Hôtel Notre Dame — Restaurant in Issoire

The effusive and generous owner that everyone raves about was on medical leave for our stay, so we did not meet her, but she chose her replacement well. Warm welcome, large, perfectly clean room (although the bathroom in number 25 is not for tall or overweight people) at the top of the stairs with a fantastic view on the church. Our neighbours (room 26) got the fantastic balcony that you see in the main photo, so I would recommend that room even above ours. For all the whiny Brits that constantly write reviews complaining about the lack of kettles and tea in French hotel rooms (which is completely ridiculous to expect since the French don't drink tea like the Brits) you will be happy here since the Hotel Notre Dame is an exception to the rule. This is not a luxury hotel, there is no elevator, but it's very clean and friendly. Our dinner and breakfast were also of excellent quality and stunning value (the double portion of foie gras was to die for and perfect for 2 people to split; the aligot was wonderfully smooth and the house red in carafe very tasty. Breakfast includes a fabulous assortment of local meats and cheeses along with house-made blueberry jam and delectable marinated plums). Would definitely return if I'm back in this lovely area, especially since they accept dogs, not always the case in...

The effusive and generous owner that everyone raves about was on medical leave for our stay, so we did not meet her, but she chose her replacement well. Warm welcome, large, perfectly clean room (although the bathroom in number 25 is not for tall or overweight people) at the top of the stairs with a fantastic view on the church. Our neighbours (room 26) got the fantastic balcony that you see in the main photo, so I would recommend that room even above ours. For all the whiny Brits that constantly write reviews complaining about the lack of kettles and tea in French hotel rooms (which is completely ridiculous to expect since the French don't drink tea like the Brits) you will be happy here since the Hotel Notre Dame is an exception to the rule. This is not a luxury hotel, there is no elevator, but it's very clean and friendly. Our dinner and breakfast were also of excellent quality and stunning value (the double portion of foie gras was to die for and perfect for 2 people to split; the aligot was wonderfully smooth and the house red in carafe very tasty. Breakfast includes a fabulous assortment of local meats and cheeses along with house-made blueberry jam and delectable marinated plums). Would definitely return if I'm back in this lovely area, especially since they accept dogs, not always the case in...

Although selecting this hotel for its location and decent reviews, we suffered the same as some other reviewers and found that although having a confirmed booking there was no room for us on arrival. Also the hotel does not seem to be open mid afternoon, so despite arriving at a reasonable time (3.30pm) and hammering on the door it was a while before we even found out that there was no room. We were offered a room in the nearby L'Ajasserie de Orcival, across the village square, so are not able to comment on bedrooms, but took meals at the Hotel Notre Dame. The meals were OK, with decent portions, and a bit of a sideshow from the owner during the evening meal! Wish we understood more French, as everyone seemed to be enjoying it - maybe they were laughing at us as the only non-French in the restaurant! Although English is offered at the hotel it is extremely limited. On checking out the cost of the meals and rooms at the alternative location were combined, apologies once again offered with a bottle of wine as well. Location is beautiful, but if you don't like last minute changes to a plan and don't speak good French then you have...