Le Chambord Caterers, Inn and Restaurant

Visited Le Chambord last Saturday night. We were very excited and had already decided our choices for dinner from their online menu. I might mention that a wedding was also going on and we were told to sit and relax after our drinks arrived. After relaxing for too long, our appetizers were served; then a longer wait for salad. My entrée was filet mignon and shrimp scampi. I was shocked when I sliced into my filet only to find instead of medium rare — it was not cooked at all, it made me sick. The outside was not pan seared as shown on the menu, it was barely brazed. I tried the scampi– again — shock! NO GARLIC — just 3 shrimp sitting in butter. The couple behind us complained that his ossobucco? was overdone and not enjoyable. From 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. — way too long. I took the filet mignon home and cooked it on the grill with some much needed flavoring and after 5 minutes on each side, the same as my husband’s steak which was grilled with it — I was able to eat it. Will not be visiting Le Chambord again. Don’t go when there is a wedding.

Le Chambord Inn
East Fishkill, NY
May 2016
With over 180 reviews TripAdvisor gives this place 4 stars. To be clear and honest, our stay wasn’t uncomfortable or unpleasant in any way. The Le Chambord is, as all the literature suggests… Nestled just a few miles off the Taconic Parkway on the boarder between New York and Connecticut the Le Chambord Inn is a quaint, charming, old world inn. That said, our experience was confusing and the facility was surprisingly antiquated with some out-​right laughable things I have detailed here.
The view of the main house when you drive up is stunning. When we arrived the parking was sparse so we decided to run in and register without unloading the car first. Entering the main building was a bit confusing. The «main door» seemed to be entering the kitchen and the only other door led into the restaurant. We eventually found the front desk and checked in. Good thing we didn’t bring our luggage because our rooms were in another building. It seemed odd that the person checking us in mentioned that guests are told not to bring luggage in when they make their reservations but there was no mention of it in the online reservations and during three phone calls prior our arrival it was never mentioned. Hearing this for the first time we enjoyed our luck but felt badly for the Nun and elderly woman who came in behind use dragging their luggage in from the parking lot through the kitchen to check in… There also no bell service.
There was no signage in the parking lot guiding us to the other building but there were only a hand full to choose from so a short drive around the poorly maintained but ample parking lot and unmarked buildings finally led us to the right place. There was no signage inside the building to guide us to our room but we quickly deduced that if the rooms on the first floor were numbered in the 20’s then 32 must be upstairs. There was no elevator so it was a good thing we just had the one bag. Sure hope the Nun and her friend got a room on the first floor… Nope! Bumped in to them in the hall outside our room later. Our room was spacious and appointed in Ethan Allen, American Provincial décor.
At first glance it seemed stylishly antique but a closer look revealed it to be more antiquated than antique. This proved to be a common theme as we discovered a surprising lack of normal amenities. There were very few electrical outlets and they were all hidden begin heavy furniture. And, of course, already fully loaded with the «modern» entertainment system, a small, 25 year old TV and matching cable box. The five desk lamps, which left the room poorly lit due to very low wattage incandescent bulbs many of which were blown. The phone appeared to be a prop left over from a 70’s made for TV movie. The last time I saw a phone like this Buddy Ebsen was playing Barnaby Jones on TV! I call it a prop because it didn’t actually work because it only appeared to be plugged in. The jack had broken and someone had simply stuffed the wire into the hole. Noticing the jack still there, I attempted to plug the phone in correctly but the locking pin in the plug was broken so I held the plug in the jack as I called the front desk to ask what the wifi password was… of course… there was no answer… so… I left a message but never heard back. Given the antiquity of all the other amenities, I’m more surprised that there was any wifi at all.
There was a disappointing lack of information on site. Nothing handed out when we checked in and nothing in the room. Literally, nothing. We did find a menu for the «mini-​bar». It listed an $ 18 bottle of wine, among other things but the in-​room fridge had only a few mini bottles of booze and a couple of sodas… No wine.
We found dust on all the furniture, broken light bulbs, the fan in the bathroom didn’t work and the funniest part of the whole stay was finding an envelope with a hand written request to tip housekeeping. LOL! We left them a nice note.
For all its quaint charm at $ 150/​night the Le Chambord Inn came across as unnecessarily miserly.

