1 boulevard Philippe Lamour, Castelnau-le-Lez, France | (586) 210-9239
Beautiful boutique property housed in 16th-century former mansion
Peaceful, removed location next to vineyards
Fabulous rooms with stylish design and swish bathrooms
In-room espresso machines, Apple computers, and luxe toiletries
Some units have whirlpools, terraces, and full kitchens
Pretty infinity pool and another outdoor pool
Spa with hydrotherapy pool, saunas, and treatment rooms
Gourmet restaurant and poolside restaurant and bar
Well-equipped fitness center and bikes available to borrow
Free on-site parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Remote location with little in immediate surroundings
On-site events can be loud and intrusive to other guests
Fee for in-room espresso machines
Not very kid-friendly (pro for some)
Open bathroom entryways may lack privacy for some
Main restaurant closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
No elevators (but ground-floor units available)
Housed in a 16th-century former mansion wrapped by vineyards in Montpellier's outskirts, the luxury Domaine de Verchant is a romantic boutique hotel with luxe touches at every turn. Its 26 rooms are spread between the chateau, outhouses, and an old forge, all of which are chic and modern, outfitted with minibars, swish bathrooms -- many with whirlpool tubs -- and Apple computers. Some have terraces and apartment-style units provide full kitchens. Gourmet dining, two serene pools, an elegant spa with a hydrotherapy pool, and well-equipped gym are high-end features. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, but expect fees for Nespresso pods apply. This is great pick for peace-seeking couples, but travelers wanting to be in the town center should look at The Pullman, though it's not as upmarket.
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Scene
High-end, romantic boutique hotel and spa in sprawling vineyards
Housed in a 16th-century former mansion, this 42-acre wine estate is currently run by owners Pierre and Chantal Mestre. Wrought-iron gates opening to a long driveway next to vineyards hint at the property's grandeur, and original stone and yellow-painted exteriors are quaint. Interiors, however, take a sharp turn, outfitted in chic, contemporary decor in largely neutral tones. An infinity pool overlooking the vineyards and elegant spa are typical on-site hangout spots for the crowd of mostly couples. Unfortunately, the property is popular with wedding and corporate groups, which can cause noise disturbances and block some areas off to other guests. This is a great, romantic pick for travelers wanting a swish stay near Montpelier, though don't mind having to drive everywhere.
Location
On a wine estate, 15 minutes by car from Montpellier and the airport
The hotel's removed location means a car or taxi is necessary to get anywhere of interest. Guests are a 15-minute drive from Montpelier's center and airport. Montpellier train station is a 20-minute drive, and trains from Paris and Marseille are frequent. It's worth the short journey into town to see historic sights such as Place de la Comedie, which houses the city's Opera House. The Fabre Museum and Botanical Gardens are nearby. Rue de la Loge is great for shopping and Comptoir de l'Arc restaurant is on a charming old square. The Medieval town of Aigues-Mortes is a half-hour drive, while beaches are 20 minutes away by car. Nimes and Beziers airports are both within a 50-minute drive. This is a Relais & Chateaux property.
Rooms
Beautiful rooms with high-end amenities such as computers
Divided between the old chateau, outbuildings, and former forge, contemporary rooms are gorgeous. Starting at 27 square meters (291 square feet), they're all fairly spacious, and upgraded units are larger. Design can vary a bit between rooms, but expect mostly neutral tones, a mix of wood, tile, and stone, plush beds, and splashes of color from decor accents such as patterned rugs, ottomans, and orchids. Some units have furnished terraces with pretty vistas, and other upgrades include two-person whirlpool tubs, living spaces, and/or kitchen-equipped apartments. Excellent standard amenities consist of plush beds, Apple computers and printers, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, minibars, and espresso machines -- though pods require a fee. Closets have safes and ironing facilities. Swish bathrooms are high-end, but their open-plan layout may lack enough privacy for some. Showers and separate tubs come standard, as do an array of luxe toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers.Although there are no elevators, ground-floor units are available.
Features
Two outdoor pools, top-notch spa, and two dining options
Two outdoor pools include a garden-set one and an infinity pool with a beach club vibe. Sunbeds surround both, and the latter has lovely vineyard views and disk-jockeys in the summer. Another pool is found at the swish spa, as are three saunas, steam rooms, and treatment rooms. A hot tub and well-equipped gym are also available. Bikes are available for borrow. Next to the pool is a casual restaurant and bar, and there's a gourmet eatery serving regional Mediterranean cuisine. note that the fine-dining restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. A shop and tasting cellar allow guests to sample wine from the vineyards. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, while pets are allowed for a fee. There are no kid-centric amenities.
