Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz
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Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz
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About
#37 of 58 hotels in Biarritz
Location
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Value
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
City View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Property amenities
Paid private parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Coffee shop
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Street parking
Wifi
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Soundproof rooms
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Sofa bed
Complimentary toiletries
Housekeeping
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Electric kettle
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Non-smoking rooms
Location
29, Rue Gambetta, 64200 Biarritz France
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 97 out of 100
97
178 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
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The hotel is very central in Biarritz. To the Grand Plage it is on foot about 10 min. - parking a bit difficult, if you are lucky, on site for a short time. - Very friendly reception. - Our room under the roof cozy, nicely decorated. Good shower. Bathroom well equipped. - Late August/early September it was still very warm in the room. Air conditioning worked relatively well. - Breakfast we took in the market halls about 3-4 minutes away.
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the Maison Garnier during my first trip to Biarritz, and I was quite pleased.
The historic building is bright and well kept. The hotel's public areas are warm and welcoming; the second floor corner room I stayed in was large and comfortable, with lots of windows and a small but serviceable balcony.
The breakfast was typically French and well worth the price; the dining room is probably the nicest room in the place!
There are many local shops & a pharmacie across the street; I got a quick haircut in a salon next door and had a great opportunity to practice my French with the stylist. I had a great steak at a local restaurant just down the street - Le St Amour at 26 rue Gambetta
Fond memories of Biarritz! I would definitely stay at the Maison Garnier again.
The historic building is bright and well kept. The hotel's public areas are warm and welcoming; the second floor corner room I stayed in was large and comfortable, with lots of windows and a small but serviceable balcony.
The breakfast was typically French and well worth the price; the dining room is probably the nicest room in the place!
There are many local shops & a pharmacie across the street; I got a quick haircut in a salon next door and had a great opportunity to practice my French with the stylist. I had a great steak at a local restaurant just down the street - Le St Amour at 26 rue Gambetta
Fond memories of Biarritz! I would definitely stay at the Maison Garnier again.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maison Garnier is in the centre of town, a short walk from shops and beach. It is an elegant corner town house, tastefully furnished. Our rooms were comfortable and elegant, with framed views of historic biarritz and wall hangings. Bathrooms come with old fashioned dinner-plate shower heads. Ceilings are high and windows large and shuttered. Decoration is fresh and the house is spotlessly clean.
Breakfast is good value, standard French, and in a very pretty and sunny morning room. A fridge downstairs is stocked with mineral water to which we were invited to help ourselves.
The owner was welcoming and helpful and once we had the door code we were able to treat the hotel as our own house in town. We thought it was delightful, and very good value and will bear it in mind for future trips.
Highly recommended for an alternative to corporate uber-hotels. Free parking was available on the street outside.
Breakfast is good value, standard French, and in a very pretty and sunny morning room. A fridge downstairs is stocked with mineral water to which we were invited to help ourselves.
The owner was welcoming and helpful and once we had the door code we were able to treat the hotel as our own house in town. We thought it was delightful, and very good value and will bear it in mind for future trips.
Highly recommended for an alternative to corporate uber-hotels. Free parking was available on the street outside.
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Date of stay: February 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Be careful it is not a Pension but a bed and breakfast. So the lady who is the Owner is alone. This means that there is no welcome because we arrive in his living room.
Pdj very summary that we preferred to take outside. In the room for 4 the beds for children not unfolded and 1 mini shampoo in the bathroom.
There’s no sign that it’s an Inn outside, but the rates are a Inn. They wanted to charge us 270 euros a night while on the site and on the front door it says 220 euros.
In short you understand that I do not recommend at all. Apart from that it is very well located.
Pdj very summary that we preferred to take outside. In the room for 4 the beds for children not unfolded and 1 mini shampoo in the bathroom.
There’s no sign that it’s an Inn outside, but the rates are a Inn. They wanted to charge us 270 euros a night while on the site and on the front door it says 220 euros.
In short you understand that I do not recommend at all. Apart from that it is very well located.
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I wrote this poem using the feelings I had even several days after this stay and decided to put it on TripAdvisor to warn others. Do not stay here if you want to relax in this beautiful beach town. Yes, the rooms are great, but you have no privacy and are treated like a child. Here goes:
Hotel Maison Garnier is a building that is lovely,
But do not bring a bodyboard to enjoy the beach,
The owners have not seen it,
They shudder in disbelief.
