If you have ever had the pleasure of wandering the enchanting halls of the famed Palace of Versailles, then you'll known from first-hand experience that there is truly nothing like it. Perfectly manicured gardens that always look pristine; chandeliers adorned with more crystals than one can count; dining halls larger than most inner city apartments. Its grandeur is unparalleled. But up until now, the experience has always been a 'look, but do not touch' activity. Now, you can finally immerse yourself into the magic, with news that the Palace of Versailles has opened its first-ever luxury hotel.
If you're an avid follower of the French luxury hotel market, (which, let's face it, not many of us are); you would have already known that French luxury brand Airelles had secured the rights to transform the neglected building around four years ago. The original building was built in 1681 as a dual residency and an extension of the south wing of the palace. Now given the name, Le Grand Controle, the accomodation marks the sixth property that the company owns.
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Opening officially on June 1, the extraordinary Palace of Versailles hotel spans 14 rooms and suites; setting out to recreate and emulate the historic stylistic touch points that are intrinsic to the era. The designer behind the project, Christophe Tollemer, used the year 1788 as his interior reference; as this was also the same year that Marie Antoinette renovated the Petit Trianon as well as marking the last year the Grand Contrôle building was last inventoried.
As for what you can expect from the luxury hotel, each room comes with butler service as well as transportation using boats and golf carts, and private tours of the palace. Guests can also enjoy a gastronomic experience of a lifetime at the onsite on-site restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse; or take a dip in the extravagant indoor pool.
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The question on everyone's lips of course – how much will a stay at the Palace of Versailles hotel set you back? Given that a night's stay will set you back almost $3000 AUD, it's certainly not something you book on a whim. Luckily, we still have plenty of time to save before international travel opens up. And thank goodness, because I will need it.
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Image: @airelleschateaudeversailles
