Domaine de Rymska & Spa - Relais & Châteaux — Restaurant in Autun

We arrived today for the final stop of a holiday where we have stayed at various places around the Loire Valley. |The reception greeting was average with no form of refreshment drink offered - not even water after a long drive. A group who arrived just after us were ignored whilst we were served, despite there being a secondary member of staff at the desk.|We then were told they had us booked as x4 persons staying, when our booking was x2.|On arrival to our room there was a cot and camp bed set up, that we had awkwardly sit and watch staff remove, rather than be offered to wait in the bar with a drink which would have been a much more appropriate way to resolve this error.|There are no bell boys and staff give a half-hearted offer to assist with luggage, so my husband said he would do this himself. To their credit, the team did carry one bag up, as this was when they were arriving to remove the children’s beds we did not require. |We enjoyed some time around the pool, but the space is small and the ground undulating, with few options if you want to be in the sun during late afternoon.|To get a drink you have to walk inside to the bar and request, again it feels like there could be a more streamlined experience, especially when having to walk inside wearing swimwear and kaftan. |With regards to our room, the bathroom has a stale smell in the air and a better hairdryer would be expected.|However, the main reason I am writing this, as someone who rarely ever writes reviews, was our treatment in the restaurant this evening.|On arrival (we were told any time between 7-9pm) we were shown to the secondary space and requested a table in the main room which had more atmosphere and a table where the couple sat is adjacent rather than opposite. We were told this was reserved, which is understood, but were offered no alternative and for the duration of the evening there was another table available in this main atmospheric space which we would have preferred. |I had also emailed a week ago specifically to book a table to ensure we were well accommodated.|As hotel guests, we are always used to being given both priority and friendly service in the establishment you are staying in - neither of which we felt we received throughout the meal experience this evening. |On seating, we had to request for the aggressive AC machine next to us to be turned off and the door to the garden was open letting in a draught whilst people had apéritifs outside. In the end I had to return to my room during the meal for a blazer in order to stay warm.|At the start of the meal we shared that I had a nut allergy in French and English - it is severe, so we are always keen to communicate this.|During the starters, we were given bread, with a butter sprinkled with nuts - it took about 10 minutes and x3 rounds of asking to receive plain butter. During the cheese course, we were offered bread with hazelnuts in and as we left, we were given almond petite fours. I have an hour on eating nuts until my throat closes up and the lack of care of consideration shown by the staff on this matter was utterly shocking and quite frankly makes me nervous for the rest of our stay. |The food overall was very tasty and the cheese cart was divine, what could have been a lovely meal felt overshadowed with a vibe that we were not welcomed as guests.|As a result, we even chose to order far more conservative wine and food choices than we may have otherwise, as we did not want to spend where we did not feel appreciated. |Everywhere else we have stayed on our trip the teams have been warm, friendly and engaging and so far this is not the experience we have had at this hotel, which is...

We arrived today for the final stop of a holiday where we have stayed at various places around the Loire Valley. The reception greeting was average with no form of refreshment drink offered - not even water after a long drive. A group who arrived just after us were ignored whilst we were served, despite there being a secondary member of staff at the desk. We then were told they had us booked as x4 persons staying, when our booking was x2. On arrival to our room there was a cot and camp bed set up, that we had awkwardly sit and watch staff remove, rather than be offered to wait in the bar with a drink which would have been a much more appropriate way to resolve this error. There are no bell boys and staff give a half-hearted offer to assist with luggage, so my husband said he would do this himself. To their credit, the team did carry one bag up, as this was when they were arriving to remove the children’s beds we did not require. We enjoyed some time around the pool, but the space is small and the ground undulating, with few options if you want to be in the sun during late afternoon. To get a drink you have to walk inside to the bar and request, again it feels like there could be a more streamlined experience, especially when having to walk inside wearing swimwear and kaftan. With regards to our room, the bathroom has a stale smell in the air and a better hairdryer would be expected. However, the main reason I am writing this, as someone who rarely ever writes reviews, was our treatment in the restaurant this evening. On arrival (we were told any time between 7-9pm) we were shown to the secondary space and requested a table in the main room which had more atmosphere and a table where the couple sat is adjacent rather than opposite. We were told this was reserved, which is understood, but were offered no alternative and for the duration of the evening there was another table available in this main atmospheric space which we would have preferred. I had also emailed a week ago specifically to book a table to ensure we were well accommodated. As hotel guests, we are always used to being given both priority and friendly service in the establishment you are staying in - neither of which we felt we received throughout the meal experience this evening. On seating, we had to request for the aggressive AC machine next to us to be turned off and the door to the garden was open letting in a draught whilst people had apéritifs outside. In the end I had to return to my room during the meal for a blazer in order to stay warm. At the start of the meal we shared that I had a nut allergy in French and English - it is severe, so we are always keen to communicate this. During the starters, we were given bread, with a butter sprinkled with nuts - it took about 10 minutes and x3 rounds of asking to receive plain butter. During the cheese course, we were offered bread with hazelnuts in and as we left, we were given almond petite fours. I have an hour on eating nuts until my throat closes up and the lack of care of consideration shown by the staff on this matter was utterly shocking and quite frankly makes me nervous for the rest of our stay. The food overall was very tasty and the cheese cart was divine, what could have been a lovely meal felt overshadowed with a vibe that we were not welcomed as guests. As a result, we even chose to order far more conservative wine and food choices than we may have otherwise, as we did not want to spend where we did not feel appreciated. Everywhere else we have stayed on our trip the teams have been warm, friendly and engaging and so far this is not the experience we have had at this hotel, which is...

This is a critic on the restaurant only …

A pleasure that you wouldn't initially expect in this area. Wonderfully situated in a unique landscape, wonderful attention has been paid to the details. We went to the restaurant in the evening and ordered the five-course menu. Considering what has been created here in just a few years, it's great cinema. I can say with full conviction that the Domaine is a new jewel. From the idyllic location to the excellent cuisine and first-class service - this place has everything you could hope for in a future Michelin-winning restaurant.

The restaurant is nestled in picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills not far from the unique vineyards. As soon as you arrive, you can feel the peace and tranquillity of the surroundings, the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable culinary experience.

The interior of the Domaine exudes a timeless elegance, with warm colours, soft lighting and a touch of rustic charm. The service is outstanding from the very first minute - friendly, attentive and extremely professional.

But the true highlight of this gastronomic experience is undoubtedly the cuisine. Each dish is a tribute to French cuisine, with refined flavours and artful presentation.

The menu selection is a symphony of exquisite ingredients and truly beautiful combinations. From delicate starters to exquisite main courses - every dish is a taste sensation (also for the eyes).

The restaurant's wine list also deserves the highest praise for its excellent and truly extensive selection. However, the sommelier could show a little more empathy in terms of recommendations, as you feel a little lost in the large wine list, but all requests are accepted without objection.

All in all, our visit was a wonderful revelation. From the idyllic location to the outstanding service and unrivalled cuisine, this place embodies the best that French gastronomy currently has to offer in Burgundy. An absolute must for foodies and connoisseurs looking for an...