Royal Champagne - Champillon, France

The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is situated in the Champagne region of France, just as the name implies. It is perched at the top of a hill overlooking the town of Épernay and the Marne Valley, providing an absolutely beautiful view at any time of year. The location is also across the way from the village of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Champagne and final resting place of the legendary Dom Pérignon. Needless to say, in this location, Royal Champagne is nestled among champagne royalty.

Now for the average traveler coming to France, this may be a little out of the way. Most tourists typically head to Paris, which is about 2 hours away by car. That means a visit to the Eiffel Tower would be more of a day trip than a quick ride on the metro. However, for those in the know, Royal Champagne is conveniently situated a short distance from Épernay and the legendary Avenue De Champagne, which is lined by several of the major houses of the region. Not only that, but also a short 20-minute drive to the north is the incredibly historic city of Reims, which can trace its history back about two millennia, and was once the traditional site of the coronation of French royalty.

In stark contrast to the deep history of the surrounding area, the Royal Champagne Hotel was completely renovated in 2018 and still feels brand new, nearly eight years later. The building itself is a monolithic structure at the crest of a hill overlooking vast vineyards sloping down toward the Marne River and the town of Épernay. Despite its stark and modern appearance, it manages to blend into the landscape, since there are only two stories above the natural grade. The structure is almost a wedge shape cut into the hillside, affording every single room sweeping views across the valley.

Besides the excellent service, the amenities at Royal Champagne are top-notch. From spacious, thoughtfully and aesthetically designed rooms, to the beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, to the world-class spa, this hotel has a bounty of comforts. Guests may even borrow e-bikes to ride around the surrounding vineyard trails during their stay. There are also a handful of wining and dining options here, including Abysse, the casual bar that also serves lunch, Le Bellevue, the popular upscale restaurant, and Le Royal, the Michelin-starred pinnacle of the hotel’s culinary offerings.

Arriving at the hotel, the level of service was immediately apparent. We were greeted by a valet right away, and were helped with our bags. Although we were too early to check in and also in a hurry to make it to a tour in Épernay, we were taken care of as if we were regulars. Our bags were handled without issue, and by the time we got back to check in (with glasses of champagne), they were already awaiting us in our room.

The rooms themselves are modern and clean, while still being inviting and cozy, especially with the floor to ceiling windows that open onto your own private patio or balcony. Natural tones of wood, stone, and linen are accented by soft touches of color. While the aesthetic is definitely not a bold or vibrant look, it creates a mellow, relaxing environment that I find extremely peaceful, which I’m sure is what most guests are seeking in a location like this.

Since the property is essentially 2 stories of guest rooms, you won’t have far to go to reach any of the previously mentioned amenities. Depending on the season, I definitely recommend enjoying a sunrise or sunset from the balcony, as well as a stroll through the vineyards. If you feel like exploring, the village of Champillon is just steps down the road and features several small champagne producers.

Overall, this has personally been my favorite hotel that I’ve ever stayed at. It has all of the amenities and creature comforts that I want, the service is capable and friendly, and while the hotel is modern and clean, the surroundings are full of old world charm. Also, be sure not to miss breakfast. While everything they serve is fresh and delicious (as French food is), the scrambled eggs are some of the best I’ve ever had anywhere. If you are looking for a tranquil getaway that is still a stone’s throw for ‘civilization,’ and you remotely enjoy champagne, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa should definitely be on your list.