At a Glance
Situated at the top of the Montagne de Reims in one of the world’s most iconic wine regions, Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa is Champagne’s first contemporary luxury hotel.
Review
The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa opened in 2018 and was a much needed addition to the region’s hotel scene. In reimagining a wine-country retreat to be open throughout the year, local Reims-based architect Giovanni Pace (known for his work at the iconic champagne house, Moet & Chandon) has woven the history of the hotel as a former coaching inn into all layers of its modern design.
The hotel is located at the top of the Montagne de Reims, near Épernay, in the lovely village of Champillon. Each of the 47 rooms and suites come equipped with Hermès amenities, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony offering beautiful views of the region; from every room you can see the city of Épernay in the distance. The interiors are light, spacious and modern and showcase a classic French style with hues of pink and beige. The highest level suite is the Josephine Suite, with the Marie-Louise Suite directly below. The many wives and mistresses of Napoleon Bonaparte are a theme of the hotel’s decor from the names of the upper level suites to the decoration in the gastronomic restaurant, Le Royal. Napoleon, along with the Kings of France before him, would stop at this former inn before heading to Reims or Paris, it is said. Today, the horse and rider on the hotel’s logo represent Napoleon and pay tribute to his impact on the history of the region.
Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland oversees the hotel’s two restaurants: Le Royal, with one Michelin star, and Le Bellevue, a casual brasserie. Royal Champagne has a stunning spa in partnership with Biologique Recherche and KOS, Moustache carbon fiber e-bikes available for guests, as well as a fitness center and two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor).
Who Should Stay
Royal Champagne is best for those who enjoy contemporary properties, as those looking for a traditional hotel in a historic region like Champagne would be happier at Domaine les Crayeres in Reims. Champagne is only 30 minutes by train from Charles de Gaulle and is 45 minutes from Paris (Gare de l’Est) by train making the region an easy stand alone trip in/out of Paris, or an add-on to a Paris trip. The hotel is best for couples and could also work for a friend’s weekend. Families could stay here, but generally this isn’t the best region for a family vacation (not recommended for families with young kids).
Written by Kathryn Nathanson