Hôtel Grand Monarque
Hôtel Grand Monarque descritpion
Hôtel Grand Monarque is an 18th-century post house, at the heart of the Loire Valley in Azay-le-Rideau, 500 ft from its famous castle. It features a lounge bar.
The hotel with stone walls and exposed beams is within a large tree-lined property. The spacious guest rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furnishings and each have a private bathroom. All rooms have free Wi-Fi connection.
Hotel Grand Monarque provides a daily buffet breakfast and serves gourmet cuisine in the restaurant (reservations needed for dinner).
Free parking is available nearby, and private parking is available upon request for guests exploring the Indre-et-Loire region by car. Tours Val de Loire Airport is 22 miles away.
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Facilities of Hôtel Grand Monarque
Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace
Pets ：Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 4 per day.
Services ：Fax/Photocopying
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Air Conditioning
Languages Spoken ：French | Spanish | English
Reviews for Hôtel Grand Monarque
Review 1：The room was beautiful, LARGE, modern while in keeping with a renovated chateau, comfortable, great bed, and very clean. The hotel in general is stellar and unforgettable. The staff couldn't have been more pleasant and attentive.
Review 2：Only being able to stay for one night....
Review 3：This was a wonderful way to end our short stay in France. Azay le Rideau is a superb place to visit even when the peerless chateau is mostly wrapped in scaffolding. The hotel is really excellent. The staff were lovely and took great care. Our large room in the impressive house across the courtyard was very well equipped, quiet and supremely comfortable.
Review 4：location in Azay very good spacious and well appointed room good modern facilities in traditional setting breakfast very good pleasing courtyard secure covered storage for bikes
Review 5：We found this hotel to be one of the loveliest we've ever experienced. It is a fine old building with full modern amenities while keeping all the charm of it's heritage. It is furnished very tastefully, with antique dressers and armoires; the beds are very comfortable; the linens- sheets and towels- are plush; the bathroom was spotless, with high-end fixtures; the breakfasts were wonderful and the restaurant very good. The staff is friendly, cheerful and as helpful as can be. Loved everything about it.
Review 6：This is a nice comfortable hotel, well situated in a lovely little village. The staff are very helpful, nothing is too much trouble. The food is first class, we love it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Review 7：We stayed here for one night in September to break the journey up to the ferry from the south and would definitely use this hotel again for the same purpose. We had an exclusive triple room - as it was all that was available when we booked- and it was in fact two rooms so we in essence had a suite - so really great value. Both rooms looked out over the courtyard, and the decor was charming with lovely antique furniture. Extremely spacious double-bedded room, and there was a sofa bed in the (equally spacious) second room which was made up as a sofa for us - they had asked whether we wanted it made up into a bed previously. The bed and bedding were extremely comfortable, and everywhere was very clean. All the staff were welcoming, friendly and very helpful, and when we checked in we were automatically supplied with a map of the town with recommendations of a pre-dinner walk down to the river. We ate at the hotel and were very pleased with our choices - the starters and main courses were all delicious - and beautifully cooked. And we had a lovely local wine too. Breakfast too was very good. The town itself is absolutely charming, plenty of tempting restaurants if you are staying for longer, and the beautiful chateau, despite being under a shroud of scaffolding while major restoration takes place (until 2017), is a must to visit and we recommend getting the audio guide. Altogether a delightful stay and also a great base from which to explore the Loire region.
Review 8：Going up to attic room. Too many stairs. Although owner was excellent about helping with luggage
Review 9：Good wi fi Excellent breakfast. Excellent pleasant helpful staff. Would go again just because of great staff. Private parking. Very very clean
Review 10：This hotel is beautifully renovated. Lovely colors, fabrics, antique furniture. The rooms are spacious and everything is tasteful. The owners of the hotel are very helpful, even carried our luggage up the stairs. The restaurant was romantic and the good was delicious.
Review 11：No bad experiences.
Review 12：Extremely welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally clean. Very professional and obliging staff. Delicious dinners withe interesting combinations of ingredients. Extensive breakfast options beautifully presented.
