アベイ ドゥ ラ ブシエール(Abbaye de la Bussiere)

We brought a friend here to show her the beautiful hotel where we had stayed several times in the past and had drinks and meals at on other occasions. We had always been made to feel welcome. We turned up well dressed on a hot afternoon. I was barred from entering the front door by a member of staff who asked if I had a reservation. I replied that we would like to have a drink on the terrace. We were told we could not have one as we were not guests and must leave. This would not have happened under the previous owners. We have visited many five star hotels and have never been made to feel so unwelcome. There are other places locally, such as Chateau de Sainte Sabine, who are very welcoming. They also have a nice restaurant. The previous chef at the Abbaye, who held a Michelin star there, has opened his own restaurant nearby in Vandenesse. L’Auberge de Guillaume. Delicious food and a good welcome. You can also just stop for a drink or coffee. We will not return to the Abbaye under any circumstances.

The Abbaye is a beautiful building, the room was sumptuous with everything you could need. The dining was top end with a great wine list. All the staff were professional, helpful and friendly. All this and set in beautiful grounds. Would definably return and thoroughly reccomend

What an amazingly, wonderful peaceful place! We only stayed here one night on our way back home after being at the côte d.’Azur. But we immediately agreed that we would love to come back! The a**osphere is so nice and calm, we really loved the place.

It is really a shame. I really loved the ground and our room was nice. However, due to my allergies I had boiled cod and green chopped up apples for dinner. Hardly the works of a relais chateaux bistro,

Be aware, the abbey has changed hands. The AC in our room was unreliable, the steak at dinner was only 50% edible due to excessive gristle (we had to pay an additional 10 euros for the privilege.) We ate on the terrace (not our choice) and could not see what we were eating after sun down due to inadequate lighting. On departure we were incorrectly charged and after 11 days and numerous emails our request for an explanation and refund have been ignored! The absent American owners who have acquired this hotel should perhaps put customer service above profit margins. Not up to Relais Château standards.

The buildings are magnificent and my room very comfortable. Unfortunately it was poor weather but the gardens looked lovely. Attentive staff. I had dinner in the bistro which was good without being exceptional. The room could however have done with better lighting.

Very disappointing, this was our third visit but they have changed owners and are now part of a large American group and it shows. Expensive room, no turndown service, only enough toiletries for one adult, electrics for towel rail hanging off the wall, jacuzzi bath didn't work. All of the little details that made it special before have been stopped. Although reserving a table for dinner we were told we could not eat in the restaurant but had a 'bistro' table outside. Not good enough. The manager promised future benefits, but the issue needed to be addressed on the night. Breakfast was mean for a hotel of this calibre. We will not be returning.

The Abbaye is a spectacular hotel with spacious rooms full of character. The bathroom was large with Diptych personal care products. The grounds are well cared for and well-placed loungers invite rest and relaxation. We had been travelling for more than a week and simply wanted to relax and enjoy the hotel's reputation for great food and wine. That was largely what we did, but because we were there from a Sunday to a Tuesday, there were no options for lunch on-site and the Bistro restaurant where we had our evening meal offered the same two choices for dinner both nights; service was indifferent. When we realized that we would need to leave the property for lunch -- when our goal was to park the car for two days -- I took a few items from the breakfast buffet -- bread, boiled eggs, cheese -- and fashioned a picnic lunch, something that would have been easy for the hotel to offer. That evening, the new manager proactively apologized for the lack of dinner choice by telling us that the 'A' level kitchen team did not work on Monday evenings. I should have thought to remind him that we were still paying an 'A' level amount for the room. In sum, the hotel rooms and grounds are fantastic but new management has not yet figured out the dining aspect. The lack of options for lunch and dinner are a problem for a hotel of this calibre. If you go, be sure to book anytime from Wednesday to Saturday.

The Abbaye Bussiliere is an exceptional property that is almost indescribably beautiful. This lovely oasis offers, beautiful grounds, lovely walking trails, exquisite gardens, and water features everywhere. Inside the architecture and stonework and decor are exhilarating. We were delighted with a spacious room overlooking the main gardens, providing a beautiful views in a peaceful, almost spiritual setting. Large modern bathroom, luxurious linens and the attentive staff complete a beautiful experience. This is a hotel I would return to again with pleasure.