My wife and I stayed for three nights at this charming hotel at a very quiet time of year but none the less, the staff were all pleasant, helpful and prompt with all requests.

We had their best room (No11) overlooking the tidal estuary which we loved - the colours and simple freshness of the decor was delightful; a good and spotless bathroom with bathrobes and fresh towels each day although I have to say that the shower left a lot to be desired!

Breakfasts, typical French continental, were excellant and we enjoyed afterneoon tea each day in the pretty and sunny garden behind where there was plenty of seating including loungers if so desired.

We ate on the night of our arrival at their sister hotel, Hotel des Isles, as their restaurant was closed and which we did not enjoy particularly nor would recommend although again the staff were pleasant enough even though somewhat untrained.

We visited the Marine Hotel and dined there one night and were very glad to be staying at Les Ormes! Too grand, the food too elaborate (for the seaside, or so we thought) and the balconies to the bedrooms (were one staying) far too exposed - but very sunny.

We did have an excellant dinner at Hotel le Cap by the harbour which we would thoroughly recommend for its traditional French cooking and outstanding seafood.

Our room could possibly be noisy in the summer but certainly was not so when we stayed in April and as the estuary in front of the hotel empties out completely each day, the extra cost of a sea view is questionable.

I stayed at this hotel twice: in July 2006 and again over the Holidays. Each time it feels like arriving at a private beach house. On our December trip, the desk clerk recognized us immediately even though we had only stayed one night back in July. The decor is charming without being fussy. The lobby has two inviting living rooms perfect for afternoon tea or cocktails. There is a back garden for sunning and dining in the summer. The restaurant’s food is excellent and creative. Some rooms are a little on the small side (which is pretty standard for this part of the world), but make up for it with big windows, comfortable beds, luxurious linens and nice finishes in the bathrooms. The hotel is just steps from town and not far from the beach and bluffs. The whole place is very peaceful and you feel well looked after the whole time you are there.

I have only dined at their sister property, the Hotel des Isles in nearby Barneville, but it appears to have all the same benefits (they recognized us there too!), along with a beachfront location and pool, though it is larger and seems busier with families.