4 Relais & Châteaux properties enjoy pole position in Europe in the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards!
Best Hotel in France, the Saint James Paris (Paris, 16th arrondissement): Tucked away in a green setting in the heart of the capital, this Parisian castle houses an intimate hotel a mere stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, the Louis-Vuitton Foundation, and the shops on Rue Victor-Hugo. Its manor house architecture is divinely embellished with a fanciful "crazy chic" style interior design, the product of Bambi Sloan's imagination. Guests can equally enjoy the benefits of the Spa Guerlain as well as Michelin-starred gastronomy by Virginie Basselot, who was the second woman to win the "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" title in the cooking-gastronomy category in 2015.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: "An excellent stay! A wonderful time spent in a beautiful, charming property. The room was spacious and the staff were attentive and welcoming. The Concierge service is remarkable and professional. I will happily come back."
Best Hotel in Italy, Bellevue Syrene 1820 (Sorrento): With one of the world's most beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, Bellevue Syrene is a delight. Steeped in history and with foundations dating back to the Roman period, guests can enjoy a journey back in time and visit caves from the 2nd century AD, located beneath the hotel.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: "Perfect! Our expectations were met with a friendly welcome, a quiet, very comfortable and spacious room, a charming lounge and places to relax. A high-quality buffet breakfast and a restaurant with a magnificent view of the bay and Mount Vesuvius. The Concierge is very efficient and gives good advice. I wholeheartedly recommend it."
Best Hotel in Spain, Abadia Retuerta-LeDomaine (Sardón del Duero): This 12th-century former abbey is set in a vineyard, bringing out its best features. A visit here is an invitation to celebrate the senses, and includes an oenotherapy spa and a tour of the prestigious Abadia Retuerta wine cellar.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: "The 6 star experience of a lifetime! An absolutely breathtaking location. Refined and attentive service. A really interesting vineyard tour in a Land Rover with a French-speaking guide. Elaborate wine list. A delicious 8-course dinner and service worthy of Michelin-starred restaurants. Worth the trip. A unique experience."
Best Hotel in Britain, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (Oxford): Within this green sanctuary, Michelin-starred Chef Raymond Blanc offers the best of English gastronomy. This ode to nature and gardens has found the perfect setting in this classic British manor.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: "Perfection exists, and it's here! We had a wonderful time as a family at the Quat'Saisons manor. It's hard to describe this without using superlatives and yet... From the idyllic setting and quality of the welcome, to the haute cuisine and highly professional service, everything here deserves to be called extraordinary, perfect, and wonderful..."