La Borde en Sologne

La Borde en Sologne: A Picturesque Chateau Escape with Room for Refinement

La Borde en Sologne, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in Vernou-en-Sologne, France, generally receives high praise for its enchanting setting, elegant restoration, and array of on-site activities. While guests consistently laud the beautiful grounds and tranquil ambiance, some recurring concerns regarding service consistency, particularly within the dining experience, suggest areas for improvement.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for La Borde en Sologne is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing it as "amazing," "magnificent," and a "magical place". Review scores often hover around 8.8/10 or higher, reflecting a strong appreciation for the property's unique charm and luxurious feel. It is seen as a perfect retreat for families and couples seeking relaxation in the French countryside.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly captivated by the stunning restored Chateau and its expansive 124-acre estate grounds, complete with English and French gardens, lakes, and even a mini-farm. The property offers a wide range of amenities, including two heated outdoor swimming pools (one family-friendly, one adults-only), a Tata Harper spa with sauna, hammam, and massage rooms, a fitness center in a converted greenhouse, and a tennis court designed by Guy Forget. The availability of complimentary bicycles and rowing boats on the lake is also frequently highlighted as a beloved activity. Many appreciate the blend of old-world charm with modern comforts and the thoughtful, unpretentious decor featuring upcycled family furniture and designer pieces.

3. Room Quality

The 35 rooms and suites at La Borde en Sologne are consistently described as spacious, comfortable, and elegantly designed, averaging 40m². They retain the hallmarks of a castle, boasting large volumes, high ceilings, big windows, and generous bathrooms. Each room possesses its own unique personality, with some featuring rich wood paneling, others floral wallpaper, and a mix of antique and designer furnishings. Guests have noted "lovely linen and very comfortable bedrooms" and modern bathrooms often include walk-in showers or marble tubs. Some particularly enjoy the "special room (horse stables)" with an equestrian theme or rooms with bricked fireplaces and painted panels. However, one guest noted their bathroom was "quite cold" and lacked insulation, and another mentioned a room that was "very cold upon arrival" and had "no light in the center of the room".

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, Restaurant Mémoire, is named in reference to the estate's history and the lasting impression of a good meal. It focuses on seasonal produce from local suppliers, including ingredients from the Chateau's own vegetable garden. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with guests mentioning it as "excellent" and offering a good choice between buffet and à la carte options. However, the dining experience at Mémoire has received mixed reviews. While some guests praise the "high cuisine standard" and "superb food", others have expressed significant disappointment. Common criticisms include a limited menu, overpriced dishes, and inconsistencies in food quality, with one guest describing a risotto as "reheated in the microwave" and "inedible". There have also been reports of slow service and understaffing in the restaurant, leading to long waits for simple requests like a bottle of water. Due to limited capacity, evening reservations are highly recommended, as some guests found the restaurant fully booked for dinner, which was a source of frustration given the room price.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests describing the team as "wonderful and friendly," "professional and helpful," and "extremely helpful". The staff are often commended for their attentiveness and efforts, even when seemingly stretched thin. One guest particularly highlighted a reception staff member who "knew how to make us forget that our room was not ready upon our arrival" and praised the breakfast staff as "adorable". However, recurring complaints point to staff shortages and a perceived "lack of management," especially in the restaurant, which has led to service issues and a feeling of an "amateur nature of the whole setup" for some guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

La Borde en Sologne is ideally situated in Vernou-en-Sologne, offering an "authentic French countryside feel". Its location is considered "fantastic" and "great" for exploring the Loire Valley châteaux. It is approximately 30 minutes from Blois and Chambord, and around an hour from Chenonceau and Amboise. While it provides a peaceful, "off the beaten path" experience, some guests have noted it's a few minutes drive to town and that good restaurants might be 15 minutes away by car, suggesting the need for personal transportation. Free on-site private parking is available.

7. Value & Pricing

La Borde en Sologne is considered an upscale 4-star property. Pricing for rooms ranges from approximately €291 to €421 for a Classic Room, and up to €648 to €1089 for a Family Suite. While many find the experience to be "good value" given the historic location and facilities, some have found it to be "very overpriced," especially when service shortcomings are encountered. The full breakfast is an additional cost, around €26 for adults and €13 for children, which some guests felt was exaggerated if not pre-booked with the room.

8. Common Complaints

The most frequent criticisms revolve around inconsistent service, particularly in the restaurant. Guests have reported significant staff shortages and a lack of visible management, leading to slow service, difficulty getting drinks or water, and a general feeling that the service did not match the hotel's price point. The dining menu is sometimes described as limited and overpriced, with varying quality of food. Other minor issues mentioned include a cold bathroom in one instance, a room being cold upon arrival with insufficient lighting, limited check-in hours, and a lack of refreshment service by the quiet pool. The fitness room, while equipped, was noted to be neglected with uncleaned machines and no water or towels.

Sources

1. booking.com
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5. trip.com
6. authentichotels.com
7. michelin.com
8. expedia.com
9. laborde-sologne.fr
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11. laborde-sologne.fr
12. ricksteves.com