Review 13：Service was excellent! They proprietor couldn't do enough to make sure we were taken care of, from restaurant recommendations to where to rent bikes. We had a huge top floor room with king-size bed. We will stay there again.
Review 14：Nothing apart from no coffe facilities in the room but seems standard in France.
Review 15：Unique french villa in the centre of town. Excellent service. Old world charm with modern facilities.
Review 16：Not a thing.
Review 17：The initial greeting that we received was second to none and we felt instantly at ease. The owner of the hotel was rightly and obviously proud of his establishment and we liked that, as his feelings were wholly justified. He explained the building's history and was friendly and helpful throughout without ever being officious or pushy; in fact he was discretion personified. His professionalism shone through and we could see that he had trained his staff to be 'just so'. Great facilities, central location, convenient and secure parking and as good a breakfast as you'll find anywhere.
Review 18：We stayed at the Hotel Grand Monarque once on our journey to the South of France and once on the way back. On the way back we were seriously delayed, however staff went out of their way to help us. We arrived exhausted nearly four hours later than anticipated and everywhere in Azay was closed. We were made to feel very welcome and really felt that we were being taken care of. We will definitely be returning at some point, hopefully for a longer stay.
Review 19：We spent a night here and enjoy it very much. A beautiful hotel with a large comfy bedroom. The hotel is in a lovely town with lots to see and plenty of choice of places to eat.
Review 20：Our third annual visit, ideal stopover travelling down to Dordogne. Interesting little town with beautiful Chateau is a bonus. Staff always extremely welcoming and pleasant. Perfect location, great meals, highly recommended.
Review 21：Nothing.
Review 22：Exceptionally charming and helpful staff who went out of their way to assist. Loved the simple uncluttered lines of the room. The kingsize bed was very comfortable. The air con was very efficient and wifi connection constant. The breakfast was superb and well presented and well worth the cost. Dinner in the inner court yard was very pleasant experience and the various options though deliberately limited were well done. Parking was secure and cost reasonable.
Review 23：No tea/coffee making facilities in room. Found out too late we could have asked for this. We parked in a free car park and then were offered hotel parking at a price!
Review 24：Azay le ridieux is a lovely town with good selection of bars and restaurants. Over
Review 25：This is a fantastic privately owned hotel in a lovely little town. The owner was only too happy to help with information and guidance. The town is well placed to use as a base for all sorts of interesting activities.
Review 26：Our room was very small and overlooked a terrace so we didn't have much privacy. Barely enough room to open the suitcase!
Review 27：Gorgeous building and grounds right next to a lake, beautiful swimming pool with lots of sun loungers, lovely amenities, felt very old world France.
Review 28：Their welcome is genuine without any false friendliness. The hotel has a charm and style that is entirely appropriate for a holiday venue in this historic part of France.
Review 29：A tastefully decorated hotel in a lovely old buiding with all modern facilities. Very central. free parking. Close to chateau. All staff very helpful and friendly. Gave excellent advice on where to eat etc
Review 30：I was unwell on arrival & the staff were extremely helpful throughout our stay. The room was very comfortable & the air conditioning was a blessing in the circumstances.
Review 31：Nothing!
Review 32：This hotel is in central location lovely bars and restaurants. Hotel was lovely and peaceful and very comfortable.it was very clean! My husband had a back problem and the owner changed us to a lovely room on the ground floor, we didn't even ask!! Would definitely recommend.
Review 33：The noise from the streets can be heard in the room all night. And I think there were birds nesting in the roof above our room, so it was quite distracting.
Review 34：The hotel is an amazing historic building, which kept all of the little touches (eg exposed beams, antic furniture). The staff are very polite and very professional. The parking is cheap, and is locked overnight (and you can leave the car after you have checked out as well). The shower had very good pressure. The bed was comfy. The location is excellent.
Review 35：There's nothing not to like!
Review 36：From the superbly warm welcome onwards we had a great stay. The rooms have been refurbished since our last visit 3 years ago and while our room was superbly furnished and comfortable, there was even more of the historic character of the building on display. Lovely breakfast too, and excellent value compared to that of many French hotels.
