I stayed at 3-star Hotel du Parc on Saturday 11th August with my immediate family.

We had 2 rooms on the 1st floor - one overlooking the front lawns, tennis courts and swimming pool and another at the back overlooking grass and trees. Both rooms were very spacious, well equipped, very clean, quiet and comfortable.

We slept extremely well as it was very quiet at night and the enormous beds were incredibly comfortable. Ten out of ten for the beds! Bathroom was good and the shower was v. good indeed! Breakfast was plentiful and the waiting staff were very efficient and friendly.

The hotel reminded me of an American style hotel - big rooms, open spaces, piano bar etc. It is about 20mins walk into the centre of Hardelot and to the huge sandy beach. You walk along wide tree lined avenues with big houses in spacious gardens either side. I would stay here again, especially when they have good deals out of season.

No other reviewers seemed to have this problem, so it must be us but: - we had problems finding the hotel! Ironically, this was because we saw the hotel's roadside signage on the D940 (Boulogne/Etaples) and thought, we'll simply follow those signs. But, having directed us off the 940, that was the end of the signs! In vain, we drove around looking, wondering if we'd missed some; in the end, we gave up and drove into Hardelot and of course as soon as we did that, there was the hotel. Obvious, I suppose, but then so is following the hotel's own signs, I would have thought. Suffice to know that the hotel is in Hardelot, about a mile east of the shoreline, and both roads into town from the D940 converge at the roundabout from which the hotel is visible. Time for us to get a satnav, perhaps.

The hotel's about 20 mins from the Boulogne ferry, 40 from Calais; it's about a 15 minute drive south to Le Touquet.

Once you get there, this is a very nice hotel. It's of modern, spacious design, set in parkland, as the name suggests. There is ample free parking. Reception staff very friendly. We had a 'privilege' room, which was large, with an enormous bed. It has an adjacent, separate sitting area and that opens onto a patio (or balcony, if you're higher up), which looks over the gardens. Very nice. Bathroom very nicely appointed, plenty of fluffies, everything spotlessly clean. As others have noted, coffee/tea facilities are available, but only if you ask for them and, yes, it still comes with plastic cups. Quantities not very generous, though. It's all pin-drop quiet - nothing to disturb your sleep.

We didn't try the restaurant - looked fine, though, with set meals priced from Eur27.

The other thing I would say is that this is a rather anonymous hotel. That's not to question its undeniable comfort and high standard, but it's not really a French experience, at least not for us. It's situated in a residential area, amongst trees - you could be anywhere, in a typical international-standard hotel, and you will not see any locals in the bar. But, if you like quality, spaciousness, park-like setting and access to nearby golf courses, then you would not complain.

Good hotel, excellent quality rooms, clean.

We arrived Saturday evening and were greeted by a smiling helpful member of staff who swiftly dealt with the check-in formalities. He did however volunteer the information that the restaurant was fully booked that evening and should we wish to eat we could try the local restaurants or those further afield in Boulogne. We expressed our dissapointment as having had a long journey we wanted to stay in the hotel to eat. This in most hotels I've stayed in would have been the final word on the matter, but after going to our room and freshening up we received a call from the front desk to say that they had been able to find a table for us in the restaurant. The meal was superb and the choice of three menues at varying price points plus a la carte allowed a good opportunity for choosing something for all. The wine list was extensive an covered most budgets. Service was excellent and the surroundings relaxed and comfortable.

Our standard first floor twin room was large with separate WC and bathroom stocked with large fluffy towels rarely found in hotels. The twin beds were firm and could be placed together if necessary. Feather pillows are suppiled as standard but the two spare pillows in the wardrobe are synthetic. The bath and sink area had wall mounted soap dispensers and there was a wall mounted hairdryer. The bath had a lever mixer arrangement for the shower or bath. A small sitting area by the window contained a table and two chairs and sofabed. The TV which was on a swivel base to cover the bed area or sitting area, showed several French channels, a German channel, CNN and BBC 1 & 2. The large double glazed windows overlooked the lawned rear of the hotel (I emailed beforehand to request a bon vue), the tennis courts and swimming pool. Tea & coffee making facilites available from the front desk include a kettle and rather flimsy plastic cups which can be substituted for more substantial cups from the restaurant.

Although we had intended to upgrade to an executive room the next day as the hotel was full on the Saturday, we decided that there was no need as the room offered everything we wanted.

The public areas of the hotel were warm and inviting and the large reception area housed a beatifully decorated Christmas tree which must have been 6 metres high as it touched the roof of the second floor mezzanine area. The bar lounge area is populated by sofas, chairs and glass topped tables. On colder evenings an open fire can be enjoyed at the opposite end to the bar. The bar was well stocked and the uniformed staff were efficient and curteous and are pleased to offer table service, bringing nibbles with initial orders.

The hotel is conveniently located just off the A16 and can be reached from Calais in 45 mins or from Boulogne port in 15. It is close to golfing and equestrian activities and the sea is a brisk walk away where the Village of Hardelot offers a small shopping area with restaurants, bars and a cinema.

All-in-all we had a fantasitc stay. Without question we will be going back for more.

Tips: Email the hotel to ask for a bon vue or you may get the road vue. If you are staying on a Saturday and intend to eat in the restaurant email your booking well in advance.