Chateau Chapeau Cornu

The castle and the small town around it are charming, and the setting is lovely. But our stay was very disappointing because we had picked this hotel specifically for its advertised EV charging. We arrived around 00:30 with only 16 km of range left, and the only non-Tesla charger was already in use. Nobody offered another option. The staff seemed grumpy and uncooperative, perhaps because we arrived so late. They didn't try to help or suggest a workaround, which was stressful after a long drive. Advertising EV charging without making sure guests can access it or get support, especially late at night, feels misleading. If charging is essential to your stay, I'd confirm access in advance.

The Chateau is huge and impressive, and the 55-minute drive from Lyon is nice. It was a good experience, but a few things kept it from being five stars: the air conditioning can't be switched on after Oct 1, and there's just one fan, while opening the window lets in lots of flying insects. Charging the electric car cost €40, and we had to carry our luggage up two flights of stairs.

The pool has quite a view, and there are electric car chargers and coffee and drinks points around the building. The lady in charge of breakfast was super nice. Those were the bright spots. We came with our two daughters and were put in the duplex room, which overlooks the pool. It also overlooks one of the hotel's two restaurants, so noise went on from morning until midnight, from delivery trucks moving boxes at sunrise to guests having a final drink by the water. We asked to move, but the available rooms were smaller. We were told we'd still pay the duplex rate because cancellations have to be made 48h ahead. We felt this was a forced move because of noise nobody had mentioned when we booked, rather than a cancellation. The place seems to be a wedding venue and restaurant operating a hotel on the side. It felt cold and transactional. The lobster night was a joke: three tiny scallops and an overcooked lobster with 200g of meat for 59€, without drinks. Be careful if you're looking for a quiet place to rest.

The restaurant served nice food, with a good range of drinks and wines. The hotel itself is in pleasant French countryside, and the building dates from the XIII century, a real piece of history. Guest comfort was another matter. The room's A/C wouldn't cool, so the only way to stay there was with the window open. The cooler didn't work either, which isn't much use for a soda at 26 degree C. There was no soap in the bathroom when I checked in. The closet had no shelves and room to hang only 4 shirts, so the rest of my clothes had to stay in my luggage. Worst of all, there was no hot water for my morning shower, only in the evening. I understand France's energy costs may lead to savings, but going without A/C, a working cooler, and morning hot water is a major problem for guests.