Si vous plais, no plage for you!
The plage has sand, parle vous
Anglais - they seem to speak,
So why ignore the sign that says,
“Do Not Disturb”,
we are asleep!!!*
OCD is a serious disease,
And poor Joanne,
All this disorder,
A grain of sand,
Patrique** please glass it,
For this is one complete,
Disaster!
The hotel is near three beaches,
But not a one is to be breach-ed,
Hanging a towel is serious stuff,
And Joanne has had enough!
Patrique decides to speak,
On behalf of his wife,
Who is seriously weak,
Please do not do this or that,
Because Joanne could seriously snap!
I’m 38 and staying in hell,
I need to sneak in water and food,
Because relaxing in your room,
Could contaminate this crazy Zoo.
* They didn't walk in on us sleeping but did not leave a do not disturb so we asked for one - when they gave it to us and we used it they still entered the room.
** Patrique is spelt Patrick but you need to say it this way in reading the poem. He is probably okay, but Joanne is seriously crazy.
*** When we left the hotel, Catherine saw Joanne go and put a cup on some sand other guests had left (extremely minor) and made Patrick clean it up immediately with the vacuum - a few grains of sand?!
**** Lastly, people are not wrong when they say the wifi is terrible. In addition, while we were having an afternoon snooze they turned our air-conditioning off - AT THE MAINS! I had to walk downstairs on a 30 degree day in August to ask what was going on. This was after we initially had to ask for the actual remote control (ie it is not initially in the room on purpose) - they asked us to open the windows! It is on a busy street in August and is very noisy with the windows open - unbelievable.
Hotel Maison Garnier is a building that is lovely,
But do not bring a bodyboard to enjoy the beach,
The owners have not seen it,
They shudder in disbelief.
Si vous plais, no plage for you!
The plage has sand, parle vous
Anglais - they seem to speak,
So why ignore the sign that says,
“Do Not Disturb”,
we are asleep!!!*
OCD is a serious disease,
And poor Joanne,
All this disorder,
A grain of sand,
Patrique** please glass it,
For this is one complete,
Disaster!
The hotel is near three beaches,
But not a one is to be breach-ed,
Hanging a towel is serious stuff,
And Joanne has had enough!
Patrique decides to speak,
On behalf of his wife,
Who is seriously weak,
Please do not do this or that,
Because Joanne could seriously snap!
I’m 38 and staying in hell,
I need to sneak in water and food,
Because relaxing in your room,
Could contaminate this crazy Zoo.
* They didn't walk in on us sleeping but did not leave a do not disturb so we asked for one - when they gave it to us and we used it they still entered the room.
** Patrique is spelt Patrick but you need to say it this way in reading the poem. He is probably okay, but Joanne is seriously crazy.
*** When we left the hotel, Catherine saw Joanne go and put a cup on some sand other guests had left (extremely minor) and made Patrick clean it up immediately with the vacuum - a few grains of sand?!
**** Lastly, people are not wrong when they say the wifi is terrible. In addition, while we were having an afternoon snooze they turned our air-conditioning off - AT THE MAINS! I had to walk downstairs on a 30 degree day in August to ask what was going on. This was after we initially had to ask for the actual remote control (ie it is not initially in the room on purpose) - they asked us to open the windows! It is on a busy street in August and is very noisy with the windows open - unbelievable.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Patrick C, Gérant at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz
Responded 27 Oct 2016
Votre commentaire pourrait prêter à rire tellement il est ridicule, mais comme il est calomnieux, et insultant, uniquement motivé par votre colère d'avoir été mis en face de votre inaptitude à vous comporter de manière civilisée dans un établissement qui inspire un minimum de savoir vivre, et de respect pour les lieux et les personnes qui vous accueillent dans les meilleures conditions, et que vous trahissez en maltraitant le matériel mis à votre disposition, et la confiance que l'on vous accorde, nous sommes obligés d'apporter la véritable version. D'ailleurs TripAdvisor devrait mesurer la perte de crédibilité que représente votre débit incontrôlé, qui ne fait que désinformer les lecteurs, ou tentative de nous porter préjudice sans motif valablement constaté par rapport à nos obligations professionnelles. Si le mensonge et déformation des situations devient la base des