Hotel La Couleuvrine

This hotel, housed within a 15th-century medieval tower, offers a unique and charming experience, blending historical character with modern comfort. Its central location in the heart of Sarlat is consistently highlighted, making it an ideal base for exploring the town's attractions. Guests frequently praise the excellent restaurant and the friendly, attentive staff who contribute significantly to a positive stay. The hotel is particularly well-suited for history enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as sightseers eager to immerse themselves in the medieval ambiance. While many rooms are comfortable, some guests recommend requesting a room in the tower for a truly memorable experience, and it is advisable to book the secure private parking in advance due to limited options in the town center.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides several convenient facilities & amenities that enhance the guest experience. An elevator is available, proving useful for luggage and access to upper floors, though some guests note it is small and certain rooms may still require navigating additional stairs. Wi-Fi is generally accessible throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected, although a few visitors reported weak signals in specific areas. Many rooms are equipped with a kettle and tea/coffee making facilities, a thoughtful touch for in-room refreshments, though some found the kettle's cord too short for convenient use. A notable feature for some accommodations is a private terrace, offering a pleasant outdoor space. While not all rooms have air conditioning, fans are provided to help mitigate warmth, especially during hotter periods, ensuring a more comfortable stay. Additionally, guests can enjoy drinks in the hotel's wine cellar, adding to the unique ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are spotlessly maintained. Feedback on room size is mixed; many describe their rooms as spacious, comfortable, and charming, particularly those with unique character or private terraces. However, some guests found their rooms to be tiny or cramped, occasionally making movement difficult, especially in double rooms. The beds are widely reported as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though one guest found the mattress to be very firm. Noise levels can vary; while some rooms are quiet, others experienced disturbances from street noise, early morning garbage collection, or sounds from adjacent rooms due to varying sound insulation. In-room amenities like a kettle and television are appreciated, though some found the TV basic. One isolated comment mentioned a mold smell in a bathroom.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, consistently described as excellent and a highlight of many stays. Guests commend the high quality of the cuisine, noting the use of local products and the originality of the dishes, which are often presented beautifully. The Périgord menu is particularly popular, offering refined and flavorful options, and many appreciate the good value for the quality provided. Dining on the terrace is also a favored experience. While the restaurant is highly recommended, guests should be aware it is typically closed on Sunday and Monday evenings. The breakfast is generally considered good, copious, and varied, offering both sweet and savory options. However, some guests arriving later in the morning reported a limited selection or a lack of replenishment for popular items like croissants and bread.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests directly in the heart of Sarlat. It is described as perfect for exploring the town, with all major attractions, including the old town, market, shops, and numerous restaurants and bars, within easy walking distance. This prime position allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in the medieval ambiance without needing a vehicle. For guests arriving by car, parking is a key consideration. The hotel offers secure private parking a short distance away, typically a 5 to 10-minute walk, which many guests found to be well worth the cost, especially given the challenges of finding parking in the busy town center. It is highly recommended to book parking in advance, as availability can be limited and street parking difficult.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests. The team is widely described as friendly, welcoming, attentive, and professional, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. Guests appreciate their helpfulness with various requests, including providing information about the area and assisting with parking arrangements. The check-in process is generally noted as quick and efficient, with arrangements made for late arrivals. Many reviews highlight instances where staff went above and beyond, such as one instance where a staff member personally drove a guest to the train station when a taxi failed to arrive. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mentioned a less warm welcome or issues with breakfast replenishment, but overall, the dedication to excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
For guests traveling with pets, the hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, with some reviews specifically mentioning that dogs are accepted and even receive treats, making it a welcoming choice for animal companions. Visitors should be aware that the hotel, being a historic property, occasionally undergoes renovations or maintenance work, which some guests encountered during their stay, noting the presence of scaffolding or associated noise. It is also important to note the reception hours, as the front desk typically closes at 8 PM; however, arrangements are made for late arrivals, with keys left for guests. The hotel's unique character as a historic building means some rooms may have less conventional layouts or require navigating additional stairs, even with elevator access.