Hôtel Novotel Limoges Le Lac

Stayed May 20th, hotel was deserted. It was a French holiday which we were unaware. Male receptionist not at all welcoming. Informed us restaurant was closed, no prior notification even though booked through the Accor website. Informed us we could eat at a local restaurant, when asked us if he could book us a table, he stated he had never been asked to make a booking before, gave us the telephone number. Took the rickety lift up to our room. The corridor was dingy.in need of refurbishment. Entering our room through a very squeaky door as was the toilet door. On showering the shower came away from the wall. Breakfast was OK not up to Novotel standard. A few days ago we had stayed at the Novotel Tinqueux, reception there was helpful booked us a taxi and helped with luggage etc. Room in good state decoration, had an excellent stay. On our way home stayed at B&B Dardilly, was also very very welcoming good service, was a former Novotel. These were an example how guests should be treated. Usually booking through the companies website you receive an e-mail enquiring about your stay. I received no such communication concerning our stay at Novotel Limoges. It is a shame the standard has dropped as our previous visit had been enjoyable with helpful receptionists & staff.

Have stayed at this hotel en route to the south coast before so was a little concerned when I read some of the recent reviews. I needn't have worried though. Our room on floor 2 was fresh and recently refurbished. We enjoyed a meal in the evening and a very good breakfast with lots of choice. The evening menu isn't vast and at the end of the day it's a chain hotel so I don't expect gourmet but we had a lovely time and a very good bottle of wine. The staff were very friendly and appreciate a few words of French, however rubbish you are - but they spoke a little English too so we managed to communicate just fine. The pool was closed when we were there as it had just been treated with chemicals but it was spotlessly clean and looked inviting. We enjoyed a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the lake. Can recommend a trot around the lake while you're there. Will definitely return.

A lovely setting but a disappointing visit. Two families visiting for a one night stop over en route South. A long journey so we had double checked (after previous reviews) that the restaurant would be open on the Saturday evening. An email received the day before to say that it would be closed - too late to search for somewhere else to stay. The outside are at the front of the hotel was tired and dirty, inside the reception area and restaurant were pleasant but first impressions not great. Covid screen still up at reception and TV broken in the bar area didnt help the experience. Breakfast offering wasnt bad but could do with a toaster (for us Brits) as per other Novotels.

My wife and I stay at this hotel three or four times a year on our journeys south and north in France and it is always outstanding. However in May 2023 we booked in as usual with a lovely receptionist and went to our rooms. It has been unseasonably cold in France in May and when I asked the kind receptionist why our room heating did not work she said it had been totally switched off. She kindly offerred to bring up an electric fan heater which she instantly did but it was clear that this device was centrally controlled in order to save on electricity despite customer comfort. The kind receptionist was later observed collecting room serivce trays on our floor and also working on the ground floor bar as well as on reception. Whilst all businesses must make profit, and overhead savings in hard times are perfectly understandable, the comfort and experience of loyal guests is always paramount otherwise they will simply vote with their feet! Come on Novotel - you have a fantastic and hard earned reputation to protect. Please cherish it and sort this out. Thank you. Richard Hirst.