Les Grands Buffets

The food was undeniably delicious and of high quality. However, the overall experience was overshadowed by misleading information and poor customer service.

Leading up to our visit, we received numerous emails emphasizing strict policies, such as non-modifiable reservations, cancellation fees, and a dress code (honestly, making you feel stressed that not following their rules, means no access to the place and you being charged nonetheless) Despite all this, when we arrived, we realized that the dress code was not enforced, as many guests were underdressed, contrary to the restaurant's reputation and requirements to “live this moment in harmony with the place and lend yourself to the game of elegance” as they mention in their emails. Unnecessary stress caused.

The queue management was another issue. Despite having a reservation, we faced a long wait and were presented with 2 options, either to wait at the queue or go to a nearby pub to purchase drinks for a pass to skip the line. This was frustrating, as we had secured our reservation months in advance and did not expect to be treated as walk-ins.

Our reservation was at 8:00 PM, and we were under the impression from their registered hours in Google that the restaurant closes at 9:15 PM on Tuesdays. So we inquired this at the entrance and the staff informed us they close at 9:30 PM, still giving us the impression we had very limited time to dine. This misinformation caused significant stress, as we felt rushed due to the perceived time constraint. We later discovered that the restaurant actually closes at midnight, which made the rushed feeling unnecessary and confusing.

To add to the discomfort, the room we were seated in, La Salle à manger Ann Carrington, was not air-conditioned, making it uncomfortably warm. The environment was far from the refined experience advertised, with children running around and even a baby crying nearby constantly. The restaurant's portrayal of a strict and elegant dining experience is not reflected in reality.

Additionally, an extra person who wanted to join us was initially told he couldn't enter due to a lack of space, even though we noticed empty tables around us. They were advised to wait because a table might open up and he then inquired about the hours the restaurant closes but he was told they close at 22:00 this time. As I mentioned above, we found out that the restaurant closes at midnight and this thanks to a very polite and kind waitress who told us the truth finally.

In summary, while the food was excellent, the overall experience was negatively impacted by poor communication, misleading information, and a lack of adherence to the restaurant's own stated policies. The ambiance did not match the sophisticated dining experience we anticipated.