Review 37：The room and the hotel were beautiful and the location was excellent and within walking distance of the chateau. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful and spoke perfect English (despite my attempts to speak to them in French!) and the food was delicious, even catering for my vegetarian requirements. Highly recommended.
Review 38：From the word go, the manager and staff couldn't do enough for us, without being overbearing. The room was comfortable, if a little small, the food excellent and the location (Azay le Rideau) ideal for a relaxing break
Review 39：I have already submitted a review of the hotel but I subsequently learned the name of the owner. Éric was absolutely the most kind and considerate owner/concierge we met on our entire trip. Merci infiniment Éric.
Review 40：We liked everything about this hotel. From the moment we arrived, the concierges were EXTREMELY helpful and kind...from carrying our heavy bags up to our room to willingly helping with special requests. Un grand merci au concièrge/ propriétaire??? qui était un hôte fantastique et le personnel était vraiment obligeant aussi.
Review 41：Nothing. Our stay was perfect! Thank you very much
Review 42：Staff were excellent and couldn't do enough to help (even helped with carrying my bags up to the first floor!). Very friendly towards us and our dog. Made to feel very, very welcome. We will be back.
Review 43：This hotel is unique combination of old walls with contemporary design. Unfortunately we arrived very late and manager had to wait for us to check-in. He was exceptionally friendly and very helpful. Hotel conveniently located almost next to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, but it is currently under renovation and façade of the castle is covered ( still open for visitors).
Review 44：Lovely old building, beautifully renovated, and furnished, right in centre of small town of Azay le Rideau. Excellent bedroom and bathroom. Most welcoming and helpful staff.
Review 45：Beds were harder than we liked. No hooks in bathroom and only one mirror in room. Wastebaskets need to be bigger.
Review 46：Location close to restaurants and shops. Great parking facility. Owner Eric was amazing- helpful, kind,accommodating. Room had more outlets than you could use for gadgets!!
Review 47：Nothing we didn't like but we travelled with our two little dogs who don't do stairs. Our room was up two flights of stairs, one spiral, so we had to carry the dogs up and down stairs every time we went out. Not the hotel's fault as they did state the rooms were up stairs - we just didn't realise how difficult it would be.
Review 48：Very helpful and informative staff who were very knowledgeable. Hotel was in a great location, the food in the restaurant was good although limited choice. Our room right in the roof was large, bright and clean with a lovely modern bathroom.
Review 49：The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel is right next to the chateaux. The breakfast buffet was great. The restaurant, which serves dinner, has a limited selection but the dishes are fantastic.
Review 50：Restaurant loofked gloomy, fortunately closet THE day we were there....breakfast not exceptionally goodo
Review 51：Ground Floor room in old part excellent for elderly geest
Review 52：As always, wifi not strong
Review 53：The rooms were so cute and unusual and right near good restaurants. Great bike storage and helpful staff. A fun "cultural experience"
Review 54：The staff at the hotel were very solicitous. The hotel and our room were very lovely. The breakfast buffet had a good selection of food. The little town had a beautiful chateau, ample parking, good restaurants, and was centrally located for seeing interesting chateaus.
Review 55：Nothing
Review 56：Very flexible when we had to change the dates of our visit - even booked us into the best restaurant in town as their own was closed that evening.
Review 57：The tv a total waste of time as bad reception and no English programmers or French sports so we missed watching the golf Ryder Cup No A. La Carte dinner menu - only expensive 3 course menu so we ate at good nearby restaurants
Review 58：Friendly and kind staff - answered all our travel queries with a smile
Review 59：This is a quality hotel and we found the staff friendly and efficient. The food and wine in the restaurant was really excellent and not over expensive for the quality ( 28€ for 3 courses.)It was in the centre of a very attractive village and we were able to visit the chateau when we arrived as it was just a few minutes walk away. The room was small but very comfortable, tastefully decorated with a lovely shower room. We will certainly stay here again.
