Les Sources de Cheverny

Surrounded by nature and quiet, the hotel has a cozy atmosphere and beautiful design. We found it incredibly beautiful, and our stay was a real chance to rest and relax. Thanks to the team for such a lovely time. We’ll definitely return 🫶

We paid $1400 a night for the nicest room at the resort after saving for a year, because this was supposed to be our honeymoon. Instead, it was an awful stay, and we wish we could get all our money back. The staff seemed not to care, and we were relieved to leave early for Paris, where we stayed in a room costing one fifth of the price at Les Sources. The first night at L’Auberge, a waiter laughed at my husband's French and repeated an insult three times. He seemed socially inept, but shouldn't have been dealing with guests at a hotel in this price range. We felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to leave. We asked three different waiters for the bill four times in total, waited 25 minutes without getting it, and finally had to get the manager. Our room had a broken lamp, coffeemaker, and telephone. There was also an incredibly loud noise coming from the electrical closet, like an airplane. Staff said they could turn it off, but then we would lose WiFi and phone service. The parking lot had Porsche electric car charging ports, yet using the WiFi or phone meant enduring that noise. The spa was very disappointing too. The massage felt like a pat on the back, and every pool was tepid enough to leave us cold, including the outdoor Nordic bath, which was freezing. There was no sauna, which felt like a missed opportunity. They also forgot to clean our room. When we called, they acted as if our request was outrageous, even though they knew how bad our stay had been.

The grounds behind the chateau are picturesque, and the rooms have a country-chic look with modern touches. Both the bistro and restaurant are worth visiting. Breakfast is expensive, but the quality is there. The bistro service felt unusually rushed for France, even though the place was mostly empty. On my first night, I found German cockroaches in my bed. These aren't “creatures of the forest,” they point to poor pest control. The only other room they offered was being repaired and had no AC, so with the windows open I'd have been dealing with swarms of mosquitoes. The next day, staff suggested I return to my original room after a “deep clean” and inspection, supposedly done on a Sunday in rural France. I didn't find that convincing, so I stayed where I was. They gave me only token compensation for the first night. The rooms and perfunctory service fall short of what I'd expect from a Michelin-rated property.

We especially appreciated how family friendly the hotel was. Children had clearly been considered, and the swimming pool was excellent. During summer, though, more attention to poolside service and amenities would be welcome. Both restaurants were very good. The casual one could use a more varied, exciting menu, since it felt limited and plain at times. I'd also have liked to see more local produce, such as regional cheeses, game, and local wines. Given the hotel's wine-focused identity, wine could be a more visible part of the experience. There are also three nearby villages with decent places to eat if you want to dine outside the hotel. We stayed in the beautifully restored château, in stunning countryside surroundings. The peaceful setting really encouraged us to unwind, and the attention to the heritage and old structures was clear throughout. Les Sources de Cheverny met our expectations in almost every way and truly deserves five stars. It was a memorable stay.