Highlights: Chateau du Sureau

•Terrific location just 20 minutes from Yosemite National Park

•Refined European-style castle is a romantic and unique destination

•Guest rooms are charming and comfortably luxurious

•Professional, warm service makes guests feel pampered and privileged

•The Chateau’s Mobil Four-Star restaurant, Erna’s Elderberry House, is renowned for its haute cuisine and draws day-trippers as well as hotel guests

•European-influenced spa is a wonderful place for relaxation and reflection

Amenities: Chateau du Sureau

• 12 rooms, 2 story. Closed Closed two weeks in January. Complimentary full breakfast. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. Restaurant, bar. Spa. Outdoor pool. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Chateau du Sureau

Calling nine acres of park-like grounds home, the glorious Chateau du Sureau is located just several miles from Yosemite National Park, where hiking, biking, and rock climbing are among the many ways to take in the majestic scenery. The Chateau’s ideal location and setting make it perfect for nature lovers who don’t want to sacrifice their Italian bed linens or gourmet food while enjoying nature’s splendor.

The Chateau du Sureau’s stunning European-style castle is just the place for honeymooners or couples wanting to rediscover themselves. The ten rooms are individually designed--many with fireplaces and balconies--and most have views of the lush gardens. The European-influenced spa is equally romantic, with offerings such as dual massages. Of course, Chateau du Sureau’s taste of the good life is not limited to romantics. Single travelers and small groups of friends or family also will appreciate its many charms (the private Villa Sureau is well suited for special occasions celebrated with several friends or family members).

Due to its rather remote location and lack of a formal business center or in-room business services, Chateau du Sureau is probably not an ideal fit for business travelers. Families with young children might also find that the fine dining, spa, and general ambience at Chateau du Sureau are geared more toward adult travelers.

Warm, personalized service enhances the memorable experience. You will truly feel like an old friend of the Chateau du Sureau family. The knowledgeable staff not only will pamper you, but it also will provide numerous insights about many activities in the surrounding area.

Fine food and wine are the guiding forces of this resort, which was inspired by the success of the restaurant, Erna’s Elderberry House. After Erna realized guests were traveling such great distances for her food, she broke ground on the chateau to graciously accommodate the intrepid foodies. The French-accented cuisine has won numerous awards and continues to draw day-trippers in addition to hotel guests.

(+) Beautiful property is both relaxing and romantic
(-) Limited amenities for business travelers or families with young children

Guest Services: Chateau du Sureau

Personalized service is a hallmark of this hotel, where even the smallest details are worthy of the staff’s attention. Although I wasn’t addressed by name upon arrival, at the restaurant, or upon departure, I still found the service to be incredibly warm, thoughtful, and helpful. The resort seamlessly blends the white-glove service of a Five-Star resort with the casual comfort of a private home; everything is done with both class and a personal touch. For example, a wake-up call consists of a staff member gently knocking on your door with juice and coffee. All in all, I found the service to be exceptional – from the pound cake, Brie, and iced tea that were waiting for me in my room, to the pressed laundry elegantly wrapped in gold tissue paper and presented in a wicker basket.

(+) Memorable service with a warm, personal touch

Guest Rooms: Chateau du Sureau

With only ten guest rooms, Chateau du Sureau is an intimate property. Nine of the rooms have fireplaces, and all ten are individually designed, bearing distinctive themes inspired by flowers or herbs. Mint, chamomile, rosemary, and thyme are just four of the endearing themes. Although most of the rooms are uniform in that they have king-size canopy beds and balconies, each room still has its own distinct personality. The resort also offers Villa Sureau, a 2,000-square-foot private villa located on the grounds. Two grand bedrooms and the services of a private butler make it fit for a king.

My room truly transported me from California to the European mountains with its chateau-style interiors and exquisite details. The king-size canopy bed was luxuriously fitted with the highest quality linens, making for an exceptional slumber. The fireplace was a romantic touch, while the bathroom was spacious and stylish. Housekeeping ingeniously folded a tissue into a triangle as a resting place for a razor, and turndown service made it seem like I had never disrupted the room.

(+) Guest rooms are immaculately maintained, elegantly styled, and packed with luxurious comforts

Facilities & Activities: Chateau du Sureau

Chateau du Sureau is located just 20 minutes away from Yosemite National Park, a veritable playground for nature lovers. Aside from the park’s splendors, the general area offers a plethora of outdoor pursuits, including golf, fishing, river rafting, and horseback riding.

Guests who choose to remain on the resort’s grounds will find a lovely spa, where European traditions blend with a stunning California setting for a soothing experience. All services begin with an elderberry footbath, and the spa offers European kurs, massages, facials, and nail and body care. The treatments are ideal for melting away stress or working out the kinks after enjoying some of the area’s athletic pursuits.

(+) The surrounding area is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and the spa is a serene indulgence

Dining & Lounge: Chateau du Sureau

It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and in the case of Chateau du Sureau, it’s true. The Chateau was commissioned after the success of the Mobil Four-Star restaurant, Erna’s Elderberry House. Gourmands were driving long distances just to enjoy a taste of the refined cuisine. Since many of them were tired after long meals, Erna decided to branch out into lodging. Naturally, then, with a hotel that branched out of a restaurant, the food alone is reason to visit.

The French-accented Continental cuisine deserves effusive praise, and the wine list is diverse, including a large section devoted to wines from Erna’s native Austria. There is no menu, but you won’t be disappointed with the talented chef’s many delightful dishes. Fine-tuned service perfectly complemented the skillfully prepared dishes; I felt welcome and cosseted during my meals.

Guests who enjoy the cooking may want to participate in one of the resort’s half-day or several-day cooking classes, in which the chef shares his secrets for elegant cooking and presentation.

(+) Fine food and wine are accompanied by professional, pleasant service

Business Services: Chateau du Sureau

Chateau du Sureau does not cater to business travelers. It does not feature a business center, nor does it offer in-room business services. Additionally, its location near Yosemite and far from major business capitals makes it an unlikely choice for a business traveler.