Hôtel Diderot

My husband and I stayed at the Hotel Diderot over Easter weekend, using the hotel as our nightly home base after driving and exploring (and even getting magically lost one day) all over that region of the Loire Valley. The beauty of that part of France is one thing, but a hotel that offers an amazing respite in a walkable medieval town after a full day of touring is the icing on the cake. We landed in Paris, then took the TGV down to Tours where we picked up our rental car. (I don't like driving in Paris). Reception at the Hotel Diderot had been well in touch with us before our trip and provided excellent information and instructions for both getting to Chinon and for what to expect when arriving in their car park. From Day 1, our travel stress level disappeared as we were welcomed and shown to our lovely room. Chinon feels like a magical spot in the hectic world. Knowing we were coming on a busy Holiday weekend, reception had emailed us 2 mths out with links to 4 or 5 amazing restaurants within walking distance to the hotel where we could make our reservations through their websites. It was great to get recommendations from the hotel's owners who eat in these restaurants themselves! First impression when we walked in to our hotel room was realizing the owners had carefully curated the decor and bedding that was beautiful and very comfortable. We chose to have breakfast everyday, as I had read the jams, breads and regional cheese were not to be missed. The breakfast did not disappoint. The weather was beautiful while we were there, so every late afternoon before heading off to dinner we would have a drink at their bar, and sit on the terrace. We actually met someone who was staying there also, as we had cocktails, and have remained email friends with them since. I am staying there again this Dec, after signing up for their Christmas cultural escape program. Looking forward to it!

After the bustle and congestion of Paris, The Hotel Diderot was a wonderful place to decompress and discover an actual piece of the French heartland. The family owned Hotel dates back to the 16th Century and is located in the charming town of Chinon in the beautiful Loire Valley. Our room was quant, comfortable, and the beds were great. The historic downtown, great locally restaurants (one of the best meals we had was in Chinon) and midievel fortress were all in walking distance as was a beautiful river walk area. The house breakfast was fantastic. If you want a real French experience, The Hotel Diderot is a great place to do it!

A lovely place to stay whilst in Chinon. Excellent pristine room and bathroom. Access to an outside patio obviously loved and well cared for. Breakfast was great too. Locally produced products of the best quality served well and with care. Wine they stock was fabulous as well. Fair price for fine quality. Staff were courteous and friendly. A calm and gentle place to stay.

Don’t. Just don’t book here if you want a comfortable stay. Nice couple owns this …but it’s outdated and not a comfortable sleep. Pillow are crappy u comfortable,bed okay and the room smells. Was trying to decide if the smell was pot smoked in room - a pesticide sprayed or just moldy mildew smell in there. I was on a Rick Steve’s tour there so did not pick it his hotel - but would not go there on my own, and will critique it in my your review. There had to be a nicer place in town. They need to up there game - people on vacation want a comfortable smell free room

We had a lovely two-night stay at Hotel Diderot. The building, garden and terrace are stunning. Inside is a little creaky as others have said but so full of character. Our room had beautiful old furniture and a view across the courtyard. Comfortable bed though, and we were glad of the fan - nicer than aircon and more than enough to keep us cool. We also had a spotless modern bathroom. We had bikes with us so were very happy about the secure parking - we parked the car in a nearby street and chained the bikes up in the courtyard. The location is excellent - on a quiet street just a short walk from the town centre. The staff are lovely - they speak great English and have good advice about the surrounding area. Overall, a lovely hotel we would highly recommend.

Pros -- lovely breakfast breads, nice courtyard area for drinks, good location for exploring Chinon, fan in room. Cons -- the annex rooms were disappointing, musty smell in main house rooms, lots of rules, could be more welcoming, no eggs and very little protein at breakfast.