L Annexe de l'Aubrac — Hotel in Rodez

After reading a title like that, you probably are thinking that either this reviewer is (a) a friend of the owner (never met her before yesterday), (b) has an agenda other than writing an honest review (none I assure you), or (c) simply hasn't had much experience patronizing fine establishments (22 years living much of the year in southern France and three years practicing law in Paris have given me credibility enough!). Okay, here is the real deal:||||Last evening, at l'Annexe d'Aubrac, an historic hotel/auberge furnished with an amazingly original style, located on the central place of one of the most beautiful villages in France, the village of Aubrac in the Department of the Aveyron, my wife and I were served the best onion tart I've ever tasted, followed by tasteful Aveyronais saucisse and potatoes roasted with local Aubrac cheese, along with great local wine and a scrumptious dessert, in front of a huge fireplace in a magnificently furnished baronial salon. The establishment's owner, Virginie, who cooked and served the meal, is, along with my dear wife, one of the half-dozen most beautiful women I've ever met. She's a former model, who easily could grace the cover of any glamour magazine. But she's also a former humanitarian worker, a great traveler herself, and utterly charming. Happily for Anglophone travelers, she speaks Ehglish well (after having spent much time as a child working at her uncle's resort establishment in Vermont). She normally does most of the cooking (with help when there are large groups), which she does with great finesse using local ingredients and a refined sense of good taste. She also keeps the hotel in immaculate (i.e. extremely-clean) condition. And, she treats her foreign guests with special kindness. She gave us many helpful suggestion for enjoying the marvelous countryside around Aubrac. This morning she took the time to pick up my wife and me eight km from Aubrac and bring us back after our delightful walk along the Chemin de St. Jacques). Wow, that's kindness you don't often see from hotel owners!||||Magical was the establishment, enchanting was our host, mesmerizing was the Aveyronais countryside, and memorable our two days spent in Aubrac and its environs as a result. We could barely tear ourselves away, and can't wait to return. As is evident from this review, we were simply dazzled. I can report that this review's title is no...

I don't usually do reviews, but I've read some reviews about this place, sometimes fierce and "ad hominem" that seem excessive judging by what I've experienced in the Annexe d'Aubrac. My opinion is only valid for the two days that I have lived there, and cannot be extended to anything else. Each tells the war according to how it went for them.

As I say, I have spent two nights there, two breakfasts and two dinners, and to begin with, I do not understand some of the comments about the personality of the hostess. I certainly wouldn't call her an extrovert, maybe the opposite, but that's not a crime. I'm not an extrovert either. Her behaviour towards me was always correct, a fact that I extend to the workers on the site. I admit that I didn't ask her to organize my holidays or take me on a reindeer sleigh ride, I just wanted to stay there, quiet, and they let me be. Some say they are not friendly, however, since I was the only guest that first night, I was invited to join the barbecue they had arranged, but I declined as I had already had dinner and was extremely tired from a whole day riding my motorbike. Now I regret it because maybe I left them with the feeling that I was presumptuous and haughty, mind you, the same thing that the mistress is accused of in many comments.

I found the food ok and the price a bit expensive, but I can understand that bringing supplies to a remote place like this comes at a price.

The decoration of the place and the rooms is unique, with all that it entails, good and bad. I already knew it was like that and this was the reason why I wanted to go there. The room has no telephone, no television or door key. For me, that's a plus. I found there what I was looking for. Perhaps the critics were looking for something else.

Besides, the wolf Vlad treated me as a friend from the first moment, and as everyone there told me, this was an extraordinarily bizarre fact. For that alone, it's enough reason for me to give 5 stars. And no, I have no friendship or family ties with the owner, nor has anyone suggested that I write this review in exchange for anything. I am only revolted...

My boyfriend took me here as a surprise for my birthday a week ago, and I didn't want to leave. Not only was the whole experience set in such a dreamy and relaxing spot, but the decor of each room brings a refreshing and different mental environment to whoever spends the night there. Whether you are a visiting romantic couple or a family of five, I feel you can find true relaxation and simplicity here. The proprietors are both welcoming and refreshing to talk to- you have everything you need and yet feel as though you are asking for nothing at all - hence the reflection of that within. We enjoyed every meal, and as they knew it was my birthday they arranged little surprise treats, which was very thoughtful and brought a personal touch. It leaves you feeling that they genuinely care about their customers - not typically found nowadays. I hope we will return, and have already recommended it to...