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Summary of reviews13 Bees emerges as an exceptional retreat with outstanding reviews, particularly highlighting its location, breakfast, rooms, cleanliness, and staff. Nestled in a serene area next to the Vienne River, the hotel offers tranquility combined with convenient access to the charming town of Confolens. Guests appreciate the picturesque views and peaceful surroundings, enhanced by spacious and comfortable accommodations, complete with excellent bedding and bathrooms.
The breakfast experience at 13 Bees is frequently praised for its quality and variety, featuring hearty selections that cater to diverse tastes. Guests find the inclusion of homemade croissants and preserves delightful, with the hotel's own honey adding a local touch. The breakfast is noted as both excellent and generous, providing fantastic value and invigorating guests for a day of exploration.
Guests can expect exceptional rooms, which are spacious, beautifully clean, and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Modern amenities and practical bathrooms contribute to a comfortable stay amidst stylish furnishings and architectural beauty. Despite occasional noise issues due to building acoustics, the high standards of cleanliness are consistently highlighted.
Hosts Amanda and Kevin are recognized for their warmth and professionalism, creating a welcoming environment that makes every guest feel appreciated. Their unique role as beekeepers adds charm and interest to the stay, underpinning the friendly and attentive service that defines the hotel.
While the beds are generally found to be comfortable, opinions on mattress softness vary. Nevertheless, the overall sleeping experience is deemed good, complemented by excellent shower facilities. In summary, 13 Bees offers a memorable stay characterized by exceptional hospitality, beautiful surroundings, and delightful features that leave a lasting impression on its guests. Show more
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Bed & Breakfast with Parking
This bed and breakfast offers free self-parking on-site. The location in Confolens ensures easy access to the town and surrounding areas.
Small Bed & Breakfast
This adults-only bed and breakfast provides a tranquil escape with its garden, shared lounge, and views of the river. Guests can enjoy the unique experience of tasting honey from the owners' bees during breakfast.
Bed & Breakfast Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
Hydro
Biomass
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Rainwater collection and usage
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
LED lighting throughout the premises
Bicycles provided to guests
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? Guests have access to our 3-acre parkland garden to see the re-wilding project, the numerous bird habitats and our bee hives.
Answers last updated by 13 Bees
Bed & Breakfast with Gym
Bed & Breakfast with Tennis Courts
3-Star Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast where Extra Health & Safety Measures Have Been Taken
Arrival
Do visitors need a health certificate (i.e. a test) prior to arrival? No
Do you perform temperature checks upon guests' arrivals? No
Do you ensure contactless check-in/check-out? Other Staff all wear masks to greet and check-out guests and gloves to handle luggage
Do the hotel's main entrance doors open automatically? No
Can guests access their room entrance directly from outside the hotel without entering the lobby? No
Cleaning
Are the rooms left vacant for a minimum period of time after a guest checks out? Yes, for 4 hours.
Is there an option for no in-room housekeeping during a guest's stay? Yes
Do you allow fresh air to enter the rooms by leaving the windows open between departures and arrivals? Yes
Does the cleaning crew wear appropriate personal protective equipment? Yes
Do you sanitize the common areas? Yes, multiple times per day
Are guests' luggage and belongings disinfected upon arrival? No
Do you sanitize guests' keys/cards? Yes
Do you provide thorough cleaning of the rooms? Yes
Are all employees trained and monitored to follow a cleaning protocol? Yes
Do you use disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities that kill the COVID-19 virus? Yes
Do you use electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces? No
Do you disinfect high touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles? Yes
Limitations
Are elevator rides limited? There are no elevators
Are guest rooms allowed to be accessed until check-in after they were cleaned? No
Does the hotel operate at a limited capacity? Yes, up to 75% of the rooms can be occupied
Does the hotel accept domestic bookings only? No
Do you allow people who don't stay or work at the hotel to enter its premises? No
Do you allow people who don't stay at the hotel to enter the rooms? No
Have you altered check-in / check-out hours to allow more time between departures and arrivals? Yes, New hours: Check-in: 00:00 - Check-out: 00:00
Accessories
Do you provide medical kits (masks, gloves and sanitizer) to the staff? Yes
Do you provide medical kits (masks, gloves and sanitizer) to the guests? Yes
Do you provide disinfecting wipes in each room? No
Are there hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel? Yes
Is there a sanitizing sprayer for shoes outside each room? No
Do you have any signage in lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols? Yes
Is there an individual air-conditioning/heating unit in each room (no central air-conditioning/heating system)? No
Are rugs removed from guest rooms? No
Are unnecessary items removed from guest rooms, such as decorative pillows, bed scarves/throws , paper notepads and pens? No
Are air purification and sanitization devices installed? No
Are linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with the official guidelines? Yes
Is dirty linen bagged in the guest room to eliminate excess contact while being transported to the laundry facility? Yes
Food & Beverage Service
Do you offer single-serve options instead of buffets for breakfast? Yes
Protocols & Certifications
Do you follow any of these protocols or have you obtained any of these certifications?
