Le Chateau de Prauthoy

The first thing that struck me was how run down the garden, pool, and entrance looked. Inside, two staff members seemed as unsure as I was. They didn’t know what breakfast was or when it was served, though I tried to put that first impression aside. My room smelled of damp and curry. I’ve stayed in many chateaus, and this has nothing to do with the building’s age, despite other reviewers making excuses for its disgusting condition. This place does a disservice to the wonderful chateaus around France. When the owner arrived, I explained I wasn’t happy with the room and asked to move, still trying to make the best of a bad situation. The second room smelled even worse, with an overpowering damp odor that was unbearable after just a few minutes. I told the owner I wasn’t willing to stay. He replied, “yes I agree it's best you go.” That makes me think he knows the state of his property.

We liked it enough to turn our one-night stay into two. The hosts were very welcoming, and a reservation at a nearby restaurant had already been arranged when we arrived. Our room and the whole house were beautifully decorated. The pool was clean, fresh, and lovely too. We loved staying here and would definitely recommend it.

We really enjoyed our stay, especially the family suite in an interesting upstairs annex, where we didn’t have to worry about keeping the children quiet for people in the next room. The owners run the place themselves, so the house feels like a home rather than an impersonal hotel, which suited us. Meals were restaurant standard and delicious, and breakfast in the conservatory was followed nicely by a walk around the substantial grounds. An elegant chateau.

We lasted about 15 minutes before getting back in the car and leaving. The room rate and reviews gave us expectations this hotel just couldn’t meet. The online presentation and reality were so far apart it was laughable. The grounds and the outside and inside of the building are very tired and long overdue for renovation. The foyer and room were clean and well presented, but tired in a way that didn’t feel rustic or charming. We’d checked out of a renovated 17th century Chateau in Burgundy the same day, and the contrast was stark. I’m sure we’re not the first guests to leave like that.