Hotel de Diane

We last visited Sable d'or some 16 years ago and were impressed by the charm and belle epoch feel of the place. Visiting again reveals that some of what impressed then has diminished primarily due, I think, to the new buildings that have gone up. When we visited all those years ago we passed the Hotel Diane. It looked a bit neglected and sad for itself. But in the intervening period it's had a complete renovation and what a difference it's made. It retains its belle epoch aura but is now a hotel for the 2020s. The renovation (some 8 years ago) has been done sympathetically, carefully and to a high standard. The public rooms are light and airy and very, very comfortable. There are 3 lounges and all are excellent. There's a nice terrace and the dining room is fine, if a little functional. Our bedroom was a corner one of the first floor and benefited from two French windows (with balconies). Couple this with the high ceilings and the décor and the size of the room meant that it was full of light and space. The bathroom was again excellent with the usual facilities. Big and fluffy towels and bathrobes, Housekeeping was first-class. On the catering side breakfasts were very good with a wide selection – meats, cheeses, scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries and so on and so one. Good fresh orange juice. We ate in the restaurant once and this was fine: shortish menu but well cooked, well prepared and presented and very pleasant. Overall then a very nice experience. Any downsides? Well because the hot water was came from one those multi-drink machines it was never boiling so a decent cup of tea was impossible.. We found the bed a little soft for our liking but we slept well anyway. Whilst the staff were efficient and helpful we found that they didn't engage and lacked any solicitude. You can live with that. Would we return? Undoubtedly.