Hostellerie La Cheneaudiere & Spa – Relais & Châteaux

With only 38 rooms, this hotel is never swarmed with people, which means its peaceful elegance remains unspoiled. From paths through herb gardens and the surrounding wooded hills to quaint dining spaces and terraces with lovely views, this hotel offers many pleasant places to enjoy its enchanting environment. The public spaces have a more traditional feel with carved wood ceiling and a wooden staircase in the reception area. Artwork fills the walls, some modern and whimsical, but mostly traditional scenes of French villages and countryside. The bar is dark and sophisticated yet cozy with black high-back benches, clusters of dark leather chairs, and a white fireplace carved with figures and flanked by cut wood. The fine-dining restaurant is equally sophisticated but lighter, with views of the lush landscape and outdoor seating. Whether indulging in the world-class spa or savoring gourmet meals, this is a hotel where guests travel out of their way to experience the peaceful pleasures of enjoying the good life. 

The hotel is located in a small countryside village in the picturesque Vosges Mountains that's certainly off the beaten path for most tourists in France. It’s mid-way between Strasbourg and Colmar, with both being about a one-hour drive. Strasbourg’s international airport and main train station are also an hour's drive. The closest train station is about a four-minute drive, and there are a few restaurants within a few minutes’ drive or a walk of about 10 minutes. But, the hotel is pretty isolated in a quiet, wooded setting. The noted Alsatian wine towns of Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé are all within about a one-hour drive as well. Trailheads to several relatively easy hikes in the surrounding woodlands can be accessed at the hotel. Parking at the hotel is free. 

Rooms come in several categories and range in size from 269 to 753 square feet; two-bedroom suites are the largest. Each of the rooms are individually configured and decorated, and distinctive in their decor. Some of the larger suites are quite opulent with calf-skin rugs and headboards, antiques, and fur upholstered furniture. Many rooms, especially those in the annex building, have a modern chalet-style that showcases extensive use of light natural wood for ceilings, walls, doors, and armoires. They also feature skylights and large windows that afford lovely views of the surrounding wooded countryside while cascading the space with light. Some suites offer expansive decks with whirlpools and sitting areas, and many rooms have private terraces with furniture and nice views of the mountains. The smaller chalet-style rooms typically have a rather minimalist look with bare, white painted walls and two simple armchairs and small table. Bathrooms are equally distinct. Some are quite large with a walk-in rainfall shower with glass door and separate tub, high-quality tile, and skylights. Others have a natural light wood vanity and framed mirror, and most offer twin sinks, heated towel racks, and magnifying mirror; some have a separate toilet area with sink. All rooms have air conditioning. Each room has a minibar, electronic safe, flat-screen TV with DVD player, robes, and slippers. Wi-Fi is free, although guests report that it's spotty in some rooms. Pets can be accommodated in select rooms for a fee. 

The fine-dining restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with French techniques and Alsace ingredients. Guests rave about the cuisine but report it as expensive. There's also an elegant bar, sommelier service, and excellent French wine list. Free snacks and beverages are offered in the lobby during afternoon hours. About 2,100 square feet of meeting space is available, and the business center has Internet access. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property, but past guests report that it’s spotty in some rooms and certain public spaces. Concierge services can help arrange area activities like golf and hunting. Supervised children’s activities are offered. 

The 21,500-square-foot spa opened in 2014 and is the highlight of the property. It offers a wide range of facilities with many lovely views of the wooded hills surrounding it. Facilities include three pools (indoors and outside) including a floatation pool, four saunas, wood soaking tubs, steam room, and micro-bubbling sensation showers. Treatment rooms offer massage, facials, and various body therapies. The spa has a shop selling its Simple & Honey spa products line as well as clothing. A free brunch buffet is offered to spa guests daily. There is a gift shop just off the lobby as well.