Another great little place for a drink and snack (if it is still open) is a bar called Le Shaker on the island in the river just across the bridge right at Les Minimes. If weather is good walk over since parking is shall we say difficult!

Le Shaker made a good old fashioned!

Le Choiseul is relatively expensive. I ate at the restaurant several years ago when it was a Michelin 2*. It has since reverted to a Michelin 1*.

It all depends on your taste, pocketbook and mode of transportation. Amboise is pretty much in the center, between Chambord and Chenenceaux.

Here's a web site I found through google.fr

http://en.federal-hotel.com/result-recherche.htm

Even if you don't end up staying at Bléré, don't miss the epicurean delight of Le Cheval Blanc. It has become a "must" stop for us! I can send you photos of dining room and cuisine, if you like. Contact [email protected].

Have a wonderful time.

We had a wonderful stay at the Bed and Breakfast, "Le Moulin du Fief Gentil", in the town of Bléré.
This former monastic water mill from the 16th century is now run by two delightful hosts, Florence and François-Xavier.
The breakfasts and dinners Florence served highlighted local produce from the region, the room was beautiful, and some of the best châteaux of the Loire Valley were an easy drive away along country roads.
http://www.fiefgentil.com/

As I'm traveling back to Amboise in May, I did choose the Clos D'Amboise as my hotel of choice. They have rooms facing the park that are quiet. I am quite anal about researching hotels and this seemed to be the best value overall 'value' that I wanted. Le Choiseul 'forgot' to lower their prices when their rating by Michelin was changed. Amboise is nice as I'm staying there 3 nights in late May and it is walking distance to many varieties of restaruants. Parking is nearby.

I am a lurker who wishes to thank everyone for your posts here. I am weighing Les Minimes and Le Clos as well and appreciate the reassuring comments on both.

Please excuse the imposition but I would like to add a question about Amboise. Is there enough to see and do in town without a car for 2 or 3 days? We are traveling to Paris for a family event but want to get out of the city as well. My husband refuses to drive through Tours again (long stories).

Thank you.

There is enough to do in 2-3 days for some people as there are people who live there!

For a typical tourist who wants to spend that time seeing special attractions, I'd say no. It's a small town and the main attractions can be seen in a day, two at the most (the royal chateau, L da Vinci's chateaux, and a few minor museums). Of course because it's on a rail line, and there are also regional busses that go through there, you can go to other places from Amboise on public transportation -- like Chenonceaux. I think Blois maybe be on that rail route, also, but I'm not sure.

Why don't you look at their tourism website, or a good guidebook, to see what you think. I wouldn't stay there 3 days myself unless I intended to use it as a base to go elsewhere a bit.
http://www.amboise-valdeloire.com/

rastaguy--

When in May will you be staying at Clos d'Amboise? We're booked there 24th-26th. I'm glad to hear you're a repeat visitor. It looks like a very nice place (and we' almost never stay in places in Europe that have a pool!).

I agree with Christina about Amboise...nice place to stay but not enough for us to occupy two-three entire days. Good base for touring the area, however.