Domaine du Val - Planguenoual, France 

We were looking for somewhere to spend 4 days incl New Years eve within easy driving distance of St Malo / Dinard airport. My sister had stayed there previously. About 3-4 kms from the village , quite isolated, so you need a car, but within 15-20 mins of the hypermarches etc of Lamballe/St Brieuc. Very traditional French chateau, we stayed within the main building but there are also buildings within the surroundings. We stayed in room 351, a superior room It was euros 165 per person per night half board for a double room. Lovely room, faded grandeur style, with colourful tiled bathroom and jacuzzi bath. Strange noise at 5am every morning which I initially thought was rodents, but after my sister pointed out they do not keep to a timetable I realised was just birds on the roof at dawn... Staff very friendly. All other guests french which was nice. Food REALLY good. Traditional french country food, rabbit, pigeon, deer etc. Fish also good. Too much food, we were on half board, which meant every night, an amuse bouche, starter, main course, cheese and dessert. On news years eve it was even more courses, we left at 1:30 am as course 4 was just being served.... Only criticism is that the main dining room in the chateau is very quiet, literally, you can hear a pin drop even when full of people, but I found a bit discomforting.

Our idea of chateau/hotel perfection was realized with this hotel. While not deluxe as in an urban hotel, the chateau and its furnishings are authentic. Comfort details like a good mattress and modrn bathroom have been well executed while the overall ambiance could take the visitor back to the 18th C. The staff were helpful and hospitable. Dinner was well-prepared and well-presented. We really hated to leave when our itinerary demanded that we move on. While we were there on a romantic vacation, there were children at the hotel who seemed to be welcome and well-accomodated.