Review: Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

hotel du golf de l'ailette next to the lake
by Anisa // 0 Comments

Sometimes when you are traveling for vacation you want to get away from the stress of everyday life and head somewhere scenic.  A place where you can breathe the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

The Hotel du Golf de l”Ailette could be that break that you are looking for.  It’s a lakeside hotel with lots of extras in Aisne, France, with historic and cultural attractions not far away.

Read our comprehensive review of the Hotel du Golf de l”Ailette to learn more.  I think you will agree it’s the best place to stay near the Chemin Des Dames.

Note: Our trip to Aisne was sponsored by Aisne Tourism.  All opinions are mine.  This post also contains affiliate links, please see disclosure for more information.

swan in front of the lake with clouds reflecting in the water
The grounds around the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette are serene and peaceful.

About the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

All 58 rooms at the 4-star Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette, part of the Originals, Human Hotels & Resorts brand, enjoy lake views.  The tranquil lakeside setting makes it the perfect place to unwind and relax.

While there is a lot to see in the area (more on that below), there is also a lot to do at the hotel.  You can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, kids play area, restaurant, bar with pool table, and much more.

exterior view of the Hotel du Golf de l'Ailette, its a large building with two shades of brown
We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette.

As you might have guessed from the name, there is a 18-hole golf course (Golf de l’Ailette) just a two minute drive away.   Those that want to be pampered can visit their partner spa which is also close by. 

Check price and availability for the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette here.

Location of the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

The Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette is located in a peaceful rural part of France away from the hustle and bustle of any cities.  It’s right next to a small lake called Ailette.

boats parked in the lake
The Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette is set in such a scenic area.

It was the perfect base for us to explore the Chemin Des Dames where there are many places with connections to World War I.  The drive to the Caverne du Dragon was less than 10 minutes.  We also visited Plateau de Californie and Vauclair Abbey.  If only we could have loved to stay longer to see more of the World War I sites in Aisne that are nearby.

Laon, the capital city of the Aisne department in Picardy, is less than a 30-minute drive from the hotel.  It has more than 80 historic monuments to discover including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon which was built at the same time as the famous church in Paris.

A little further away, you can visit some of the champagne houses near Chateau-Thierry which you can get to in about an hour driving.  We enjoyed our tour at Champagne Pannier.

On the other side of the lake, there is also a Center Parcs.  You can purchase a day pass and enjoy their waterpark which has eight water slides, wild water rapids, and a water playground.

Keep in mind, due to the countryside location, it’s best to have a car when you visit the area.  

Rooms at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

When I opened the door to walk in my room at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette for the first time,  I was instantly impressed.  I headed straight for the balcony to check out the view.

anisa sitting on the balcony looking back into the room
It was lovely to sit on our balcony at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

The balcony had two comfortable chairs and a small table where I could sit and look out over the calm blue water.   I could hear the birds singing and watch the boats and paddle boarders.

Our room faced east, so we got up early to watch the sunrise over the lake.  It was worth it, although we did go back to sleep for a bit afterwards.

sunrise from the balcony of our room at Hotel du Golf de l'Ailette looking over the lake
Russell woke up early to capture this stunning sunrise shot from the balcony of our room.

Inside the room was spacious with a modern decor.  We had a king-size bed with a small sofa and table on the side.  Opposite the bed, there was a desk, minibar, and flat screen television.

view of the inside of our hotel room, you can see the bed, sitting area with couch, table, and chairs, door to the balcony, flat screen tv, and desk
We were very pleased with our room at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette.

Our bathroom had a bathtub and sink with a separate toilet room.  There was a dispenser for shower gel/shampoo and a hairdryer.  The closet was a reasonable size and there was a safe for valuables.

sink and bathtub in the bathroom at hotel du golf de l'ailette
The bathroom was sparkling clean.
toilet in a small room
The toilet was in a separate room from the rest of the bathroom.

There is free wifi throughout the hotel and I didn’t have any issues using it in the room.  We also had a kettle so we could make tea and coffee in the room.

couch with table and chair next to the sliding glass door leading to the balcony of our room at Hotel du Golf de l'Ailette
Between the bed and the balcony, we had a lovely seating area in our hotel room.

They have rooms that can sleep up to four people and also ones that are suitable for disabled guests.  Remember all their rooms will have either a balcony or terrace so that everyone can enjoy views of the lake.

Book your stay at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette here.

The Restaurant at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

We dined at the restaurant at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette for both dinner and breakfast during our stay.   The restaurant is also open for lunch daily.

Both times, we had tables right by the huge floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the pool and lake.  When it is warm enough there is outdoor seating too.

tables set for a meal in front of windows looking out onto the pool at hotel du golf de l'ailette
The restaurant at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette has a view of the pool and the lake.

For dinner, they offer a two or three course menu or you can order a la carte.  We decided to go for the three courses and a glass of wine.  The menu had English translations to help us make our choices.

