5 Most Charming Château Hotels in the Loire Valley for a Regal Stay
3. Château de Pray
A 13th-century castle turned four-star hotel, Château de Pray is located in the Loire Valley near Amboise, set on a hill overlooking the Loire River.
Originally a medieval fortress, it was transformed into a noble residence in the Renaissance era. The château features stone turrets, landscaped gardens, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
With its medieval stonework, Renaissance elegance, and carefully restored interiors, the château offers a refined experience where guests can sleep beneath exposed wooden beams and wander through manicured gardens once walked by nobility.
Location
Situated 2 km from Amboise, Château de Pray is perched above the Loire, providing scenic views and a secluded atmosphere. The five-hectare estate includes formal gardens, wooded areas, and a vegetable garden supplying the kitchen.
Amboise’s landmarks, including Château Royal d’Amboise and Clos Lucé, are a short drive away.
The hotel is easily accessible from Tours, just 25 km to the west, which makes it a good base for exploring the region’s famous castles and vineyards.
Rooms
The hotel has 19 rooms divided between the château and a Renaissance pavilion. Each room is individually styled, with antique furnishings, exposed beams, and period details.
The Small Bedrooms (15m²) are cozy, ideal for short stays. Classic Rooms (20m²) have traditional decor with garden views. Superior Rooms (25m²) have larger beds and elegant touches like canopy drapes.
Superior Deluxe Rooms (30m²) add spacious seating areas and marble bathrooms. Junior Suites (35m²) are located in the château’s turrets, with high ceilings and Loire Valley views. Family Rooms (40m²) accommodate up to four guests.
The Renaissance Pavilion rooms provide a more private retreat in a separate building.
Notable Amenities
The hotel’s heated outdoor pool is open from May to September, surrounded by sun loungers in a quiet garden setting.
Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Concierge services include booking tickets for Loire Valley attractions and arranging bike rentals. A secure, enclosed bicycle shed with charging ports is available for electric bikes.
The château also offers free indoor parking, closed at night for security, and additional outdoor spaces at the base of the property.
Dining
The Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Orangerie, is housed in a vaulted dining room carved into the rock hillside, with large arched windows overlooking the courtyard.
During warm months, guests can dine on the terrace facing the Loire. Chef Arnaud Philippon creates seasonal menus using Loire Valley ingredients. Open from Wednesday evening to Sunday lunchtime.
Customer Feedback Summary
Château de Pray receives high praise for its spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms full of historic charm but with modern amenities like air conditioning and spa-style bathrooms.
Guests highlight the friendly, attentive staff, with several employees mentioned by name for their exceptional service.
The location is ideal for exploring the Loire Valley, offering a peaceful setting, beautiful gardens, and convenient parking, including EV charging.
However, a few guests found some rooms small or outdated, with occasional complaints about WiFi connectivity. Some disliked the strong scent in reception, slow restaurant service, or limited dinner options.
The Michelin-starred restaurant is a standout, with excellent food, though some note the need to reserve in advance.
Overall, most visitors highly recommend the château for a relaxing, memorable stay.