Hotel Le Manoir les Minimes

Hotel Le Manoir les Minimes is situated in a classic 18th-century style manor house set right along the river. It's built on the grounds of a medieval monastery for which the hotel is named. The two-story building features charming white shuttered windows and a string of purple wisteria. The adjacent cottage, home to some of the property's guest rooms, is equally charming with a lattice facade built for climbing vines. The grounds aren't huge, but the patch of green out front, surrounded by a stone parking area, is meticulously manicured and features a small stone fountain. Inside, decor is French country, a style that wavers, particularly in rooms, somewhere between homey and stately. Dark antique wood furniture, parquet floors, long drapes, and classic upholstered chairs are spread out across library and lounge spaces where guests can relax, making the manor feel more like a country house than a hotel. Extra features are limited, but the double rooms, intimate feel, and convenient location are major draws for couples, who are the property's primary guest.

Hotel Le Manoir les Minimes is situated in a quiet spot overlooking the Loire River with the Ile d'Or on one side. In the other direction sits the impressive Château Royal d'Amboise -- the hotel offers a great view of it, and it's less than a five-minute walk from the property. The heart of historic Amboise, which has lots of dining options, is an easy walk, about five minutes. Château du Clos Lucé, which was once home to Leonardo Da Vinci, is about a 15-minute walk. The train station, Gare D'Amboise, is a 15-minute walk or four-minute drive. Free parking is available on site.

The hotel's 15 individually decorated rooms feature French country style that ranges from more homey and rustic to classically luxe. Rooms often feature Old World furniture like antique wood dressers or upholstered chairs, while exposed wood beams can add a charming, cozy feel. The color palette tends to consist of soft creams and browns with rust-red accents. Many rooms are carpeted, but some have tiled floors. Bathrooms also vary, from fully tiled to marbled, with anything from a walk-in shower to a separate shower and roomy corner tub.

Rooms also range from adequately sized to spacious, with the smallest starting at just over 200 square feet and the largest Prestige Manoir Suite over two times that size. Upgraded rooms may add sleeper sofas, fireplaces, and other extras. Not all rooms are situated in the manor; some are in the adjacent cottage and guests should note that there is no elevator to second-story rooms. Many rooms have views of the river and/or Amboise castle.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs with international channels, MP3 players, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also have small but nicely stocked minibars, though there's no coffee/tea service. The hotel requests that guests do not consume outside food in the rooms. 

Put plainly, this small historical property has limited features. There's a charming dining-room style breakfast area where a daily continental breakfast is served on porcelain plates, with old standards like seasonal fruit, cereal, pastries, cheese, ham, yogurt, and eggs. But, it costs an extra fee. The advertised "bar" is more a bureau of liquor, but there are plenty of lounge spaces to enjoy a drink, including umbrellaed seating on an outdoor terrace. There's no restaurant on-site, and some guests complain that there is a strict policy about prohibiting food and drink in rooms (though that doesn't apply to the contents of the minibars).

In part because it's a small property, the hotel can provide personal service not typical at larger hotels, including concierge service for booking car services, laundry service, making reservations, or arranging beauty treatments or fitness sessions. There is, though, no fitness or wellness facilities on-site. Wi-Fi and parking are free. There's a computer for guest use in the lobby.