Review 60：From the moment we arrived in Azay le Redeau, we were in love with the village. But this love only got better when we met Eric at the Grand Monarque, and were shown our room. It was perfect. We had a relaxing night, and the next morning visited the chateau and the village church.
Review 61：Can't think of anything we didn't like apart from the restaurant menu being a little limited in choice.
Review 62：Location in a lovely town Very helpful Manager & Staff Secure parking for our Classic cars Nice restaurant and food
Review 63：This hotel was a pleasant surprise. The reception was very friendly and went out of their way to make us comfortable. Loved the hotel's historic building, well decorated and maintained. The town was charming. The breakfast was one of the best we had in France. Cannot say enough good things about Hotel Grand Monarque.
Review 64：With no elevator, the climb to our room. This was not a big problemfor us, but if you have difficulty climbing stair check for analternative room.I had no complaints about any other aspect.
Review 65：The staff met every request, especially Eric.The location was superb to explore the Loire Valley. Rustic charm with modern conveniences. This was a former post house when the mail moved by horses. The restaurant was pleasant and the food prepared well. The internet was secured and had decent speed. Free parking in the town square, which is very convenient to the hotel. I would highly recommend this hotel and would stay there again in my travels to the Loire Valley.
Review 66：The little town was a little too little and a little too sleepy- we'd stay elsewhere on our next trip
Review 67：The staff were friendly and helpful. They took the initiative to make us a dinner reservation b/c we arrived on a Sunday and their restaraunt was closed. The room was very quiet
Review 68：With our particular room (called Cande) in the detached but original block of four suites across the courtyard, we were on the raised ground floor. At first we disliked the idea of a ground floor bedroom with possible noise and privacy issues but soon became perfectly comfortable with it. As before, the quality and style were impeccable. There were a few details of the fitting out and furniture however. Things like no proper dressing table and mirror; no fridge and tea tray as standard; only plastic "glasses"; low power fixed hairdryer in bathroom; liquid soap dispenser in shower and no facility for keeping your own shampoo, flannel etc in the otherwise superbly finished shower "cubicle". These are not meant as major criticisms because the overall experience and value was spot on. Just things that might be re-considered and introduced over time.
Review 69：The quality of the restoration of this building at the heart of the small chateau town of Azay le Rideau is of the highest order. The finishes are stylish and faultless. The benign owner/manager Eric must have put his heart and soul into it all, as well as a small fortune. The breakfast was very good indeed, with the only minor "dislike" that rolled up and rather stringy ham was the only meat on offer. ( We stayed 3 nights and had 3 breakfasts). Parking was very easy in the secure private car park across the road, with half a dozen spaces under cover and plenty more in the open. The road itself was surprisingly busy for a small town, so take care! The central courtyard has table and chairs for you to sit out under the shade of two or three mature trees. The town itself was on your doorstep, touristy but absolutely charming. We chose to eat out in the evenings for a change and thoroughly enjoyed our 3 nights at the outdoor La Salamandre on the far side of the square/ village car park. We guess that the meals on offer in the restaurant at Le Grand Monarque would be to an extremely high culinary superb but wanted to take advantage of the glorious weather under the vine canopy at La Salamandre, and cheaper prices.
Review 70：A beautiful, old, peaceful hotel. The staff were extremely helpful. The location was fantastic within an ancient village and close to beautiful chateaux. We would definitely stay again.
Review 71：The hotel ihas a Great location, close to Azay-le-Rideau chateaux and in the middle of this beautiful village. Its a very beautiful Building, the room was absolutly clean, very confortable and couzy. The owner and the people who work there are very gentle, top noch service. I totally recommend everybody to stay in this hotel.
Review 72：There was nothing about this hotel that we didn't enjoy
Review 73：Eric and Isabella were excellent hots and made us feel entirely welcome and escorted us to our respective rooms and explained all the necessary details. Breakfast, although not included in the price of the room, was reasonably priced, varied and good quality. The hotel has undergone a sympathetic modernisation programme and has retained many of the historical architectural features of the hotel. The rooms are well appointed, large and have modern functional bathrooms. The location of the hotel is ideal and within easy walking distance of the Chateau and is across the road from a large free public car park. The hotel is also very quiet and we all benefitted from a good nights sleep.
