Spahotels in La Côte d'Émeraude

'This is essentially a camping cottage - came with linens and kitchenware. There is a small restaurant and kiosk on site (where you can order croissant and baguettes fresh for the morning) and the property is shared with a campground (with electrical hook-up). There is a semi-private beach and a beautiful and charming beachfront area with restaurants. You'll need a car to get there, but once you are there you could get by with a bike and walking.'

'This would be a great hotel if a large part of the rooms was not in a cheaply-built annex with all the charm of a motel chain, including thin walls and tasteless plastic furniture. Breakfast is adequate, but the restaurant is fine, even though only amenable to a single visit because of its set menu. For any more dinners one is obliged to drive to a nearby village. Staff are very friendly and helpful. The salon is an excellent (and quiet!) place for reading.'