Stay away from this hotel if you habitually whinge about high prices and traffic noise. OK, the rates are phenomenal so let’s just assume that the second mortgage is in place. And if your room overlooks the 17 acre parc, you can make-believe that the location is bucolic rather than on a busy intersection some 20 minutes' walk from the town centre.
The portents on arrival are good: valet parking, no check-in hassle and luggage delivered promptly to your sumptuous, spacious and elegantly-furnished accommodation. The beds are superb and the bathrooms are difficult to fault, too.
If you have been drawn to the hotel by the reputation of its restaurant (Le Parc), you should be aware that, since Philippe Mille's appointment as head chef, the two Michelin stars that went awol in 2010 have been regained and, côté cuisine, all is now set fair. A brassierie (Le Jardin) offers a less sophisticated, more affordable menu. By day, some of the best known Champagne houses are within walking distance of the hotel and its staff can arrange private tours.
Verdict: Value for money? Yes, for the setting - assuming you can afford it. Worth it? Yes, at least Château de Crayères is memorable - so many hotels in the Champagne area are both uninteresting and a rip off.