Les Hauts de Loire
One Michelin Key
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Hotel Details
Key Highlights
- ✓Service**: The staff consistently receives high praise for being "fantastic and welcoming," "very friendly and helpful," and "professional and courteous".
Expert Review: Les Hauts de Loire
Les Hauts de Loire, a distinguished Relais & Châteaux property nestled in Veuzain-sur-Loire, France, has earned a Michelin One-Key distinction, signifying a very special stay. This former 19th-century hunting lodge offers a luxurious and tranquil escape in the heart of the Loire Valley.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Les Hauts de Loire is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "excellent" and "wonderful." It holds an average rating of 9.2 on Booking.com and a 10/10 on Expedia from numerous guests. The property is praised as a "beautiful hotel in a beautiful setting" offering "top quality, hospitality, room, food, service". Many consider it a "heaven of tranquility" and "the essence of L'Art de Vivre".
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Les Hauts de Loire:
- Location & Grounds: The hotel is set within a magnificent 180-acre (70-hectare) park featuring lakes, wooded paths, and artistic installations. It's described as a "splendid and very well-maintained domain" and a "peaceful setting" ideal for exploring the numerous Loire Valley châteaux.
- Amenities: The property boasts two restaurants, including a Michelin-starred gastronomic option and a more casual bistro. A Clarins spa offers various treatments, complemented by a heated outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and tennis courts. Additional amenities include a library, a playground for children, free WiFi, free parking, and even a helipad.
- Service: The staff consistently receives high praise for being "fantastic and welcoming," "very friendly and helpful," and "professional and courteous".
3. Room Quality
The rooms and suites at Les Hauts de Loire are individually furnished and decorated, offering an elegant and classic design with views of the park. Rooms within the château feature a refined style with tasteful antiques and modern bathrooms, while those in the adjacent carriage house are generally larger and more contemporary, though some find them slightly less charming. Guests report the rooms to be quiet, clean, and comfortable, with excellent bedding. Standard in-room amenities include air conditioning, TV, free WiFi, a minibar, Bose speaker, kettle, Nespresso machine, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. While largely positive, some reviews mention rooms being "slightly dated" and suggest a "more modern touch" or "replacement of carpets" could be beneficial. Different pillow types are available upon request.
4. Dining Experience
Les Hauts de Loire features two distinct dining options. The gastronomic restaurant, led by Chef Arthur Peta, holds two Michelin stars and is celebrated for its exquisite, refined cuisine that champions local, seasonal ingredients. Guests describe the dining here as an "unforgettable gourmet experience". Dinner at the gastronomic restaurant requires trousers for men.
The complimentary breakfast buffet is consistently rated as "superb" and "very bountiful," offering a selection of homemade honey, croissants, brioche, and local cheeses. The Bistro provides a more casual setting with local cuisine. However, some guests have expressed that the gastronomic menu can be "unappealing and overpriced," and one review noted that the bistro's offerings and quantity were "not good," wishing for more regional options.
5. Service & Staff
The hospitality at Les Hauts de Loire is a significant highlight. Guests frequently commend the staff for their exceptional warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness. They are described as "fantastic and welcoming," "very friendly and helpful," and "professional and courteous". Many reviews emphasize the team's commitment to guest satisfaction and their agreeable demeanor.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location in Veuzain-sur-Loire is considered ideal, acting as a central base for exploring the famous Loire Valley châteaux, including Château de Chaumont and the International Garden Festival, as well as the nearby Château de Chambord. The property is well-connected for travelers, accessible by car (approximately two hours from Paris), train (Onzain-Chaumont-sur-Loire station is 4 km away, and TGV stations are within 40-50 km), and even has its own helipad. Tours Saint-Symphorien airport is about 40 km away.
It's important to note that due to the historic structure and age of the hotel, it is a multi-story property without an elevator and does not offer rooms specifically adapted for guests with reduced mobility. However, the on-site restaurants are located on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible.
7. Value & Pricing
Les Hauts de Loire is a luxury accommodation, and its pricing reflects this. A 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $280.49, with average nightly rates ranging from $432 to $534, depending on the day and season. March is typically the most affordable month, seeing an average 51% drop in price, while September is the most expensive, with prices rising by about 50%. Some guests have commented that both the rooms and the gastronomic restaurant can be expensive.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, a few recurring criticisms are noted:
- Room Condition: Some guests have mentioned that certain rooms appear "slightly dated" and could benefit from modern updates or carpet replacement.
- Dining Perceptions: Despite the Michelin stars, some find the gastronomic menu to be "unappealing and overpriced," and there have been criticisms regarding the quality and quantity of dishes at the bistro. One review also suggested the overall food experience, despite the Michelin recognition, "fell a touch short" of high expectations.
- Accessibility: The lack of an elevator and rooms specifically designed for guests with reduced mobility is a noted drawback due to the hotel's historical architecture.
- WiFi Speed: The free WiFi received a comfort rating of 7.5 out of 10, suggesting it might not always be top-tier.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, a few recurring criticisms are noted:
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
