Sophia Country Club Grand Hotel Mercure, Valbonne

I do not believe that the hotel is rated for its hotel service as much as for its utilities especially the golf course and the swimming pool. As a business traveler, you expect a four star service to be fairly comfortable but not in this hotel for the following reasons: 1) The classic room I was put in is not even as good or comfortable as any chain motels in USA including Motel 11 or comfort Inn. Standard furniture were missing, very small working space, only one chair/coach, no small facial towels for bath, etc. 2) Front desk staff was all new to job and not experienced. 3) No technicians after 5:00 p.m. if any thing happened to your room. My colleague lost power in her room except for one light and she has to wait until next day after 9:00 a.m. before they have a person to look into this. I lost the wireless connection and they did not have any one to look into until the next morning (after 9:00 a.m.!!!!). 4) You do not feel any life in it in the sense of people taking care of you and it seems like it is deserted. I really believe that is was rated four stars not for the quality of the hotel room but for the golf course and other amenities which unfortunately I did not care about. I have to admit that the restaurant is excellent though it was pricy. We were originally booked for 14 nights but we moved to the hotel next door (3 stars) after three nights as we found it with better quality and better prices.