Hôtel Château d'Arc-en-Barrois

This hotel is about ten miles from the A5 Autoroute and south of Chaumont. It was chosen by us as a stopover on our way to the Italy. When we arrived at the Chateau Hotel it was cold and deserted. No sign of life. The front door was open but there was no sign of anyone It was a bit like the Marie Celeste We had a good old wander about but no humans in sight.It was impossible to check / book in. Here we were in a small deserted town in the dark. We were tired after a long drive with a confirmed booking but nowhere else to stay. We made enquiries in the town but nobody knew anything about the Chateau Hotel. After about an hour it was beginning to feel like a scene from a Hitchcock film As we were about to leave to look for somewhere else to stay a dippy lady arrived full of apology with a bottle of wineShe could sense that we were agitated. To relax us she poured us a glass from the wine bottle she was carrying. We stayed in room 224 which was very nice. It had a mezzanine floor. There was a seating area below with an adjoining bathroom. There was no television nor radio. The bedroom was on the mezzanine floor. The bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was well appointed but the hot water was not very hot. Generally the place is very grand. A very tall window overlooked a forest. It was difficult to close the curtains to provide for privacy. The room wifi worked very well. No courtesy tray in the bedroom There are lavishly appointed public areas. A Television Room, a Games Room, a Library,and several Lounge type rooms. The dining Room has high ceilings with crystal chandeliers and massive oil paintings/ works of art on the walls Interestingly there is a Lounge Bar but it is not licenced so the drinks are for free Breakfast was an extra €6 each which we paid direct to the Caretaker. It was a Continental cold breakfast which was adequate and worth it. We just could not get a handle on this place. Most enjoyable but quaint. Despite the original wait before we could check in, I would be happy to stay here again and recommend the place to others