messages, ils perdront définitivement tout intérêt. Même 2 mois après, on se souvient très bien de votre cas, dont vous confirmez encore vos anomalies de comportement, par votre volubilité qui dépassant la ligne rouge de la bien séance. Nous encourageons les lecteurs à venir constater que dans ce message tout est faux, ou très déformé intentionnellement. Concernant le body board, combinaisons de surf, et sable vous avez des douches gratuites sur toutes les plages de la ville (ce n'est pas un secret), nous avons même un local permettant de les sécher, sur simple demande et entièrement gratuit... Les serviettes de bain blanches de l'hôtel, ne sont pas prévues (par hygiène élémentaire) pour aller sur la plage. Au sujet du panneau "ne pas déranger" accroché en permanence à la porte (ce qui n'à aucun sens quand vous êtes absent par définition on ne peut "déranger personne" puisque la chambre est vide !!!) Cela permet comme dans tous les hôtels, de procéder à l'entretien de la chambre ce qui fait partie du contrat. On ne vient pas dans un hôtel 3*** pour faire la lessive de linge sale dans la chambre, puis le faire sécher sur les meubles, fauteuils, chaises en bois, ou les rebords de fenêtres tapissées de papier (au risque de le décoller). c'est cette sauvagerie que vous vouliez certainement nous cacher... Nous comprenons mieux maintenant pourquoi la femme de chambre disait avoir peur de vous. Vous deviez avoir une attitude menaçante ou hostile à son égard quand vous la croisiez... Autre attitude totalement déplacée faire venir votre beau-frère dans le salon jusqu'après minuit pour abuser de notre connexion wifi gratuite, alors qu'il n'était pas client chez nous... Pourquoi il n'utilisait pas celle de son hôtel ? Quant a la climatisation, il faut avoir un esprit particulièrement vicieux, pour penser que nous l'aurions coupée volontairement, alors que vous étiez prévenu que la sécurité du compresseur disjoncte en cas de surchauffe due aux fenêtres ouvertes (comme tout le monde sait), mais pour vous cela était peut-être un jeu pervers pour voir combien de temps cela pourrait tenir... On ne voit pas d'autre explication. Vos propos injurieux et diffamatoires concernant Joanne sont totalement déplacés, et démontrent votre bassesse. Vous ne savez même pas faire la différence entre ce qui peut se dire, et ce que l'on peut écrire, ce qui confirme votre ignorance et manque d'éducation. Vous dévoilez votre point faible, déformer les situations pour tenter d'usurper une crédibilité. Nous avons côtoyé plus de 10.000 clients qui nous ont à l'unanimité félicité pour notre propreté, accueil, et savoir faire. Ce n'est pas votre négativité, qui nous fera changer notre attitude de bien servir nos clients. Nous en profitons pour remercier chaleureusement tous les clients, avec lesquels nous avons des échanges pleins d’esprit, et avec les quels nous avons lié d'excellentes relations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Having read the reviews on Tripadvisor, my wife and I spent 2 nights at Maison Garnier, paying €110 per night for B&B. This is more a high quality, 7-roomed B&B rather than a hotel. It’s an attractive old building of character, situated within easy walking distance of the town centre and beach.
However, I wouldn’t recommend our room, No 7, located on the top floor (or numbers 5 & 6 on the same level which I suspect are similar). While our room was clean, comfortable and reasonably spacious, the small dormer window meant that natural light was limited and consequently the interior was somewhat gloomy. Also, the window is set very high up on the wall - the window sill is about 5 feet above the floor level. With a small parapet running outside, this meant that the only view was the balconies of the upper stories of the apartment block directly across the narrow street, or the sky. You’d have to be about 7 feet tall to be able to see any part of the street below, or stand on the chair as I did. The intruding roof supports might be a problem, my wife bumped her head returning from a trip to the loo in the middle of the night.
Continental breakfast is served in a bright and pleasant room, with good quality linen and crockery. Though the selection is fairly limited, the quality is good, including freshly squeezed orange juice. A fridge near the small reception is stocked with free bottled water, a nice touch. There is a small sitting-room area available to guests.
I’m sure that rooms numbered one to four, with full sized windows, are a better bet if your preference is for smaller establishments such as this.
