Without a doubt, Le Louis, the MGallery tucked away a few steps from the grandiose palace of Versailles is all about location, location, location. Literally a stone’s throw away from the legendary home of Louis XIV, the swanky 152-room recently renovated hotel is ideally situated for anyone visiting the sights in Versailles.
We arrive at the 4-star hideaway and discover we’ve been bumped up to a suite – always good news! Home for the next 24hours is the Marie Antoinette suite – 332. Will there be cake I wonder?
During check-in the kids test the numerous zesty coloured velvet sofas, armchairs and even discover black, gold rimmed swivelling models that provide much entertainment. Although I’m concerned about the improvised merry-go-around impact and consequences I do my best to look cool and remain calm. I’m not sure it worked.
In the suite named after the ill fated queen, the sofa bed has been opened up, all ready for my son to jump into and a cot arrives pronto for the smallest member of the family. There is some kerfuffle with the mini-bedding but eventually an appropriately sized duvet turns up.
I love the Damman Frères welcome tea and the funky lighting – especially the light cones on either side of the king size bed. The ceiling in the kid’s room, with its Renaissance fresco makes me smile, even more so when I realise it matches the shower door – but I’m not sure about the faux parquet- herringbone carpet. Since we’re in a corner suite, we’re treated to a view on both sides – the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and the road that leads up to the wonderful palace’s golden gates.
At 46 m² this suite is very spacious, with two huge flat screen TVs ( 55″ if you must know) and lovely Clarins products in the bathroom. Another treat! I find no cake, alas, but the minibar drinks are on the house – so we treat ourselves to a coke and the kids to an orange juice.
Dinner is served in the Alcove restaurant by a friendly team who are appear non-plussed by the small children running riot (sort of). The décor matches the entrance, more moss green and taupe velvet, a swirling soft carpet and some refined golden palm-like floor lamps. The most impressive thing in the room though, is the chandelier that hangs over the bar – literally hundreds of down lighters elegantly placed to cover the entire bar, and housed in an oval dome. My kids would beg to differ, they are most impressed by the life-size lion that sits at the entrance to greet diners. Something else to climb on…
restaurant
It’s contemporary French cuisine on the menu, so with our delicious Foie Gras, Avocado Shrimp and Filet de Boeuf with Gratin potatoes, they kindly provide Fish Goujons and much appreciated ‘Frites’ for the junior diners.
My tip? Book a table as the restaurant was fully booked with a mix of tourists and locals on the hunt for a good meal.
The next morning, before heading out to explore the chateau, we head to breakfast. Any adventure requires a good breakfast and we are not disappointed. We take our time over amazing ‘viennoiseries’ – croissants, mini pains au chocolats and chaussons aux pommes – as well as hot food ranging from scrambled eggs to sausages, tomatoes, potatoes, bacon and mushrooms. My son picks up a pear and some organic chocolate cereal, while his sister seems to zone in on the sausages. The adults try a bit of everything, for the sake of research. A couple of cups of café au lait, and we’re ready to set out on our escapade.
Although it’s freezing, it’s no problem – the day is bright, the sun is out and we’re based so close we are soon in past the impressive golden gates. Exploring Versailles is great with kids, especially outdoors. For some reason my son loves all the gold leaf so his day is made thanks to the never-ending ‘bling’. Louise XIV, the Roi Soleil certainly loved all things shiny. My daughter is impressed by any seasonal lights so she is sold too. The vast gardens are ideal for smaller kids to roam free in, and this winter, the Palais de Tokyo museum has curated an outdoor ‘show’ with art dotted around the grounds so there are a few surprises in store. Indoors the exhibits are so far removed from ‘real life’ they can’t help but be impressed. The most fascinating is the Visitors to Versailles which shows the palaces’ exotic guests from 1682 to 1789.
We vow to come back in the Springtime when the rowing boats will be out, and we can even bike around the estate and perhaps even have a picnic. I’m also very keen on taking a golf buggy for a spin (rentals €34/ hour from March to December) – a great way to see the gardens, saving the shortest legs a very long walk!
Hotel Le Louis Versailles Château MGallery By Sofitel , 2 bis avenue de Paris, 78000, VERSAILLES, FRANCE