Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
Categories
  • Air France
  • Airlines
  • Airport hotels
  • American Airlines
  • Avios
  • Black Friday 23
  • Black Friday 24
  • British Airways
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Business class
  • Cashback
  • competition
  • Credit cards
  • cruises
  • Destinations
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • Finnair
  • First class
  • General
  • Guide
  • Heathrow and Gatwick
  • Hilton
  • hotels
  • IHG
  • London hotels
  • Lounges
  • Marriott
  • Michelin star dining
  • News
  • Offers
  • Oneworld
  • parking
  • Qatar
  • reader questions
  • Reader review
  • Reviews
  • Skyteam
  • Star Alliance
  • Starwood
  • This Week in Travel
  • Trains
  • UK country hotels
  • UK hotels
  • USA
  • Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Turning left for less Turning left for less
Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
  • Reader review

READER REVIEW: Staying in Versailles – Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Hotel, France: A Majestic Journey Back in Time

  • 26/11/2023
  • Michele

Today’s reader review, Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles, is by Louise. 

In this post:

  • Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles: A Majestic Journey Back in Time
  • Conclusion
  • Booking

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles: A Majestic Journey Back in Time

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles

A visit to Versailles had always lingered on my bucket list, but the idea of battling crowds had somewhat deterred me. Then, Airelles unveiled their opulent hotel nestled within the grounds of Versailles, complete with the enticing promise of after-hours access to the chateau. It was a proposition too tempting to resist.

The hotel, comprising two splendid buildings – Le Grand and La Petite Controle, once serving as the finance minister’s quarters, even boasted a direct corridor to the king’s domain. These historic edifices, after a stint as army lodgings, underwent a meticulous transformation into a hotel just prior to the start of the pandemic.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles room inside

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles staircase

Upon our arrival, as our car pulled up, we were promptly greeted by the valet, who knew us by name, and our personal butler, who ushered us inside with refreshing cold towels and drinks.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Painting

The entire staff, resplendent in period attire, transported us effortlessly back to the era of Marie Antoinette. The hotel, painstakingly restored, exudes an air of timeless elegance, adorned with period furnishings and paintings, while platters of Ladurée macarons and fresh fruits adorned every corner.

Hallway

welcome drink

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Bedroom

Though we had initially reserved a regular room, our travel agent and the hotel kindly upgraded us to the regal Beauvilliers suite. This lavish suite offered triple exposures, a separate lounge, a study area, a bedroom, a bathroom, and two toilets.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Study Area

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Bathtub

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Bathroom Sink

The decor leaned towards the traditional, but the opulence lay in the meticulous attention to detail. The hotel left no stone unturned, catering to every conceivable need, from phone chargers to eye masks and everything in between.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Box

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Beverages

The minibar was stocked with complimentary soft drinks and an array of snacks, including gourmet sweets and truffle crisps.

In anticipation of our arrival, our travel agent had received a comprehensive itinerary for our stay, including tours of the Chateau, Le Grand and Le Petit Trianon, and a myriad of additional activities like access to the library with a curator, horseback riding, picnics, and even a private audience with the ‘Queen’ herself.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Pool
Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Pool

The hotel’s Valmont spa, nestled in the basement, required advance booking for entry. We secured a complimentary hour slot and had the pool and steam room entirely to ourselves after the initial few minutes. As an extra touch of indulgence, they even offered a glass of Moët at the pool! Opting for the royal package, we indulged in afternoon tea at the onsite Alain Ducasse restaurant, a set dinner in the same restaurant, and breakfast served either in-room or at the restaurant. It was a veritable feast for the senses.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea unfolded on the terrace, courtesy of the lovely weather. It presented an innovative selection of sweet and savoury delights, with a unique twist on baked Alaska that left us refreshed.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles room at night

Each evening, the hotel offers guided tours of the Chateau of Versailles after closing hours. One day, the focus was on the king’s quarters, and the next, the queen’s, but both included the iconic Hall of Mirrors.