Pretty OK for a smaller place in the area — reminded me of The Poconos. Rooms are very musty (carpet, sofa?) — if you’re sensitive to that odor, beware. It was cold when we we were there and the heating unit is so powerful yet so dry it’s like having waves of desert air on you. Then you turn off and it’s freezing. My shower had one tiny position on the control between freezing and scalding. It was almost impossible to get right. I actually burnt the top of my foot. I was there for a wedding and did not love the food. The servers and staff were all very nice and accomodating. Salad was fine. Baked Brie was all puff pastry and hardly any Brie. I did not eat my entrée (filet mignon? it was cold) and salmon had butter all over it. They are very fond of over-​salting food. Even the carrots and broccoli were over-​salted. Overall, it was fine, but manage your expectations before you arrive!

My Aunt and 7 cousins I went for lunch today for our Christmas gathering. LeChambord is an 19^th Century Inn that oozes charm. It is great for an overnight, a special celebration or that special lunch or dinner. Joseph is the manager and he anticipates your every need before you know you even need. The service is impeccable, with a European flair. Javier was our server. The owner, Mr. Benich, came in to say welcome and Happy Holidays which was a very nice touch. You felt welcome and catered to from the time you sat down till they smiled and said good-​bye.
The Inn is beautifully decorated for Christmas and the miniature village in the hallway is worth a second look. The meal was beyond our wildest hopes, and the presentation was over the top. We finished with coffee and amazing desserts. We honestly almost licked the plates. Everything is made in house and «boy oh boy» can you tell. I would totally recommend that if you are in Southern Dutchess you make a stop at LeChambord a «must». You will not be sorry.

I came to dine here for lunch this August. The atmosphere was peaceful, the service; phenomenal. I had the Prince Edward Island Mussels to start and the Gnocchi dish as well. It was delicious!

My wife and I discovered LeChambord Restaurant two years ago, after we tried everything in the Southern part of Dutchess County, close to our house. Now we stopped once a month to eat at LeChambord, with a friend or just the two of us when we have a lazy Sunday and would like eating out.
Here are the things we appreciate the most:
–quiet restaurant surrounded by charming grounds, feel like you are Upstate NY. Excellent to dine or to have business meetings.
–the classical and jazz music in the background adds to the European atmosphere.
–our favorite dishes: Chambord Cobb Salad; Roast Colorado Rock of Lamb and Soufflé for Two Baked
–elegant and impeccable service.
–wide selection of wines.
Also, my favorite gifts to my friends or business associates is to send them a Gift Certificate to LeChambord.
Thank you for being here to everyone from LeChambord.

This is a place you travel to when you want to ‘dine’. Dining is a lost art in many restaurants, but not at Le Chambord. From the moment you walk in and are seated, until the last moment you stand to leave, you are catered to with impeccable service. If you appreciate fresh, «from scratch» prepared foods and sauces, go visit Le Chambord. If you want the best meat cuts available in the Hudson Valley, go visit Le Chambord. If you appreciate the time it takes to prepare your meal from scratch with the freshest, quality ingredients, make a dining reservation there. You will be happily pleased and satisfied. (Also– if you happen to love souffles, as I do, be sure to order one with your meal… oh my word, your taste buds will be happily delighted).
If you are planning a wedding and need a venue to have the wedding, reception and lodging, look no further! Le Chambord will take care of all of this for you. Their weddings are breathtakingly beautiful, and the reception ballroom even has it’s own built in wooden full bar. You won’t find that at many venues. I have a friend who just had a wedding there and saw the photographers wedding album… it was beautifully captured at this stunning location.
I am enamored with this restaurant, the owner, and the staff. I cannot wait for my next dining experience at Le Chambord.

I’ve had the Shepard’s pie, Caesar salad and French onion soup, and it was so good!!! And love the house and décor!

