Château Fage la Maison des Vignes - Saint-Émilion

It is difficult to explain how such a beautiful place could leave us feeling so disappointed. Upon arrival, the welcome was warm and very friendly, and the pool was perfect—even if, oddly, there were no adjacent showers for guests. It's clear the owners have poured their hearts into reviving what was once a severely neglected property. The restoration is truly impressive, and the attention to detail throughout deserves real recognition. The new hotel wings blend well with the historic house. And yet, despite all this, something felt off. If I were to summarize the experience, it’s as if the engine is running—but in the wrong gear. The rooms, while nicely done, lacked a personal or luxurious touch. The bathroom, for example, had no demisting mirror—a basic feature one might expect at this level. The shower setup was rudimentary: just a handheld showerhead at the end of a hose. Details like this detract from the 4-star expectations. What ultimately tipped the scales to negative for us however was the dining experience—or lack thereof. We knew the restaurant was closed on Tuesdays, and we were told there would be a buffet instead. Unfortunately, the “buffet” consisted of two hot dishes and a few desserts. No bread, no cheese, no salads—none of the fresh, local variety we were led to expect. It felt less like a hotel offering and more like we’d dropped in on someone’s leftovers. This would be understandable in a friend’s home. But this was not a friend’s home—it’s a hotel that positions itself at a premium level with overnight rates reflecting this expectation. Disappointed, we left and drove back to Saint-Émilion for dinner (see my separate review of an excellent restaurant there). The hotel missed an opportunity—not only for dinner revenue, but also for us to try their wines, again more lost revenue. Breakfast was a step up, but again, the restaurant space was closed. Guests were bizarrely seated at a communal table indoors, which felt oddly at odds with the beautiful terrace outside. Why not set tables in the sunshine? Why keep guests inside? Why build a beautiful dining space and then not use it? The unused tables were still set for lunch or dinner. It looked like a show house that is never used! This hotel clearly has great potential, but it feels like it needs someone with real hotel experience to breathe life and soul into it. To lead the team. It did not project a great team vibe where everyone was motivated to take it to the next level. Right now, it feels like a well-restored stage set waiting for the right performance. Perhaps they cannot find the staff needed. We genuinely wish the team success, as it’s clear a lot of heart has gone into this place. But for us, sadly, we won’t be returning based on the lack of a decent catering offer.