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles interior

It was an extraordinary experience to wander through these halls with only three other individuals in the company of a knowledgeable guide. The tour lasted about an hour and a half, offering access to areas typically off-limits to the public

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles inside

Dinner at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant was a formal affair marked by a sense of grandeur. The Grand Feast was a culinary journey featuring amuse-bouche, three starters, lobster, duck, and a medley of delectable desserts. We opted for one of the wine pairings as an add-on, and each selection beautifully complemented the sumptuous dishes.

Now, before retiring for the night, we were offered an intriguing experience known as “The Royal Awakening.” Keen not to miss a thing, I accepted. Bright and early the following morning, a gentle scratching sound on the door signalled the arrival of the butler, bearing a lantern and a small sound system playing classical music. After bidding us good morning and serving a morning drink, he opened the curtains. It was unquestionably one of the most unusual wake-up calls I’ve ever experienced, and my husband now sees the humour in it, even if he didn’t at the time!

Alain Ducasse's restaurant
Alain Ducasse’s restaurant

dining room

Breakfast, a lavish affair, unfolded at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant, set in the same room as our dinner the night before. We were greeted by an array of croissants and fruits, followed by a choice of orders from the a la carte menu.

views outside

In the mornings, a second tour was on offer, encompassing a visit to the gardens of Le Grand Trianon and Le Petit Trianon before they opened to the public. This exclusive tour, illuminated by the morning sunshine, included access to areas typically restricted.

 golf car

The hotel provided complimentary golf buggies for exploring the Chateau’s expansive grounds. This proved a delightful way to appreciate the vastness of the gardens, the serene boating lake, and the charming grottos and fountains. The butlers supplied bottled water and a map, allowing us to explore at our own pace.

Staying for more than one night is highly recommended, as the tours rotate, and during the summer, the hotel hosts a plethora of events, including fireworks and light shows every Saturday.

 

Conclusion

Admittedly, Airelles doesn’t come cheap, with room rates starting at over £2,000 per night, and of course, some people understandably have a cap on how much they will spend per night in a hotel. However, the entire stay and experience were worth every penny. Whether it’s standing in the Hall of Mirrors with no one but history for company, or the impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail, Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles delivers an unforgettable experience.

 

Booking

If you want to book this experience, our luxury travel agent partners, GTC, can offer extra perks when you book through them. For 2023, these include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

Like our review of Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Versailles? You can read other hotel reviews here. 

Like this:

Like Loading...
Tweet
Share
Pin1
Share
Reddit
WhatsApp
Pocket
Email
Flip
1 Shares
Michele

Previous Article
This Month in Travel - TLFL Youtube Cover 2
  • Black Friday 23
  • This Week in Travel

This Month in Travel Ep 3 – Black Friday 2023 What are the deals & how to know it’s a good price?

  • 24/11/2023
  • Michele
View Post
Next Article
The Scammers Are Getting Smarter!
  • Reader review

READER REVIEW: The Scammers Are Getting Smarter! – a Booking.com tale of caution

  • 26/11/2023
  • Michele
View Post
2 comments
  1. Jmh says:
    26/11/2023 at 7:09 am

    The WA Trianon Palace is also very nice, and just outside the ground of the Versailles palace. It’s a bit easier on the wallet if perhaps you don’t want to spend as much, although you don’t get all those perks you mention. I’ve stayed there lots and as a Hhonors Diamond they take care of me.

    1. Ben Murphy-Ryan says:
      27/11/2023 at 7:46 pm

      Stayed there in summer and got upgraded from suite to one of the roof suites with the terrace and baby grand piano – dinner was lovely, and would recommend. You can at least exit the Versailles estate through gate next door, but you still have to enter the house and gardens through main entry 10 min walk away.

      Private tour though of Versailles would be worth it to stay at Airelles.

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to Turning Left for Less

Subscribe

* indicates required
Choose One Subscription Type

BOOK YOUR DREAM TRIP HERE

Want to book your hotel with extra perks such as upgrades and free breakfast? Need help booking flights? Our experts at Winged Boots can help.

