In-Depth Review of the Château du Sureau Hotel in California - AFAR
"Set on nine secluded acres of towering sugar pine, Douglas fir, and ponderosa trees and located about a 20-minute drive from Yosemite, this castle-like luxury retreat evokes an Old-World French château with antique-filled rooms, a grand salon with a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace and a grand piano that Yo-Yo Ma once played. The property began as a fine-dining project by Austrian founder Erna Kubin-Clanin—its on-site restaurant opened in 1984 and the hotel followed in 1989—and many furnishings were sourced from European auctions, including a suite’s wooden bedroom set said to have belonged to a German princess. There are 10 individually designed guest rooms (plus a two-bedroom villa), each themed after flowers and herbs from southern France and featuring thoughtful touches like L’Occitane bath amenities, Gugelhupf and a bottle of the owner’s organic wine on arrival, carved metal keychains denoting each room’s plant, and nightly turndown treats with handwritten notes. Dining centers on a seasonal, California-focused six-course tasting menu created by a recently appointed culinary director with Michelin-level experience—examples include marinated ahi tuna with radish and sorrel, black truffle tortellini, and smoked duck breast with strawberry—while a stone-walled bar area offers more casual fare such as raclette burgers and butternut squash pappardelle; guests can choose expert wine pairings or explore an 800-plus bottle cellar. Grounds and amenities include gardens with hidden pathways, a wooden swing, giant chessboard, bocce court, outdoor pool, and a separate full-service spa; staff provide concierge services ranging from spa bookings to arranged Yosemite excursions and picnics. Note that the property has one accessible guest room (the “Thyme Room”) and ADA-compliant pathways to the restaurant and spa, but other rooms may present mobility challenges." - Bailey Berg