I have conflicted feelings about this place, because there were equal parts positive and negative.
I was there for a wedding reception and was part of the wedding party. We had a cocktail hour, dinner, and late night after party in the bar downstairs.
Hotel and Grounds
Pro: The grounds themselves were beautiful. The Inn is located off a back road near the woods so you get seclusion and a great place to take pictures.
Cons: No cons on the grounds.
Pro: I stayed at the main building where you checked in. Each room I explored looked different but all were fairly large and had the same amenities. I’ll talk about my room though. I had a queen sized bed in a large room. The TV was small, but honestly who is there to watch TV? The bed was hard but I like a firmer mattress. I am sensitive to dust, however, even for an old place, it did not aggravate my allergies. The downstairs bar felt like an old school smoking room.
The cocktail hour took place in a very nice pavilion. The reception was in the main dining room with plenty of room for tables and a dance floor.
Cons: The bathroom looked recently redone, but the toilet was shaky. It physically moved back and forth. A groomsmen in the room next to me had a toilet overflow so they might want to check their toilets. Yes I know the place is old and that’s part of the charm, but the rooms needed a general cleaning. There was an obvious stain on the comforter. The windows are very old and do not seal well (they must pay a fortune in heating/​cooling). Since they do not seal well and the inn is near the woods, bugs get in. I lived in upstate NY for most of my life so I understand that bugs get in, but you think they could vacuum the hundred dead lady bugs around the window while turning-​over the room. Also they thought I had two people in my room and tried to charge me double. The place was already expensive so I thought that was outrageous, even though it was just myself.
Food
Pro: The food that was good was delicious. At the cocktail hour, there was penne vodka, meatballs, pork, turkey, green beans, egg rolls, cheese and crackers, and lamb, oh the lamb. The lamb ribs were perfectly cooked and seasoned. There was other cocktail food, but at this point the open bar had hit me. The dinner was chicken, steak, and salmon. The steak was pink and rare with really creamy mashed potatoes. The cookies for dessert were on key, so I filled up a container to take some with me for the after party. I think we got the cake from somewhere else. The breakfast the next morning was turkey, ham, fruit, and an assortment of scones and muffins. Great for nursing that hangover.
Cons: The food that was bad was bad. The chicken, turkey, and pork was very overcooked. I tried the chicken dinner and I had to gnaw on it. There was lots of cream in the other meat dishes to cover it up.
The Service
Pros: If I asked for something, I got it, quickly with no questions asked. The waiters were very responsive and helpful. I think we had the same two bartenders the entire night, and they did not skimp. When I asked for a Jack and Coke (which I did frequently), I got a Jack and Coke, not watered down cola with a splash of Jack and enough ice to sink the titanic.
Cons: When I called to reserve my room, the person on the phone was very rude and I could barely understand them. Nobody else who called spoke with this person and I did not interact with them at the party, so I’m thinking maybe it was a last day.
I want to give this place 4 stars, but what they messed up on really simple things.

Went here for Easter brunch today and it was a disappointment. Where do I start… some of the buffet food was COLD and did not taste very good. The sauce for the penne had no taste. The cheapest type of sauce possible at a supermarket would taste better than that. The price was $ 39 per adult which did not even include drinks. Any other brunch I’ve attended included bottomless mimosas. The mimosas were expensive and were very small glasses. Another thing we noticed was that there was no cheese platter or pastries. This is very very odd considering the name of the place «le chambord.» There was nothing French about it.
To top it off the service wasn’t any better than the food. We had to ask for things various times before we actually got it. Although coffee was included with the price, our waiter never mentioned if we would like to have some and when we realized coffee was included it took us about 20 minutes and various requests to even get the coffee to our table.
It was Defintely not worth the money. We were hungry again about an hour later because most of
Us just picked on the food. There was nothing great about it.
If this was their first brunch then I could understand but I don’t think that’s the case. This is why I am giving it a 2 star.

