Abbaye de Maizieres

The short, arched entrance can be tricky to find, but the old stone walls framing it are just a taste of the hotel's historic interiors. Dating back to the 12th century -- with an even older Roman wall -- the property was previously owned by the monks of Maizieres Abbey from 1301 until the French Revolution. Now a boutique hotel with just 12 rooms, interiors hint at its past with exposed stone, stunning vaulted stone ceilings, stained glass, and a steep spiral staircase (staff are quick to carry luggage upstairs for guests). The dim, atmospheric lobby has colorful wall tapestries, heavy oak furniture, and a few sofas, plus most strikingly, beautifully preserved vaulted ceilings. Around the corner from the front desk is the restaurant and bar area with both wooden dining sets and cozy couches. The hotel primarily welcomes romancing couples, who are attracted to the historic charm of the property and excellent setting in one of France's most well-known wine regions. 

History and wine enthusiasts will likely appreciate the hotel's quaint, central setting on a small street in Beaune, which is in the center of the famous Burgundy wine region. Notre Dame Cathedral is a two-minute walk, while 1443-founded former almshouse, Hospices de Beaune, is a four-minute stroll. Small restaurants, cafes, and wine shops dot the surrounding streets. The Burgundy Wine Museum is four minutes away on foot and the Beaux Arts Museum is twice that. The main Carnot Square is a five-minute walk and a seven-minute drive will get you to Palais Des Congres convention center, which houses many wine exhibits. Five-minute drives to the north allow travelers to explore Cote de Nuits' fine red wines, while 20-minute drives south to Cote de Beaune offer the region's chardonnays and many wine estates line routes. An airport shuttle stops a five-minute walk from the hotel, and the town is well-connected near a highway. Beaune train station is a 15-minute walk and the nearest Dole Jura Airport is a 45-minute drive.

Design varies a bit by room, though all are charming and beautifully presented, with exposed stone, primarily neutral-tone decor, stone floors, and charming accents such as chandeliers, wall tapestries, and wood beams. However, standard rooms start at a tight 16 square meters (172 square feet), and all rooms are reached via stairs. Comfy beds, desks with chairs, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are provided, but rooms lack fridges and kettles. Upgraded rooms have larger seating areas and desks, plus add on Nespresso machines, slippers, and robes. A two-story suite and suite with two bedrooms and living rooms are available. two have two bedrooms, and full living areas. All rooms have safes in wardrobes, though upgraded rooms have lovely antique armoires. Traditional rooftop views are quaint, but windows are small.

The rooms' exposed stone extends to modern bathrooms with conical sinks, and either small showers, shower/tub combos, or jetted tub and separate shower in the duplex suite. All showers have rainfall showerheads, and upscale Clarins toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers come standard.

Given the hotel's housed in a small, historic building, it's not surprising that amenities are few here. However, off the lobby is an atmospheric restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is a mix of continental buffet and made-to-order a la carte options, alongside fresh-squeezed juices, tea, and coffee. Le Castrum Cafe's dinner menu uses local produce and the region's wines for many of its dishes, including Beef Bourguignon, traditional "escargots" snails, and poached pears in Burgundy wine. Wine is also available at the lounge bar. Housed in what used to be the monk's winery is a small indoor pool. Massages can be arranged. Valet parking is at a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.