Hôtel L' Assiette Champenoise

"You might say that Arnaud Lallement grew up at Assiette Champenoise, which was originally opened by his parents. Now at the helm himself, he shows that he has been trained by the best in the business (Vergé, Guérard, Chapel). He cooks high-calibre cuisine – classic, generous and above all very tasty – and lets his Breton roots (on his mother's side) shine through. A larger-than-life presence on the restaurant floor, Lallement loves to engage with guests and certainly doesn't stand on ceremony. The dishes are accessible and enhanced by memorable sauces; ingredients are treated with loving care, as in the blue lobster dubbed "a tribute to my dad", and the farm-reared Onjon squab. A fabulous culinary experience!" - Michelin Inspector

"If you’re prepared to drop “une petite fortune” (ranging between $165 to more than $560 per person) on a restaurant experience, make it this one. Chef Arnaud Lallement, who earned his third Michelin in 2014 for this gastronomic restaurant-hotel he took over from his parents, is not only a champion of local food and wine producers, but among the most vocal activists of sustainable fishing and agriculture and seasonal, low-waste cooking." - Lindsey Tramuta

"Not only is it one of only two luxury hotels in the region, it's also a temple of high gastronomy. Any stay here should include a meal in the three-Michelin-Star restaurant which, on its own, is memorable enough. The outside may look straight out of the history books, but it's completely contemporary once you step through the front door. Rooms are large, bright, and airy, with jumbo beds ideal for sleeping. Finally, as this is Champagne, there is plenty of the good stuff available. Arnaud's Lallement three-Michelin star restaurant inside L'Assiette Champenoise hotel offers unparalleled ingredient sourcing and plated perfection.  Lallement took over the space from his father 20 years ago and puts out signature dishes, like langoustine royale with a creamy "nage" and caviar lemon; farm-raised squab with spinach caillette and pigeon juice; blue lobster from Brittany (an homage to his father). Service is first-rate from start to finish. Given the price tag and the formality of the experience, this is a once-in-a-lifetime meal for a special trip or occasion." - Mary Winston Nicklin, Lindsey Tramuta

"How did it strike you on arrival?The outside may look straight out of the history books, but it's completely contemporary once you step through the front door. Long hallways lead, on one end, to expansive sitting rooms and to the three-Michelin-star restaurant, and on the other, to guest rooms, suites, and the hotel pool. I liked the contrast between an old structure and clean lines. What’s the crowd like?Most of the guests have come to dine at the hotel's famous restaurant, a destination in itself. But it also makes for a luxurious resting stop on any tour through Champagne. These are affluent epicureans from the U.S. and Europe, primarily. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.I stayed in a Balcony suite, which was around 800 square feet, bright, and airy. I entered into a large living-room with a suspended desk and a rounded leather sofa that faces the bedroom. Further back there was a smaller living room with windows overlooking the balcony. The color palette was full of earthy tones for the most part; color came from the wallpaper behind the bed—a reproduction of an iconic impressionist painting. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The king sized bed felt jumbo in an already large room, but it was like sleeping on a cloud. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Upon entering the room, there was a bottle of Champagne and fresh choux pastries waiting on the coffee table, a nice welcome gesture. Being in Champagne, even the mini bar carried the big names like Krug, Dom Pérignon. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The massive, walk-in shower was spacious, comfortable, and well-protected: water stayed in the shower. There were toiletries for every need if guests forget them, which is handy. Anything stand out about other services and features?The already-mentioned restaurant. It seems silly to stay and not have at least one meal here. There is also a lovely pool with a view of the property's garden. Massages are available in-room for a fee, and the bar is a great spot to kick off any night, with an incredible selection of Champagne. Bottom line: Why are we picking L'Assiette Champenoise?Not only is it one of only two luxury properties in the region, it's also a temple of high gastronomy. Any stay should include a meal in the restaurant which, on its own, is memorable enough." - Lindsey Tramuta

"The potée de cochon and chocolate craquant is from chef Arnaud Lallement of L'Assiette Champenoise." - Beverly Stephen