Madam,

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on your review of Le Mas Trilles.We have been a successful small boutique hotel for the past 20 years, forming part of various guides such as the above mentioned “Guide de Charme” as well as Chateaux Hotels de France, Alastair Sawdays and many others, and always had an excellent reputation.

We cannot please everyone and but I feel sorry that you express so much resentment. However, I would like to clarify some points.

Nowhere do we say that the hotel is in < central > Ceret. We are situated in a small hamlet 2 to 3km drive, away from the centre.

- Our location does provide us with the privilege of offering our guests lovely outside space including pool, gardens and access to the river Tech. Le Mas Trilles is one of the most remarkable country house of the area dating from 14th century.
- The hotel buildings stand 100m away from the secondary road, reducing the negative effects of it. And I would like to let the readers know that all rooms are perfectly sound proofed we also offer rooms facing the garden and river side if this is of any concern.
- I would like to emphasize how peaceful it is in the garden and pool area where you can hear the water softly cascading down when having your breakfast on the terrace by the pool or reading a book in a hammock.
- Let me also add that the orange juice served for breakfast is made of 100% natural fruit, we never did serve orange juice made of concentrate.
- The path to the river is not paved, however it is far from requiring a survival outfit as you said. Many children and adults enjoyed the walk This year in particular the river covered the banks with lovely sand and pebbles...See picture on our website
- Given that the picknick tables are placed under the trees they may at times have some debris regardless of the fact that these are cleaned everyday.
-The decoration of the rooms may or may not please everyone but it is far from average quality. My wife, having a background in art and fashion design, has taken great care and pride in selecting high quality Editor's fabrics. Given her passion for art, we do have many of her paintings in the hotel. The Matisse prints ...They have been chosen from the recently edited <Matisse Jazz folio>.
- Finally in regards to your comments of either my wife or I shouting or “freaking” out, I believe these to be a bit of an exaggeration.

We did have a discussion as to how many nights you had agreed to stay. We disagree on your version. As for us, the day previous of your arrival, you made a phone reservation for 2 days.

You booked in at 12.30pm and announced departure at 7PM. We always try to arrange situation when taken in time. But in this case we had a situation with a lost income that we did not take lightly. Let's call it a misunderstanding if you prefer.

I can assure the readers that at no point were were aggressif. I have been in the hotel business for my all working life. It has now been 20 years that we have run this hotel during which time we have always strived to offer our guests the best services possibles so as they may have a relaxing and enjoyable stay with us. Given the number of repeat customers we have, I can happily say that we have succeeded in this.

I would like to end with a final apology if you felt in any way discriminated against because of your accent in French. Myself being a foreigner and having a strong foreign accent when speaking French, I would be the last person to intimidate, discriminate or embarrass anyone because of their accent.

My wife and I would like to wish you all the best in your future holidays.

Best regards

Laszlo Bukk