Unlike Relais and Chateaux, we've had mixed luck with Chateaux & Hotels de France; our stay at Manoir au Lac is emblematic of the difference and the mixed luck. On the positive side, our room had a fabulous view of the the lake, equipped with a nice terrace and small table to admire the view. The pool and sauna areas are pleasant, and it's a short distance to the trail (about 4 miles) circling the lake, great for a walk or run. It's also easy to walk into town, which we advise given the poor quality of the food in the restaurant. For starters, the jambon served with melon was moldy, and for the main course, our fish tasted old and off. We observed another party eating the identical meal two nights later; there is no choice: you eat what is served. Although it's nominally 30 Euros, you'll end up over 50 for a three course meal and can do much better. You'll get more value at Bas Rupt/Chateau Fleuri, less than 7 minutes away by car, or the pleasant local La Chaume in Gerardmer. Breakfast is OK at Manoir au Lac, but hardly worth the 20 Euros per person given the old bread. The view is the big plus and the food is the big minus. In the middle, you'll find spacious public areas with a great deal of reading material; a wonderful selection of black, green and herbal teas; and comfortable rooms (though with some design flaws related to doors opening into each other). If a view of the lake is your top priority, you'll probably be happy here so long as you book a lake view room. If you're not into the view, there are probably better choices.