Chateau de la Bourdaisiere

Stayed one night here last week on our way through the Loire Valley and wish we'd booked longer. First thing to say, the driveway up to the château is lined with these huge old cedar trees and it immediately feels different from a normal hotel. But what really surprised us was the gardens. We weren't expecting the dahlia garden and what must be hundreds of varieties of tomatoes growing on the property. There are also little science/nature discovery areas scattered around (a bit like woodland schools). The Italianate garden is more formal and lovely, and there are quiet, hidden corners all over the grounds worth seeking out. You genuinely feel connected to the place rather than just passing through it. We stayed in a room in the grange. Getting up there involves a staircase that looks a bit rickety at first glance, but it's completely solid — a little creaking, just character. The room itself had antique furniture which could feel precious in some places but here it just added to the feeling that the place is the real deal. And the bed — honestly, best night's sleep we've had in years. The pool and pool house were a highlight too, properly quiet, no crowds, a nice spot to sit for several hours to read. Staff deserve a special mention — every person we interacted with was knowledgeable and clearly cared about the property, happy to point us toward corners of the garden (and special requests) we'd have missed otherwise. It's beautifully quiet there. Value for money outstanding, considering you can get a motorway stop-off for not much less! The room was made up beautifully, spotless and amazing bed linen. Only downside is we only booked one night. Would go back in a heartbeat and stay longer next time. The people we met were also passing through, but were regulars on their holiday journeys.

A stunning location with beautiful grounds and nice onsight facilities. A big swimming pool and a great tennis court. The hotel staff were all very nice, welcoming and helpful. The rooms were big and spacious however they did lack any tea/coffee making facilities, however I think this is a french thing. The room had a large fan to help cool the room which was nice. The bathroom was a bit grubby which was a shame. The food wasn’t amazing the breakfast was quite overpriced. While I understand they don’t want to waste any food so don’t put on a buffet but the fact the first thing when you arrive is they take you breakfast order is a bit off putting as you may not know what you want. But what was given was nice. The restaurant was okay. There was no choice it was a set starter main and dessert. The food was nothing special but alright, slightly small portion sizes. If staying again I would go to another local restaurant as the one we went to was amazing. But overall a nice pleasant stay.

This is a beautiful location with a gorgeous park and gardens with the exterior view of the chateau being exactly what you are looking for in a French chateau. However anyone staying there is basically paying for staying in a chateau as other elements of ‘service’ are often exceeded in a basic BandB. There are no tea/coffee making facilities in the room (so go downstairs and ask for jug of hot water and cups and use your own teabags/coffee). The restaurant services one meal a day and there is no choice. If you want a snack in the room it’s the restaurant meal only ie no other options and don’t ask for anything else. If you want a smaller portion they will do that but you pay full price. The ‘bar’ is only open in the afternoon so you can’t get a drink and a bar snack. The beds are a reasonable size but it’s a sheet and woollen blanket not a duvet or any other modern day bedding. Showers are good though and the water pressure is acceptable. There will be a fan in the room but it’s a château so no air conditioning. Our room had a wall plug hanging out of the wall and a number of plugs not working (we had to swap things around to find wall plugs that delivered electricity). There was a fan to help with the heat of a very warm July.