Mr & MRS Smith HÔTEL Chais Monnet

Beautifully renovated chais with a nice touch of modernity. Large rooms. Michelin-star restaurant is pretty delicious. Breakfast is more average, swimming pool is indoor (sun-beds outside possible). A bit of a surprise but No Cognac production there…

We stayed for two nights at the end of October. This was our second time staying at the hotel, this time with my parents in law, and it was even better the second time round. Before our stay we had joined the Leaders Club hotel rewards programme (free to join), as they offered the best rate. At check in, we not only received a very friendly welcome, but a complimentary upgrade, which was such a nice surprise. Our room was a garden room and it was large and beautifully appointed. The only thing missing was a kettle to make a proper cup of tea (you can make hot water in the coffee machine). Included in our stay was a free breakfast, which we thought might just be a small continental, but we were given access to the full buffet breakfast which was a huge bonus as it was very extensive and served in delightful surroundings. It was one of the highlights of our stay. On our last evening we had a drink in the bar. The setting is stunning and we were the only ones in there, meaning service was quick and attentive. Unfortunately during this stay we didn’t get the chance to use the pool or spa, but that just means we will have to come back again. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Hotel Chais Monnet to anyone. It is such a treat and the service is truly impeccable. My parents in law haven’t stopped talking about it and would love to return too.

This hotel is such a fabulously designed and warm hotel, which blends traditional design with fresh, modern looking rooms. We genuinely could see ourselves hanging out here for weeks. Service was extremely friendly and proactive throughout, and is just such a calm and relaxing place to be. We tried the spa experience, and honestly one of the most relaxing massages we’ve had in a while. The spa team is great! The normal bar was closed when we visited, but the replacement bar on the rooftop/terrace was an equally-nice replacement, and the cognac-based cocktails were delicious. Daily breakfast had a lot of variety, and food in the restaurant was fresh and well-executed. Also, there’s a tonne of really interesting and unique art pieces throughout the hotel. In particular, we liked the metal sculptures that spell out words (I forget what the piece was called). If there’s just two things I wish that were different, it would be: - “Brunch” on Sunday ends *earlier* than breakfast on other days, is not any different than breakfast offering. Either change the service times, or don’t call food that is served before 10am (I forget the exact time) “brunch” 🙂 - It seems like there’s some cognac distilling on site or associated with the house? If so, tours of it would be great!

Th property was gorgeous. Everything from The layout to the tranquil ponds and plants and the room design evoke luxury and relaxation. The staff for the most part were excellent. There was one rude lady checking us in for breakfast who chastised me for not speaking French. I hadn't spoken French in many years and had brushed up on some basic phrases, but she was speaking very fast and I couldn't understand her so I asked if she spoke English (all the other staff members did and were polite about it). She proceeded to lecture me and my husband about visiting a country and not speaking the language. Normally I would have given the attitude right back, but I didn't want anyone tampering with my food, and my 3 year old was already getting fussy. That was very inappropriate of the staffer. However, other than that it was a great experience.

Service from the roof top was poor too long to get the drinks then we booked the Distillery restaurant all good but the food came out cold, I felt so embarrassed in front of my friends who came from the uk to visit Cognac purposely. I would not recommend this experience to anyone.