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Hotel Review
Hôtel Chais Monnet, Cognac, France
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Situated in the heart of Cognac, beside the Charente river, Hôtel Chais Monnet is the perfect destination for an indulgent trip away. Housed in a 19th century former distillery - formerly home of the Monnet family and their eponymous cognac - this is a truly stunning five-star hotel.
A sweeping driveway makes for an impressive entrance, and a glass pavilion by Didier Poignant makes a striking contrast with the rest of the historic building. Step inside to a reception flooded with light and cool, crisp interiors accented by touches of brandy and gold.
The hotel's spa is perfect for whiling away a relaxing afternoon, with an indoor-outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, plus a menu of treatments to choose from.
A big draw is the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Foudres, located in the ageing cellars of the distillery - the restored cognac barrels make for an impressive backdrop as you sample your seasonal tasting menu.
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Rooms available from £292.64 per night
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MORE INFORMATION
THE LOCATION
This is where Cognac comes from, so why not take the opportunity to do a local distillery tour and sample some local French brandy? Alternatively, head into the Old City and explore the charming streets and shops. You can also walk the promende beside the Charentes river, passing the historic main buildings of the French Cognac houses.
The hotel is 1 hour 30 minutes from La Rochelle, and 40 minutes from the town of Angoulême.
By car: 8 hours 40 minutes from Folkestone, via Eurotunnel. There's free on-site parking.
By plane: direct flights from London to La Rochelle and Bordeaux take 1 hour 40 minutes, with a 1 hour 30 minute onward drive to the hotel. Book flights to La Rochelle or Bordeaux.
CHARACTER & STYLE
Interiors are neutral with touches of warm brown and gold - evoking the cognac that was once distilled here.
THE FACILITIES
The spa is not the biggest, but perfect for a restorative afternoon. The indoor-outdoor pool is ideal for cooling off if the weather is warm, or plump for the sauna if you're looking to raise your temperature. There's a range of treatments to choose from - the facial was especially relaxing.
ROOMS
Bedrooms are pervaded by the hotel's signature scent, L'Esprit; there are 92 in all but the hotel never feels busy. Marble bathrooms have spacious tubs and showers are equally sizeable. Choose a courtyard room and enjoy a ginger beer and cognac outdoors on a balmy evening.
Room types: Deluxe, Premier, Junior Suite, Suite, Presidential Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, complimentary spa access, free Wi-Fi
FOOD & DRINK
You're in for a treat at Les Foudres, vegetarians included - we were treated to an incredible off-menu experience. The lemon soufflé dessert was a real showstopper.
La Distillerie: main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarian options available.
Les Foudres: Michelin-starred. Seasonal tasting menus from 70€ for three courses.
Jazz Bar 1838: cognac-based cocktails and infusions, cocktail-making classes.
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