La Maison Rabelais
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Hotel Details
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La Maison Rabelais · Amboise, France
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Key Highlights
- ✓Guests consistently highlight several outstanding aspects of La Maison Rabelais:
Expert Review: La Maison Rabelais
La Maison Rabelais, Amboise: A Charming and Highly-Rated Loire Valley Retreat
La Maison Rabelais in Amboise, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, praised for its exceptional service, prime location, and stylish, comfortable accommodations. The hotel beautifully blends historical charm with modern, eco-friendly amenities, offering a tranquil yet accessible base for exploring the Loire Valley.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for La Maison Rabelais is excellent, with a high rating of 8.8 out of 10 based on 484 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as "amazing" and "a definite must stay," highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction and a desire to return. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing comfort, cleanliness, and outstanding hospitality.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of La Maison Rabelais:
- Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "extremely friendly and helpful," "exceptional," and "accommodating," going above and beyond to assist guests with restaurant selections, local recommendations, and even taxi arrangements.
- Prime Location: The hotel boasts an "ideal location" in the historical center of Amboise, within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and major attractions like the Château d'Amboise (a 10-minute walk) and Clos Lucé Mansion (a 12-minute walk). Despite its central position, the property is noted for being "beautiful and quiet".
- Beautiful Design & Ambiance: The 18th-century building, completely renovated, harmoniously blends historical charm with modern aesthetics. Guests appreciate the "beautiful, stylish building" that "oozes class and quality". The eco-friendly design, powered by an innovative geothermal system, provides comfort while respecting the environment.
- Amenities: The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool (open May to September), a spa with massage treatments available year-round, a bar, a small grocery, and a communal living room. Free WiFi is also available throughout the property. Secure on-site parking is available for a fee.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at La Maison Rabelais are consistently praised for their comfort, cleanliness, and modern design. They are described as "large" and "well-appointed," with "comfortable beds". Each of the 31 contemporary accommodation units, spread throughout the domain, offers its own charm. Room types include Classic (194 sq ft), Superior (269 sq ft), and Studios (suitable for 4 people), with some featuring kitchenettes. Specific amenities include an attached bathroom, wardrobe, telephone, flat-screen TV, soundproofing, and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms also offer garden or pool views, extra-long beds, and select studios have kitchenettes equipped with a fridge. Duplex units may even include a private terrace and a Jacuzzi.
4. Dining Experience
While La Maison Rabelais does not have a full restaurant, guests consistently praise the "amazing breakfast," often described as "sumptuous" and "good". A buffet breakfast is served for a fee, typically €19 for adults and €10 for children. There is also an all-day bar for coffee and evening drinks, and a small grocery for local products or picnic supplies.
5. Service & Staff
The service at La Maison Rabelais is a standout feature, frequently highlighted as excellent and contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. The staff is consistently described as "super friendly," "helpful," "accommodating," and "exceptional". They are noted for their personalized welcome and readiness to assist with various needs, including restaurant selections, local information, and transportation, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Staff members are multilingual, speaking Arabic, German, English, and Spanish.
6. Location & Accessibility
La Maison Rabelais enjoys a highly advantageous and quiet location in the heart of Amboise. It is a short walk to the town center, ensuring easy access to numerous restaurants and shops. Key attractions are readily accessible on foot, with the Château d'Amboise just a 10-minute walk away, and Clos Lucé Mansion a 12-minute walk. The hotel is also conveniently located about one mile from Amboise Train Station and 16 miles from Tours Loire Valley Airport. Secure, private parking is available on-site for a fee, with electric car charging stations, providing peace of mind for guests traveling by car.
7. Value & Pricing
Guests generally consider La Maison Rabelais to offer good value for money, scoring 8.5 out of 10 for value. While specific room rates are not provided in the search results, additional costs include a buffet breakfast (approximately €19 for adults, €10 for children), self-parking (€15 per night from March to October, free from November to February), and a pet fee (€15 per pet, per night). A city tax of €2.55 per person, per night, also applies for guests over 18.
8. Common Complaints
While overall complaints are minimal, one recurring issue mentioned by a guest was that the "room temperature was quite low" by default. However, the property generally addresses feedback promptly, indicating a commitment to guest satisfaction. Cash transactions at the property cannot exceed EUR 1000 due to national regulations.La Maison Rabelais, a Michelin Key Selected property in Amboise, France, consistently garners high praise for its exceptional guest experience.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
La Maison Rabelais enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with guests frequently rating it as "Excellent" and providing an average score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 484 reviews. The general consensus points to a highly satisfying stay, with many guests expressing a desire to return and recommending it as "a definite must stay".
Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several outstanding aspects of La Maison Rabelais:
- Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff receives frequent commendation for being "extremely friendly and helpful," "exceptional," and "accommodating". They are noted for their personalized welcome and for proactively assisting with local recommendations, restaurant selections, and even taxi arrangements.
- Prime Location: Situated in the historical center of Amboise, the hotel offers an "ideal location" for exploring the Loire Valley. It is within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and major attractions like the Château d'Amboise (a 10-minute walk) and Clos Lucé Mansion (a 12-minute walk). Despite its central position, the property is appreciated for being "beautiful and quiet".
