We are going to Paris first week Feb and considering an overnight to the Loire - particularly interested in staying in a chateaux hotel. Lots available, but I would love to get some personal recommendations. Ideally with fireplace in public areas , a restaurant (or one nearby)and not too expensive

Thanks!

Well - since the chateaux hotels are in the countryside you'll need to rent a car. And - some of the smaller - and less expensive ones aren't open in winter. Also - they tend to do dinners only once or twice a week - when they have enough guests.

There are several larger, full service hotels that were chateaux - but they tend to be significantly more expensive.

(We stayed at a charming one near Chinon - but they only had about 10 rooms I think - and served dinner en famille only twice a week even in summer. The lounges for the use of guests were gorgeous - with not only fireplaces but many original antiques. don;t know if they open in the winter though. Rates started at only about $125 per night for a double with breakfast - but this was about 5 years ago - so I'm sure would be substantially more now with inflation and the fall of the dollar.)

In 1999, we stayed at Chateau Chissay, between Montrichard and Chenonceaux & loved it. Restaurant on-site & Montrichard is only 2kms away with several choices.

http://www.jpmoser.com/chateau_de_chissay.html

Ian

Chateau de la Villaine (sp?) -- near Chenonceaux. They have a web site. Run by a Dutch couple who speak perfect English. Superb food, quiet countryside, restored chateau/mansion. Just a wonderful, relaxing place. Easy drive from Paris. We visited Chartres on our way back.

Chateau de Rochecotte. Lovely place with a very good restaurant.

La Tortiniere is very good. Good location, beautiful setting, good rooms, pool, good food, affordable.

http://www.tortiniere.com/