COMO Le Montrachet is a unique property that is part of the Singapore group’s offering of small and unique hotels across the world. As of late, they have been quietly expanding with a few new properties in Europe, including this 28-room location in the charming village of Puligny-Montrachet, long considered one of the quintessential regions for wine in France. In fact, the village is world-recognized for the Montrachet Vineyard which produces award-winning Burgundy wine.
COMO Le Montrachet Review
Owing to an event I was attending in Dijon I thought this a more interesting option than the city hotels, with COMO Le Montrachet being approximately 40 minutes away by car, and just 15 minutes off the A6 connecting Lyon and Paris. I booked via the COMO website using my COMO Club membership which offers points that can be redeemed for experiences and goods. Not ideal, but better than nothing with the hope that the program will eventually expand (it’s quite new) to include room redemptions at other COMO properties. The rate was €600 for two which included breakfast and a five-course dinner for both each day. This was for a Manoir Room which is middle of the pack as to their categories.
Upon arrival, we were greeted within the main building by two staff who provided champagne and refreshing towels, a nice welcome after some hours driving. For regular COMO guests at their other hotels, you will be struck immediately by the signature COMO Shambala scent that is common across their properties, including at The Halkin in London. A swift check-in with only passport scans and we were then led by one of the staff to another of the three buildings – all built around a charming and quiet village square. As they walked us across the property, they noted our dinner times and showed us some of the features around the hotel.
This third building, which housed our room, was directly across the square and has its own gated entrance that also allows for parking of vehicles inside the courtyard. You are provided with a key fob for opening and closing it as needed. Parking was free and plenty of spots were also available around the square.
The Manoir room we were assigned, 501, was accessed either up a front outside staircase or, if facing mobility issues, via an elevator, a rarity for such a small historic property. Every room is unique, even within category, given the adaptation of what were old historic buildings and homes. Be certain if booking the Manoir category to request one with a sofa as they are larger and have more seating areas. There are smaller Manoir rooms which are surprising as to their being considered in the same category. Some come with a small Terrace but in walking around the property it seemed that they were less than ideal, often facing inside to walkways and public staircases.
Our room came with three sets of windows all looking out onto the village square, a more than comfortable bed, a sofa, a desk, and two curtained closets which also housed a mini bar, Nespresso, tea kettle, water, yoga mat, and safe. For me, the addition of a tea kettle was quite welcome as I am more a tea lover than coffee drinker and it’s always a plus not having to call down for one. Although no iron or ironing board was provided, one was quickly brought up when requested. The closets themselves were a bit odd however, with curtain fronts instead of built in with doors. This is something that seems more standard at budget hotels and I found it rather unsightly given the quality of the rest of the room.
Furnishings were to the usual standard of COMO. Modern yet comfortable and cozy. USB ports and plugs were well placed, and lighting controls were easy to operate. I do think the addition of a throw blanket on the bed would be not only aesthetically pleasing but also useful when cozying on the sofa. A small bowl of fruit was placed in the room but one would think at these rates a small half bottle of local wine would be a fitting welcome to the destination as well.
The bathroom was spacious enough, though given the older aspect of the building it won’t be what you might expect at a luxury property. Though larger suites have separate tubs and shower, this room came solely with a large walk-in shower with nozzle and rain options. The wonderful signature COMO Shambala amenities were offered in large bottles both at the shower and sink. I will say the sink area felt an afterthought in design. There is virtually no space for cosmetics and other items. Though a small cabinet is built lower to the floor beneath, it is less than ideal and very cramped. For two of us we ended up keeping most items packed away until use. The towel rack was heated, and the towels were plentiful and lovely.
The Property itself is beautifully integrated within the village. Other than the main building which has a sign over the door, there would be little indication of this being a hotel. The buildings are all in the style of other structures in the square and lends to a very authentic and peaceful existence. Really, COMO is as much the village as the village is COMO. There is just one little local bar on the square which seldom seems crowded, along with a few wine tasting rooms from local wineries. There is hardly any traffic and at times it seems guests of the hotel make up the few people you will see in the square or side streets. While a beautiful small village, and what many think of when dreaming of France, it oddly seems at times as if no one actually lives there.
COMO is well known for its Spa, Fitness, and lifestyle offerings at other locations worldwide. This property is an outlier in that it has no spa, no fitness center (though they offer a shuttle to another village and a public fitness facility) and nothing in the way of treatments or their legendary massage menu. They did tell me that they are in the process of building a pool (and awaiting approval to build a spa). Peering into the construction area it looks to be more for a summer 2025 completion. For this reason alone, the hotel is best suited for one or two-night stays for now. While village and vineyard walks are beautiful, these can all be done in a half-day.
For those with bikes the area is ideal with miles and miles of flat roads to explore, and COMO would make an excellent base. If wine is your reason for being here, of course, like in Napa, you can spend days exploring by car the many famous vineyards in the region. The property also does provide E-bikes for rental at €60 per day.
The restaurant is a highlight of a stay here and why many people come to spend a night or two. Most, as we did, book the menu plan including breakfast and a five-course menu for dinner which is a good value compared to the room-only option at just €70 less at the time we were there.
The dining area itself is one of the more beautiful hotel dining rooms I have seen in recent memory, tables were well spaced, and it had a modern feel with hints of rustic. Service was attentive, prompt and friendly.
For dinner, an a’la carte menu is offered as well for those outside the meal plan. It seemed though that most were on a set menu and staying at the property.
The tasting menu offered was a seasonal one that included an amuse bouche, starter, fish, lamb, cheese, and dessert. The wine list, given the area, was heavy on regional offerings and more than intimidating. However, a knowledgeable Sommelier aided, and many good choices were available by the glass. The food, overall, while beautifully presented, we both felt to be not overly memorable. Good, yes, but not quite a destination restaurant, especially being in France.
Breakfast was adequate with a menu for cooked items. Being France, of course, the eggs were wonderful and prepared perfectly. The additional cold items, presented on tables around the room, felt a bit sparse compared to European hotel standards where breakfast is such a source of pride for a luxury hotel. This one seemed mid-level at best. Though the quality was reasonable enough.
The coffee was exceptional, and lattes were served with the milk steamed in a pitcher for you to add to the espresso for your taste. I loved this feature to customize the strength of flavor. As well my companion had a cappuccino that was perfectly made.
There is also a small bar with a limited a’la carte menu of snacks and light meals. It was quite popular post-dinner with guests, and tables were often full late into the evening. An outdoor patio is perfect in warmer weather and is a stunning evening option for dinner or drinks. We opted for a delicious late afternoon soup and Charcuterie there on our second day after a multi-hour walk around the vineyards.
One important feature with the dining, which is a missed opportunity, is that the menu plan has only one vegetarian or one standard option for each season. That means that if staying for two nights, as we were, you will be eating the identical dinner. This is less than ideal, and I think adding a third menu that might be fish-centric would be beneficial for multi-night guests, thereby attracting longer stays.
CONCLUSION
Overall, this is a lovely property, perhaps best used as a one-night stay while touring the wine regions of France. Depending on the room you are assigned, and the meals, it could be considered of moderate value, though certainly not exceptional. The dinner would have been close to €200 (not including wine) for two which makes this more in the €400 a night room category. Not obscene, but certainly on the upper side of pricing for luxury properties in this region. Once the pool and spa are built it should offer a bit more of a lifestyle feel beyond just the village and add to the experience. For now, expect a peaceful and quiet retreat that is accessible by reasonable drive from many cities in the region.
Nice review .
Seems like the property is priced appropriately considering the room rate you paid in your previous Como review.
@Elena, another wonderful review! It’s good to see you back!