Hôtel Valdys Thalasso & Spa - les Pins in St. Jean-de-Monts

There are 2 hotels. The residence is self catering. The room was well equipped and well maintained but hideous. That carpet and the shower. The staff are what gives the place any credibility. The food was terrible. The pad thai was far too salty, covered in a peanut sauce (where's the crunch! ) and the prawns must have been boiling for days. The breakfast was average but SO expensive. I arrived hungry and they could serve me only a jar of pate and some crisp breads. Not getting your food right in france is a crime. Avoid.

Use of the pool and health suite were included in our booking. Access to the centre from the hotel is by underground walkway wearing the dressing gowns provided. Unfortunately the pool was barred off as an extremely loud aquacise class was taking place in there. Despite the steam room and sauna being some distance away, the noise prevented any chance of relaxation. When the class finished we went to the pool and tried the jacuzzi first which was colder than we are used to. We were then reprimanded by the guy who had led the aquacise class for not wearing bathing caps which were apparently required to enter the pool and jacuzzi. This we didn't know. So we left without even getting a swim. At the reception desk we were advised swim caps were available from 4.50 euro when the shop opened in 20 minutes time. Overall a deeply disappointing experience and not one ever to be repeated. The receptionist was lovely, helpful, excellent English, having previously lived in Basingstoke.