However, I wouldn’t recommend our room, No 7, located on the top floor (or numbers 5 & 6 on the same level which I suspect are similar). While our room was clean, comfortable and reasonably spacious, the small dormer window meant that natural light was limited and consequently the interior was somewhat gloomy. Also, the window is set very high up on the wall - the window sill is about 5 feet above the floor level. With a small parapet running outside, this meant that the only view was the balconies of the upper stories of the apartment block directly across the narrow street, or the sky. You’d have to be about 7 feet tall to be able to see any part of the street below, or stand on the chair as I did. The intruding roof supports might be a problem, my wife bumped her head returning from a trip to the loo in the middle of the night.
Continental breakfast is served in a bright and pleasant room, with good quality linen and crockery. Though the selection is fairly limited, the quality is good, including freshly squeezed orange juice. A fridge near the small reception is stocked with free bottled water, a nice touch. There is a small sitting-room area available to guests.
I’m sure that rooms numbered one to four, with full sized windows, are a better bet if your preference is for smaller establishments such as this.
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Date of stay: March 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Feels like you are staying in a lovely old house rather than a big grotty hotel. People working there were very friendly. The room was tastefully decorated and a decent size with a nice big bathroom. Very central and a short walk to the beaches. Couldn't recommend it enough. Do yourself a favour... stay at the Maison Garnier.
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Date of stay: April 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed at Maison Gambetta for 5 nights as base to visit Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz, and interior Pays Basque villages.Great location on Rue Gambetta.A 5 to 10 minute walk from everything--beaches, Centre-Ville, restaurants,shopping. Hotel rooms are spotlessly clean and adequately furnished..The owner(Yves Gelot),his wife and small staff are gracious,hospitable, and helpful .You must appreciate small intimate hotels (7 rooms) with a more homelike ambiance,but overall, in my opinion, Maison Gambetta is well worth your visit and is a great price/value find. EAS , Michigan, U.S.A.
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Date of stay: September 2006Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
*Warning to other guests, don't book with Credit Card. 50€ taken from credit card after departure*
We stayed at this property in June 2017, and were impressed by the location, cleanliness of the rooms and reasonable price.
However, on departure, we were charged an additional 50€ on to our final bill. When we refuted this additional charge (disguised as a tax) the owners of the property became very aggressive and accused us of damaging their hotel.
When we refused to pay the 50€, it was charged to my credit card without my permission. Over the past month, I have been in negotiations with Booking.com to seek a refund of this 50€, to no avail.
The owners of the property have alleged that; we had damaged property, stained linen and stained walls and door jambs. This is an appalling accusation, and certainly one we refute.
Please be warned. €50 was illegally taken from my credit card which I provided to the property via Booking.com in good faith.
I hope to pursue this further, but my advice is to choose another place to stay.
We stayed at this property in June 2017, and were impressed by the location, cleanliness of the rooms and reasonable price.
However, on departure, we were charged an additional 50€ on to our final bill. When we refuted this additional charge (disguised as a tax) the owners of the property became very aggressive and accused us of damaging their hotel.
When we refused to pay the 50€, it was charged to my credit card without my permission. Over the past month, I have been in negotiations with Booking.com to seek a refund of this 50€, to no avail.
The owners of the property have alleged that; we had damaged property, stained linen and stained walls and door jambs. This is an appalling accusation, and certainly one we refute.
Please be warned. €50 was illegally taken from my credit card which I provided to the property via Booking.com in good faith.
I hope to pursue this further, but my advice is to choose another place to stay.
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Date of stay: June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Patrick C, Gérant at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz
Responded 30 Nov 2017
Casting error. These 2 friends confuse "boutique hotel" and hostel. From the first day it was necessary to point out to them that it was not a hotel to shout at night. We must add the state of dirt in which they leave the walls, door jamb, bed base, sheets that had to be washed twice every day. Finally the last day before leaving they break the desk lamp which was in perfect condition. All this incurs costs, which are charged according to the posted supplements, and Booking-com conditions. They let the air conditioning work at 16 ° C with the windows open (when they were warned to close them), and complained about the noise from the street. Sorry, they can only complain of themselves ... It is enough that one advises them a thing, so that they do the opposite. That they do not acknowledge their wrongs, does not give them reason. They try to dirty us again with the price of breakfast, which they never took in the hotel, so how can they judge the quality, choice, service, room, cloth tablecloths? This comment by mixing the real good points, with their lies or inappropriate acts, is intended only to mislead readers. They mix the real with the false, to make believe that the false is true ... It is a vulgar faking of bad marketing. Thank you for coming back only when you understand the meaning of Life!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our large corner room was clean and quiet serviceable for an inexpensive 3 star hotel. While it was spartan and dated in its decor it nevertheless had some old world, small guesthouse charm about it that is very appropriate in Biarritz (the style is 1930's or 40's, I think). The bathroom was overwhelmingly old chunky white porcelain and white tiles but there was some charm in this and some charm in the cheap but quirky print on the wall. Similarly the very large bedroom was basic mission brown, beige and white but was very clean and comfortable. (This room could have down with some old world prints too, or at least something to brighten it up a little - there was some historical material which was good). The hotel is quiet well positioned within Biarritz too.