Tourisme Charentes
Has there been a person appointed to supervise the correct implementation of the measures? No
Do you check temperature for all onsite staff on a scheduled basis? No
Do your staff practice social distancing guidelines? Yes
Are there dedicated isolation zones on property? No
Do you have clear guidelines on how to handle suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19)? Yes
Is there a doctor available either on-site or on-call? No
Are there any services currently unavailable due to health and safety issues (e.g. valet parking, airport transfer, spa, gym, indoor pool, conference rooms, coffee points, etc.)? Table d'Hôte (evening meals)
Has the hotel closed during the pandemic? Yes Reopening Date: June, 01 2020
Double RoomThis double room has a juliet balcony, a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet.
Please note that you cannot stand on a juliet balcony.
Double Room with River ViewThis double room features a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet.
Deluxe Double RoomThis double room has a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet.
Double Room with Garden ViewThis double room features a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet.
Guest Reviews
9.3
Excellent
Location
Nestled in a tranquil area, 13 Bees boasts an enviable location on the banks of the Vienne River. Its setting is not only beautifully serene and green, but it also offers easy access to the heart of Confolens, making it ideal for exploring the charming town. Guests find the walk to the city center to be short and pleasant, yet the hotel's position remains peaceful and secluded. The location combines the best of both worlds, being in a quiet spot with the vibrant town center and its restaurant options just a 10-minute stroll away. Additionally, the property provides the convenience of private parking. Visitors appreciate the spacious and comfortable accommodations, as well as the very welcoming atmosphere, often mentioning the excellent bedding and bathrooms. The views of the river enhance the experience, contributing to the overall charm of this attractive and well-located retreat, which serves as a perfect base for discovering the region.
Breakfast
Nestled near the river, 13 Bees excels in providing a breakfast experience that leaves guests invigorated and ready to explore the day ahead. The offerings are praised for being hearty, substantial, and delicious, with a wide array of choices that cater to various tastes. Guests repeatedly highlight the breakfast as excellent, generous, and complete, featuring well-prepared and varied selections. The delightful continental breakfast includes homemade croissants and preserves, elevating the morning meal with a touch of local produce charm, particularly the honey from the hotel's own hives. The balanced approach to breakfast, coupled with a fantastic atmosphere, ensures a pleasant start to the day, and the inclusion of the breakfast in the price is noted as a fantastic value. In essence, breakfast at 13 Bees is a highlight of the stay, marked by quality and variety that satisfies diverse preferences.
Rooms
At 13 Bees, guests can expect an exceptional stay characterized by spacious and well-appointed rooms. The accommodations are notably large, providing plenty of room to relax and unwind. Comfortable bedding promises a restful night's sleep, complemented by rooms that are both beautifully clean and full of character. Many rooms offer exquisite views, ranging from tranquil meadows where deer frolic to picturesque vistas of the Vienne River. Each room is thoughtfully equipped, featuring modern amenities and practical bathrooms that enhance the overall comfort. The setting is peaceful, ensuring a quiet retreat amidst stunning scenery. Whether admiring the stylish furnishings or the architectural beauty of the building itself, guests are welcomed into an inviting and serene environment. The combination of space, comfort, and breathtaking views make for a memorable stay at this charming location.
Beds
At '13 Bees', guests generally find the beds to be comfortable, with many praising the bedding and mattress quality. The beds are often described as very large and perfectly suited for a restful night's sleep. However, opinions on the mattress softness vary, with some guests mentioning that the mattresses are a bit too soft, causing them to sink in more than desired, which can affect comfort levels. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the hotel provides a good sleeping experience, complemented by an excellent shower in the rooms.
Cleanliness
'13 Bees' is consistently praised for maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Guests commonly highlight the impeccable cleanliness of the rooms, noting that both the bedrooms and bathrooms are kept in pristine condition. Each room is meticulously tidy, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment. The entire house offers a clean and comfortable stay, contributing positively to the overall experience. However, noise can occasionally be an issue, as the acoustics of the building allow for sounds from other occupants, which can be disruptive. Despite this, the hotel's cleaning practices leave a lasting impression on its guests.
Staff
The staff at 13 Bees, especially hosts Amanda and Kevin, have left an indelible mark on guests through their remarkable warmth and friendliness. Visitors consistently praise the hosts for being exceptionally kind and accommodating, making every stay feel special. The reception is described as friendly and welcoming, characterized by an atmosphere where guests feel truly valued and attended to. The hosts are noted for their charm and professionalism, ensuring that the experience is seamless from arrival to departure.
Amanda and Kevin's commitment to hospitality shines through as they provide warm and pleasant welcomes, creating a comfortable and charming environment in their beautiful bourgeois house, complete with spacious rooms. Their role as beekeepers adds a unique touch, inviting guests into a setting that is both inviting and refreshingly different. Overall, the staff at 13 Bees excel in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience, consistently recognized for their attentiveness and genuine involvement with guests.