Unique? Now that’s a bold claim. But whether it’s the value for money, the style of the hotel, the location, the magnificent beaches or the friendliness of the staff, the hotel Cap Club at Capbreton on the southern tip of France’s Atlantic coast certainly
Unique? Now that’s a bold claim. But whether it’s the value for money, the style of the hotel, the location, the magnificent beaches or the friendliness of the staff, the hotel Cap Club at Capbreton on the southern tip of France’s Atlantic coast certainly is unique.
Add world famous Aussie surfer Ross Clarke-Jones or wannabe famous surfer and Perth-based Red Bull executive Ross Wyness walking through the lobby and you really do have a unique hotel.
It’s a little like an Aussie home-away-from-home.
It could just as well be a beach on Western Australia’s south coast.
The hotel is just 30 minutes north of ritzy and expensive Biarritz, or two hours south of the famous wine district of Bordeaux.
Cap Club is ideally located on the high-speed motorways and is less than two hours from the magnificent Pyrenees.
But the real uniqueness of the hotel is the value.
Rooms start from just 69 euros ($116) over the Northern winter, which is early October through early April, to 151 euros ($255) in high summer, which is June 30 to September 3. Price for the balance of the year is 101 euros ($170).
And that price includes continental buffet breakfast, which is taken at the ocean-side restaurant, and in-room broadband internet access.
The restaurant also serves delicious evening meals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Guests can dress formally or casually and still feel welcome.
The hotel’s décor is smart yet functional for a seaside resort focused on sports, with special carpet and bathroom surfaces that handle beach, sand and saltwater.
There are 75 rooms with an average room size of 25 square metres, 20 of which are deluxe, 15 have kitchenettes and 65 have views of the sea.
Dedicated to sports, Cap Club has hi-tech sports equipment that will satisfy the pro and the casual sportsperson alike.
The hotel is adjacent to the famous Centre European de Rééducation du Sportif (CERS) of Capbreton and many of the services and equipment are available to guests of Cap Club Hotel. There is also free parking, some of which is underground.
For the business minded there are meeting rooms that cater for between 15 and 70 people with video projectors, LCD screens and DVD players.
And when you’re not at a physical workout, at a business workout or catching a wave, there are a host of seaside restaurants to cater for every gastronomic whim. Or perhaps you could take a stroll into Capbreton itself for some real French street-side dining.
And those with an interest in history will be mesmerised by the remnants of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, which looks more like something out of a tortured Picasso painting on the water’s edge just to the south of the Cap Club.
Over the years, the ocean has marched inland and left the giant concrete gun emplacements and lookout bunkers toppling precariously.
They once held the high ground at the shore waiting for an invasion that never came – at least in this part of France.
Now the battlements are a monument to stupidity and greed – or just a great backdrop to a photograph.
Just to the north of Capbreton is the world-renowned surfing spot of Hossegor, adjacent to a magnificent forest with a holiday atmosphere and great restaurants.
South of Capbreton – and an easy drive – are the magnificent Pyrenees and Spain beyond. The French motorways are superb and easy to navigate and the local French extremely helpful.
Cap Club can be found at www.capclubhotel.com.