But this is where the positives end. There were some management issues - essentially the same issues that some others reviewers have presented. Looking at these reviews, I will try very hard to just keep to the facts.
Firstly, we were literally "warned" on arrival that eating and clothes washing in the rooms was not permitted. The cautionary phrase uttered in a stern headmaster tone but with a mildly threatening smile was, "This is not camping, is it?". We found this to be impolite and unnecessarily overbearing. It immediately put us in a negative frame of mind towards the owner, who was otherwise quiet civil and with good English. We are an older couple of seasoned world travelers and to us this attitude to new paying guests said either that it was a cheap hotel with many uncivilized guests in the past and we looked to him like we might be one of them (!), or that the owner was a control-freak. Whichever it was, we were immediately made to feel uncomfortable. We said nothing of course, but could not help but look critically at the room we then went upstairs to settle into. In particular we wondered to each other what the totally empty fridge and dining table complete with tablecloth and wooden dining chairs were all about if no food was allowed.
This initial experience might have been forgotten if the behavior of the owner had not again reinforced our impression that he had an overbearing attitude to his guests. Our room, as we knowingly booked it, had no air conditioning but did have a large free-standing fan (as I believe is the case for the balconied rooms in this establishment). But the weather was unseasonably hot. We had had a long hot day and were keen to avoid a hot sleepless night. I very carefully set up the old-style European shutters and windows to allow the little breeze there was to cool off the airless stifling room. We then left the room to find a nice restaurant nearby.
We returned to find that our room was still hot and airless, having been entered by someone who had adjusted its windows and shutters to prevent the air coming in. We firstly found it disturbing that someone would unnecessarily enter our room in this manner soon after our arrival. In such a small hotel it made us feel uncomfortable, distrusted and "under observation" by the management. We secondly felt that the closure of the windows and shutters was unjustifiable (the windows are unreachable from the ground and the shutters were locked in place anyway). This again spoke of an attitude of interference and control of guests. A respectful owner might have at least mentioned his reasons and his regret for having had to intervene the next day. Nothing was said.
They were helpful and friendly as we left after two nights, finding us a taxi. But I am afraid I cannot recommend that travellers stay here unless this sort of thing won't concern you.
My humble suggestions to the owners, who I'm sure are actually very nice people, are the following.
1. Place very polite and cheerful notices on the fridge, on the dining table and near the bathroom sink to say things like, "The fridge can be used to keep water and other drinks cold, but please don't store foodstuffs or prepare meals in your room" and "Please don't leave washing hanging in the bathroom. Thank you!". You might also want a more formal version on the back of the door in small print that says extra cleaning charges apply if these rules are violated.
2. You can then cut your guests a bit of slack and they will love you for it. If someone in desperation harmlessly rinses out one piece of soiled clothing or eats a sandwich and a takeaway coffee while doing their emails, turn a blind eye and let it go! Only ever admonish (and even charge) someone who actually makes a significant mess or leaves a room festooned with washing. Never admonish a guest for the mess they might make.
3. Never enter a guests room unless:
a) you are doing the daily room clean once your guests have left for the day,
b) you have "due cause" to do so (eg: you hear shutters banging in the wind or really do have reason to suspect wrongdoing) and always tell them what you did and why afterwards. Your guests need to feel secure and don't want to feel "watched". If you relax, they will too.
But this is where the positives end. There were some management issues - essentially the same issues that some others reviewers have presented. Looking at these reviews, I will try very hard to just keep to the facts.
