Cute Hotel for a Good Price

We stayed at the Auberge de Bon Laboureur for one night in July 2006. We paid 95 Euros for a basic room. The hotel is very cute. It also has a nice, clean pool which was a lot of fun to use. Our room was very clean and comfortable. We had a flat screen TV and air conditioning. The tub was very small - especially for my 6' 3" husband. Our toilet wasn't working quite right. The staff did come up to try to help but didn't really solve the problem. The hotel does not have an elevator but the most you have to climb are two flights of stairs. There are a few restaurants within walking distance and one at the hotel. The hotel was a good value for the money.

One of our favourites

We stayed at the Bon Laboureur on 13 -15 June 2006, in a room of the old school house. This was our second visit in as many years and was as good as the first. Although accommodated in the same building as before, our room was decorated completely differently and so it felt as if we were visiting for the first time again. Needless to say, everything was immaculate and very comfortable.

We used the swimming pool for the first time and really enjoyed it; just the right temperature and not overlooked.

Our long anticipated return to the restaurant was well worth the wait. One thing we did notice was that most of the other diners were members of tour groups, which did raise the noise level at times and made it difficult for us as a couple to enjoy a quiet aperitif in the lounge. We were also quite surprised that many of the other guests were dressed very casually for dinner; an elegant restaurant like this deserves a little effort! However our meals on both nights were superb, with lots of little extra courses and excellent service.

We will definitely be returning again and again to the Bon Laboureur.

A must go restaurant and hotel

End of February, I took my fiancee for a trip to France to enjoy a romantic visit of Paris and the Loire Valley.

We had a wonderful evening in Chenonceaux at Le Bon Laboureur. Our bedroom was adorable, very cosy. We loved the restaurant as well. Food was outstanding. Many thanks to Muriel, at the reception desk, for making our stay unforgettable.

Pretentious

The hotel and rooms were comfortable and fitted out to a high specification. Although in a bustling village, the windows kept the external noises to a minimum. The problem was simply the food. A place which overs a vast wine list including such beauties as 1947 Ch Montrose and a selection of Ch D'Yqem bottles most certainly has pretentions. However the chef may have been classically trained, unfortunately it was not as a someone with any cooking abilities. We chose the E49 menu (which like its more expensive E69 gourmand menu offers no choice at all). The entree consisted of mi cuit salmon fresh asparagus and a gloop consisting of very strong goats cheese whipped up with creme fraiche. The balance of flavours was non existant with the goats cheese totally dominant. What appeared to be a good idea on paper was obviously never taste tested in the kitchen. The main course of a good piece of cod perfectly cooked was served on an bed of soggy spinach at the bottom of plate of tasty shellfish stock containing brilliant fresh baby tomatoes and some appalling petit pois which must have been picked when sporting beards. The cheese course offered no choice but consisted of two small pices of nondescript rubber and a small pot of inedible gloop consisting of rouille and creme fraiche whisked together. The dessert was another mess with a beautiful quenelle of quality chocolated mousse served with a chunk of praline confection which required a sharp knife and considerable strength to attack. The wine, coffee, service and the amuse bouche were quite laudable.

The worst aspect of the piece was that when we spoke to the owner the following morning he was totally unable to accept any criticism despite the fact that what we said was a personal point of view. It would seem that all he wants is acquiescent Brussels bureaucrats with deep pockets because the place is not cheap. The night stay with drinks (plenty) cost us about £250. This place deserves a thorough examination by michelin and other guides regarding its food.

This hotel is still fantastic

Stayed here for 2 nights in early July 2005. The service was fantastic and the hotel staff were fine even though we did'nt eat in the hotel. Our room was very good with a large double and single in the room. Very good bathroom including shower with good water pressure. We enjoyed a drink in the bar each evening after eating out and received chocolate delicacies with our drink on both occassions. Could'nt fault this hotel at all.

Superb

Must absolutely be the best value miles around. Finely decorated - recently renovated - air conditioned rooms, large for French standards. King bed, not usual in budget hotels in France also. Nice new bathroom with old-style iron tub, separated wc. Breakfast is served at restaurant OR room on a huge tray at no cost!! Beautiful swimming pool in secluded garden, a bonus after visiting 3 chateaux in a day. And on top of this all, if food is your thing, the dining experience is out of this world. Service is remarkable all around. We stayed here the last 3 nights of our 2-week trip in France in June 2004 and lingers on as a magical experience. Chose this place in part after reviews in this and other sites and was a smash hit.

Charming Hotel, Fine Dining

We stayed at the charming Bon Laboureur for two nights in October 2004. It is a wonderful location for exploring the Loire Valley chateaux and vineyards. The staff were helpful and courteous. If you enjoy fine dining, Bon Laboureur is your place. We dined there both nights of our stay. The friendly, relaxed restaurant serves outstanding cuisine paired with an extensive wine list. The service was excellent. I hope Michelin has given a star to this fine restaurant.

The only rub during our visit involved the room assignment. After reserving a superior room over the garden several months in advance, we were told upon arrival that those accommodations were unavailable. The alternative room was acceptable, just not what we were anticipating. That aside, we would surely stay there again.

Great hotel with superb restaurant and service

Stayed here for two nights in September 2004. Room was lovely -- spacious with very up to date shower and toilet, airconditioning, and wonderfully quiet. Buildings are very picturesque and well decorated and maintained inside. Restaurant is excellent. Service was top notch -- on check-in I was shown to my room, shown how to use the AC, television etc. Restaurant serves outstandingly good french cuisine. Highly recommended to anyone looking for accommodation in Chenonceaux or surrounds.

A gem!

At the recommendation of a local wine grower we stayed at the Bon Laboureur for two nights in May 2004 and although the weather was not good we were delighted by our stay. The hotel was charming and peaceful. The restaurant was exceptional and staff friendly and welcoming. The famous chateau was within easy walking distance. A gem!

Best of all

We were so fortunate to find this marvelous small hotel in the Frommer's listing. It is only two blocks from the enterence of the Chateau & a beautiful group of small buildings. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the service is friendly, and the food exceptional. Plan to take your meals at the hotel as there is nothing in the area to compare with the unique menu. We only wished that we could have stayed longer.