La Villa Gallo Romaine — Hotel in La Roche-sur-Yon

Visiting Puy du Fou for just a single day takes a bit of doing, even in winter, to get everything in without running round like headless chickens amongst the crowds, so a decent hotel is recommended. Obviously close to and run by the theme park one can expect lower value for money than generally the case for the region, and that's what we got here. On balance, though, probably as good as one could expect. ||Good points: Splendid if pastiche architecture, main bed reasonably big and comfortable, heat pump heating/cooling in the room, reasonably close to the park (a short bus ride), nice grounds, easy parking once you've found your way from the main park. (Better to follow the initial signs for deliveries and look for signs for the Cite Nocturne)||Bad points: Reception was closed when we (and several others) arrived at 2.00pm and nowhere to find anyone; opened at 2.30 (by which time we were freezing). Small room for the price (though typical) would be extremely uncomfortable for 4 or 5 adults - out of the question in our opinion. Room very cold (late November) and the heating seemed to work only when the room was occupied (the keycard had to go into a switch to turn the electricity on). Door in straight from the open air, motel style. Restaurant not good for breakfast - a typical scrummage at the buffet despite timed sittings and small tables close together, not brilliant value at 10€80 each on top of the room rate. We didn't eat there in the evening so no opinion of dinner. Poorly stocked bar, No real lounge - just a part of the reception with a few low chairs next to overflow tables for the restaurant. All tiled floors throughout - good for summer perhaps but uncomfortable in winter. Staff tolerated children running about wild, out of control of their parents - all French, surprisingly! No WiFi.||||Although the room was big enough for the two of us, (if, therefore, relatively expensive) and would be OK for one or two smallish children in bunks behind a curtain, a fifth person would be on the floor in a pull-out into the main room - not good. The hotel is run and staffed by people in the same uniforms as the Puy du Fou theme park, and in our opinion it lets the experience down, though I admit there are a lot worse on theme parks.||As it gets dark early in November and most things in the park shut at 8.30 we got back from the park early enough to have a quiet drink and relax after the enjoyable mayhem. No chance, unfortunately.||Finally, no way is this a 'Hotel-Restaurant'. It is a uniform-type hotel (like Premier Inn or Travelodge only with pretensions) with a fast food cafe bolted on, adequate for breakfast. You can't walk in and expect a good restaurant dinner as befitting...

Since there is no possible way to enjoy the entire Puy du Fou theme park in a single day (at least not without losing one's mind/temper), we got two-day passes and spent the night in this hotel, just next door to the theme park. The hotel was splendidly set up, with a beautiful garden in the middle. Our room was all the way on the opposite side of the courtyard from the elevator, so it was a bit of a walk.||||We had breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant, called L'Atrium. The wait staff were lovely, very friendly if a little bit slow when busy. Breakfast was continental so you won't find hot food but the coffee made up for it.||||The beds were comfortable, and although we were two to a room, it appears that these rooms were designed for families, with a queen and a double-decker bed. The bathrooms are quite pretty too. It was just really comfortable in there!||||I didn't pay for this, but the person who did said it was a little bit on the pricey side. I guess it's the convenience one pays for, as it's only a three minute walk to the entrance of the theme park. You waste no time running in...

Visited Pay du Fou and stayed over in this hotel for two nights. Cleverly constructed as a replica Roman Villa with rooms facing out on two levels onto a landscaped rectangular courtyard. In line with the theme the rooms were dark wood and ochre walled. Good basic accomodation, fully functional and fun. We looked out of the back window to see Camels grazing. Quiet with a good nights sleep. The reception staff were in costume and very helpful. They spoke excellent English and gave a us a comprehensive outline of the available facilities. You get your breakfast opposite reception. Continental style, with all the usual items. You walk straight out the front door with a short walk to the park itself. You can book meals with your tickets online or as,we did wait till you arrive. You can eat at any of the other themed hotels next to the park. WiFi was good and there was free parking just behind the hotel. There are other independent hotels nearby but staying on-site is to be recommended for...