A Night at Airelles Château de Versailles
We stayed at Airelles Château de Versailles on our most recent extended trip through Europe. My husband and I are history enthusiasts and lifelong lovers of France, and this was his first visit to Versailles. I wanted it to feel truly special.
We chose the hotel after listening to a podcast about why the Airelles brand was selected to steward such an iconic property. I intentionally avoided reading too many reviews. I wanted to be surprised, though expectations were still mile-high given the reputation of both the brand and the location.
Arrival & First Impressions
We arrived from Provence, where a private car collected us at the station and delivered us seamlessly to the hotel. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt choreographed in the best way.
Our car doors were opened, we were greeted by name, and our luggage was whisked away as we were handed a welcome drink. Check-in was effortless, and we were made to feel immediately at home. The lobby struck a perfect balance between intimacy and grandeur.
We were then given a short tour of the hotel, learning just how much history exists within its walls. When we arrived at our room, our bags were waiting for us, complete with custom Airelles Versailles luggage tags. A small pro tip: the initials are chosen based on your passport. I never updated mine after getting married, so my tag bore my old initials. Something I’m sure they would have corrected if asked, but I didn’t mind at all.
Exploring Versailles After Hours
Our stay began with afternoon tea, followed by a self-guided golf cart tour of the gardens and the Petit Trianon. When we came downstairs, our butler had thought of everything. Tickets, blankets, and bottles of water were prepared and waiting for us.
Later that afternoon, we returned for a semi-private tour of Versailles and Marie Antoinette’s apartments. There were only eight guests total for our tour, and the group was split again once inside the storied halls. We walked through the Hall of Mirrors with just a handful of other people present, then continued behind the scenes.
Our guide’s depth of knowledge and devotion to Marie Antoinette’s story was remarkable. We saw spaces that only a tiny fraction of Versailles visitors ever experience. It felt intimate and deeply immersive. We happened to be staying at the property on the anniversary of Marie Antoinette’s death, which felt uniquely reverent.
The Royal Feast: Worth Knowing Before You Go
That evening, we changed for the Royal Feast dining experience. If there is one part of the stay that could be skipped, this would be it, depending on your interests.
The Royal Feast is best suited for guests who are deeply interested in food and wine pairings by Alain Ducasse. As a vegetarian, I received a modified menu, while my husband had the traditional set. While the service was exceptional, formal, and theatrical, we were not entirely impressed by the meal itself. The experience was also influenced by the behavior of other guests, something that is understandably difficult to control.
It is worth noting that guests who do not participate in the Royal Feast can dine in the salon or venture off property into the city of Versailles itself.
Morning at Versailles
We opted out of the Royal Wake-Up, which would have been performed by our butler. She happened to have the day off, and we did not feel comfortable being awakened by someone we had not yet met. That said, if you have the same butler throughout your stay, I would absolutely encourage it. It is something we hope to return to experience.
Breakfast the next morning was legendary. A fluffy cappuccino, beautiful pastries, and every possible breakfast indulgence you could imagine.
We then enjoyed our second semi-private tour, this time of the Grand Trianon. Exploring before opening hours was surreal. We learned about everything from architectural usage to furniture placement and fascinating historical details that brought the space to life.
Final Reflections
The service throughout our stay was intuitive yet formal, and we felt genuinely cared for at every moment. We also enjoyed time at the pool and wandering the grounds, soaking in the quiet magic of being on the property after hours.
We had the option to stay longer after check-out, with luggage storage available, and enjoy the boats or golf carts once more. However, we felt perfectly complete and were excited to head onward to Paris.
Who This Experience Is For
My husband rarely labels something a “must-do,” as he believes travel is deeply personal and never one-size-fits-all. Yet this is one experience we both feel nearly anyone would enjoy, especially those who appreciate history, storytelling, and thoughtful luxury.
This property is especially well suited for:
Travelers who love history, art, and storytelling
Couples celebrating a milestone or once-in-a-lifetime trip
Guests who appreciate formal, intuitive service and thoughtful detail
Those who value access to spaces and experiences most visitors never see
It is particularly meaningful for first-time visitors to Versailles who want their experience to feel personal, unrushed, and complete.
That said, this is not a casual luxury stay. Travelers who prefer informal hotels, nightlife-driven itineraries, or highly flexible schedules may find the experience more structured than expected. This is a stay for those who enjoy quiet grandeur, and intention.
Booking With a Travel Advisor Matters Here
This is one of those rare properties where how you book genuinely impacts your experience.
When you book Airelles Château de Versailles through me, you receive:
Personalized planning guidance before arrival
Insider insight on which experiences are truly worth prioritizing
Thoughtful coordination around tours, dining, and timing
A food and beverage credit to enjoy on property, adding tangible value to your stay
Just as importantly, booking with an advisor ensures the experience is aligned with your priorities. From dining preferences to pacing, room selection, and special moments, the difference lies in the details.