Firstly, we were literally "warned" on arrival that eating and clothes washing in the rooms was not permitted. The cautionary phrase uttered in a stern headmaster tone but with a mildly threatening smile was, "This is not camping, is it?". We found this to be impolite and unnecessarily overbearing. It immediately put us in a negative frame of mind towards the owner, who was otherwise quiet civil and with good English. We are an older couple of seasoned world travelers and to us this attitude to new paying guests said either that it was a cheap hotel with many uncivilized guests in the past and we looked to him like we might be one of them (!), or that the owner was a control-freak. Whichever it was, we were immediately made to feel uncomfortable. We said nothing of course, but could not help but look critically at the room we then went upstairs to settle into. In particular we wondered to each other what the totally empty fridge and dining table complete with tablecloth and wooden dining chairs were all about if no food was allowed.
This initial experience might have been forgotten if the behavior of the owner had not again reinforced our impression that he had an overbearing attitude to his guests. Our room, as we knowingly booked it, had no air conditioning but did have a large free-standing fan (as I believe is the case for the balconied rooms in this establishment). But the weather was unseasonably hot. We had had a long hot day and were keen to avoid a hot sleepless night. I very carefully set up the old-style European shutters and windows to allow the little breeze there was to cool off the airless stifling room. We then left the room to find a nice restaurant nearby.
We returned to find that our room was still hot and airless, having been entered by someone who had adjusted its windows and shutters to prevent the air coming in. We firstly found it disturbing that someone would unnecessarily enter our room in this manner soon after our arrival. In such a small hotel it made us feel uncomfortable, distrusted and "under observation" by the management. We secondly felt that the closure of the windows and shutters was unjustifiable (the windows are unreachable from the ground and the shutters were locked in place anyway). This again spoke of an attitude of interference and control of guests. A respectful owner might have at least mentioned his reasons and his regret for having had to intervene the next day. Nothing was said.
They were helpful and friendly as we left after two nights, finding us a taxi. But I am afraid I cannot recommend that travellers stay here unless this sort of thing won't concern you.
My humble suggestions to the owners, who I'm sure are actually very nice people, are the following.
1. Place very polite and cheerful notices on the fridge, on the dining table and near the bathroom sink to say things like, "The fridge can be used to keep water and other drinks cold, but please don't store foodstuffs or prepare meals in your room" and "Please don't leave washing hanging in the bathroom. Thank you!". You might also want a more formal version on the back of the door in small print that says extra cleaning charges apply if these rules are violated.
2. You can then cut your guests a bit of slack and they will love you for it. If someone in desperation harmlessly rinses out one piece of soiled clothing or eats a sandwich and a takeaway coffee while doing their emails, turn a blind eye and let it go! Only ever admonish (and even charge) someone who actually makes a significant mess or leaves a room festooned with washing. Never admonish a guest for the mess they might make.
3. Never enter a guests room unless:
a) you are doing the daily room clean once your guests have left for the day,
b) you have "due cause" to do so (eg: you hear shutters banging in the wind or really do have reason to suspect wrongdoing) and always tell them what you did and why afterwards. Your guests need to feel secure and don't want to feel "watched". If you relax, they will too.
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Date of stay: October 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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No, street parking is available but extremely difficult to find for decent periods. We ended up using one of the paid parks about 600m away (Gare something) and it was 15 Euro every 24 hours which was relatively good. There is a free park at the bus depot but it is normally full.
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre réservation.
Avec nos meilleures salutations
Patrick
"There are only 5 rooms over two floors. There is no lift so choose a floor that suits you."Read full review
SGECHAMPION wrote a tip Sept 2014
Washington DC, District of Columbia166 contributions179 helpful votes"Ask for a room with a balcony, even if it goes off the bathroom. It just gives the stay a different feel when one can walk out at times."Read full review
ALSO KNOWN AS
maison garnier hotel biarritz
LOCATION
FranceNouvelle-AquitainePyrenees-AtlantiquesBasque CountryBiarritz
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz
Which popular attractions are close to Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Nearby attractions include Mercado Les Halles (0.1 km), Eglise Sainte-Eugénie (0.3 km), and Port des Pêcheurs (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, breakfast buffet, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and blackout curtains.
What food & drink options are available at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Yes, paid private parking nearby, paid public parking nearby, and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Conveniently located restaurants include La Table D'aurélien Largeau, Chez Scott, and Maison Dezamy.
Is Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Biarritz.
Are pets allowed at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Are there any historical sites close to Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Eglise Saint-Martin (0.9 km), Le Moulin de Bassilour (5.3 km), and Maison Moulis (7.1 km).
Does Hôtel Maison Garnier Biarritz have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the city view available here.