Château De Bagnols

First the great: The property itself is stunning. They’ve done a great job of preserving the historic features and charm while making appropriate updates for a modern hotel. Also the staff! The staff was impeccable at all points. They were friendly and courteous and were just great. We were truly impressed with each and every one of them. The good: The restaurant was good. Many courses were delicious while others were perhaps trying a bit too hard. The chef spoke of being new and working to incorporate new dishes, and the better dishes from our meal were his newer additions, so I believe things will be getting better under his stewardship. The breakfast cafe was also very nice. The rooms were good but could use some additional thought. For instance, rooms lacked any sort of luggage rack or proper place to put your suitcase. Many rooms didn’t have a small trash bin. We had to request things like an iron that feel like they should be there by default. And for reference, we were in the Lady Hamlyn suite. The bad: Not a deal breaker, but it wasn’t obvious to us that the Hamlyn suite only had one bathroom (for two bedrooms), and that you had to go through one of the bedrooms to get there (and also that bedroom doesn’t have a proper door to it). I understand that they’re working within the construct of the historic space, but in my opinion that detail should be disclosed in advance, as we may have chose a different suite. There’s really nothing bad to say. It’s a fantastic place if you want to hunker down for a few days and enjoy the property (the pool was also lovely) while enjoying the historic charm and surrounding area (though note that most things are closed during August so intend to stay on site a lot).

I was lucky enough to stay for two nights at this amazing place. As soon as you walk across the moat and enter the grounds from the carpark it feels like you are transported into another time. Beautifully restored but still capturing the charm that only an 800 year old building can offer! I was ushered into a room on the second floor overlooking the court yard, beautiful old beams and an amazing feel of the old wood lined roof. I drank from silver cups and enjoyed the old oak cupboard nestled behind my bed. All very charming. The bathroom was quaint with a throne toilet and bidet. No shower but a bath, I ended up showering in the pool area after a swim. It was romantic and charming and utterly mesmerising to be there. The gardens were superb, a cherry orchard and vineyards in the distance. I was there in May so the weather was beautiful. I dined in the restaurant the first night with a limited menu which I was disappointed in as I wanted to do the full monty of culinary delights but needed to wait till night 2 where I was blown away by a delightfully entertaining 5 course meal including pigeon, which I had never tried before. The breakfast was a served in the medieval atrium in the centre of the chateau and was a very relaxing experience. There is a spa and pool area which I enjoyed using but spent most of my time either relaxing in the beautifully manicured gardens or enjoying my room which was large and had a sitting area. What can I say that but this is a unique experience that you must try at least once in your life. The staff were very charming and accommodating.

Very disappointed that this hotel has such a petty dogs policy - ie you can have 2 dogs, but THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE TWO DOGS CANNOT EXCEED 20KG! we have one shihtzhu (5KG) and 1 Vizla (18 kg) - but were not allowed to stay as the combined weight is 23kg! as though that would make ANY difference at all to any factor at all! Just don't understand the pettiness. Id like to remind the hotel that they operate a hotel - not an airline. Do they also have weight restrictions on Children ??? Not impressed at all.

Chateau de Bagnols is a wonderful idyllic property located in the Beaujolais countryside. The service and attention to detail is extraordinary. Antoine, who seems to function as the on-site manager is attentive, polite, proficient and helpful in any need you may have. All staff also are extraordinarily helpful especially Eloise. Having said that, there are a few things one should be aware. We stayed in the Chateau in room 1 which is a spacious well appointed room facing West and looking over the garden and countryside. The views are spectacular, but the room is not air conditioned and it can get very toasty particularly in the afternoon with the sun coming in the room. ( Because of building restrictions, the first floor of the Chateau is not air conditioned.) At our request and because of a misunderstanding with our reservation we were moved into room 1 from room 12 which overlooks the courtyard. While it also is a lovely room and is air conditioned, it can be noisy as one of the restaurants is in the courtyard below. One also should be aware of the tub set up in the bathroom. If you are older than 18 and not a gymnast, access to the tub is extremely difficult ( and, I feel, somewhat dangerous.) The restaurant ( we did not eat in the gourmet restaurant) while very nice and with good service is somewhat overpriced for its quality and offerings. Note there are many wonderful dining options within a 15 minute drive in the area. The breakfast, while plentiful, at 29 euros p/p also is overpriced and there are not other options on the facility for breakfast. In spite of these limitations, this is a magical place—- particularly if you are looking for relaxation. Overall of the very highest quality. I hope to return soon.