First off, a glorious location, up a valley above steaming Prades, and within easy reach of many stunning attractions. The chateau is an amusing 19th century folly, decorated with flair. Doubtless it offers the best rooms. We stayed in two rooms in an annex that had both attractive features (large bathrooms, for example, and terraces) but also a serious draw-back: terrible sound-proofing such that I was woken early by those staying in a neighbouring room. The hotel only contemplated shifting me to a higher floor without other guests above me when I made clear we would leave otherwise. This points to a mix of staff attitudes, some days solicitous, others preoccupied and even haughty. The restaurant also was uneven - excellent one night, disappointing the next (with the same set menu offering very limited choice on both evenings). Are we happy we visited? Yes. For three nights? No. Caveat Emptor.

Our first room, L'Olivier, was outside the main chateau (as expected); appearances were fine (good view of Mt. Canigou, reasonable size, terrace). Unfortunately, we discovered during the first night (when drapes were drawn) that the room reeked of mildew/mold. When we complained the next morning, we were offered another, inferior room (Pigeonnier)--view of the restaurant, no terrace, smaller); at least it did not smell. We were told that no other rooms were available. Given the condition of the first room, we could imagine that was the case. Our experience here was not that expected at a four-star hotel or a member of Relais et Chateaux. Perhaps if you stay in the main chateau you can expect better, those outside the chateau are clearly second-class guests. (At check-out, we were invited into the chateau to see the view from an upper floor--such hospitality for the peasants!)

I have only positive things to say about this hotel. After reading the reviews I was concerned about rooms that are not in the castle itself and food in the restaurant. However, I found the room in the outbuilding cute and clean, with amazing big bathroom and beautiful balacany with the views on the swimming pool and mountains. The only downside is the soft matress! As for the restaurant, I didn't find the food too much of a problem although not as good as in other french Relais and Chateau hotels/restaurants. Overall, fantastic location and views, a lot of beautiful villages and sightseeing around. I would like to come back.

My mother and I spent 6 nights at the Chateau. We booked full board so we wouldn't have to worry about anything once on holiday..... and we could just relax and enjoy. Oh, how wrong we were !
Let's start with the positive things. Fairy-tale chateau, beautifully decorated, fabulous, peaceful location. It's like being in another world. Staff very helpful and curtious at all times. And the spa treatments were excellent.
But the food was horrendous.
We are used to high quality, beautifully presented, delicious meals in Relais Chateaux restaurants, but here the standards were appalling. They supposidly offer a cuisine that is "Sante Plaisir" but there was definitely no pleasure; in fact we came to dread mealtimes and would often leave the table still hungry. At best the food was boring, repetative, unimaginative, miniscule portions in some instances, tasteless, overcooked and not properly seasoned (they couldn't even serve a decent vinegrette), at worst it was like canteen food. One day, the starter was simply a plate with a huge mountain of grated carrot, two tiny lettuce leaves and half a tomato (with no dressing). I wish I'd taken a photo ! Here's another example. I can't eat gluten. Every evening they served up the same little gluten-free biscuits with the coffee, which they claimed the chef had made specially for me. I felt very flattered he'd gone to all that trouble until we visited the local organic shop and saw the packets on sale for the very same biscuits !!!!
And as for the promised "Gourmet Breakfast", it was anything but gourmet ! A small basket with a couple of tiny inedible cakes and fresh fruit that has quite obviously been hanging around for a while is NOT gourmet ! We kept ordering the night before fresh croissants and pastries but the waitress kept saying the next day that they hadn't been delivered.
And watch out, if you go full board they close the Chateau's restaurant most lunchtimes, and they turf you out to eat in the Grand Hotel nearby, stating you will get the same quality of meals. They held their promise on that one ...... still the same rubbish food !
Anyway, by the end of the week, we decided we had to have at least one decent meal before going home, so we went out and ate at a little restaurant in Clara, the Loges du Jardin d'Aymeric. We had a fabulous meal.
We complained to staff (who were sympathic, acknowledged that there was a problem but were unable to do anything) and the owner of the establishment (who refused to believe us, insinuated our claims were completely unfounded, and treated us like troublemakers).
I think she should have looked at her empty restaurant every evening (there was only ever four to six people eating). I think that speaks for itself. With the location and decor of that restaurant, and had it served good food, it should have been busy every evening.
Anyway, having done a little investigating, it turns out that they had recently lost and not yet replaced the Chef (no surprise there) and it has an extremely bad reputation amoungst the locals (no surprise there either).
We paid alot of money for that holiday, and we recieved no compensation or apology whatsoever.
I also complained to the Relais Chateaux organisation, but they were only prepared to "look into the matter" which as we all know, means doing bugger all !
As the food aspect is very important to us, what should have been a superb holiday, was in fact completely ruined. Would we go there again ?.... maybe. Would we eat there ? ...... definitely NOT !!!!!!!!!!! You have been warned .....................