HOTEL RESTAURANT LE BELLEVUE — Restaurant in Vienne

Although we had some initial confusion about whether our reservation was actually a reservation or just a REQUEST for a reservation, ultimately we checked in and the staff helped carry our baggage. We're on bikes and were pleased to have them stowed in a locked closet of a garage; we were surprised at the 7 euro charge, which was not expected, but at least the bikes were safe. We asked for two glasses of wine to celebrate our arrival, and the host went out of his way to find a dry white for us. The hostess insisted she carry them to our room along with pate/crackers. The restaurant meal was first class! The food was delicious, the presentation elegant, and the old-school, grand room ambience worked well in this setting. Huge windows provided a stunning view of the Rhone and this town's pleasure craft marina. The AC functioned in our room without a problem, crucial in this humidity. The morning buffet was fine, and we got extra coffee at no charge. Rain precluded a timely departure for us on our bikes, but the staff encouraged us to take our time to decide -- no pressure. We left about 1:30 pm, with no surcharge for such a late check-out. Nothing was inexpensive, but we got quality all the way. This is a tiny town that seems to be suffering; Le Bellevue is a bright spot we were happy to enjoy...

Although we had some initial confusion about whether our reservation was actually a reservation or just a REQUEST for a reservation, ultimately we checked in and the staff helped carry our baggage. We're on bikes and were pleased to have them stowed in a locked closet of a garage; we were surprised at the 7 euro charge, which was not expected, but at least the bikes were safe. We asked for two glasses of wine to celebrate our arrival, and the host went out of his way to find a dry white for us. The hostess insisted she carry them to our room along with pate/crackers. The restaurant meal was first class! The food was delicious, the presentation elegant, and the old-school, grand room ambience worked well in this setting. Huge windows provided a stunning view of the Rhone and this town's pleasure craft marina. The AC functioned in our room without a problem, crucial in this humidity. The morning buffet was fine, and we got extra coffee at no charge. Rain precluded a timely departure for us on our bikes, but the staff encouraged us to take our time to decide -- no pressure. We left about 1:30 pm, with no surcharge for such a late check-out. Nothing was inexpensive, but we got quality all the way. This is a tiny town that seems to be suffering; Le Bellevue is a bright spot we were happy to enjoy...

Initially we were a little sceptical about the hotel but they soon put us right. A lovely fresh room with a wrap around balcony gave pretty views all around and the room was cool and fresh. We hesitated over dinner but as we had our dog with us and knew not all restaurants would allow her entry we took the plunge. Initially we were presented with an enormous wine menu (this is condrieu after all) that was off putting. Sommelier was not amused when we said we would choose our food first! However, things got much better. Great friendly staff, yummy Bonne Mouche and excellent courses followed. All in all a very good experience - and we did choose some...