Domaine Les Crayères — Hotel in Reims

Are...you...kidding...me? This review is for Le Parc only as we did not stay in the hotel. There were three of us who have been to over 25 Michelin Star spots, including Alinea and Per Se, to name a few. Point is, highly regarded spots. All three of us agree, this was the best dinner we have ever had. It is crazy to all agree on that, but we did. This was recommended to me by a native who lives in Chicago and I could not be happier that we took her advice. This was just outstanding from start to finish and I literally am going to go back to Champagne just to go to dinner here. No, I'm not kidding. The service was amazing and the timing was perfect from course to course. The sommilier did a wonderful job explaining the wines (we did the pairings) and even the bread service was top notch. We opted for the chef's tasting menu (which is not printed as the chef decides what to prepare on the fly) and I would highly recommend. The only request we made was that it include the foie gras and this is an absolute must so I'm glad we requested that.

To start, they sit you outside on their gorgeous patio for some bubbles. Yes, please. Everything they have by the glass is excellent and the view is spectacular. It was a lovely evening out as well and we just hung out sipping our bubbles and loving life. As their outdoor treat (thinking like when a bar in the US brings you kettle chips) before you go into the dining room, they bring you a lovely little plate. This is misleading cause it's complex in flavor and really gets you excited about the meal you're about to consume. In the little spoon there was a parmesan foam thing with chives and some other awesomeness in there. It sounds unassuming but it was a fantastic bite. This was accompanied by a perfectly lightly fried prawn. We headed inside and started with the amuse bouche, which was four tiny bites: scallop crudo, fennel mousse, celery root puree, and foie. They were all excellent and really woke up my palate. The appetizer was an asparagus puree, which was great. Next was the foie...oh the foie! If you see my Yelp! reviews you can see I love, LOVE foie gras and get it everywhere. This was hands down the best I've ever had and may be the best bite of food I've ever had anywhere. It was amazing. I'm thinking about it now and drooling. Next was a lobster course, which was pure perfection on a plate. Lovely plating, moist lobster, extremely tasty bisque poured tableside...perfection. Two of us thought the foie was the best dish while one of us thought this was the best and I cannot fault either argument cause they were both amazing. Next came the Iberco pork. Having had Iberco pork before and knowing it is the 'Kobe of pigs', I had high expectations and it did not disappoint. They carve it tableside and add some veggies to it. The service here really stood out. Now I'm about to burst but next came the cheese plate. Finally, it was a strawberry dessert that seemed so simple and elegant but carried a ton of flavor. Typically at dinners like this I can find flaws or some courses I did not care for but literally every single thing here was top notch and pretty much perfect.

The wine pairings were phenomenal as well. The best one we thought was the Sauveniere paired with the foie. The wine itself was probably the best we had in France but the pairing was wonderful as well. All of the wines paired very nicely. Literally there was not one flaw in the entire meal. The plating was beautiful, the flavors were outstanding, and the service was impeccable. I cannot...

My husband and I had a perfect stay at Domaine Les Crayères. The front desk, concierge, chasseurs, and restaurant staff were all kind, friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with warm smiles, and they even upgraded us from the Prestige Suite to the Imperial Suite (#16) without us asking.

The Imperial Suite was absolute perfection, and I fully intend to replicate my own bedroom to resemble Suite 16. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in many five-star and Relais & Châteaux hotels, and this one is easily in my top two. At this point, I’d say it’s tied with my favorite, The Inn at Little Washington in the U.S.—which is also a Relais & Châteaux property and a three-Michelin-star restaurant. That place holds a special place in my heart because we got married there, but Les Crayères is truly exceptional in its own right. I highly recommend staying in the Imperial Suite if you can. I especially loved the large balcony terrace and the incredibly comfortable bed.

What set this stay apart from other Relais & Châteaux hotels I’ve visited was the outstanding service, with staff who went above and beyond, along with the thoughtful details that made the experience extra special. These included memory foam slippers, a selection of different pillow types, a high-tech toilet, and a turndown service that played classical music in the room as we returned from dinner. The chasseurs took great care of our belongings and even gave us water bottles before our train trip. The concierge was also incredibly helpful in booking Champagne house tours and securing restaurant reservations for us.

The dining experience at Les Crayères was just as extraordinary as the accommodations. We had the pleasure of dining at both Le Jardin and Le Parc, each offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Le Jardin impressed us with its relaxed yet refined atmosphere and beautifully executed dishes, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients with a contemporary touch. Meanwhile, our meal at Le Parc, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, was a true highlight. Every course was a work of art, perfectly balanced in flavor and elegantly presented. The level of service in both restaurants was exceptional, making each meal feel special.

My only regret is not planning early enough—I initially booked just two nights, and when I tried to extend our stay in the Imperial Suite for another two nights, the hotel was already fully booked. We can’t wait to return and stay in the same room again when the weather is warmer.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful employees of Les Crayères! Your hospitality made our stay truly relaxing and...

From the moment we arrived at the Domaine Les Crayères, we were utterly captivated. Driving down the estate's stately driveway, our anticipation built with every moment, and the warm welcome from the hotel staff immediately set the tone for what would be an unforgettable stay.

Upon entering the grand château, we were greeted by the delightful reception team who embodied the perfect balance of professionalism and genuine hospitality. Before we knew it, we were whisked away to The Scottish Bar, where I indulged in a glass of my favorite Barons de Rothschild Champagne. Surrounded by plush interiors and the hum of quiet sophistication, this was the perfect prelude to what lay ahead.

The next surprise came when we were informed of an upgrade to a room that could only be described as breathtaking. Perched on the top floor, the room offered panoramic views of the estate’s immaculate 7 hectares of gardens and the majestic Reims Basilica in the distance. Waking up to this serene beauty was a moment I’ll treasure forever.

Our stay coincided with a visit to the Ruinart Champagne House, conveniently just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Upon returning, I took a moment to soak in the elegance of Les Crayères, enjoying yet another glass of champagne on the terrace. The tranquil ambiance, paired with the charm of the gardens, offered a sense of peace that was truly rare.

Dinner that evening at Brasserie Le Jardin was nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to the attentive reception team, our reservation was seamlessly adjusted to suit our schedule. The meal itself was divine—the foie gras was perfectly rich, and the scallops were exquisitely tender and flavorful. What made the evening even more special was the personal touch of Arnaud Valary, the hotel manager, who came to wish us a happy anniversary. His gesture epitomized the thoughtful service that defines Les Crayères.

This was, without a doubt, the most magical hotel experience we’ve ever had. Every detail, from the opulent setting to the impeccable service, came together to create a stay that exceeded even our highest expectations. We left with full hearts and are already dreaming of our next visit to this jewel in the heart...