I was here for a wedding weekend, and I have a very mixed review of this place.
The Grounds
Holy cow this place is gorgeous; every room every place at this venue so amazing. I loved where we dined and where the wedding was held. I could’ve lived without the place where the ceremony was held; not very well taken care of (especially after the rain) and a bit too chaotic for ceremony/​cocktail hour events. Free parking in a big lot is a bonus.
Friday Night Rehearsal Dinner:
The rehearsal was a bit chaotic itself, but party manager Joseph steered us in the right direction eventually. The dinner part was what went wrong. First off, the service was super slow, when we had to be up early to get ready for the wedding the next day (and most of us were traveling to hotels away from the venue). The food itself was only mediocre and barely edible. My friend who is gluten free was promised a gluten free meal, but it took them forever and at the end, she still couldn’t eat most of the stuff they gave her (because it had gluten!) When we complained about all of this, especially in terms of the timing of everything thing they said «oh no, that’s how we do it here; we like everyone to relax and enjoy themselves and the food is cooked to reflect that enjoyment» What a line of BS if I ever heard one. The other issue was the alcohol; the bride and groom made sure that it was an open bar event and they would cover the cost etc etc. However, when we kept asking for drinks they kept giving us the evil eye and practically refusing to serve us — like there’s a shortage of Jack Daniels in the world and you are the last salvagers of it — let it go peeps, it’s being paid for! Also, it’s not nice to judge people; we aren’t alcoholics, but we need our booze. This was the only time the staff was not so nice to us.
Saturday Prepping for the Wedding
Ok, so they hooked us up with a nice big room where we could get ready. Now this wasn’t the most comfortable room, but it was workable. Joseph (who I’ve determined is the man!) checked in on us frequently. When I batted my eyes and said I could use more coffee, he went and got us coffee, tea, and wine!
Saturday — The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
The ceremony went okay, but the grounds were still too wet and the staff and the photographer insisted we do photos behind the chupah area, and well it was wet and muddy and it felt like I was stepping into quicksand. I ruined my shoes because of this. Cocktail hour was only okay; the food was not great and it wasn’t exactly kept so hygienically. The wait staff would disappear anytime you would need something.
Saturday later — the Reception/​Party
I love this room; it’s beautiful and big and has two bathrooms. The staff was super fast and friendly. The food was a little better, but still not great. Gotta love the bartenders; they took care of us! Joseph went around ensuring everything was perfect, and this part really was.
Saturday night — Staying in the Hotel Room
I finally got to see my room at this point and it was quite nice and cozy. Not the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in, but decent. They were really good about giving us a late check out and were nice to us until we left.
There were too many inconsistencies with this place; I’m not sure I’d come back here anytime soon.

Came here for a nice birthday dinner with a large group. The staff were awesome and really attentive (and not stuffy), and provided a nice meal. We had lamb that wasn’t particularly better than what I’ve had carefully made at home, but it was nice nonetheless.
Biggest gripe comes from their lack of a full bar (physically, there’s only a service bar) and drink options. There’s plenty of port, scotch, and wine, but not much in the way of cocktails.
I probably wouldn’t go again for any normal event, and it wouldn’t be my first choice when there are so many fabulous restaurants in the HV area, but it’s a great place if you’re looking for a classy, classic meal, particularly for a big group.

Should be Le Shame. Meal: Stuffed sole was fishy, not fresh, sauce tasted bland. Pork schnitzel was very dry. Dessert: pumpkin cheesecake was dreadful, more like a tastless mousse with a rubbery pumpkin gelee inside. We couldn’t eat it. Waiter didn’t even ask if we wanted to take it home. Apparently he had tried it, too.

What a place! (and not in a good way).
After arriving at the house Sunday afternoon, the place looked beautiful and figure it would be a great stay. After checking in and going up to our room, #41, we began to realize that this place may have been a mistake. There were stains and the rug and dead bugs on the window sills which you know where there for quite some time. The pillows were old and flat as if they needed to be changed years ago. In addition, when we walked into the room we noticed one of the ceiling lightbulbs are out and the one light next to bed was not working. Upon calling downstairs, a woman answered the phone as told us to check «behind the bed, they probably unplugged it when they were vacuuming» which was the fact, although it looked like no one has vacuumed that room since there was crap all over the floor. When asked about the ceiling light, she asked «do you really want me to have someone come up and change it». I think the best part of the lack of service and dirty room, was the fact that there was a used envelope that had been reused many many times that had written on it «Tips for the housekeeper». Really? Tips? How about paying someone to come clean the room, change the lightbulbs, and maybe when there vacuuming, to have them vacuum up the dead bugs on the windows sills.
The room was very florally, as well as the chairs, and the comforter but what really made the room nice, was the bathroom. The bathroom had a sink which was very low (came up to my knees) and was decorated with beautiful pictures of the resurrection of Jesus and a picture of Mary above the toilet. For a second, I had a moment of peace thinking I was at Church and not a B&B.
Not to be to critical, The food was awesome and the wine was great. Having an allergy they were NOT accomidating at all and basically told me that nothing can be done. I think they were just having a bad day considering our party of 4 each had different special menus and different dinner menus. The real game was guessing who had the right menu and the right special menu. It turned out then when we went to order off the special menus, the waiter grab them and told us to pretend they didn’t exist. So in the end, i drank heavily and had I the steak with no sides which made for a great night sleep (with one eyed open of course because those dead bugs on the window sill may of still had some friends hiding in the room). What made the dinner terrific was the company we were with.
The next morning the free breakfast was delicious and couldn’t wait to get out of there. Thanks for reading this, and my review should be as followed:
Great food; In need of a major touch up on the rooms and a little customer service. Try the food, stay away from the rooms.

