This was without doubt one of the loveliest hotels I have ever stayed in. A cherished building in a beautiful resort, where we received not only the warmest of welcomes, but also the best of everything! Our room, 202, was immaculate: comfortable and superbly laid-out with all-important little touches like coat-hooks near the door, an effective fan in the shower so that the mirror never misted up, a heated towel rail that easily accommodated four towels, plenty of wardrobe space, and a handy little safe. I adored the view to other stylish buildings and particularly that over nearby rooftops to the sea - along with some stunning sunsets.
At just €14 each, the continental breakfast represented truly excellent value, particularly as most of the food on offer was locally-sourced produce, including the apple juice, hams, cheeses, wide range of preserves and delicious bread.
A genuinely happy, friendly place, where we learned much about Houlgate and the true meaning of hospitality.
As for the broader context to our stay, it was partly to visit the Normandy beaches, the British Normandy Memorial and other sites inextricably linked to Operation Overlord, partly to view Normandy from the air and partly to investigate resorts that came to prominence during the late C19th. Houlgate is by far the loveliest, and the Villa de Bains is a jewel in its crown.
