bridgetS

I have gather that there are two bldgs at this hotel. Which has a better view and what side should we ask for. Also, I understand there are two parking lots depending on which bldg one is located. However, is there a temporary space while you check in, prior to knowing which bldg? Please confirm that we must show proof of our reservation in order to be able to drive pass the general parking lot. Thanks for the help, we have limited time here and want to know this kind of 'stuff' in advance.

grandmere

I think you mean "Mouton Blanc" (white sheep) Hotel?

klondike

Re: parking on the Mont...You will not be able to access past the main gate with a vehicle, which means you tote your lugguge up to any hotel, not just the Mouton Blanc. The parking spaces reserved for hotel guests is located to the right of the cause way at the end of the parking lot & closest to the main gate entrance, and yes, you show them a copy of your hotel reservation.

If there is going to be an exceptionally high tide, you will be told you will need to move your vehicle up onto the causeway once the day tourists leave (or by a specific time)...believe the information you receive! The tide consumes that parking lot and leaves it with sludge that heavy equipment then must move off before the lot can be used again.

As to the hotel room & views. Some have street views, some have water views. When we stayed there several years back it was starting to need a face lift...I would ask for a most recently renovated room, personally. Street side is noisier during the day than the water side.

bridgetS

We were just given a code to use. If we have to park in the general area, where is the code used?

StCirq

I don't think it matters much, as the hotel is pretty much a dump unless they've totally redone it in the past few years. I would stay in Pontorson or another nearby town. There really aren't any good hotels on the Mont itself.

bridgetS

Why does it not matter? what does that have to do w/ my question. You continue over the years to be such a negative contributor to this forum. Once someone states they have booked a hotel, why critize and be so demeaning? If you can't be helpful or positive, why not just move on to another string? I've read so many listing that ask the same question to those of you who feel so superior and seem to enjoy putting other's decision down. And yes, I generally stay at Westin's when traveling in the U.S. however when in other countries I don't throw a fit just because I can not. I don't condemn others who book lessor hotels, what is the point? When a poster states they have a certain hotel already book, why not give the positive of that selection instead of say "I would never...", what benefit does that have for anyone???

Underhill

Most travel forum contributors have opinions as well as information to share. Negative opinions can be helpful; please don't take them personally.

Fra_Diavolo

I think StCirq was trying to help you. The truth is that the hotels and restaurants on the Mont are substandard. Forewarned is forearmed.

nytraveler

I would think that someone would want to know if the hotel that they have booked is seriously subpar. Obviously everyone has different tastes and different budget - but there are good and bad options in every range.

If someone wants only positive comments, rather than people's real opinions (people who are familiar with the hotel or restaurant) perhaps they should note that at the top of their posting.

If someone wrote - I'm doing this no matter what I learn and don't want any negative information - then ask the question - it would be easier for people to know which posts to avoid.

klondike

BridgetS: if you do a search here on Fodor's, you will notice that the controversy "Better to stay on the Mont/Better to stay off" has been raging for some time.

I'm a fan for staying on the Mont and have done so numerous times at various seasons of the year. Yes, you will find room prices are at a premium, but that's the nature of supply and demand in a capitalistic world.

As I said above, I have stayed at the Mouton Blanc and found it frankly in need of a serious facelift; no problem with management/service. But if that's the only hotel you can find that fits your budget/criteria, so be it.

My most recent stay was at L'Auberge Saint-Pierre, which I can heartily recommend. We were three couples who chose the demi-pension deal (dinner/room/breakfast) and all of us were thrilled with our experience. My sister's room had a beautiful view of the top of the Abbey and another room's view was onto the ramparts/water. I would be glad to email you pictures if you like. [email protected]

Here is the website:
http://www.auberge-saint-pierre.fr/i...g=en&switchl=1

bridgetS

I'm so confused at the direction this string has gone, I did not ask for one's opinion regarding this hotel. I did not ask for positive as oppose to negative anything. I just truly am unclear as to the parking and honestly still do not understand the comment "I don't think it matters much, as the hotel is pretty much a dump". Thanks if you answered my question instead of commenting on the hotel's lack of...

When you've been to as many third world countries as I, I suppose not staying at a Westin is just not as important to me. Getting really close and I'm just excited to finally getting to MSM...regardless of the hotel.

adrienne

bridget - since you registered on this forum in 2003 you should know that posting a question leads to all sorts of responses and digressions. People were looking to help you regarding the quality of the hotel you chose, even though that was not your original question. From your initial post there was no way that people here could know that you were aware of the quality of the hotel and did not want comments about it. I wish someone had spoken up and told me that the hotel I chose in Lisbon was a dump but no one did.

I'm sure next time you'll know how to word your query.

Enjoy your time in France.

Fra_Diavolo

Well, your question about the parking has been completely answered by klondike.

Personally, I made the same decision as you and spent the night on the Mont. The hotel I chose was wildly overpriced for what it offered, and I understand that is the rule on the Mont. The food was contemptible, and I understand that is also the rule. Despite all that, I would go back to spend another night on the Mont, only this time I'd bring a picnic dinner with me (something you might consider). The attraction, of course, is being there after the crowds have departed and being able to enter the abbey in the evening.

stormbird

Hi BridgetS,

We stayed on the Mont in 2007 and we were all thrilled that we did. Each to their own! I don't recall getting any instructions from the Hotel re parking. We just parked the car where indicated(the tide was not an issue at that time of year).
But a little tip for you would be to pack a light overnight bag as you will have to lug it up the hill. We left our suitcases in the car and just toted our backpacks for our overnight visit.
We actually had a lovely dining experience that night but alas I cannot remember which restaurant it was - but the pate de fois gras was delish!

StCirq

It's FOIE GRAS, not FOIS GRAS, which would mean FAT TIME, not fat liver. I'm surprised there was even foie gras on le MSM, as French cuisine is terrifically regional, and there are no foie gras manufacturers that I know of in that part of France. It's salt-fed lamb that's the specialty there, not duck or goose.

There's lots of arguments about spending the night on le MSM or not; I tend toward NOT, as the hotel selection is so poor, but if Fra_Diavolo has spent a night there and survived it, I'd give it a chance. Personally, I've always stayed in a tiny village close by and enjoyed wonderful food in the local bistros and a great view of le MSM but not had to put up with the tourist mayhem that is le MSM during the daytime.

stormbird

Well thank you for the correction StCirq - I stand corrected - do you feel better now?

Did you forget your happy pills this morning. How rude and ungracious you're being.

bridgetS

StCriq just can't seem to stay quiet. I suppose the problem here is that 'some' who reply, have not read the entire string. I still do not understand where we use the code we were given. Klondike did not answer that one. Anyone know?? Thanks! Just a few more days...

grandmere

I don't know what you do with the code on MSM, but we were given a code in Annecy to put in a machine that raised a gate that gave us car access to our hotel in the pedestrian-only old section of the town. I would imagine that it is something similar on MSM. Someone surely on here will have a definitive answer.

stormbird

I don't recall being given a code either - I believe we just drove in and parked where we were told to really. Maybe a quick email to the hotel might be in order bridgetS.

FrankS

IMo-StCirq in this case is well justified in his negative opinion