Pierre & Vacances Résidence Port Guillaume

“Could have been so much better”

Port du Guillaume is the harbour area of the small town of Dives sur Mer, however the seafront promenade of Cabourg is just a short walk over a footbridge, and Houlgate is a longer bracing walk along the shoreline. Dives town centre is about a 10 minute walk. Location of the residence is good, righ… more

Port du Guillaume is the harbour area of the small town of Dives sur Mer, however the seafront promenade of Cabourg is just a short walk over a footbridge, and Houlgate is a longer bracing walk along the shoreline. Dives town centre is about a 10 minute walk. Location of the residence is good, right on the harbour/marina. A bit tricky to find by car, but not terrible. I think that there is private parking, but the free car park right outside is fine. There are a couple of ok restaurants really very nearby on the harbourside. Our apartment was pretty much as expected, although a bit tired and dull. I have a big problem with the French style of separate bathroom and toilets with no hand washing facility in the toilet. I just see it as unhygienic and inconvenient, but it seems to be normal in France. The bath/shower room really was miniscule with very little space for toiletries and other "stuff". There is a pleasant outdoor pool with sun loungers and also a heated indoor pool. No English TV channels but that's ok. Small but well equipped kitchenette with filter coffee machine, hob, microwave etc but no oven. Here comes the problem. Our apartment with balcony was just above an area used by staff to gather, chat, and smoke. This makes sitting on the balcony or even having the doors open almost impossible due to the noise and smoke. In fairness I did complain and the lady on reception was great, and it stopped, but only for a day or so until different staff were on duty. I found out that French law requires a smoking area to be provided for employees. Fine, but I would not stay here again unless I could be assured of accommodation well away from this area. Best apartments are probably at the front, South facing and overlooking the harbour. This is not the best Pierre et Vacances that we have stayed at, but it was booked at short notice and was fairly cheap.

less

“Lives up or (is it down) to its reviews”

We spent a week at this P & V apartment residence in June 2024. We know this area and were attracted by the position and the modern looking building itself. It was easy to find ( though crossing the railway line is hard to follow) and extremely well placed for walking into Cabourg for coffee outsid… more

We spent a week at this P & V apartment residence in June 2024. We know this area and were attracted by the position and the modern looking building itself. It was easy to find ( though crossing the railway line is hard to follow) and extremely well placed for walking into Cabourg for coffee outside the grand hotel (expensive) or into Dives for the fantastic saturday market. We had a large apartment - plenty of room for two and superb views over the estuary and out to sea. From the terrace you could see the pool and beyond. Parking was easy enough though i dont think they were anywhere near full. The real downside was that the hotel was in need of a complete makeover. I might have suggested that they could get away with redecorating of the rooms in particualr but came to the conclusion that the best bet is to rip it all out and start again. The kitchen was too small for the size of the apartment; the bathroom was all ancient; lights didnt work etc. The settee felt old. There was no usb other than the old TV. The corridors were dark and smelly. On the plus side the wifi was OK and the staff very good indeed. P and V need to attend to this place or at least cut the price.

less