Palace Of Versailles Reopens Its Doors, And You Can Stay In It Now

By Alexa Heah, 07 Jul 2021

Image via Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle Hotel

France’s famed Palace of Versailles is now home to the brand-new Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle Hotel, allowing visitors to spend a night at the historic royal residence for the first time ever.

As per Artnet News, the luxury hotel boasts an extensive range of features, including a spa, a 50-foot-long indoor swimming pool, and a restaurant helmed by chef Alain Ducasse, whose menu is inspired by King Louis XIV.

Never before have visitors been able to stay over at the palace, with exclusive access to areas within the grounds that were once closed off to the public.

A night at the hotel starts from €1,700 (US$2,014), which is steep, but comes with special touches such as an evening tour of the main palace, the king and queen’s apartments, and the hall of mirrors.

Guests will also be able to embark on morning tours to other areas of the palace, such as the Le Hameau de la Reine – a rustic retreat in the park built especially for Marie Antoinette.

Not to mention, all guests will gain access to the iconic 2,000-acre Orangery Gardens, allowing you to take a stroll through one of the world’s most breathtaking parks built for royalty.

In order to transform the palace into a hotel, artisans and craftspeople were tasked to restore and recreate the grounds’ original historical features, such as the parquet flooring, stonework, and wood paneling.

Special wall hangings were also commissioned for the hotel rooms – each named after a historical figure linked to the palace – inspired by designs from the Versailles archives.

Alongside authentic 17th- and 18th-century antiques that’ll transport you right back to the height of the French monarchy are other special artifacts on display. For example, guests will be able to view a love letter from Madame De Staël to her lover Louis, Comte de Narbonne-Lara.

Visitors can also opt to take part in special experiences, such as a private performance at the Royal Opera or a Marie Antoinette-themed costume fitting.

Each room comes with a dedicated butler, breakfast, afternoon tea, and a fully-stocked minibar for guests to enjoy. Dinner at Ducasse at Château de Versailles will feature a five-course feast, recreating banquets royalty used to enjoy, complete with waiters ringing a bell to summon diners.

Take a look at the stunning property below.