Chambord, France
Relais de Chambord
Royal estate coaching inn
Royal estate coaching inn
The inn sits directly on the palace grounds across the Cosson River, where quiet riverbank walks replace the daytime crowds.
What it’s good at
Notable
Jean-Michel Wilmotte shaped clean interiors, with antler-like twig installations and slate exteriors.
Notable
Former seventeenth-century royal hunting dog kennels, transformed from a nineteenth-century coaching inn.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
it’s refreshingly contemporary in style, with minimalistic color schemes, modern furniture, and photographic murals of the castle’s architecture.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Canal paths and forest trails crisscross the surrounding parkland, an enclosed reserve the size of central Paris.
The rooms
Interiors keep to pale tones and clean lines. Rooms facing the river look straight out at the château turrets.
The spa
Two double treatment cabins host rituals by Anne Semonin. Wicker chaise loungers fill the quiet relaxation lounge.
The hot tub
A heated outdoor hot tub sits beside the greenery, looking out over the grounds toward the château.
Bar du Relais
Leather stools flank a curved copper bar in the wood-paneled lounge, which pours regional wines and cocktails.
Restaurant
Le Grand Saint-Michel
Terrace tables look straight across the grounds to the château, serving French classics overseen by chef Joseph Viola.
At the table
Sunny morning tables offer fresh pastries and fruit beneath the towers of the royal château.
How it began
The building originated in 1682 as kennels for royal hunting hounds before welcoming travelers as a coaching inn.
Chambord
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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.