"How did it strike you on arrival?The design is seriously cool. Sleek and contemporary, the interiors still have historic touches, like the hefty timber beams in the restaurant. Back in the Chateau de Fontainebleau’s heyday, this mansion served as an annex for Louis XIV’s guests (including the famous playwright Racine). After a big restoration, the boutique hotel opened in 2015 as an ensemble of buildings around a cobbled courtyard, situated at the edge of the Chateau’s gardens. La Demeure du Parc is like the private home of a stylish connoisseur: black and white tiled floors alongside natural wood parquet, covetable designer chairs in a rich royal blue, a glass-roofed atrium flooding the lower level with light. What’s the crowd like?It’s a polished crowd (INSEAD, the International business school, brings a cosmopolitan air to town). But this is the countryside, so immaculately cut suits are traded for jeans. There are fashionable couples and also families with kids in tow. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.There are only 27 guest rooms painted in light muted colors with pops of forest green. One classic luxe room wasn't huge, but it had a furnished terrace from which you can see the Chateau de Fontainebleau. In a separate building, an array of suites deserve a special shout-out. No. 302 has walls adorned with framed artwork and there’s even an easel set up if you’re inclined to paint. No. 321 is the tried-and-true favorite—the suite’s photos are showcased on the hotel’s website. It’s tucked under the top floor’s ancient wood beams, a pretty mix of old and new styles. Littered around the living room are a number of board games, like chess. Downstairs, No. 311 has a terrace and a reading nook with views over the courtyard. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?It’s an insanely comfortable luxury bed by Ecus, topped with a whimsical stuffed animal (fox or owl) inspired by the nearby forest of Fontainebleau. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Every room has a Nespresso machine. Minibars are stocked with bottled water only. What will we find in the bathroom?Marble bathrooms are equipped with Italian rainshowers. Luxury room categories also have soaking tubs. The amenities are by Fragonard. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi is free but can be slow at times. Anything stand out about other services and features?At aperitif time, head to the bar in the lobby. It’s an airy, luminous space, under a glass canopy, with large bay windows framing views of the garden terrace. Don’t miss the gastronomic restaurant, La Table du Parc, where chef Christophe Borniche creates contemporary twists on French classics with products he buys at the local market. Bottom line: Why are we choosing La Demeure du Parc?Gorgeous design, tasty cocktails, and refined food in an excellent location near the Chateau." - Mary Winston Nicklin
