Castle of Esclimont — Hotel in Chartres

Booked this as last night of luxury after trip around France. I was attracted by the look , setting and location , but confused by the split of recent reviews between 1 and 5 stars. we arrived to a virtually deserted hotel, one man on duty, a tired suite to stay in - very hot with no obvious means of cooling - we asked for a fan which was eventually provided and made a big difference. There was only one other group at dinner, which was Ok, but not worth twice what we had paid in any other hotel, and not as good. The fact that the wine list jumped in €10 leaps is an indication of the costs. The next morning we came down to a different hotel - lots more people around, plenty of staff, an excellent ( if pricey) breakfast , and a much better feel. I've given this 2 stars as value for money is so low that it drags everything down. As to the 5 stars - I guess this was done up in the early 70's and was then state of the art - but unfortunately it looks a bit tired after 45 years . I've stayed in 5 star hotels around the world and this is nowhere near the same quality. - would I go...

We stayed at the Chateau d'Esclimont for the wedding of our nephew. From the moment we arrived it was wonderful. The staff were helpful and attentive and our room was wonderful. The grounds are breath taking, there are bicycles to use or a leisurely stroll is perfect. The Chateau will close for renovations (maintaining historical castles is no easy task, and this one is due for some loving care) soon and afterwards the prices for accomodation may be out of reach for many so if you get a chance to visit and or stay at this incredibly gorgeous chateau then do it now.||We caught the train from Gare Austerlitz in Paris to Gare du Auneau, from there a taxi to the Chateau which is only 7 km away.||Breakfast was amazing, a wonderful smorgasbord of delicious breakfast favourites and more. Service was prompt and professional.||We loved our stay from the first sight to the final cup of tea in the sitting room overlooking the garden through the open French window. ||Thank you Chateau...

We stayed here having booked online as it was convenient to our route but without knowing anything else about it. As it transpired it is a magnificent, and large, building in lovely grounds - not surprisingly it turns out it is a major wedding venue. However, for such a grand place it was disconcerting that we were almost the only people there! There was one other couple (I think) staying at the hotel and one other table for dinner..... Service was excellent, the food was very good, the rooms were fine (a little faded and in need of some TLC etc) but there is something slightly strange about dining in a large dining room in a huge building when you are just about the only people there! Having said that everything else was exactly as it said it would be and it was...