We chose Le Vendome. We were very happy with our decision, although there were some negatives to overcome initially.

NEGATIVE
We stayed three nights. Our first night, we used points. Our second and third night, we used an Ambassador BOGO cert. Two days before arrival, I found a lower rate using the required link for the BOGO cert. It saved us $100 and I felt very puffed up to have thought to check. Fast forward to check in. I was told I had booked away from the BOGO site and that I now would not get the second night free nor the free breakfast that had been promised. I was told this was my problem and not that of the hotel. I had to sort it out with IC offices. I was standing there will full arms, having stopped at Barbar to pick up schwarma and juice, intending to head straight to the room and eat. Instead, I headed to the room and got online. I've no idea what caused the rate issue for the front desk, but the lower rate was still showing online. I took my computer downstairs and showed it to the agent. I then sent him screen shots for his file. Roughly an hour on, he committed to solving the issue in my favor.

Regular rooms have tea setups. Suites have Nespresso machines and no tea trays. There is a sign saying you can have two coffee pods free. We were told two/day. On checking out, we found a minibar charge on our room bill. It turned out it was two for the stay. That seemed .....rdly.

POSITIVE
The hotel generously gave us the suite the first night that we had booked on points. I really appreciated not needing to move the second day of our stay. We were cautioned that breakfast was not included that night. Absolutely fair.

We were upgraded to a high floor, so a one category upgrade on the room I had booked. We had a lovely view over the swimming pool on the beach and to the sea.

Our friend had used an Entertainment Book 50% off 2 night stay coupon. The hotel generously upgraded him to a sea view room.

Toiletries in the suites were large bottles of verbena scented L'Occitane.

Breakfast was indifferent, but was served in the 12th floor restaurant, Sydneys. Loved the view of the water.

The lounge was meh. It was complimentary, and was the end of the bar area that surrounds the restaurant, Sydney. It could be used from 11am to 8pm. You could have sandwich squares (really really poor), fruit skewers (great), celery and carrot battons with olive dip, or a tray of chocolates and cookies. We were told we could have one alcoholic drink between 6pm and 8pm. We happily chose mint lemonade instead. We were not charged when our friend joined us one night.

I like a small hotel, so this 74 room property suited me well. Decor was 18th century French which is not to my taste but is to others. I'd guess 80% of the rooms overlook the sea. I love a water view.