Wow, what a place. The meals are very good and the ambience is so romantic. The old mansion is nicely maintained and the whole dinner experience was memorable. The maître d’, Joseph, made the occasion a special one.

We reserved at Le Chambord after my cousin said she could only put us up for one night and we found out it’s the best value in the area and had great reviews. I checked with local family, who said that another cousin was married there, and it’s a beautiful place. When my cousin’s plans changed and she invited us to stay another night, I called to see if we could cancel. They bent their 48-​hour cancellation rule to let us out of it at no charge. Their consideration was much appreciated!

Attended a holiday buffet dinner for Thanksgiving. Food was mediocre to downright bad. Turkey tasted like it came out of a can. Maître d’ was absolutely unforgivably rude to me and my party, which was the worst part of all. An F minus to Le Chambord! I don’t know what the everyday dining room is like, after that experience and ruined family thanksgiving I would never return.

Please don’t wait for a «special» occasion to treat yourself to some of the most wonderfully prepared food you’ll ever have! My husband and I have enjoyed dining here a few times in the past, and on a recent Friday night we went with my sister and her husband. We were the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave! Our waitor, Josh, took good care of us while attending to others dining as well. We had wine and drinks and wonderful appetizers and fun tasting each others dishes here and there. While the atmosphere is physically a bit formal, the feeling is relaxed and comfortable – people laughing and talking, not stuffy at all.
So about the food: My husband is quite picky about his crabcakes and had nothing but praise for his appetizer of two Maryland Lump Crabcakes w/​Remoulade Sauce. My sister ordered one of her favorite apps, Escargot– Escargots with garlic, carmelized shallots & herbs in a puff pastry with a Sherry wine demi-​glaze – she said it was the best she’d ever had! I enjoyed my Prosciutto de Parma w/​fresh shaved parmesan and one other app (can’t remember the name) which consisted of a cutting board filled with thinly sliced prosciutto and other meats and cheeses. We loved it all, and each dish presented so well.
For our entrees, two of us chose the strip steak, oversized and I think $ 22. – cooked to perfection – but the truly over-​the-​top «sauce» is what you’ll remember long after. Josh brought us generous gravy boats of the Peppercorn & Cognac and the Roquefort Butter and we thought each was beyond good! Personally I don’t think the word «sauce» or «gravy» is adequate for either of these – they should be called «halos» for the meat. I chose my usual Rack of Lamb with the pistachio crust because I’ve had it here a couple of times and it is the best lamb anywhere. It is the most expensive entrée on the menu at $ 42, but well worth it. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the blackened Atlantic Salmon mango salsa.
Dessert we had to limit to one soufflé for two, and we all had a taste and agreed we were so satisfied from all our other delights here, that one soufflé was plenty to share for dessert.
By the way, don’t be fooled by the name-​it has been an American-​Continental place for a number of years, not exclusively French. I imagine the owner likes to keep the original name as it enjoys an old and good reputation, but you will not be overwhelmed with French terminology or choices.
I’ve never stayed at the Inn, so I cannot comment as a room guest, but I cannot imagine you will be disappointed if you want a really good meal, in a lovely old home for truly a fair price for what you are experiencing.

They need to drop the pretenses and give their restaurant a more appropriate name, like, say, Denny’s. Because they sure ain’t French!
On a recent visit for Sunday brunch, our waiter referred to my husband and I, as well as a table of four women, as «guys» and «you guys.» Not Madame et Monsieur, but «guys.»
Really?
Le Chambord insists upon reservations for brunch, so we made one, only to see few cars in the parking lot and only one other table of diners. The greeter tried to seat us by the door, which I declined for a better table. He couldn’t resist mentioning that the newer table hadn’t been set up for brunch. Which begs the question: why not? Do they not expect to have visitors?
Note: If you order the prix fixed brunch, tell them that you are doing so immediately, or expect confusion to ensue. In fact, mention it twice. The waiter missed our mention, and we never got our juices. Though the coffee was freshly brewed, I was disappointed in their tea selections, which were merely ordinary. Bigelow and such.
We came the day after a wedding party, and we were forewarned and asked to come later. (Usually brunch starts at 11:00 am and our reservation was for 12:30 pm.) But in my opinion, the shoestring staff was still unprepared for the afternoon’s labors.
I never stayed at the inn. I know this venue used to be top-​notch, or at least fostered that reputation. Now, it seems to be on the skids, threadbare. The food was decent and fresh and well-​presented. But the place itself is nothing to write home about.

