Having stayed at various Relais&Chateaux properties over the past 30 years, I have become accustomed to expect above average accommodations in order to justify the higher tariffs their members charge. I had booked Les Hautes Roches many months in advance because I was captivated by the idea of staying in a luxuriously appointed "troglodytic cave" in such close proximity to the Loire Valley chateaux. I had stayed at the Domaine des Hauts de Loire years ago and loved it, but wanted to try something different. When I check in to Hautes Roches, they had given me their top room (the one featured on their web site) for 265 Euros per night (I had booked a two night stay). I was soon appalled to discover that the road (Route N152) which ran right past the hotel was a major truck route. I walked into the town of Rochecorbon, about a mile or less, and back and returned to my hotel covered in soot, dust, grit and diesel fumes. The noise of the trucks roaring by, blasting their horns, forced me to keep my windows closed at all times, which meant I could not enjoy any fresh air in my room. This was never mentioned in any reviews I read. Since I had a rental car, I was able to do a quick surveillance of the area nearby and discovered another member of the R/C group, the Chateau de Noizay, about 4 KM away. What a difference! A lovely but beautifully maintained and restored old chateau in the country with birds singing, a lovely pool that was filled (unlike the one at the Hautes Roches), and utter peace and tranquility. The price, I might add, was less as well. The room was beautifully appointed with high ceilings, a modernized bath, and an antique four poster bed. Also, the room had a mini bar, which I always want for the convenience. My room at the Hautes Roches did NOT. TO make a long story short, I complained to the reception desk at the HR about not being happy with the location of the hotel and expressed my desire to leave. The woman at the desk was quite snippy and informed me that I was free to do so, but that they would have to charge me for the second night whether or not I stayed. Fortunately, because I insisted on taking it up with the manager, he did allow me to leave without having to pay for the second night. But the website blurb describing the hotel as being in a quiet village is very misleading, so caveat emptor!

My wife and two of our children spent 6 nights at this lovely hotel in late March and early April of 2003. We had a wonderful time. The rooms provided a glorious view of the Loire River. The formal restaurant had some of the best food we have ever tasted, perhaps the best. The concierge was most helpful in arranging for us a wonderful daytrip to Paris on the high speed train. The staff were models of propriety. The hotel is well-located, just east of Tours. We made unforgettable visits to the great chateaux at Chenonceau, Blois, Cheverny, Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Chaumont and Amboise. Fascinating wine caves surround the hotel, and we also managed a boat trip on the Loire. If there were not so much else to see in the world, I would be back in the Loire Valley as soon as possible.

Ideal place to stay at if you're visiting the Loire Valley. The hotel is surrounded by many vineyards that you can tour. We stayed on Oct. 1, 2003 and the hotel is simply gorgeous. The rooms are very spacious, clean and elegantly decorated. We stayed at room # 16 which is a corner room in the mountain with a view to the Loire River. Splendid... The personnel at the hotel were great. The restaurant is a must- perfect service and delicious food. We highly recommend both. We visited the Moncontour winery in the area and the tour was magnificent!

For a final night in France, we booked two rooms at Les Hautes Roches in Rochecorbon. The hotel is situated at the base of the limestone cliffs overlooking the Loire. Our family was graciously welcomed and settled into two trogledyte rooms with limestone walls. The kids loved it! After a refreshing dip in the pool (we were there 8/7/03 during the European heat wave), we enjoyed a truly memorable meal on the terrace.
The food and service were exceptional - a culinary feast! We would recommend the hotel/restaurant without hesitation.