Visit our booking page here

RFF
Turning Left For Less on Instagram

turningleftforless

Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget. UK blog on how to travel in luxury for less. Forbes contributor. #avgeek #luxurytravel #miles #luxuryhotel

HOTEL REVIEW Newly Opened 5 Star Park Hyatt River HOTEL REVIEW

Newly Opened 5 Star Park Hyatt River Thames

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #parkhyatt #parkhyattriverthames #london
HOTEL REVIEW Fairmont Windsor Park – Our Honest HOTEL REVIEW

Fairmont Windsor Park – Our Honest Spa Stay Review

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #fairmont #fairmontwindsorpark #windsor
FLIGHT REVIEW Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Includin FLIGHT REVIEW

Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Including Al Mourjan lounge by Mark Hopwood

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #qatarairways #qatar #almourjanlounge #qsuite
LOUNGE REVIEW Air Canada’s refurbished London H LOUNGE REVIEW

Air Canada’s refurbished London Heathrow T2 Maple Leaf lounge

Link in bio

#businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #loungereview #aircanada #heathrow
HOTEL REVIEW Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best HOTEL REVIEW

Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best of a bad bunch?

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #crowneplaza #crowneplazahotel #crowneplazadublinairport #dublin
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business Class Feels More Like First Class – ITA’s A321neo Surprises!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #ita #itaairways
FLIGHT REVIEW Virgin Atlantic Business Class From FLIGHT REVIEW

Virgin Atlantic Business Class From London to Atlanta – “I Was Wrong”

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #virginatlantic #virgin #upperclass
HOTEL REVIEW Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuine HOTEL REVIEW

Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuinely a Hidden Gem (Why do we keep going back?)

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #leroyalmeridiendubai #leroyalmeridien #dubai #uae
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Business Class – London City FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Business Class – London City to Rome – Almost Kicked Off for Taking a Photo!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #clubeurope #ita #itaairways #londoncity
HOTEL REVIEW Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison HOTEL REVIEW

Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison That You Won’t Want to Escape From

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #malmaison #malmaisonoxford #malmaisonoxfordprisonhotel #oxford
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel du Vin, Birmingham Link in bi HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel du Vin, Birmingham

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelduvin #hotelduvinbirmingham
FLIGHT REVIEW Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to FLIGHT REVIEW

Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to Manchester Via Singapore and Bahrain

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #gulfair
FLIGHT REVIEW Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi FLIGHT REVIEW

Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow After a Cancelled BA Flight

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #etihad
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio – The Ultimate Ski Retreat?

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelspinale #hotelspinalemadonnadicampiglio #madonnadicampiglio #skiresort #skichalet
Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airp Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airport T2. Very impressed with the elegant feel to the lounge. It’s definitely a step up from the older style of No1. I’d go as far to say that it looks better than quite a few airline lounges. All drinks are included apart from champagne and there was a good selection of tasty food as well. Full review coming soon. #airportlounge #heathrowairport #luxurytravel #no1lounge
Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, Lo Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, London & the Cable Car Experience. 

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #london #intercontinental #intercontinentalo2 #ifscloudcablecar
THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left fo THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left for Less

Take a look at our handpicked favourites in the article in our bio.

#luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #skiing #skiresort #skiholiday
New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moo New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Hotel, French Polynesia

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #sofitel #sofitelkiaoramoorea #frenchpolynesia
Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melb Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melbourne to Bangkok – ‘Old School’ but Classy 🇦🇺✈️🇹🇭

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #thaiairways #thailand
HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸 Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beac HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach – Boutique Charm Meets Art Deco

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #miamibeach #southbeach #miami #nautilussonesta #boutiquehotel
Follow on Instagram
Categories
Contact us

[email protected]

Unit 143857

PO Box 6945

LONDON

W1A 6US

Privacy Policy

Find out about our privacy policy and advertising disclosure here.

Turning left for less
Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

%d