We have visited the Chateau several times over the years and during our trip last year with friends, we detected a slight shift of focus away from being a hotel destination to a top class restaurant with rooms. The restaurant is indeed excellent and the service generally quite good. Chatting with the staff (who I found friendly), it became clear that the money is in the restaurant service - particularly serving the locals, business lunches etc and of course weddings and other functions. The hotel side is really just for "les touristes". Given the economic circumstances worldwide, this approach is understandable.
Some of the bedrooms could do with a makeover and there are quirks - the only tiny wardrobe in ours was full to the rafters with spare bedding covers - in July! We removed them from the wardrobe (which we really needed to use) to a chair by the linen cupboard on the landing but they were returned the next day to clutter up our bedroom again! We did find the housekeeping to be a bit haphazard. On the whole though, the bathrooms are clean, bright and have been modernised in recent years.
If your priority is fine cuisine rather than plush accommodation, then you will find the Chateau and its gardens perfect for a short stay.
- Chateau De Beaulieu Tours
