L'Oree des Chenes, The Originals Relais (Relais du Silence)

We stopped here on the way south. A good, out of town place to stop. Didn't quite know what to expect, but sort of had the sense that there was something about "silence" to do with it. Turns out I was wrong, but we had a good night there anyway. The restaurant was fine, but a somewhat limited menu. Staff helpful and friendly - they arranged a place for me to make an unexpected work video call from, much appreciated. The two highlights were: a) the pond and b) the goats. I know a pond might not sound like much, but it was a very nice one, relaxing to walk around, with a few ducks (or maybe swans?). And goats? Well, there used to be goats where my mother lives, so maybe it meant more to me that it might to most. Price seemed ok, but no great bargain.

The rooms didn't have much in the way of ventilation. One window that opened out towards the pond, but as it was on the ground floor didn't seem safe to leave open. And then one very small one in the bathroom. Otherwise, it was all ok. Clean, comfortable bed, etc. Just missing that something special that I was expecting.

Beautiful grounds, well maintained. Convenient location. Quiet tranquil. Very dog friendly and beautiful walks although I noticed there is electric fencing understandably due to the proximity of the woods. No one mentioned if it was switched on during the day, worth asking if you’re free running your dogs.

The hotel bar is in a corner of the restaurant and feels a little squashed. We paid an extra €20 to have a ground floor room as we have two dogs and of course the extra €12 each dog. Not sure why as no carpets in the room just a tiled floor. The room was very dated and the bathroom a disappointment. No separate shower, so the shower is overhead in the middle of the large corner bath. No handrails, when slippery it’s very dangerous. If I had been travelling alone, I wouldn’t have dared use it. The toilet is separate with no window or extractor fan. The restaurant is expensive and rather limited. The hotel offers bar food or other option to eat, which if you’ve had a long journey and just want a light snack it’s not possible.

We have stayed here twice as a stopover when travelling through France. The approach and grounds are lovely with friendly staff and large pleasant rooms. Very dog friendly We rarely have a 'posh' meal out, but to complete this wonderful adventure, a return to our stopover didn't disappoint. It all tasted as good as it looked and also came with appetiser, 'amuse bouche' (Graham had mine and petit fours to finish (Graham had 5 of 6!). Now, back on the road for home and reality after I hope a light breakfast. Feeling fat but happy!

Nothing

Unusual "converted stables" set in flat, extensive parkland with lakes and some roaming animals. Very clean, tidy & peaceful. Lots of car parking. Fabulous, attentive staff & excellent service.

Decor was distinctly dated. Comfortable beds but no air-conditioning, only a small fan. Hard floor could have used bedside rugs. Bathroom needed updating. Evening meal was expensive by our standards, rather fussily presented and some courses lacked flavours worthy of the price. Cheapest wine was outrageously expensive at €45 a 75cl bottle.

For us, this was a perfect stopover after a long drive and before heading to Paris. The beautiful settings with lakes and lovely gardens blew us away and gave us a good rest. I can imagine it being a really good point to explore the Loire valley castles from (for which we sadly didn't have time). We really liked: Large and comfortable rooms Very quiet and peaceful Pool Great restaurant with delicious food and friendly service Very pet friendly

Nothing - we loved it.

Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. We arrived early and were still made so welcome. We even arrived in time for lunch which was a bonus. The staff, without exception, were wonderful. The food was absolutely superb, delicious and beautifully presented. The situation is just beautiful and we loved seeing all the wildlife.

The only thing that could have improved our stay was a stand up or walk in shower as I have a bad knee.

Serene: swans,, ducks, goats in glorious evening sunshine,beautifully landscaped, carefully maintained surroundings, attention to detail impeccable. Comfortable bed, quietly acceptable room ambience, all we needed. impressive!

we dined in your gastronomique restaurant. Food was just right, wines were delicious, selected by sommelier. BUT - only 3 wines on offer with menu that included (fab) cheese course, needed a red to go with this, but had to ask for it as menu addition. Someliier then got distracted by other guests and forgot(?) to serve dessert wines - felt a little hurt and magical evening ended on slightly sour note. Otherwise I’d give 10/10.

Friendly and helpful staff - wonderful grounds for dog walking - great location

I knew that the room was upstairs but hadnt realised that our room was accessed via an external staircase and that therefore no lift was available but the very kind lady on reception offered to help with our luggage. We will visit again but remember to book a ground floor room

Lovely calm surroundings- lots of wildlife. we loved the view out of our window of mist rising over the lake. From time to time a goat would wander by or a duck or swan. Welcoming staff. Dinner in the restaurant was a bit ‘over fancy’ as the French still seem to favour but to the chef’s credit the fish options tasted of fish and were not smothered in the usual creamy sauce so a good effort overall. We decided to pass in the breakfast that seemed over-priced. The whole site is very attractive with numerous very photogenic buildings set among lakes and woodland. The nearby town looked worth exploring with a small château and an interesting monument to the French Resistance.

Rooms were pleasant but basic. ‘Parquet’ floor in the description is actually a tiled floor (mis-translation) so quite why they need to charge €12 for a dog when they would need to mop the tiled floor anyway is a mystery. Also not even a dog bowl provided anywhere. Bathroom was dated. Would be nicer to have a good shower than a bath. The beds were extremely soft. We were somewhat shocked to discover on checking that the wine we chose from an extensive but expensive wine list had been marked up by €30. Nonetheless it was a very nice wine.

Setting and calm Food well conceived however the temperature was warm. Two waiters who were very efficient maybe was not enough for evening service The breakfast was very good and varied - excellent

Housekeeping did not check lighting work Why are bathrobes hidden in cupboards and not on display?