Service Doesn't Match A Beautiful Setting

We stayed in Aix-en-Provence as a base for exploring Provence and cannot recommend this university town highly enough. The location, the stores, the people, the restaurants - all wonderful. And, it's great at the end of the day of sightseeing to park the car and be able to just walk around and enjoy. Le Pigonet is a chateau set in beautiful gardens that is a 20-minute (not the five they advertise) walk from the center of town. The rooms are comfortable, but not luxurious. We may have just had bad luck but the first night we went for dinner, they were serving a group of 40 in addition to the hotel guests. The service was horrendous and the food mediocre at best. When we complained at the front desk afterwards, they just acknowledged that it had been extremely busy that night due to the group. (Dinner with wine was $200+) The next morning we tried breakfast arriving at 10:10-breakfast ended at 10:30-and asked for two omelets. The waitress said the cook wouldn't make them this late. Again back to the front desk. They were all still arguing about it (the manager, the waitress and the cook) as we went out to look for a restaurant. We didn't take any chances and ate the rest of our meals in town - many of which were exceptionally good. I'd still recommend La Pigonet as long as you don't eat there and don't have high expectations in terms of the service. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, the pool is a treat after a day of sightseeing, and we loved waking up every morning listening to the birds.

A rip-off

On our way back from Gordes, we staid there at Le Pigonnet for one night. It was the most expensive night rate in our Provence trip, and it is not worth the money: although the garden is beautiful and the service good, there are some real negative aspects: the building is not charming, the rooms are small and not furnished properly. I felt I was back at college time seating on a wooden chair. Our room was on top of the "petanque" game and I heard people shouting and laughing the whole afternoon. The swimming pool is pretty small and the people in their bathing suits come back to their room through the terasse where people are having their dinner. The meal was expensive and not good, wanting to present good but without taste. In summary, very expensive and not worth the money. I will not go back there.

Hotel Piggonnet, great place to stay

We spent three nights in Aix-en-Provence at the Hotel Pigonnet. We loved the hotel and the town. We were in the least expensive room and did not have the famous garden view but the room was nicely furnished and pleasant. The gardens are indeed lovely and a wonderful respite from the traffic and noise of the rest of the city. the pool is especially nice, uncrowded with very comfortable lounge chairs and unlimited towels.

We especially liked Aix itself. We were there on a Saturday and spent much of the day at the market which takes over much of the town. On Sunday, we had breakfast at the flower market in the square near the Hotel de Ville. Delightful.

We visited a number of the smaller villages and, while they were very beautiful, they were filled to overflowing with cars and pedestrians trying to walk the narrow streets without being hit by the cars. Since this was the end of May, I shudder to think what it would be like in July and August. Aix is large enough to absorb the crowds and charming enough to be interesting.

Above average, but not what I was expecting

The hotel was very nice, but not what I was expecting. It may be that I was expecting more for Aix-en-Provence and that it why it was somewhat of a letdown. My room was large and very clean, but had very little character. The artwork seemed too small for the large walls and everything was white. The beds were very comfortable and overall, I have nothing bad to say about the hotel. The staff were extremely accommodating and the restaurant was beautiful as were the grounds. I would stay there again, but I probably would not return to Aix.

Beautiful

This four star hotel is beautiful on the outside as well the inside. We only stayed one night here but wished we had more time to stay longer. The staff was kind and friendly and took care of any request. The rooms are tastefully decorated with french antiques and provincal fabrics. The bathrooms were lavish with bathrobes, towel warmers and relaxing tub. Very romantic! Our room had a balcony patio overlooking the back garden. We just loved it here. We didn't have a chance to eat at the restaurant but we heard it was fabulous. Would love to stay here again if we are ever visiting this area again.

Wonderful small hotel

My wife and I spent three nights at the Hotel Le Pigonnet in September, and enjoyed every moment there. Our room opened up onto a second story patio with views of Mt. St. Martin and of the gardens on the property.

For a 200 year old hotel, the room was fine. The hotel is very quite and set back about 150 yards off the street.

The dinning room is very enjoyable with good service. We had two very good dinners there, with a good selection of local wines. The food would go about 1 Michelin star.

The service and staff was very good, with friendly people there to help you enjoy the area. There is no doubt we will stay longer on the next trip to Provence.

Absolutely Wonderful!!!

My husband and I spent four days and five nights at Hotel Pigonnet in June 2003. It was magnificent!!! The location, (about a 15-minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau - the center of Aix), is a perfect evening stroll for walking off a meal or too much wine.The swimming pool was wonderful and well-maintained. The gardens are lovely and we had our best meal in France at Hotel Pigonnet (in the garden dining area). The staff were very polite and friendly. We forgot our toothpaste and simply rang the front desk. . . they brought us "pate-dentifrice" (toothpaste) within minutes. The bathrooms were clean and updated. All in all, we would return to Hotel Pigonnet in a heartbeat!!!

THe service was flawless!!

After a marvelous week of exploring Provence we spent our final night at the Hotel Pigonnet. Our room was cozy and even in the dying days of autumn the gardens were a wonderfull treat. The hotel's setting is unique in that it offers an estate like setting and yet is conveniant to the center of Aix. The staff at the hotel could not have been more accomodating. From making last minute dinner reservations at a top knotch place on Saturday night to preparing coffee service at 6:30 in the morning for an early departure we were duly impressed. The manager of the hotel was delight offering at one point to drive us to an ATM machine for fear we might get lost. My only comments or suggestions have to do with the lighting in the dinining room at night- dim the lights and add candles- the room is too lovely to be obscured by harsh overhead light.

A kind of oasis

We stayed at Pigonnet before and after a bicycle trip in Provence during the hot summer of 03. The service was fine, the pool was great, the rooms had air circulation, and the restaurant was better than the Michelin Stars elsewhere.

Outstanding

Although Aix itself was a bit of a letdown, this hotel was a gem. Outstanding service, friendly staff (good english) and wonderful food.

It's a bit hard to find but well located, close to the Aiz center but just far off enough to be quiet. The dinner was incredible. Highly recommended, but only if you want/need to stay in Aix.