Maison 1896

Maison 1896 in Beaune, France, stands as a recently restored historic property offering a luxurious and sophisticated experience in the heart of Burgundy's wine country. This Michelin Key Selected hotel has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback for its blend of classic French elegance and modern comfort, making it a standout in Beaune's hospitality scene.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Maison 1896 consistently receives exceptional ratings, with many guests describing their stays as "wonderful," "amazing," and "perfect in every way." Review scores often hover around 9.5 out of 10, with high marks for staff, cleanliness, location, and comfort. The general sentiment is one of delight and strong recommendation for this boutique hotel, which opened its doors in 2023 after a decade in the making.

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently highlight several aspects that make Maison 1896 a truly special destination:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness are repeatedly praised. They are noted for providing great recommendations and assisting with dinner reservations.
• Prime Location: Situated "right in the heart of Beaune," the hotel allows guests to explore the city's attractions on foot, including the Hospices de Beaune, tasting venues, and ancient ramparts.
• Elegant Design & Ambiance: The hotel's interiors, overseen by designer Estelle Fabre, draw inspiration from the Beaux-Arts style, blending French Neoclassical touches with luxurious finishes. The restoration uncovered original oak beams and features custom-made furniture, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming.
• Quality Dining & Bar: The on-site restaurant, Slanted Door Beaune, offers a unique French-Vietnamese culinary experience, and the bar is well-regarded for its selection of wines and spirits.
• Thoughtful Amenities: Modern comforts like heated limestone floors, Victoria + Albert bathtubs, double-paned windows for noise reduction, and excellent Wi-Fi contribute to a comfortable stay.

3. Room Quality

The 16 unique guest rooms and suites at Maison 1896 are described as beautiful, comfortable, and newly renovated. They boast luxurious finishes and French Neoclassical touches such as writing desks, Louis Philippe-style mirrors, elegant chandeliers, and herringbone wood floors. Guests appreciate the spacious bathrooms, some featuring towel warmers. Rooms on the top floor may even offer dormer windows with views of the Hospices' roof. High-end bedding with washed linen sheets and private mini-libraries are also noted. Thoughtful touches like a bottle of Burgundy wine on arrival enhance the experience.

4. Dining Experience

Maison 1896 features Slanted Door Beaune, a celebrated French-Vietnamese restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Charles Phan. The restaurant is praised for its fantastic menu, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere, earning high ratings for food quality, service, and ambiance. It offers a "Vietnamese-inspired French cuisine" that is enjoyable and well-suited for wine pairings. The dining area, particularly the atrium with its retractable glass roof, provides a beautiful, airy, and cozy setting.

Breakfast, a complimentary continental offering, is consistently described as delicious and excellent, with a variety of quality options including fruits, cheeses, lovely croissants, and delicious coffee. The hotel also boasts a cozy bar, open seven nights a week, offering a selection of rare spirits, cocktails, and an extensive wine list featuring Burgundy wines and old vintages.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Maison 1896 is a recurrent highlight, with guests frequently commending the staff as "amazing," "extremely helpful," "friendly," "professional," and "attentive." From the initial welcome at the desk to the bellman and wait staff, the hospitality is considered top-tier. Staff members are noted for their efficiency, warm demeanor, and readiness to provide recommendations and make dinner reservations, contributing significantly to a happy and memorable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is considered "exceptional" and "perfect" for exploring Beaune. Situated in the historic center at 2 Place Fleury, it is just steps away from major attractions such as the Hospices de Beaune, the Place de la Halle, dozens of wine tasting venues, and ancient ramparts. This central position allows guests to easily navigate the town on foot. For those arriving by car, covered valet parking and nearby parking options are available for a fee. Longvic airport is approximately 45 km away, and a bus stop is conveniently located within 200 meters.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific room prices are not universally listed in the reviews, Maison 1896 is positioned as a luxury boutique hotel, described as "easily the most luxurious hotel to open in the area for years." The comprehensive restoration, high-end amenities, and exceptional service suggest a premium price point, reflecting the quality and experience offered. Guests generally feel the experience is worth the cost, praising the "brilliant and sensibly priced food" in the restaurant and the overall quality of their stay. There is a city tax of EUR 5.28 per person, per night, and fees for valet or nearby parking (EUR 25 per night), and a pet fee of EUR 25 per pet, per night.

8. Common Complaints

Based on the available reviews, there are no frequently recurring "common complaints" about Maison 1896. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with guests expressing high satisfaction across all aspects of their stay. One dining review noted the restaurant was "a little quiet" at the time, but this was not presented as a complaint regarding the service or food. This absence of significant negative feedback underscores the hotel's commitment to providing an excellent guest experience.

Sources

1. booking.com
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5. michelin.com
6. beaunehotels24.com
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11. maison1896.com