ann_budci

Hello all,

My husband and I are planning are planning a trip to France in early May. We are planning on taking two weeks to see Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley and Bordeaux. It's our last big trip before there will be pitter patter of little feet, so we want to splurge. What are the best hotels, chateaux and castles that you've all stayed in these areas? We're looking for unforgettable places either from an accommodations or location perspective. As always, your help is greatly appreciated!

nytraveler

Do you mean really money is no object (think $1000 per night)? Or just looking for something nice/a little special?

For Paris we prefer the Crillon, but the Georges V is also excellent.

The Loire has several deluxe hotel/resorts - but we preferred to stay in a 15th century castle - a unique experience - but not as luxe s the resorts.

cigalechanta

Not knowing them all I'll say the Ritz for the historical aspect of it but I do like the looks of the balconies at the Plaza Athenee, (sp?_reminds me of the hanging gardens of
Babylon.

Padraig

No help to your project: we would use the type of hotels we already use -- about 3 star level. We indulge ourselves enough without feeling a desire to splurge.

Mamaw

If money wasn't an option, I'd like to stay at the Plaza Athena, it looks dreamy.

MademoiselleFifi

None. If money were no object, I would live there.

worldinabag

The Vendome Suite at the Ritz - http://www.ritz.com/jump_to.asp?id_t...&id_lang=2. At €6200 a night can it get more decadent (nooo..don't even think about it)?

mnss

I love the Plaza Athenee.

Jean

Peruse two websites:

www.lhw.com
www.slh.com

ira

Hi A,

Your premise of money is no object, unless you are a multi billionaire, is foolish.

What's your budget?

Why Bordeaux and not Burgundy or Alsace?

Some Dutch Uncle advice:

>..It's our last big trip before there will be pitter patter of little feet, so we want to splurge.

And spend the rest of your life getting out of debt?

Have you any idea what it costs to raise a kid?

If you have the money now, save 1/2 of it.

If you are going to do this with plastic, forget it.

kerouac

The Normandy in Deauville is nice.

kenderina

Too vague...when I say splurge I mean a hotel more than 100 euros/night and no more than 200 because then that's not splurge , it's ruining myself ...and I suppose every one has a different level of "splurge".

nytraveler

But the OP didn't say "splurge" which can have different meanings for different people. (If you usually do 2* then 3* can be a splurge.)

The OP said "if money was no object" which really means - at least to me - they have unlimited funds for this trip.

Nonconformist

Actually, she did. I quote: "It's our last big trip before there will be pitter patter of little feet, so we want to splurge."

schnauzer

Try the relais and chateaux web page, they have lots and lots of gorgeous castles, chateaux, luxury hotels, mills etc etc. France is covered with them. We have used a few over the years and have never been disappointed. Obviously the prices vary, but I don't think you would be disappointed and believe these are the types of accommodation you could be looking for.

I have their "book" which I got at the French tourist office, I know you can buy it on line, but just try googling first.

good luck, Schnauzer

Underhill

Any of the Relais et Chateau member hotels would great, especially the Domaine des Hauts de Loire in Onzain. Book one of the large rooms in the pavilion for real luxury.

Slot

Hi
I would recommend
http://www.ritz-resorts.com/. They have a magnificent castle - Hattonchatel Chateau. It's only 1½ hours from Paris by train.

Enjoy

ekscrunchy

If I had an unlimited budget, I would take the new TGV from Paris and stay here for two nights; you can tour a couple of Champagne caves and see the famous Cathedral at Reims:



http://www.lescrayeres.com/uk/navigation.htm

ekscrunchy

...oops: Meant to add that Les Crayeres consistently ranks among the best small hotels in Europe in various surveys... And they have a couple of interesting mid-week packages that include dinner at their celebrated restaurant..

Reisender

I would stay in some nice 3 * hotels along the way and bank all that cash you save for that little one's future college expenses. Really, what do you get for all that extra money except fancy furniture and (usually) snobby lobby personnel? They still aren't going to throw in a free breakfast are they? Remember that old rule of thumb about hotels, the more expensive the room rate the fewer amenities are free (like internet access, gym use, breakfast, etc etc).