The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Neptune, Berck-sur-Mer

This hotel is primarily distinguished by its prime beachfront location, offering many guests stunning sea views and direct access to the expansive beach. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway with picturesque scenery, families looking for convenient beach access and spacious accommodations, and sightseers eager to explore the local area. While many guests appreciate the hotel's charming decor and overall ambiance, feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed, with some finding rooms immaculate and others reporting significant issues. Some visitors highlight the attentive service from staff, contributing to a pleasant stay, while others report less positive interactions, particularly at reception. To enhance your visit, guests are advised to specifically request a sea-view room to fully enjoy the coastal panorama and to carefully verify the room type and its amenities, especially when booking studios or apartments, as these can vary significantly from standard hotel rooms and may come with specific self-service requirements.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest convenience, though some aspects receive mixed reviews. Many guests appreciate the availability of private parking, which, despite being an additional cost, is considered a significant advantage given the beachfront location. Free Wi-Fi is generally available, allowing guests to stay connected. Rooms are typically equipped with kettles for hot beverages and safes for valuables. For those staying in studios or apartments, amenities often include a microwave and a dishwasher, providing self-catering options. However, a recurring concern among guests is the absence of air conditioning, which can lead to uncomfortable room temperatures, especially during warmer periods. Some bathrooms are noted for being small or having poorly designed showers, and the provision of basic toiletries or hair dryers can be inconsistent. The hotel also features vending machines for drinks and snacks, and an elevator for easy access to upper floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied, ranging from excellent to very poor. Many guests praise the cleanliness of their rooms, describing them as well-decorated and featuring comfortable beds with good quality linen, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Some rooms boast spacious bathrooms and good water pressure in the showers. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious concerns regarding cleanliness, with reports of hair, dirt, stains on mattresses and pillows, dust, and even mold in showers and on ceilings. Standard rooms are frequently described as small or cramped, making it difficult to move around or store luggage. Issues with old or worn furnishings, such as peeling floors and broken fixtures, are also mentioned. Noise from neighboring rooms or outside, including wind noise, can disturb sleep. Some bathrooms are noted for poor design, lacking proper shower partitions or having drainage issues, and some guests reported a persistent sewer smell.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, including breakfast and the restaurant, elicit highly polarized opinions from guests. Most guests find the breakfast to be varied and copious, appreciating the selection of cheeses, breads, and pastries, and noting the good quality of coffee. However, a substantial number of reviews describe the breakfast as disappointing, citing industrial-quality items, stale pastries, limited fresh fruit, and even reports of moldy pancakes. The restaurant itself receives mixed feedback on its food quality. Some guests enjoy the local dishes and well-prepared fish, finding the meals satisfying. Conversely, many express strong dissatisfaction, describing dishes as mediocre, bland, or unappetizing, with complaints about small portions, overcooked seafood, and a lack of fresh vegetables. Some guests also noted issues with cold dishes and insipid cocktails. The restaurant atmosphere and service are also subject to varied comments, with some finding staff attentive and others reporting slow or unfriendly interactions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location directly on the beachfront is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, providing guests with immediate access to the expansive sands and stunning sea views. This prime position places visitors within easy walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and the city center, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. Guests appreciate being able to step out directly onto the promenade and enjoy coastal walks. The hotel's proximity to local attractions, including the famous seals of Berck, is also a significant draw. While parking is available, its accessibility and cost are frequent points of discussion. Some guests find the private parking convenient, though it is often paid and can be full, leading others to seek out public parking options which may be further away or have their own fees. Some rooms, particularly those not facing the sea, offer less desirable views of parking areas or adjacent buildings.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the hotel staff and service are notably inconsistent, with feedback ranging from highly positive to very negative. Many guests commend the staff, particularly at reception and in the restaurant, for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. Specific mentions include quick check-in processes and a willingness to accommodate requests. Housekeeping staff are often described as polite and efficient. However, a considerable number of reviews report instances of unfriendly, rude, or disinterested staff, particularly from certain individuals at the front desk and in the restaurant. Guests have expressed frustration with a perceived lack of communication regarding hotel policies, such as the requirement to make beds in studios, and a perceived unwillingness to resolve issues like dirty rooms or broken amenities. Some guests felt that staff were overwhelmed, leading to slow or inadequate service, particularly during busy periods.

Additional Information
Guests booking studios or apartments should be aware of specific self-service policies regarding bedding; guests are typically required to make their own beds upon arrival and strip them upon departure, with a potential cleaning fee if these tasks are not completed. This policy is often a surprise to guests accustomed to full hotel service. The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, though some guests note that room sizes may not be ideal for larger animals. While the hotel aims to provide a comfortable stay, many reviews suggest a need for general renovation or updates to the property, citing dated furnishings and maintenance issues. Furthermore, some guests reported being required to book a minimum of two nights, even when only one was desired. It is also worth noting that bar service is often limited to restaurant hours, and there is no dedicated room service. Guests should also be aware of potential construction works in the vicinity that might affect parking or views.