- Charming Design & Modern Amenities: The 18th-century building has been "completely renovated" to harmoniously blend its rich history with modern, eco-friendly design, powered by an innovative geothermal system. Guests describe it as a "beautiful, stylish building" that "oozes class and quality".
- Recreational Facilities: The hotel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool (open from May to September), a full-service spa offering massages year-round, a bar, and a communal living room. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property.
Room Quality
The 31 contemporary rooms and studios at La Maison Rabelais are highly praised for their comfort, cleanliness, and tasteful design. Guests describe them as "large" and "well-appointed," featuring "comfortable beds". Each unit offers its unique charm, with options ranging from Classic (194 sq ft) and Superior (269 sq ft) rooms to Studios accommodating up to four people. Standard amenities include an attached bathroom, flat-screen TV, telephone, wardrobe, soundproofing, and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms boast garden or pool views, extra-long beds, and selected studios are equipped with kitchenettes and a fridge. Duplex options may also include a private terrace and a Jacuzzi.
Dining Experience
While La Maison Rabelais does not have a full-service restaurant, the breakfast experience is consistently lauded by guests. Many describe the buffet breakfast as "amazing" and "sumptuous". This buffet is available for an additional charge, typically around €19 for adults and €10 for children. An all-day bar is available for coffee and evening drinks, and a small grocery offers local products, ideal for souvenirs or picnics.
Service & Staff
The service and staff at La Maison Rabelais are frequently cited as a major highlight, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. Reviews consistently describe the team as "super nice," "friendly," "helpful," and "accommodating". Guests appreciate the personalized welcome and the staff's readiness to assist with inquiries, recommendations, and even transportation needs, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. Multilingual staff are available, speaking Arabic, German, English, and Spanish.
Location & Accessibility
La Maison Rabelais boasts an "ideal location" in the historical center of Amboise, offering both tranquility and easy access to the town's offerings. It's a short, convenient walk to numerous restaurants and shops. Major historical sites are also easily reachable on foot, including the Château d'Amboise (a 10-minute walk) and Clos Lucé Mansion (a 12-minute walk). The hotel is situated approximately one mile from Amboise Train Station and 16 miles from Tours Loire Valley Airport. For those traveling by car, secure, private parking is available on-site for a fee, and includes electric charging stations.
Value & Pricing
Guests generally perceive La Maison Rabelais as offering good value, reflected in its 8.5 out of 10 score for value. While specific room rates vary, additional costs include a buffet breakfast (approximately €19 for adults, €10 for children), and a city tax of €2.55 per person per night for guests over 18. On-site parking is available for €15 per night from March to October, becoming free from November to February. There is also a pet fee of €15 per pet, per night.
Common Complaints
While guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a minor recurring point mentioned by one guest was that the "room temperature was quite low" by default. The hotel's responsiveness to feedback suggests a commitment to resolving any issues. It is also noted that cash transactions at the property cannot exceed EUR 1000 due to national regulations.
Sources
Google Reviews
171 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Andrew
Great hotel walking distance to the town restaurants and Loire valley bike trail system. The staff was all very friendly and willing to help providing great local restaurant recommendations. Our room was well equipped patio with a hot tub and spacious sitting area to relax and bed was very comfortable. I would definitely recommend and book this hotel again.
Response from the owner
Hi Andrew, <br>We sincerely thank you for your glowing review. We are delighted to learn that the location of our establishment, the comfort of your room, and the quality of the welcome and advice pro...
Lee Allan
Beautiful accommodation in the heart of Amboise. The shortest of strolls to the Chateau and dining options. The team were exceptional and offered great suggestions for exploring Amboise and general queries. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner
Dear Allan,<br>Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our location in the heart of Amboise, as well as the comfort of the accommodation. It is also a ...
B K
Professional and polite sraff. Very comfortable hotel. Nice beds. Quiet area. Good location at walking distance from centre.
Response from the owner
Dear BK,<br>Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are delighted to read that you appreciated the professionalism of our staff, the comfort of our hotel, and the convenience of our location. I...
John Nixon
A fantastic hotel with wonderful staff. Souad, Earvin, and Phillipine were the most attentive and helpful staff a guest could ask for in a visit. The rooms were perfectly sized and well appointed. All amenities were provided. Breakfast was abundant and delicious. Perfect location; very close to all shops but amazingly quiet. Will definitely return. Thank You.
Response from the owner
Dear John,<br><br>Thank you very much for taking the time to share your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and appreciated the service provided by Souad, Earvin, and Phi...
Inês Bastos de Sousa
We just passed through for a night. The receptionist was very friendly and super helpful. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The 15€ parking fee was kind of a bummer but otherwise no complaints. Would definitely recommend and come back in the future!
Response from the owner
Dear Inês,<br>Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and appreciated the warm welcome from our receptionist, as well as the comfort an...
Matt Bacher
Great place to stay if you are looking to visit châteaus! Incredibly friendly staff, can't thank them enough for all their help! Location is excellent too, close enough to town shops and restaurants but still quiet at pretty much all hours. The pool and garden are very nice too.
Response from the owner
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and appreciated our location, garden, and pool. It was a real pleasure to have you with us, and we’re es...
