La Chaîne d'Or

We’ve always loved staying here. The hosts are wonderful, the gourmet dinners are delicious, and the rooms are gorgeous. It’s so serene and peaceful, right on the banks of the Seine. Staying here has always been a huge pleasure.

The river view is lovely, but it doesn’t make the prices worthwhile. We were disappointed, especially by the spiders and cobwebs, which made the place feel neglected and tired, and by the young receptionist’s unfriendly, rude manner. The wine was the most expensive we’d come across on our trip around France. That’s worth knowing if you’ve booked half-board, since drinks aren’t included. My parents had recommended the hotel after enjoying a stay there more than 40 years ago, so we’d hoped for better. There was a funfair next door during our visit, and nobody mentioned it until we arrived. The noise went on until 1 a.m., with fireworks until 11:30 p.m. It made for a very disruptive, far from peaceful stay. The fair isn’t part of the hotel, but it’s something to be aware of.

Desperate for a restroom, I walked into the restaurant and saw the W/C near the door because nobody was at reception. As I headed there, an employee yelled that I couldn’t use their toilet and would have to walk several blocks to a public one. I said I was desperate, but he just repeated, “NO, you cannot use our restroom!” That was my first and only encounter with hostile French hospitality. I wouldn’t stay or eat here after that.

The duck was amazing, and the view of the Seine was gorgeous. The food and service were really nice. A bit classic in style, but we had a lovely evening.