Hôtel Barrière le Normandy

Having stayed previously and found it quite satisfactory for an overnight stay we visited again recently. The reception staff, voituriers and bagagistes were welcoming and efficient. The De luxe room was fine for one night. The Belle Epoque restaurant however was appalling. We arrived at 19.26 for a 19.30 booking but were told to wait in the hallway of the hotel until the doors of the restaurant were opened, even though we could see that all the tables were ready and the staff were standing around! We were allowed in after the time was up and led to a table by a young waiter who did not seem to know quite what he was doing. We ordered an aperitive while we surveyed the menu. The order was taken and after asking three times more for the aperitive it arrived at the same time as the first course and the wine. The first course was unexceptional but the (I think!) Ballotine de poulet was totally inedible. It tasted as though it had been there from lunch serving under the heat. Having complained to the young waiter the plate was removed with a few unintelligible grunts. I was then asked if we would like a desert to which the reply was "Definitely not". Another waiter appeared and asked if we had enjoyed our meal and was surprised by the answer. On leaving the restaurant we were again asked by another member of staff if we had enjoyed the meal!!! Clearly there was no communication between the staff whatsoever. A dissatisfied customer was allowed to leave without the hint of an apology. To add insult to injury I was again asked the same question at check-out and also found that I hade been charged for the plate. I made it very clear that this charge must be removed. Reluctantly this was agreed to by yet another member of staff who had been summoned from elsewhere. In summary a complete and utter shambles. Someone needs to get a grip.

Great location, excellent staff, nice rooms, right accross from the ocean.