair has a restaurant. This was on the web and also appears prominently at the gate. But the only meal available is breakfast! We were told in a local restaurant - where we had been asked where we were staying - that Le Chanteclair has not had a restaurant for 3 years at least. It was a pity that we chose to stay there in their busiest week. We agreed to accept an inferior room for our first night on the promise of a better one for the other 4. In the event we did not get the move ubtil our 3rd night. The first room was very small and poor value for the top rate charged. The second room was fine. This made giving marks above very difficult. I would recommend le Chanteclair to those wanting to stay at a quieter time than we did, provided they knew there are no evening meals. We did not object to having to eat out. But I was astonished to have got misinformation from Michelin! When was the hotel last inspected?

Guest name: GC, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.6

Guest type: Group

stayed in May 2007

The room (a triple for 3 adults) was quite cramped. As I started to fall asleep, I felt something on my face. After I brushed it off, I discovered that a large spider had walked across my face! I don't know where it came from, but does it matter? If the place were clean enough, there would not be insects on guests while they are in their beds! I was nervous about falling asleep after that. The proprieter is helpful enough, but he sure has an abrupt manner about him - he scurries around all the time, which made it hard for me to relax.

Guest name: Stephen Padre, Switzerland

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Group

stayed in Apr 2007

Very clean hotel in good location. Parking in the town during busy periods was difficult so hotel car park was invaluable. Room and breakfast good. Would recommend.

Guest name: Steve Bennett, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2006

The room allocated was extrememly small, but the manager changed it. We got what we paid for as far as service and facilities are concerned. We would stay there again.

Guest name: WS, United Kingdom

Average rating:  4.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2006

Cold, draughty room with very basic furniture and dirty bathroom. We were supplied with only 1 large towel between 2 of us, even though we could see the room packed with clean towels. Breakfast was extra and seemed a little expensive as for this you got a croissant and a piece of bread. The one saving grace for this hotel was that it was quiet and in a lovely setting.

Guest name: SA, United Kingdom

Average rating:  2.3

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2006

First stay here (and last). Small, shabby room. Poor welcome and little overall assistance from proprietor. Paid 80 euros per day for a 65 euro room (Venere's commission??) Was charged 20 euros for small bottle of beer and bottle of cheap plonk.

Guest name: CAROL GRAY, United Kingdom

Average rating:  2.8

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in May 2006

des prix honteux, qui n'ont rien a voir avec ceux affichés sur place, un petit dejeuné à 8 euro, meme pour ma fille de 4 ans...avec un café imbuvable (au sens propre, j'ai pas pu le boire tellement il est deg......, )un croissant, un bout de baguette, dejeuné qu'il a fallu payé en arrivant, pour les deux jours...si j'avais pas dèjà payé, il est clair que je ne l'aurai pas repris le lendemain...plus jamais.

Guest name: Gaelle Jacquot, France

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

The room was OK, the bathroom was tiny, located in a stair well so I could barely shut the door when I brushed my teeth! The view from the window was a concrete wall and a washing line. The breakfast was a real rip-off - 8 euros for one croissant and one baguette, with undrinkable coffee. Would only suggest for an overnight stay and buy your breakfast at the local boulangerie.

Guest name: Paula McMullan, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2004

In some ways this facility was quite charming, particularly on the outside and the dining area. We had a lovely dinner, a nice continental breakfast and the staff was quite accommodating, although we had some difficulty communicating. We did ask to change rooms as the first was very small and really not clean. However, we were accommodated with our request. It was awkward packing our luggage up the narrow stairs as well. The surroundings were lovely - nice to hear the cattle in the morning.

Guest name: Mary Goble, Canada

Average rating:  4.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2004

Hotel is good for it's two stars as for accomodation. About the food en owner is 1 star even to much. Prices of the food are higher the any class restaurant in town. One time but never again. Reminded me of Falty Towers with John Cleese.

Guest name: Wim De Laender, Belgium

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2004

La comida es excepcional y el entorno fantástico aunque al ser un caserón antiguo, las habitaciones son pequeñas.

Guest name: Miguel Angel De Pablo, Spain

Average rating:  3.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2004

I stayed in Normady for nine days, and experienced five different hotels. This was the worst value for money. The room was dark, dingy and in bad need of some updating. Breakfast was dreadful - and expensive at €15 for two of us. The latter consisted of two croissants, possibly two bread rolls also. coffee/tea and tiny orange juices. I will not be staying here again.

Guest name: LM, Ireland

Average rating:  3.4

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2004

We felt this hotel was overpriced when considering the 'tired' rooms. We booked 4 rooms in all and they were all tatty and required updating. The bill we were presented with was unreadable and the amount charged for our drinks was excessive. Service was too brisk.

Guest name: Dave Vann, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.2

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2004

It would be better if the personell is able to speak english language.Everythin other was quite ok and in good conditions.Was a nice stay there.

Guest name: TH, Austria

Average rating:  3.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2004

The hotel room was the smallest and most expenoisve I stayed in for the 9 days away The room was exceptionally dirty - even after i asked the "manager" to have it cleaned again The shower and shower drainw as full of black hair as was the floor and shower mat. The rest of the bathroom floor and room was dirty The room, or cupboard, was also very dirty with dust, hair and cobwebs in all corners of the room and a liberal sprinkling of hair and general dirt The walls were paper thin and you could hear everything that happened in all the other rooms above and below you as well as nerxt door. I can see why the hotel asks you to pay in advance. With a long argument i managed to get a refund of the 2nd night and founda clean hotel that didn't leave you wanting to stratch of the imaginary bugs. I will not beusing vere to find a room again if this is the stndard of hotels that you offer.

