Les Hauts de Loire
One Michelin Key
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Hotel Details
Location
Les Hauts de Loire · Veuzain-sur-Loire, France
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:
Google Reviews
762 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Janet Findlay
Les Hauts de Loire is an exceptional property that exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Pascal, whose graciousness and professionalism remained consistent throughout our stay. The front desk team was attentive and accommodating, assisting with our reservations both prior to arrival and during our visit. Breakfast was outstanding, complemen...
Response from the owner
Dear Madam,<br><br>It is a real pleasure to read that your stay at Les Hauts de Loire exceeded your expectations and that every aspect—from the warm welcome to the attentive service of our reception, ...
Klaus Reinartz
We stayed at this wonderful hotel for three nights. We stayed in the main building in a beautiful yet very modern and functional room. Beware: It was on the second floor, with a narrow spiral staircase and no elevator. But no problem: The reception staff are extremely helpful, with a special mention to Marceau. He was always in a good mood and helped with all our questions and requests. We had din...
Response from the owner
Dear Sir, Dear Madam,<br><br>Thank you very much for your detailed and positive review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at our hotel, the comfort and style of your room, the ambiance of ou...
Jaya Classen
We had a really lovely time at this hotel. It was definitely kid-friendly (as far as French standards go - definitely not kid friendly by North American standards). Restaurant was delicious. The pool was fantastic. The surrounding area was beautiful. The grounds were beautiful. Everything was really great. The restaurant was delicious. We'd recommend it for sure.
Response from the owner
Dear Madam, <br>Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you and your family enjoyed your stay, the pool, the beautiful grounds, and especially the delicious meals at our rest...
Ainsley Fahey
We had such a lovely and relaxing time at Les Hauts de Loire. The service was incredible (friendly waiter who served us every day at breakfast and remembered the group we were staying with to the amazing front desk workers who gave us a ride to another chateau for a wedding). The grounds were gorgeous and serene and we loved making friends with Duchess the cat. We hope to be back soon!
Response from the owner
Dear Madam,<br><br>We are truly delighted to read your wonderful feedback about your stay at Les Hauts de Loire. It is a pleasure to know that our team made such a positive impression, from the breakf...
Martha B.
I will give this hotel four stars because I felt it was lacking in some ways. I did get a good nights sleep here and the bed was comfortable! The room was spacious, but dated with signs of wear. The pool looked beautiful though I didn’t use it. The service and staff were lovely. We had just come from a hotel that had beautiful grounds, including green grass, so this location suffered by comparison...
Response from the owner
Dear Madam,<br>Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're glad to read that you had a good night in our comfortable and spacious room, and that our service and staff were lovely. It's...
Diane Kloos
What a charming, gorgeous hotel! My daughters and I stayed here for two nights and I wish we would have stayed longer, to more enjoy the beautiful grounds. We had two lovely, large rooms in the adjacent carriage house. It was a bit warm in mid-May and I asked about the A/C and was told "it will be turned on tomorrow", which it was not, haha. Not a big deal. The breakfast was amazing, maybe th...
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.
