This hotel was the first stop on our honeymoon. The weather conditions upon arrival were quite poor, with heavy rain. We arrived at La Digue by Cat Cocos ferry, and as arranged, a representative from the staff was there to pick us up and take us to the hotel.
The hotel is located in La Digue. A few things to note about La Digue: the island is not very large, and accommodation options on the island are limited. The overall atmosphere is fairly relaxed, and the best way to get around the island is by renting a bicycle, which is available right next to the hotel for approximately €10 per day.
The hotel is divided by a road with moderately busy traffic, primarily bicycles. On the side facing the sea, there is the pool area and restaurants, while on the other side, there is the reception and accommodation area.
At the reception, we were welcomed with drinks and moist towels. We also received our room quite quickly. The hotel's so-called better rooms are located on the hillside, accessible by a golf cart. The staff transports residents up and down 24/7. However, there is a limited number of golf carts, and the waiting time may be extended, which is why we usually walked downhill ourselves when going to dinner in the evenings.
The room was romantic, but our honeymoon was not acknowledged in any way. The reason was that my wife and I got married 7 months ago, while the hotel's honeymoon cutoff is 6 months, which is, of course, a hotel rule but seemed excessively short to us. So, in the hotel's eyes, we were treated like any other guests. The room had a fantastic view and exuded an old-world charm overall. However, a downside was the presence of small ants, which were impossible to get rid of; they were immediately near candy bags or soda bottles, even in the bed. There were no mosquitoes, and a mosquito net was placed on the bed by a staff member every evening, which we found to be a nice and appreciated addition.
Improvements are being made on the hotel grounds, which may result in noise disturbances. There was also a rooster in the area that woke us up with its crowing at 3:15 AM, followed by consistent noise every hour. This was clearly audible in the rooms. The area next to the hotel is also untidy.. On the other side of the hotel is a cemetery.
The overall service level at the hotel is ordinary, but the pricing at the restaurant is outright extortionate. Especially, the pricing of beverages is challenging to justify. Seybrew beer costs €10 per bottle at the hotel, while it costs €2 at a store just 500m away from the hotel, which is quite unreasonable. We could only think of two reasons for this exorbitant pricing: either the hotel exploits customers because they have no alternative, or the hotel management is unable to negotiate with wholesalers. The pricing of other beverages is equally absurd, which we found unacceptable considering the overall standard of the hotel. We suspect that the hotel simply aims to make an excessively high profit from beverages. However, the hotel did provide bottled water to the room once a day, which is a positive aspect. The service was consistently okay, decent, but not something you'd remember positively after the vacation.
There is no designated beach area in front of the hotel, and the pool area is small, something to keep in mind.
This hotel is relatively more expensive than 5-star hotels, which are also abundant in Seychelles. The hotel's standard is, in reality, 3 stars instead of 4, but the pricing is the same or higher than a 5+ star hotel. As a comparison, we mention a couple of nights we spent on a private island, where there was a 5-star hotel, and the drinks cost 50% less than in this hotel.
We left the hotel for our next destination feeling relieved, as somehow this wasn't our thing. The hotel didn't have anything that justified its high pricing, other than the fact that it's simply expensive. You can get better service and exclusivity elsewhere for a lower price. But if you want a basic hotel and don't mind paying a premium, then this...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of staying at the L’orangeraie resort on La Digue, and it truly surpassed all my expectations. From start to finish, every aspect of my stay was nothing short of extraordinary, making it deserving of a glowing 5-star review.
First and foremost, the resort's location is absolutely breathtaking. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking pristine turquoise waters, it felt like I had stepped into a tropical paradise. The natural beauty of La Digue is unrivaled, and L’orangeraie showcases it to perfection.
The accommodations were luxurious and impeccably designed. My villa was spacious, elegantly furnished, and boasted a private terrace with a mesmerizing view. The attention to detail and the comfort provided truly made me feel pampered and relaxed throughout my stay.
The staff at L’orangeraie are undoubtedly the resort's greatest asset. Their warm hospitality, attentiveness, and genuine care for guests created an unforgettable experience. Whether it was arranging activities, offering local recommendations, or simply greeting me with a smile, they went above and beyond to ensure my every need was met.
Dining at the resort was a culinary delight. The on-site restaurant served an array of delectable dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each meal was a delightful fusion of flavors, leaving me craving more.
Last but not least, the resort's amenities were exceptional. The infinity pool offered a serene oasis to unwind, and the spa provided rejuvenating treatments that left me feeling utterly revitalized.
In conclusion, L’orangeraie resort on La Digue is a true gem. It combines breathtaking natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, outstanding service, delectable dining, and exceptional amenities to create an experience that is second to none. My time here was truly unforgettable, and I cannot wait to return to this...
Read moreFirst bad surprise at the reception at the reception. The nights (5 nights) had to be paid immediately. Policy of the management, was the explanation. In the room guide was however: Payment at check-out. Second bad surprise: For the catering we had to make a deposit of SR 7'500. So we asked ourselves: does the hotel register for insolvency or do they consider us thieves? We've really traveled the world, such a policy we've never met. We felt anything but welcome.We have rarely experienced so poorly trained staff, as in this resort .. Everyone still seems to be in the Anleer. Orders are forgotten or the wrong is served. Wine price appears twice on the bill. Information about the menu was wrong, so we did not have a lobster dinner. Waiters walk around with worn sleepers, toenails are dirty and nail polish partially peeled off; not just by one person. And that, after the management sent us an email before arrival, with dress code! Staff is more concerned with having fun with each other than paying attention to the well-being of the guests. Restaurant has the smell of a staff canteen. Kitchen was ok, but after 2 days everything tasted about the same. Fruit juices in the morning almost everything from Tetrapak. Pina Colada tasted different every time, just not as a Pina Colada should. However, for all these - sorry - lousy services, the performances could unfortunately not follow the price. In addition, construction noise and a booming bass - all day - from the beach next door. A well-known couple of us (wedding trip) left the hotel after 2 days, 3 days earlier than planned. You can buy Orapax at the drugstore if the noise disturbs you, was the answer to their complaint. Our pillows smelled strongly of mildew. We recommend that anyone visiting La Digue visit a guesthouse. There are some very appealing ones...
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