Auberge du Jeu de Paume

Auberge du Jeu de Paume in Chantilly, France, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, offers guests a luxurious and elegant escape nestled within the historic Domaine de Chantilly. Known for its exceptional setting and classic French charm, the hotel generally garners high praise from visitors.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Auberge du Jeu de Paume consistently receives exceptional to superb ratings, with guests frequently describing their stays as "lovely," "perfect," or an "incredible experience." It's often lauded as an "aristocratic fantasy come to life" and a "dream hotel" in France, creating a memorable and luxurious atmosphere for its visitors.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight the hotel's stunning location, impeccable design, and extensive amenities. The Auberge is celebrated for its direct proximity and easy walking access to the Château de Chantilly, the famed Grandes Écuries (Great Stables), and the town itself. The hotel's design beautifully marries period embellishments with modern comforts, featuring opulent French countryside décor that feels authentic rather than pastiche. A significant draw is the comprehensive Valmont spa, complete with an indoor heated pool, sauna, hammam, and fitness center, providing a luxurious relaxation experience.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Auberge du Jeu de Paume are frequently described as beautifully decorated, spacious, and extremely comfortable. They feature elegant furnishings, often with antique hardwood furniture upholstered in velvet and fine toile de Jouy fabrics. Bathrooms are typically grand, adorned with Italian marble. Many accommodations boast floor-to-ceiling windows, offering picturesque views of the château grounds, the historic Grand Stables, or the meticulously designed gardens. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches like welcome trays with tea and coffee facilities.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers diverse dining options. La Table du Connétable provides a gastronomic experience in a lavish setting, serving creative cuisine with a focus on vegetables and seafood. Le Jardin d'Hiver offers a more bucolic bistro atmosphere, overlooking the gardens, with a menu known for its authentic ingredients and inventive pairings.

Breakfast often receives high praise, described as "perfect," "excellent," "complete and succulent," featuring freshly pressed juices. While many guests enjoy their meals and the service, some feedback indicates mixed experiences with dinner. One guest noted an "inedible" and expensive Christmas dinner, and another found the garden restaurant's menu and quality to be poor on their visit.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Auberge du Jeu de Paume are predominantly lauded for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendliness. Guests frequently commend the staff for being helpful, welcoming, and "aux petits soins" (at their beck and call). Valet parking and a 24/7 room service are available, adding to the convenience. The Conciergerie Clefs d'Or is also available to assist guests with a wide range of activities and requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Auberge du Jeu de Paume boasts an exceptional location within the magnificent Domaine de Chantilly. It is ideally situated for exploring the Château de Chantilly, the Musée Vivant du Cheval, and the Grandes Écuries, all reachable by foot. The hotel is also conveniently located approximately 25-35 minutes from Paris and just 20 minutes from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport. The surrounding 20,000-acre estate offers an "aristocratic playground" with opportunities for horseback riding, polo, golf, and nature walks.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin One-Key property and a luxury hotel, the Auberge du Jeu de Paume operates at a premium price point. While specific price ranges can fluctuate, rates for rooms can start from around US$349. Guests generally perceive the experience to be worth the cost, particularly for the exceptional location, amenities, and overall luxury. Some packages may include complimentary breakfast and food and beverage credits, enhancing the value for guests. However, a few guests have noted that dining can be expensive, particularly if the quality does not meet expectations.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include occasional disorganization among staff during very busy periods, and instances where the dining experience did not meet the high expectations set by the hotel's overall luxury, particularly at the Le Jardin d'Hiver or during special events like Christmas dinner. Some guests have felt that certain common areas might have a slightly corporate feel. Minor issues like small carpet stains have been noted. A recent review also mentioned the absence of valet/bell service upon arrival, no escort to the room, and some street noise from rooms facing the paved street.

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