We wanted to try as many dishes as possible so we made sure to order different things.  For starters, I had a savory creme brulee while Russell had the salad.

creme brulee with asparagus
The savory creme brulee was different and turned out to be quite delicious.
salad - lettuce, tomotoes, crutons, and dressing
Salad is always a good option for the first course.

For our main course, we chose the sea bream and the steak which were both cooked perfectly.  The sauce for the steak also stood out with its luscious pepper flavor.  I also loved the butternut squash puree that came with the sea bream because it was creamy and satisfying.

sliced steak with sauce and mashed potatoes
The steak was cooked perfectly and the sauce was something special.
sea bream with chopped vegetables on top and butternut squash puree
All the components of the sea bream dish went together seamlessly.

Our desserts were the perfect ending for the meal.  Both were quite creative and unlike others I have had before.  Russell had pineapple carpaccio and I had a vanilla macaroon Snickers cake.  The dishes were sweet and not too rich.

thinly sliced pineapple with cherry sorbet and mint leaves for garnish
The pineapple carpaccio was a light and refreshing dessert.
dessert cake with raspberry on top and ice cream and vanilla sauce
This peanut and caramel flavored dessert was sweet without being too rich.

The service during our meal was excellent.  The team was attentive and the pacing of the courses was just right.  We never had to ask twice for anything.

Breakfast is served buffet style.  Expect plenty of choices including eggs, bacon, pancakes, cheeses, sliced meats, breads (including croissants), yogurt, and fruit.  You can also help yourself to freshly squeezed juices, tea, and/or coffee.

selection of fruits, cheeses, meats, and yogurts that were part of the breakfast buffet at the hotel du golf de l'ailette
We were please with all the options at the breakfast buffet.

If you prefer to dine in your room (or on your balcony), the hotel does offer room service.

Other Amenities at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

The Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette is like a mini-resort because it has lots of amenities.  You don’t have to leave the hotel to entertain yourself.  Our review would not be complete without covering all the facilities, so let me share more details about all the hotel has to offer.

If you want to have a drink, there is a bar area.  You could just sit and enjoy your drink along with some conversion or there is also a pool table and the most stylish foosball table (table football) I’ve ever seen!

the bar at the Hotel du Golf de l'Ailette
They have a lovely bar inside the hotel too.

Outside there is plenty of seating where you can take in the lovely scenery.  They even have a small pier that is covered if you want to stay in the shade.

The outdoor pool looked inviting, but unfortunately I hadn’t brought a swimsuit.  I was surprised that we didn’t see anyone else in the pool during our stay.  The water was crystal clear and it’s situated right by the lake.  If you want something more private there is a jacuzzi you can reserve.

outdoor pool at the hotel du golf de l'ailette
If only I had bought my swimming suit!
jacuzzi in a fenced in area at the hotel du golf de l'ailette
You can book private use of the jacuzzi.

When the kids need to burn off some energy there is a playground.   There are swings and a large trampoline.  They also have a ping pong table and two foosball tables that adults would probably enjoy as well.  (Of course, there is also the posh foosball table in the bar.)

ping pong table, swings, trampoline, and playground equipment at the hotel du golf de l'ailette
There is even a play area for kids at the Hotel du Golf de L’ailette.

The hotel has facilities to accommodate meetings and events for up to 100 people.  Just a few minutes away you also have the 18-hole golf course and the spa where you can book a massage, facial or body scrub.

They have plenty of free parking right in front of the hotel too.  There is also an elevator in the building, although it was a bit slow and noisy.

Is the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette Suitable for Kids?

Yes.  They have rooms that can fit up to four people and there is also the play area outside that kids will love.

Is the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette Worth It?

Yes.  I think the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette is a good value especially considering every room has a balcony or terrace with lake views.  All the amenities (outdoor pool, kids play area, bar, etc.) are an attractive bonus.

chairs and tables where you can sit by the lake
There is plenty of space outside the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette where you can sit and enjoy the lake.

Overall Review of the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

We loved our stay at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette.  The hotel had everything we needed and more.  We did not want to leave!

The room exceeded my expectations because it had more than ample space and that incredible balcony.  The lakeside setting is serene and peaceful.  

tables and chairs by the swimming pool at the hotel du golf de l'ailette
You can dine outside by the pool when the weather is nice.

We were also impressed by the food, service, and atmosphere at the restaurant.  If we make it back to the area (which I hope we will), we will stay at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette again.

Read more reviews of the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette on Tripadvisor here.

Book your stay at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette here.

Have you been to the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette?

-Anisa

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exterior of the hotel du golf de l'ailette with text France Travel , Review: Hotel du Golf de L'Ailette

Expert Tips for Staying at the Hotel du Golf de l’Ailette

  • Be sure to allocate some time to spend enjoying the view from your balcony or terrace.
  • If you need to rent a car for your trip, be sure to read our post about things you need to know before renting a car.
  • Don’t forget to also book your travel insurance.  You can find the best options here.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

About the Author

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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