Want a lesson in what’s awful about old houses? Losing your pizazz for big chain hotels with sunny atriums? Visit Le Chambord. I have been here about fifteen hours & am already forever soured on the idea of a charming old country inn.
I love old houses. The one that I share with my Mortgage firm is 100 years old this year, and I adore the untouched woodwork, the Rookwood fireplaces, high ceilings, soft wood floors. My favorite bathtubs have claws for feet. Which is all to say that I am precisely the target market for this hotel.
But an old building only really reaches ‘charming’ if it can surpass ‘functional.’ This place does not function in both a literal and an anthropological sense.
The tub in my first room would not drain, not even a little. I asked for a plunger, but the manager insisted on changing my room. «Our maintenance man couldn’t be here before 10 o’clock!» Question: Does one really need a maintenance man for a clogged tub?
On my second morning at Le Chambord, water began dripping & then pouring from the ceiling between my table & the tables of the other patrons. The owner, once alerted, wandered through the restaurant, casually musing aloud that somebody was showering with the curtain out of the tub again. He fetched a bucket & sent a waiter upstairs to try to reprimand the offending guest. (I later saw the waiter working in a room that had been vacant since well before breakfast, meaning the problem was probably pipes and not a negligent showerer. And when I asked, the next day, whether the problem had been fixed, the answer involved a «temporarily.»)
With this sort of attitude toward maintenance in mind, one should already be able to picture the rest of the hotel. It has cracks & stains on the (high) ceilings, leaky faucets (& too low-​to-​the-​ground), window air conditioners, spider webby windows with loose caulking. There are no storms or screens — well, one of my *three* bedrooms had a fold-​out screen in the closet — and on and on. Only the railings and (steam) heaters look sturdy.
On to the décor: Outside, a Grecian statue is under seige by strappy pool furniture. Inside there are pretty antiques in the public areas (and at least one bedroom), but these are frequently counterbalanced by feeble wobbly yard sale furnishings in the rooms. And almost everything — curtains, wallpaper, upholstery, bedding — is covered in green leaves pinkish flowers on a taupe or ivory background. Not the *same* green with pinkish flowers, mind you. (I’m not sure that would be better.) And the carpet appears to be indoor/​outdoor. Greenish, like something you’d find at a mini-​golf range.
It took some serious neglect to get to the state that this poor old hotel is in. But the management doesn’t reserve its neglect for the building. The owner recorded my reservation for only one night even though I told him three. He was still asking (me!) what was wrong with the tub in the first room they gave me 12 hours after his manager wanted to call maintenance. The owner is also the reason that I was forced to change rooms for the second time after only one night, since one single woman doesn’t warrant such a big bed, even if she is six feet tall, and even if it was his mistake that forced her to room-​hop the first time. (I am now in what is clearly a child’s bedroom.)
On the upside, I got to see the full variety of bed sizes (old thin single, roughly twin, two singles shoved together & blanketed); and a large range of «antiques.» I know now that at Le Chambord, you’re lucky to have a suitcase rack or a folding screen, or to be able to shut the faucets off without breaking your wrist, or to be able to spit your toothpaste in the low sink without whacking your head on the low shelf above it, or to fit in the bed they give you.
Le Chambord has free parking in a lot, and if there is French spoken it is only by the guests. It does have steps outside & in (& no elevator, & nobody to carry your bags up). The free continental breakfast is good. There is wi-​fi, and my phone seemed to find it sufficient, but my laptop never succeeded in communicating with it.
There is one really cool thing about Le Chambord: the housekeeper *calls* to ask if you want your room cleaned. On the *phone*!! There is no encountering her while in any of a variety of uncomfortable or indecent situations. One only has to tell her, «No thank you!» –or even, «Later?» …and she doesn’t appear!
I will carry that one ideal with me to the next hotel. Otherwise, I think I will be gunning for big chain hotels with sunny atriums.