While Villa Eugene was picturesque from the outside, the property itself is not a five star property by any stretch of the imagination. The location is, at least, very nearby many of the famed champagne houses and only a short walk or drive from the little downtown of Epérnay.
The hotel is very understaffed - often nobody was at the front desk or available to answer the phone or for a question by the pool. To that end, we often had to look around the property for someone and we were then chastised for simply wandering around the house or the grounds. The blonde woman (who is apparently the owner) is extremely unfriendly. We were constantly criticized or questioned for simple requests or questions. It’s as if we were inconveniencing her for paying to stay here. Overall, we did not feel welcome - if she was nearby, she watched us as if we were children or as if she expected us to steal something. The rest of the staff is very friendly, but it’s clear they do not enjoy working for/with this woman.
We were also told we cannot drink anything from the outside in the hotel area and must purchase everything from the hotel bar, despite being in Champagne (where the point is to taste and buy at various wineries and champagne houses and then enjoy your purchases). An absurd policy - most hotels have a bar or a shop or room service and they do not ban you from drinking your own drinks.
There decor is mismatched and often conflicting (it is not elegant “French provincial style” as photos
