Auberge Bella Riva

The hotel is celebrated for its exceptionally warm hospitality and heartfelt, homemade cuisine, which many guests consider its signature feature. The new owners are consistently praised for their welcoming nature and dedication, creating a convivial and attentive atmosphere that feels like visiting friends. This establishment is particularly well-suited for couples and friends seeking a charming and authentic experience, as well as travelers looking for a comfortable and friendly stopover on their journey. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's excellent value for money, its clean and comfortable accommodations, and the delicious, generously portioned meals. To enhance your stay, guests recommend embracing the hotel's rustic charm and being prepared for a unique, unpretentious experience, and for those sensitive to noise, requesting a room not facing the main road might be beneficial.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note the hotel's parking availability, which is conveniently located nearby, though it is a public space rather than a private lot, which some found less secure. Access to the rooms is primarily via a steep staircase, which many guests found challenging, especially when carrying luggage, though staff were often helpful in assisting with bags. The establishment maintains a simple, traditional charm, with some describing it as having a timeless quality reminiscent of a bygone era. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported limited connectivity or a weak signal in certain areas of the hotel. The overall character of the hotel is often highlighted, offering a unique, unpretentious atmosphere rather than modern, extensive amenities, which contributes to its distinct appeal for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, often describing them as very well-maintained and spotless, contributing to a pleasant stay. The beds are frequently highlighted for their comfort, with many guests reporting a restful night's sleep due to the quality bedding. However, a recurring point of discussion is the unusual bathroom setup, where the toilet and shower are often located directly within the room without full separation, which some guests found surprising or lacking in privacy. Noise levels received mixed feedback; while some rooms were described as quiet, others experienced road noise from the nearby main road or noise from neighboring rooms due to limited soundproofing. Some guests also noted the sound of the sanibroyeur (macerating toilet) in their rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests highlighting the homemade food prepared with care and passion. Portions are consistently described as generous, offering excellent value. The dinner meals, often featuring local or traditional dishes like spiced chicken or magret, are frequently praised for their quality and deliciousness. While the breakfast is generally considered simple, guests appreciate the freshness of items like croissants and bread, often accompanied by tasty homemade jams. Some guests found the breakfast options limited or the price a bit high for the simplicity, but the overall quality of the ingredients and the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant are highly valued. Pizza is also mentioned as a good option, with some finding it very satisfying.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant aspect of guest feedback, situated conveniently close to a main road, which provides easy access for travelers. However, this proximity also means some rooms experience road noise, particularly during busier times. Despite the road, many guests found the area to be generally quiet and peaceful. The hotel is well-positioned for exploring the region, being a short distance from Bergerac and its airport, making it a practical stopover point. For those interested in outdoor activities, the hotel's setting near the Dordogne river offers opportunities for pleasant walks and cycling, with a "via verde" route nearby. Its village setting in Creysse is described as charming, offering a sense of being away from the hustle and bustle.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel are consistently highlighted as a major positive, with guests frequently praising the warm welcome and the friendly, attentive nature of the owners. Many describe the owners as very kind, helpful, and dedicated, going out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay, even assisting with luggage up the steep stairs. The service is often characterized as efficient and honest, creating a convivial atmosphere where guests feel well-cared for. While the vast majority of reviews commend the staff's hospitality, a few guests noted an initial coldness or a less welcoming demeanor from one of the owners, though this was generally overcome by their subsequent helpfulness. Overall, the personal touch and genuine care provided by the team are a defining feature of the guest experience.

Additional Information
A significant piece of information frequently mentioned by guests is that the hotel is currently for sale, which some perceive as potentially impacting the owners' motivation or the overall upkeep, though this is not a universal sentiment and many still praise the experience. Despite this, the hotel is consistently praised for offering excellent value for money, making it a highly affordable option for many travelers seeking quality without a high price tag. It is often recommended as an ideal stopover location for short stays, particularly for those on road trips or needing proximity to the airport, rather than a destination for extended vacations. Guests appreciate its unique, charming, old-fashioned character, which some liken to a "Bagdad Café" vibe, offering a distinct and memorable experience that stands apart from more modern establishments and contributes to its authentic appeal.