Review 74：It's an old building (but then again, it's normal as the entire town is old) and there is a certain smell that can be felt because of that.
Review 75：Big room, big bathroom, clean and confortable. The fireplace and the furniture gives you a sense of living in a end of XIX-early XX century building.
Review 76：Everything. We particularly like seeing the way the hotel has managed to maintain the historic character of the hotel while incorporating modern features like skylights. The hotel used to be an inn/horse changing station and you can still see traces of this history. Our room was beautiful, we loved the buffet breakfast (very ample, with a selection of cheese, ham, pastries, juices, fruits, etc...) and you cannot beat the location for the Azay-le-Rideau chateau: it is literally across a small street and down a short pedestrian zone. The staff were very kind and welcoming. We recommend this hotel and hope to stay here ourselves again someday.
Review 77：The staff are accommodating, the room was a magnificient in a restored building, spacious with modern bath and AC. Though in center of town, it was quiet at night. Would love to come back!
Review 78：Nothing. Everything was good!
Review 79：From the moment I made my booking and had a query, Isabelle at Reception answered all my questions. Upon our arrival we were shown our rooms and our luggage was taken up. Rooms (and beds) are extremely comfortable, wifi is easy to access and our dinner and breakfast were delicious! Staff were extremely helpful and we will definitely recommend this hotel to any friends visiting the Loire and we will stay here next time we come to visit the area.
Review 80：Loved staying in a hotel which had character in both the public and private rooms. We would be very happy to stay another time as it was such a quiet and relaxing hotel, with excellent service.
Review 81：Great position in the middle of the village. Excellent and helpful staff available at all times with great suggestions for places to visit or restaurants to go to.
Review 82：great hotel in many ways,, good beds and pillows made for a comfortable sleep. great staff, very good substantial breakfast . Especially like the offer of a kettle in your room on request - nice extra not normally provided in France. very helpful and informative staff. good lock up room for bicycles with easy access for guests. all in all, a great place to stay
Review 83：* the bed was a little hard
Review 84：* location---walk to Azay le Rideau Chateau * charming town * amazing breakfast buffet * very helpful staff * free parking * our room was in a separate building (very historic and typical of the area; the owner/manager of the hotel took the time to take us to our room and explained the history and construction of the buildings) across a court yard from the main part of the hotel--made us feel like we were in our own retreat * very modern bathroom * terrific value
Review 85：A lovely place to stay. A warm welcome from the owners ( new since we were last there and they have spent much effort and money on improvements and upgrading the hotel. A lovely room with good supply of toilet items, water and good TV. Fist class Dinner- superb food and well presented.
Review 86：Bedroom, staff & location.
Review 87：very friendly welcome
Review 88：Our room was very cramped and directions were not clear how to find hotel.
Review 89：Walking distance to cathedral.
Review 90：Central location, plenty of restaurant options
Review 91：Attentive and very pleasant staff. Secure private car park.
Review 92：Staff very amiable and helpful. Excellent location in a beautiful town. Lovely rooms.
Review 93：The staff were very friendly&hit was a good location
Review 94：food very good
Review 95：Friendly and helpful staff, excellent location, comfortable and very large room, quiet
Review 96：Welcome and genuine friendliness.
Review 97：The staff very professional and so helpful
Review 98：Nothing to dislike
Review 99：Great location, excellent staff
Review 100：Excellent and helpful staff
Review 101：Needed a luggage rack in room
Review 102：Beautiful location, quiet room
Review 103：Nice house. Feels like a mansion
Review 104：Brilliant, friendly staff and the most comfortable bed in Europe.
The Fine Print
Please note that a reservation is required for dining in the restaurant.The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday from October to April and just Sunday from May to September.Please note that most of the rooms are located on the 1st or 2nd floor and the hotel is not provided with a lift.