Chateau du Donjon

A lovely, comfortable room and a good breakfast. The proprietors were kind and welcoming, and the chateau has been left untouched by modernism. Amazing place.

We felt like we’d stepped into another world. The owners were delightful and did everything they could to make the stay perfect. Our room had a terrace and private spa, with antiques throughout, and the bedding was excellent. At arrival, the owner asked what we’d like for breakfast. There was even more than we could eat, though you can always ask for extra. The homemade bread was absolutely delicious. We also got a tour of the castle from the owner, including its little gem of a chapel. There’s plenty of parking. At the intersection, make sure to take the upper road, then follow the path to the gate. I highly recommend staying here.

The breakfast was a poor match for the attractive online photos: dry bread and cold cuts, stale cheese, and jam in plastic portions. Nothing felt fresh or appealing, and the reviews seemed embellished. I was deeply disappointed by Château du Donjon in Drumettaz-Clarafond. Though the pictures look romantic, my stay involved painful, itchy bites that were later confirmed as bedbug bites. I left in a hurry, and the conditions and atmosphere made that feel necessary. I felt there was no sense of responsibility about the problem. I’d stay far away unless you want crawling, biting souvenirs. I think professional pest control and a thorough reset of cleanliness standards and honesty are needed before considering this place again. Photos are on Booking.com and Tripadvisor.

The kids came away with a night full of magic and memories. The owner took time to share stories about his family and the place, and made sure we had everything we needed. We were welcomed like chateau owners, without any fuss. It’s a magnificent home, with a beautiful park, a chapel, and an authentic traditional bread oven. There’s art furniture, 35m2 rooms with 4m ceilings, and a 40m2 balcony with lounges and a jacuzzi. Breakfast was very generous.