Guest name: PETER SUMMERBEE, United Kingdom

Average rating:  2.3

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jun 2004

Would not have stayed had I not pre-booked. Location was good for reason of stay

Guest name: Malcolm Austin, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.4

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jun 2004

small room for 4 persons ,toliet not fixed to floor ,damp linen ,tatty ,size of a single room with four beds in. would not stay again........

Guest name: Glynis Field, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jun 2004

I enjoyed the my stay at Le Chanteclair. It was also at the heart of Normandy, which made it easy for me to locate all the beaches and museums.

Guest name: Michael Casey, Germany

Average rating:  2.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2004

Old and not very comfortabl rooms. Very bad cleanliness of the bath and toilet. The prices correspond not at all at the services. This will be our first and also last time stay in this hotel.

Guest name: Marc Bergmann, Switzerland

Average rating:  2.7

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in May 2004

I found the price very high for the quality and cleanliness of the rooms. The staff was not very friendly and I found the staff not very informative. I realize that there was somewhat of a language barier but I speak fluent french and had no problems communicating in french any where else we stayed in Normand. I would certainly not recommend tourist to expect high cleanliness or tourist friendly staff at this establishment

Guest name: Gerald Pinel, Canada

Average rating:  3.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2004

overpriced for type of hotel and location very pleased with hotel nord in lille

Guest name: Gerald McDonnell, Ireland

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Apr 2004

Accommodation was adequate for our overnight stay. We would not have any problem about using the Chanteclair again.

Guest name: DM, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.4

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Apr 2004

The owner/manager sent several emails with a much higher rate than the web site, pressuring us to buy into the "board" rate which includes food. Also, the quadruple room is basically a double with extra cots and NO space to move around.

Guest name: LD, Belgium

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Nov 2003

Very old. but charming facility. Meals very expensive. Beautiful views of area from hotel.

Guest name: GT, USA

Average rating:  6.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2003

Nice hotel with an authentic ambiance. Personell is a little bit hasty in behaviour, it gets on your nerves.

Guest name: Carina Outshoven, Netherlands

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2003

It was a good hotel for it's price. The hotel is situated perfectly for day-trips en visiting the small village of Arromanches with it's fantastic history of the Mullberry-harbour.

Guest name: Marco De Feiter, Netherlands

Average rating:  4.2

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Aug 2003

By no means the best value I have experienced in a French two star. I accepted the offer of demi-pension on arrival, but it showed no cost saving over room, evening meal and breakfast if purchased separately. The "Kir Normand" offered as an aperitif (based on local cider in place of wine)turned out to be a bit of a money spinner. Over a two night stay, six of these plus two lemonades, two bottles of house red and four coffees added €77 to the bill.

Guest name: VK, United Kingdom

Average rating:  2.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Aug 2003

ho avuto molti problemi con il direttore dell'albergo:avevo prenotato una camera tripla con vista mare (pagando di più) e al mio arrivo la camera che mi hanno assegnato non era vista mare ed era per due con letto supplementare. Ovviamente non ho avuto nessuna riduzione di prezzo.Inoltre vedendo il mio malcontento mi hanno fatto pagare la sera e non volevano fare la fattura. Il mio giudizio non puo che essere negativo.

Guest name: PS, Italy

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2003

The hotel was lovely as was the setting. We found the host less welcoming and helpful than any of the other four places we stayed in France (two rural plus Paris and Rouen). He offered little in the way of welcome; any business we had to conduct (such as paying the bill) he handled with speed and little social interaction and returned quickly to eating and drinking with his friends. We felt disinclined to dine there or to tarry.

Guest name: JD, USA

Average rating:  4.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2003

I feel the price for the room we got were too high. The price for the same room comparing the pricelist /hotel was Euro 65 per night excl. breakfast. Our price was euro 80 excl. breakfast. Comparing with other hotels/facilities surronding the price was too high.We will never use Venere com. again.

Guest name: Grete Sanderhage, Denmark

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2003

I enjoyed the stay in the hotel very much. The surroundings were beautiful and our room was very spacious yet quaint. It would be better if the hotel offered a small bar service as the gardens are beautiful to sit out in, especially in the evening time. Overall we really enjoyed the stay.

Guest name: Kara Craig, Ireland

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2003

My only criticism of the hotel was the bathroom. It was in need of re-furbishment and would have benefited from the use of a lighter colour of paint on the walls.

Guest name: PM, United Kingdom

Average rating:  3.5

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Aug 2002

No directions, had to search for at least 1/2 hour. I was quoted 99.00 EUR. When we got there the desk clerk/manager said was changed to 134.00 EUR. We had no choice as they were turning people away. TV, telephone not operative. One large and one small towel per 2 people, 1 micro bar of soap, no other amenities. 5.00 EUR breakfast was orange juice, coffee, and croissant. Waitstaff efficent but brusk. Overall, we felt ripped off compared to other resort places we stayed that week on the Normandy Coast. Pleasing location, but would not recommend this property.

Guest name: Greg Reynolds, USA