We are driving 2 hours from Paris to Loire Valley and would like to stay in historic chateaux hotel with fine amenities. Our second visit, stayed at Chateau du Plessis near Angers 8 years ago. Would like good location to visit castles. Comments are appreciated on following:<BR>Domaine des Hauts de Loire<BR>Chateaux de Noirieux<BR>Domaine de Beauvois<BR>Chateau de Rochecotte<BR>Chateau de Noizay<BR>Thanks again!<BR><BR>

We have stayed at Hauts de Loire and at Rochecotte, former 4 times and latter twice if my memory hasn't failed. So from my perspective both are terrific. Much depends upon which chateaux in the surrounding countryside are of greatest interest to you. Hauts de Loire is a more traditional place with fine antiques and fantastic service. Rochecotte may have more history (Talleyrand gave it to his favorite--a woman married to his nephew but who accompanied him on some of his diplomatic missions) and while it is architecturally as interesting--or more so--than Hauts de Loire, the furnishings are modern rather than antique--something I prefer. You can't go wrong either way.

Thanks so much for your comments. I'm leaning towards the Hauts de Loire as we love antiques &amp; a traditional setting. Would you suggest staying in the main house or the carriage house and are the suites worth the 425 E price compared to double rooms at 265 E?? Thanks again.

I stayed at Chateau de Rochecotte and LOVED it...<BR><BR>Make sure you get a room that overlooks the vineyards and has a small balcony.<BR><BR>The restaurant in the Chateau is 4 star dining and a jacket is required....<BR><BR>You will love it , if you decide to stay here- Part of Relais and Chateau Group....<BR>

I know this isn't on your list, but we stayed at the Chateau des Reaux and thought it was fantastic - and *extremely* good value. It's one of the more well known chateaux in the area, and the setting and rooms are fabulous.<BR>More info here: http://www.francehomestyle.com/prope...prop_reaux.asp

For sure try to stay in the main house. If nothing else, it means that when you leave the table from dinner, you merely ascend the staircase to go to your room--one of my favorite parts of the chateau experience. I'm sure the suites are wonderful, but the rooms are perfectly lovely at the lower rate. It's hard to imagine that the suites would be that much more wonderful for the extra. Save the $ for a bigger dinner splurge. Oh, that's another part of the experience I just love. You're seated in their sitting room surrounded by history and antiques and asked if you'd like an aperitif before dinner, then given the menu to peruse and order from before being led into the actual dining room to your table. Actually feels like you're a guest in the chateau/home rather than staying in a &quot;hotel&quot; I loved their maitre d' After giving us time to look at the menus, he reappeared saying &quot;You can tell me everything.&quot; Such fun. Oh, and the food commands a Michelin 2 star rating. Hard to beat this place. But wait--there's more. Breakfast is also in their dining room--or on the patio if it's nice--and has wonderful service and selection. Did I say, I liked this place?

Not like you need more choices to contemplate, but consider Chateau d'Artigny in Montbazon - - or go there for dinner, even if you choose one of the other places to stay. I have not stayed there personally (ate dinner only), but it is a truly magical place, as far as its overall (exterior) appearance, grounds, etc. The cosmetics magnate Coty spent his entire life fortune on this place, and you get to be the beneficiary.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>

Merci to everyone who has commented and helped my out of my silly craziness of staying at the &quot;perfect&quot; hotel. After reading all we have booked at the Hauts de Loire for 2 nights and plan to go to Chateaux Rochecotte &amp; Chateau D'Artigny for lunch. I'm new to this forum and it is amazing the generosity of the fodorites with details and time. I've enjoyed many postings of Rex and recently the London postings of JmVilmanis....all superb! I'll be sure to post some comments on Paris/Loire &amp; the Rioja area, North and Sourthern Spain upon our return to visiting my husband's family winery in Rioja. Thanks again.