Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle

"Set within the grounds of the Château de Versailles, this hotel has seven rooms, six suites, and one lavish apartment, all with period-correct decor and modern luxury comforts. Features include guided tours of the Palace of Versailles, a Valmont spa, and a 15-meter indoor swimming pool. Dining is by Alain Ducasse at Le Grand Control." - Tina Meyer

"In 2021, French hotel company Airelles opened Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, a luxury hotel located within the the Château de Versailles, the famous royal residence that first opened in the 17th century and is perhaps most associated with the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette." - Nicholas DeRenzo, Michelle Baran

"This luxurious establishment in the Airelles hotel is steeped in history and inextricably linked to the Palace of Versailles. It combines theatrical staging – with diners being greeted by a valet, and staff in period costume – and cuisine tailored to the occasion. Devised by Alain Ducasse, the menu comprises dishes made with premium produce that reflect the great man's commitment to naturalité. Entrusted to chef Stéphane Duchiron, the food is a masterclass in technical skill, with everything expertly cooked and seasoned, and high-quality sauces and jus bringing out the forthright, distinctive flavours of the ingredients." - Michelin Inspector

"Afternoon tea at Versailles is an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a place steeped in history, and is decorated with gilding, heavy curtains and furniture designed in the unadulterated 18th century tradition." - Guide MICHELIN

"Why book? This regal address lets you retrace the footsteps of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and feel feel like part of the royal family, from waking up in opulent 18th-century furnishings with a view of the Château de Versailles to enjoying a bountiful feast at the helm of Alain Ducasse—costumes and a personal butler included. Set the scene Game nights in the common living room will force you to leave your smartphone behind, while guided after-hours tours of the château (including an empty Hall of Mirrors) and morning outings to the secluded Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet with an intimate group of French history buffs and swank jet-setters will make you feel like you’re the only guests on premises—because you are. With only 14 suites, each named after notable historical figures including Jacques Necker and Marquis de Fouquet, and the staff dressed in 18th-century garb, it’s easy to forget what era it is. The backstory Unveiled in June 2021, this is the first hotel set within the stately grounds of the Château de Versailles. A trio of buildings dating back to 1681 and most recently used for the French National Army—Le Grand Contrôle, Le Petit Contrôle, and the Pavillon—have been reawakened by luxury hotel group Airelles, an LOV subsidiary. Paris designer Christopher Tollemer led the ambitious endeavor that spanned over four years of meticulous restorations at a cost upwards of $48 million, excluding the decoration. Backed by a team of experts, every silver spoon, antique armoire, and gilded portrait tells the tale of life pre-French Revolution. The rooms Every one of the 14 rooms and apartments takes its cues from a more opulent era, with chevron parquet or terracotta flooring, whimsical wallpaper by Pierre Frey, chandeliers, and marble fireplaces setting the tone—elegant without being ostentatious. Antique furniture including canopy beds (some pieces once belonging to the palace itself) decorate the ample space. The most intimate chamber is a comfortable 375 square feet, while the grandest suite (at over 1,200 square feet) unravels like a lavish palace apartment. Both children and pets are made to feel at home in the two-bedroom suites. Food and drink Dinner takes a theatrical turn when feasting like King Louis XIV in the ceremonial dining rooms. A reimagined five-course meal helmed by chef Alain Ducasse—a culinary legend with 20 Michelin stars to his name—begins with broth and includes the Sun King’s favorite egg with caviar and veau à la bourgeoise, plus a performance worthy of an encore. During the wine pairing, each crystal glass looks like it’s been plucked straight from the 18th century, as does the waitstaff, decked out in period costumes designed by Terre et Ciel. Even the porcelain plates, created by the Royal Manufacture de Limoges, are a replica once used by Louis XV and Louis-Philippe. A much lighter but equally elegant affair, afternoon tea à la Marie Antoinette is served in the sitting room. Meanwhile, the “garden” cocktails infused with champagne are inspired by André Le Nôtre, one of the creators of the Versailles gardens. The spa The subterranean Valmont spa with its Carrara marble checkerboard and hand-painted frescos invites guests to step into present-day wellness with a reminder of the opulence of centuries past. Splurge on the signature 90-minute Majestic Mirror facial treatment or the 75-minute Sun King massage using hot oil by Maison Caulières, followed by a dip into the swimming pool. You’ll emerge more rejuvenated and ready to don your crown. The neighborhood/area There’s no better reason to bid farewell to Paris and head to Versailles than a visit to the château the town is famous for. And since you’ll be living on the premises, why venture beyond the palace gates? The service White-glove service is taken to another level as soon as you enter the stately doors and are assigned a personal butler. Your gracious host will be happy to organize any activity you can imagine: private tours of the hotel, golf cart rides through the maze of gardens, three-course picnics on the lawns of the Grand Canal, or candlelight dinners in the privacy of your apartment. Nothing is too lavish, for the right price. Ask for the “king’s wake-up call” to rise to classical music and a bubble bath accompanied by crystal glasses of orange-scented milk, and you might be spoiled for life. For families Three suites—Paul de Beauvilliers, Loménie de Brienne, and Marquis de Fouquet—accommodate up to four people, providing plenty of space for children to sprawl out on the sofa bed. The obliging butlers will eagerly plan kid-friendly activities, televisions not included. Anything left to mention? Check-in early so as not to miss the after-hours tour of the Palace of Versailles, and be sure to pack both your appetite and cocktail attire." - Kasia Dietz