It’s a struggle to find a memorable hotel in the over-priced, under-performing Champagne district. Castel Jeanson is a delightful Hotel but it has no restaurant. Nevertheless it just scrapes into our collection since there is one – but only one – Michelin-rated place to eat within walking distance. If your stay coincides with a night when the Vieux Puits happens to be closed (Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Wednesdays & Thursdays), you’ll need to drive into Epernay (2½ miles) or hire a taxi.
That said, the Castel Jeanson gets everything else just right. Situated in a quiet street close to the centre of Ay, this 19th century hôtel particulier positively sparkles after a 3 year renovation programme which has given it a confident, distinctive character. The ubiquitous ‘boutique’ style has been eschewed in favour of art nouveau. This helps to create an ambience is which is elegant, calm and refined. Order a flute of champagne in the library/reading room or take advantage of the complimentary cakes and hot drinks which the nice people at Castel Jeanson lay out in the little tea-room.
The indoor pool is their other way to get you to relax before you set off for the day. Upstairs, the bedrooms are spotlessly clean with good, modern bathrooms; unless you need lots of space, there’s no need to book one of the four suites.
A particularly comfortable base.