Utente ospite
26 dicembre 2024
This review is complex for me. I would not change my choice to stay at the Airelle Versailles property, and aspects of it were exceptional. However, there are things that deserve to be noted to other travelers that are drawbacks. I will annotate the good things as my primary act. First, my interactions with Eva were very positive during the stay. She was helpful and kind in an appropriate manner. Second, the access to the chateau is what made me willing to spend this amount of money on the stay and I was delivered the promised product. There were two private tours with exceptional guides. The access was unparalleled. Additionally, we had free rein of the gardens with specialized golf carts. That was a dream for me. Third, the rooms are beautifully appointed and very clean. Finally, the coffee (lattes) and tea selection (white peony etc) are truly excellent. Regarding the negatives: first, the food. What is served at the afternoon tea is nearly inedible. The man at the table next to me actually spit out food from his mouth into his hand and then put it into a napkin. The flavors are severe and unpleasant, and this nouveau cuisine is overdone. Second, the “royal” dinner was not worth it from a culinary perspective. The food is in a very similar vein to what is served at tea so it is harsh in flavor, hard to eat, and oddly paired. Additionally, the town of Versailles itself has truly excellent restaurants. My recommendation to other travelers would be to pursue the gourmet food in the town itself and avoid the hotel restaurant. This applies to pastries as well. The patisseries in the town are delightful. The breads I was served during my stay were not as high quality as what I found in town. Finally, the behavior of the other guests is not regulated on the tours at all. Our guide at the petit Trianon was overwhelmed by American high school aged children and their parents refusing to stay with the group and wandering off even after being chastised multiple times as well as other group members constantly talking over her and having loud private conversations. Similar things occurred on the evening tour. I did not realize that the cost could imply entitlement and I was shocked by the rudeness. It also made the tours, at times, quite difficult. This is not the fault of the hotel but an overall vibe for the stay. If you are passionate about French history and Versailles, this is likely a worthwhile pursuit. Consider other options for food and pursue the restaurants and patisseries in the town.
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