Amboise, France
Relais d’Amboise
Limestone cliffside estate
Limestone cliffside estate
The property gathers seven historic houses along the Loire riverbank, where stays unfold between riverside gardens and ancient cliffside caves.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Historic noble residences and sixteenth-century convent buildings flank centuries-old troglodyte limestone galleries.
Notable
Subterranean galleries host Loire wine tastings directly beneath the Royal Château cliffs.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Royal Château rises directly overhead, and Leonardo da Vinci's final home at Clos Lucé is a short walk away.
The rooms
Four suites are carved directly into the limestone cliff. Loire-facing rooms look out across the water.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa
Five troglodyte caves house the spa, where treatment rooms sit beside a sauna and cold bath.
At the table
Le Choiseul serves seasonal Loire cooking by the river, and the curved marble bar pours cocktails beneath a circular gantry.
How it began
The property reunites two historic hotels that formed a single estate until an inheritance divided the grounds in the 1950s.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.