Hôtel Abbaye Royale De Fontevraud  

A parador experience at hostel prices. Do not miss Fontevraud-l'Abbey and, if you appreciate walking around a collection of beautiful historic buildings set in lovely gardens and countryside without other tourists around, do not miss this hotel. As befits a former monastery, the individual rooms are not large, but this is more than reflected in the price. We enjoyed a sunset drink overlooking the lovely abbey before having one of the best meals of our lives at the "Plantagenet" restaurant in the Croix Blanche hotel just by the entrance to the abbey. Breakfast is expensive and we had delicious almond croissants and coffee in the "Salon de The", also by the entrance.

Proximity to the historical sites. Lovely location and also very close to the Loire and Vienne Valleys.

Our room (101) was small, clean and the bed comfortable, however the sound insulation was very poor. We could hear every word of people passing by. The room was next to the staircase and the doors banged and squeaked loudly. We could also hear the lift each time it was used which was disturbing. The restaurant was closed for the evening meal and we opted not to have breakfast as we only wanted a very light one ie a croissant and drink and thought that the price of 14 euros per person was too much. Car parking too far from hotel, particularly on wet, winter days when one of us had to return the car to the parking (along a rather muddy path/road in the wet) after unloading and then fetch it to load up. Perhaps this should be mentioned in the hotel description..

It has been a really unusual and most memorable stay. The main attraction of this hotel is not some special comfort or anything like that. The rooms are quite modest, although very clean and equipped with all the necessary facilities. However, the main attraction is the atmosphere. Staying in an abbey and being able to walk the abbey grounds among historical bulidings, especially after dark (the buildings are illuminated, some in a very fine way), is a most memorable experience. The hotel restaurant is also very good. It looks pricey but in Paris or other tourist places similar food and service would cost much more. The stuff was most helpful and spoke passable English. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to escape the crouds and enjoy a most memorable and unusual experience. Beware though that the abbey itself was badly damaged during and after the French revolution, so while the buildings are restored, there are very few original historical artefacts left. Still, the abbey is certainly worth a visit, and the ability to stay on the grounds and enjoy the unique atmosphere is a great opportunity that should not be missed.

This is a very unique hotel in a great setting. Some have complained about how far the parking is from the hotel, but you can drive up to the hotel to drop or pickup bags, so this isn't a big deal. The restaurant is outstanding and shouldn't be missed.

Gardens and Abbey and little town

meals at main restaurant are too expensive, and the cafe and wine bar close early -.But the town provided a good alternative

The best aspect was its location within the Abbey -most unusual and impressive. The local village was also pleasent.The piece and quiet made it a very restful visitThe resturant was excellent.

Peaceful location,different from the nornal hotel experience. Dinner beautifully served and tasted delicious with an English explanation for us! In the week there is a set menu, no choice, for 39 euros but it is buy one get one free for a gourmet meal. The sizes looked minute but they are deceptive. We also saw the abbey and grouds for free although there is a discounted ticket for residents.

Not really a complaint but found the hotel section of the abbey difficult to locate.The signs to it are cerise pink and not arrows as expected for directions so we drove past them 3 times before realising .That was after the staff in the ticket office gave us directions! There is a tax to pay for old buildings on top of the city tax which is not mentioned until you get your bill!

Fantastic Location. You stay within the grounds of the abbey where you can wander around and take in the site in evening.

Can be quite difficult to find the entrance to the Hotel part of the abbey - and the parking signs are confusing, but the staff are very helpful. We stayed at the abbey and walked into the village for food - several places to choose from, all looked very nice.

The Hotel was comfortable and relaxing. The staff were discrete but at the same time friendly and welcoming. Thoroughly recommended to those who want to stay in beautiful and peaceful surroundings away from the bustle of city life.

Romm and beds were very small

The site next to the Abbey is stupendous. The rooms are large enough and very quiet. The breakfast is well worth the cost.

The staff very friendly the food especially the breakfast was fantastic. The hotel unique and beautiful architecture.

Peaceful. Nice town. Good to be able to walk round abbey when it was closed.

Tricky to find entrance, both from town and once we were inside the walls!