Chateau de Fere

This Chateau is impressive to look at but that’s where the good impressions stop. Scratch beneath the surface and you find a tired hotel, charging inflated fees for an experience it can not live up to. Situated not far from the Champagne route this seems a great place to stop and explore the region and Reims. However, despite classing itself as a spa hotel, there were very few services on offer. It was difficult to find staff as there were just too few to cater to all the guests, they were run ragged. In the heat of the day the pool would’ve been a nice place to cool off but when 2 of the 4 umbrellas are broken and the pool itself is a dead insect soup with no tools to even attempt to clean it oneself, the reality of this hotel comes to life. Head to the bar for a refreshing beer only to be told that the beer machine (it is not a fully equipped bar) has run out and a new keg is needed. However, the keg was not pre cooled so beer was a no go for 24 hours. Champagne is available, as you would expect, but this is not in the fridge either and the poor bar girl who was also the restrauant server and booking clerk, did not know what to do. The restaurant is fine but the hotel plays on the captive audience and prices are high. You can accept that if it wasn’t for the fact that the cheapest bottle of wine on offer (50+ Euros) can be bought at a local intermarche for 4-6 Euros. The room. Our room was in the Clos de Vignes but I warn anyone that this is about as romantic as it gets. The room is a box, marginally decorated and no care or attention taken to trim the vines or bushes that greet you on the path some way outside the main buidling. The furniture on the small patio outside is worn and old and missing in many places; one chair for two guests. The room was hot on our stay and despite advertising water was complimentary, we had to find someone to rectify the problem , and subsequently paid for it. A fan was provided given the heat, however, this was the size of a jet engine and just as loud. All it could do was push the hot air around at blast furnace speeds making it useless at night. To be charged 600 euros for the two nights for the room only, is in hindsight, a little insulting.

Lamentable service. What a waste for such a wonderful place with a view of the castle ruins..... We stopped there for a drink......again very disappointed...

The place breathes history. The ruins of the nearby castle, the stunning views of the hills and the elaborate design of the hotel create the mood of medieval France and the feeling of being caught in a historical quest or film. Very attentive staff, excellent service, quality menu. I'll definitely be back here.