Castel Saint-Léonard — Hotel in Caen

Castel Saint-Léonard in Falaise, France. What a magnificent, beautiful, and pleasurable hotel to experience. This historical building in the heart of the city is designed with an atmosphere created to transport you back to the 18th century.

On more than one occasion, my husband and I have had the pleasure of visiting the Castel Saint-Léonard Hotel. Our first visit was in November of 2022, and a recent visit was in March 2024. On each visit, my husband and I have had the pleasure of staying in the Suite de La Rotonde, State House. This beautiful ceremonial bedroom designed in the pure Louis XVI style creates an absolutely mesmerizing, elegant, and exquisitely charming atmosphere.

Upon arrival, vehicles can be parked in the large courtyard in front of the mansion. Guest are then greeted by Charles Vatinel, the host and owner. Charles is genuine, kind, pleasant, and attuned to providing his guests with an exceptionally breathtakingly beautiful and pleasurable experience.

Charles is very knowledgeable about the history of the castle as he shares the purpose for his collection of artworks and style of furnishings with such passion and dedication. Additionally, Charles is very knowledgeable about the city of Falaise and its surroundings.

Breakfast is its own remarkable experience to embrace. The fresh fruit, croissants, brioche bread, homemade jams, and variety of choices from the elegantly arranged buffet are simply delicious. In this exceptionally breathtakingly beautiful dining area, the fire from the woodburning fireplace and music creates a stunning, warm, pleasurable, and charming ambiance to embrace.

Overall, the experience is exceptional. Our stay at Castel Saint-Léonard and accommodations by Charles was and has been one of the most pleasurable hotel experiences to encounter and enjoy by far. We look forward to our...

An excellent stay in so many ways. Charles, the owner and host is a delightful man, a warm welcome awaits you. The house is overflowing with character and Charles will happily share some of its history for those who ask. The rooms are large and decorated with a wealth of period features. Beds are very comfortable and bathrooms amply supplied with all you need including plenty of hot water. A shared kitchen has a fridge with ice compartment, microwave, coffee machine, table and chairs for all to use at any time of day. Charles put out two bottles of local cidre for us to try as a welcome drink, a lovely gesture. The breakfast is superb and served in one of the rather grand reception rooms. Freshly squeezed orange juice, good coffee or tea, assorted fresh pastries too many and varied to list, excellent local cheeses, fresh bread, local jams, fresh fruit salad, delicious plain yoghurt. A feast! Guest rooms are on the first floor with far reaching views across green space and the town beyond. They have their own access stairway so entry and exit out of hours is easy. The stairs are very period and probably not ideal for anyone a little unsteady on their feet. The exit door opens onto a gravelled courtyard that provides secure parking for guests, something we much appreciated for our classic cars. The location couldn't be more central, just a couple of minutes walk to the town centre and a large supermarket nearby. Highly...

Charles bought this house to accommodate his huge collection of antiques and every room is decorated so as to show them off in the best light. The result is not like being in a museum though, rather being privileged to experience a gracious lifestyle now sadly disappeared. He is a delightful host, nothing is too much trouble. The Suite de la Rotonde is a magnificent room with splendid furnishings and views to the castle. The house is situated in a quiet street a couple of minutes from the centre of town and the parking is in a private courtyard at the front. Charles booked 2 restaurants for us, Le Jardin - a simple small establishment with good food and Ô Saveurs - a gourmet experience and the best meal we had during this trip to Normandy. If you are in the area of Falaise (which is well worth a visit) I recommend saying at Castel...