Le Chambard

We came all this way for the Michelin-starred food at Le Chambard, and it was absolutely worth it. Even the trip there feels like part of the experience, since Kaysersberg is such a beautiful little town. We didn't stay at the hotel, but the restaurant is a must if you enjoy fine dining. The local game was roasted perfectly medium rare, and the plum and berry dessert was lovely. The Arctic Char "cooked in the beeswax" was phenomenal, from the way they poured 75-degree beeswax over the raw fish to its slow-cooked, tender and flavorful result. The "Green Style" eel had a rich yet refreshing fish flavor. If you're there during White Truffle season in October, ask to have it added to the crayfish. The taste was so sophisticated. I'll come back for sure.

We stayed in the spacious third-floor suite, which was beautifully presented when we arrived. The historic building has a pristine, modern interior that looks very well maintained, and the hotel was immaculate throughout. Every staff member greeted us warmly, with genuine smiles. They were impeccably dressed and spoke excellent English. In almost every respect, our family's experience at Le Chambard was exceptional. The one major letdown was the baby crib mattress. When we checked it, the padding turned out to be two old, makeshift pillows that looked worn and unclean. We called reception, and they responded quickly and graciously, but the replacement was still two pillows, only a little newer. At this price and level of hotel, I expected a proper crib mattress. Our baby deserved the same comfort we had in our own bed, so we had the baby sleep with us instead. It was especially disappointing because it stood out so much against the otherwise remarkable stay. I still absolutely recommend Le Chambard, but if you're traveling with an infant, bring your own travel crib.

We chose this hotel because we wanted to stay in Kaysersberg, but after our experience, we wish we'd looked at other options. We could hear everything from the room above us, even the guests walking around and coughing. Then at checkout we saw that we'd been charged for three days of breakfast, despite declining breakfast at check-in. We hadn't even stayed for the full three nights we'd booked. For a five-star hotel, that felt like trying to rip us off. I wouldn't recommend it.

The hotel is newly renovated, with very comfortable rooms, and the staff were friendly and attentive. Service was excellent. It's a great location for hiking, cycling, and exploring Alsace. The spa was relaxing, and small touches like free water and bread when we left were thoughtful. Breakfast was limited in choice and portions, especially if you expect a full English-style meal. They didn't provide a toothbrush or toothpaste, and the shampoo was a basic 3-in-1. Still, it made for a wonderful weekend getaway.