Best Western Hotel La Mare O Poissons

This hotel is an ideal stopover for ferry travelers due to its exceptional proximity to the port and its highly valued secure parking. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the overall cleanliness, and the comfortable rooms, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The indoor swimming pool is a significant and frequently enjoyed amenity, adding a relaxing element to stays. The hotel is well-suited for road trippers and motorists exploring Normandy, offering easy access to main routes, and is also a good fit for both families and couples seeking a convenient and pleasant experience. To enhance your stay, guests might consider confirming the current status of the on-site restaurant, as its availability has varied, and checking WiFi functionality upon arrival if consistent internet access is crucial.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a well-regarded indoor swimming pool, which is covered, heated, and described as a "pure delight" by many, providing a relaxing option for guests. However, some note its operating hours (typically 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM) and the lack of dedicated changing facilities near the pool. The parking is a major highlight, consistently praised for being plentiful, private, and secure, with gates closed at night, offering peace of mind for those traveling with vehicles. While many guests report good and reliable Wi-Fi, a notable number experienced weak, inconsistent, or non-functional internet in their rooms, sometimes needing to use the foyer for better access. A comfortable and well-stocked bar and lounge area is available, offering snacks and a pleasant space to unwind. Additional conveniences include an elevator, ice machines, vending machines, and secure bike storage for cyclists. Some guests noted the absence of a fridge in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, impeccable, and very clean. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens are frequently mentioned, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. Rooms are generally described as modern, well-appointed, and nicely decorated, though some find them compact. Feedback on the bathroom design is mixed; while many appreciate their modern appearance, recurring comments highlight small shower rooms, slippery shower floors, and translucent screens between the bathroom and bedroom that can disturb a sleeping partner when the light is on. Some also noted issues with awkwardly hinged shower doors and a lack of sufficient towel rails or hooks. Noise levels are generally low, with good soundproofing contributing to a quiet environment. In-room amenities include tea and coffee making facilities, though some guests wished for more coffee options or proper cups.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety, described as excellent, comprehensive, and plentiful. It typically includes a good selection of hot and cold items such as bacon, eggs, croissants, pastries, cold cuts, and cheese. Guests appreciate the coffee from the machine, though some note that refills can be slow or express a desire for more savory choices. While generally well-received, some guests find the breakfast to be on the expensive side. The hotel also offers substantial snacks and bar food, which are appreciated by guests looking for lighter meal options. Historically, an on-site restaurant was a significant draw, but recent reviews indicate it is now either separate from the hotel or closed, which has been a point of disappointment for some travelers expecting convenient dining options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, particularly for those utilizing the ferry port, which is just a short drive (2-5 minutes) away, making it ideal for late arrivals or early departures. It offers excellent accessibility to main roads, facilitating easy exploration of Normandy's attractions, such as the D-Day beaches and Caen. While situated on the edge of town, the hotel is within walking distance, typically 10-20 minutes, of the town center, local shops, restaurants, and the beachfront. However, some guests find this distance a bit far for casual strolls to the main attractions. The plentiful and secure parking on-site, with gates closed at night, is a highly valued feature for guests traveling by car, providing peace of mind.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, welcoming, attentive, and professional. Many guests highlight their efficiency during the check-in and check-out processes, even for late arrivals. Staff members are noted for their willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing extra amenities or assisting with specific needs like secure bike storage. Their excellent language skills are also frequently commended, making communication effortless for international guests. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a small number of isolated reviews mention negative experiences with a specific manager, citing a perceived rude attitude, unhelpfulness, or inconsistent information regarding services like WiFi or room servicing.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that some reviews mention a hotel policy regarding children, where a 3-year-old child was reportedly not permitted to share a room for "safety reasons," leading to a requirement for two rooms. A deposit of 100 Euros is sometimes required, and a few guests have reported delays in its release after checkout. While advertised, some guests noted that the air conditioning may only operate during specific times of the year. For those with specific room preferences, some reviews suggest that ground floor rooms might be more recently renovated. The hotel has a policy of not allowing dogs, which may be a consideration for pet owners. Furthermore, the status of the on-site restaurant has changed, with it now being a separate entity or closed, impacting dining convenience.