Relais de Chambord
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Key Highlights
- ✓Breakfast is consistently highlighted as excellent by guests. Room service is also available for cold meat and cheese plates, salads, soups, and pastas during specific hours.
Expert Review: Relais de Chambord
Relais de Chambord, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers an exceptional luxury experience right at the foot of the magnificent Château de Chambord in the heart of France's Loire Valley. This 4-star hotel, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, is celebrated for its unparalleled location, elegant design, and attentive service.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Relais de Chambord is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Excellent" rating of 8.7 out of 10 based on over 1,500 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as unforgettable and exceptional, with the unique setting being a dominant factor in their satisfaction.
2. Key Highlights
The primary highlight is undoubtedly the location, offering breathtaking, direct views of Château de Chambord and its expansive estate. Guests love being able to stroll the castle grounds after dinner or wake up to the view of the romantic turrets. The hotel's design, masterfully executed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, blends contemporary luxury with the historical surroundings. Amenities such as the tranquil spa with a steam room, sauna, and an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the château are also highly praised. The hotel also offers meticulously designed unique experiences, including royal stays on a Toue du Relais boat, visits to nearby castles, and culinary experiences in nature.
3. Room Quality
Relais de Chambord boasts 55 stylish rooms and junior suites, each full of natural light and designed for high-end comfort. The decor features luxurious materials like velvet and wood, complemented by ceramics from Ettore Sottsass and lamps by Adrien Gardère. Many rooms offer exceptional views of the château, the French gardens, or the Cosson River. While some classic rooms have been noted as "very small" by a few guests, higher-category rooms like the Junior Castle View are described as "regally roomy." All rooms are pet-friendly, though a fee applies.
4. Dining Experience
Under the culinary direction of celebrated Lyonnais chef Joseph Viola (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) and implemented by Chef Marion Carraud, the hotel offers a dining experience deeply rooted in traditional French cuisine, emphasizing authenticity, generosity, and seasonal local produce.
- Le Grand Saint-Michel provides a fine dining experience with direct views of the Château de Chambord from its monumental terrace.
- Les Armes du Château offers a more relaxed, brasserie-style atmosphere.
- The Bar du Relais provides a sophisticated setting for drinks. Breakfast is consistently highlighted as excellent by guests. Room service is also available for cold meat and cheese plates, salads, soups, and pastas during specific hours.
5. Service & Staff
Guest feedback consistently rates the service and staff as exceptional. Many reviews commend the team for being welcoming, friendly, helpful, and attentive, often going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay.
6. Location & Accessibility
The location is the Relais de Chambord's crowning jewel, situated just 50 meters from the Château de Chambord, making it the only hotel on the vast, private 5,440-hectare estate, which is also Europe's largest enclosed nature reserve. This provides unprecedented access to the château and its grounds, allowing for peaceful exploration. The hotel is located in the central French countryside, approximately two hours south of Paris by car. The closest major town, Blois, is a 20-minute drive away. The hotel offers private and valet parking, including accessible parking. The property also features accessible rooms (three specifically for people with reduced mobility) and facilities, including elevator access to upper floors.
7. Value & Pricing
While Relais de Chambord is positioned as a luxury property, its unique location and overall high-quality experience often justify the cost for guests. Booking.com rates its value for money at 7.9 out of 10. Nightly rates can start from approximately $173 to $214, varying significantly with season and room type.
8. Common Complaints
The most frequent minor criticism relates to the size of some standard rooms, which a few guests found to be on the smaller side. While dining is generally well-regarded, some guests have commented that the food, though good, was "not extraordinary for such an expensive place."
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