Hôtel Au Charme Rabelaisien, Amboise

Pros

• You'll find yourself just a short walk from must-see landmarks like the Château d'Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé, the 15th-century Tour de l'Horloge, and Caves Ambacia.
• Feast your eyes on all the details: from stained-glass windows and ornate gilded mirrors and framed original artwork to intricate wallpaper, patterned tiles, and painted beamed ceilings.
• Some rooms offer sweeping views of the landmark château, while rooms like the Privilege, decorated in the Louis XVI-era French aesthetic, overlook the picturesque rooftops.
• There's a (heated) outdoor pool and manicured garden where you can unwind with a cocktail from the in-house bar.
• Soak in the ACR Spa's Jacuzzi or relax in its sauna during a private session booked for you.
• Numerous dining options and charming boutique shops conveniently surround Au Charme Rabelaisien.

Cons

• While there is an elevator, it only serves the first and second floors. Guests on the top floor should prepare to climb a flight of stairs (the views from the top are worth the effort!).
• Parking is available on-site for an additional cost, though the hotel's central location allows for easy exploration on foot.

Authenticity

Au Charme Rabelaisien is a centuries-old property that has lived a few lives, including serving as a bank, a school, and a solicitor's office before reopening as the 10-room boutique property that it is today. It seamlessly marries historic elements, like its half-timbered facade, period furnishings, and exposed wooden beams, with modern conveniences (a heated outdoor pool, spa with Jacuzzi and sauna, etc).

Location

Centrally located in Amboise, the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to the prestigious hilltop Château d'Amboise and its impressive grounds (and final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert) or 13 minutes on foot to reach Château du Clos Lucé, famously da Vinci's last residence. The estate of Château Gaillard is a little farther out at 22 minutes. Explore the local area with its narrow, cobblestoned streets, lined with medieval half-timbered houses, the first floors of which are now home to boutiques, bistros, and artisan workshops, and other historic attractions are all within walking distance. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 10 rooms of Au Charme Rabelaisien are individually designed, most appear relatively modern with white walls and linens, contemporary furniture and textiles interspersed with more traditional antique wood pieces, and original or impressionist artwork. In contrast, the Privilege room has a much more step-back-in-time vibe with refined French ceilings artistically painted (typical of grand manors), wood wainscotting, and a wood-paneled wall with boiserie treatment. Rooms look out to picturesque rooftops, the castle, or the rose-filled garden; three units have private terraces. The bathrooms are modern, spacious, and well-equipped, with jetted tubs, separate hydromassage showers, and Fragonard toiletries. 

Amenities

Swim in the heated outdoor pool by day and enjoy a cocktail in the garden (replete with rose bushes) or on the shared terrace by night. The ACR Spa features a Jacuzzi for two and a small sauna, both available for private use, as well as massage treatments. The highly-rated breakfast buffet is served daily for a cost, and while there's parking available, it comes with a pricetag as well. Guests arriving by train can schedule a complimentary pick-up.

Family-Friendliness

Hôtel Au Charme Rabelaisien is geared toward couples or solo travelers seeking a charmed, quiet retreat. However, children are welcome, provided they use an existing bed or a cot available upon request (and for a charge). Kids two and younger stay for free.