Originally Posted by
behuman
Relais & Chateaux is clearly number one for me, even being only a "marketing association" (but a very select one). Only with them you have an unparalleled mix of character, charm, courtesy and cuisine (not to forget the calm). Real hoteliers for real guests. Luxury can be defined in many ways.
Good point and I agree. Also as a 5C member you get a little bit better treatment at these wonderful hotels and restaurants. And many of these hotels really don't do much marketing on their own, at least not globally. I'm sure few outside of Burgundy have heard of Bernard Loiseau or Lameloise, but thanks to R&S I have experienced some of the best dining and regional hotel experiences of my life. And it's funny how the eyes are raised among
Les Bourguignons when they hear you have eaten at or stayed at these places. It's the same world-wide with the other regional R&S hotels and restaurants.