12/07/2026: We had a lovely stay at Domaine de la Tortinière overall. The property is beautiful, well maintained, and conveniently located near major roads, making it an excellent base for exploring the Loire Valley. Our room was comfortable, clean, and well appointed, and the air conditioning worked exceptionally well during the summer heat. The pool was a great place to relax, and the staff throughout the hotel were friendly and professional.
A couple of minor inconveniences stood out during our stay. The television did not have any local channels or music available which made the TV unusable. On one evening, the digestif cabinet was locked and staff could not locate the key, delaying bar service and giving the impression of some disorganization. To his credit, the bartender went the extra mile to find an alternative bottle in the cellar, even though it wasn’t the cognac I had originally selected.
Unfortunately, the hotel’s BBQ evening significantly impacted our stay. The meal was served buffet-style from an outdoor grill. I understand that beef is often served much rarer in France than in other countries, and that is not an issue in itself. However, the beef that evening was exceptionally blue, even by French standards. Because we were among the last diners, much of the food had also been sitting out for quite some time.
Myself and several other guests developed what appeared to be food poisoning afterward. We were sick throughout the night, and it effectively derailed the remainder of our weekend. We were unable to enjoy the activities and sightseeing we had planned for the following day. When we informed the hotel, the night staff kindly provided extra water, tea, and other supplies when we asked, which was appreciated. However, there was little follow-up afterward. I had expected management to proactively check on us and the other guests who attended the BBQ, investigate the situation, and take greater ownership of the incident.
The handling of compensation was also disappointing. No refund or adjustment was initially offered. When I pointed out to the manager that we had missed the prepaid breakfast because we were ill, she offered to credit the bar charges instead, since breakfast had already been paid for. When it became clear that no additional compensation was being considered, I asked who I could speak with about escalating the matter. Only then was a broader refund offered.
One additional concern was hygiene. The downstairs restroom near the restaurant was out of hand soap for several days. While this may seem like a small detail, particularly in light of the food-related illnesses, it suggested that greater attention to cleanliness and sanitation would be beneficial.
Despite this experience, there is a great deal to like about the hotel. The accommodations, grounds, pool, and overall service were excellent. My hope is that management places more emphasis on food safety, cleanliness, and responding proactively when potential health issues arise. With those improvements, this would easily be a five-star property.
06/07/2026: Beautiful pool, friendly team (especially the night concierge) and an excellent breakfast. We had the suite at the top which was perfect for our young family (kids between 2 and 6). No lift, but who cares when you're staying in such a fine place? And the décor was perfect, bathrooms absolutely brand new and rooms immaculate, which is no mean feat in such a twisted old building. Bravo, and thanks for having us.
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