Au Soleil de Gruyères Chez Chantal

Absolutely adorable room in a historic building in a charming medieval town. Cozy, comfortable, and clean. Owner graciously welcomed us and made sure we had everything we needed. Wonderful experience.

The stay was nice. It's a rustic unique location which was right on this small street which which is before the castle. Initial contact with the host who ran it like a deskless B&B was good. There was incomplete entrance instructions but nothing that was an inconvenience. The host was around the property and kept referring to a time to come in or visit but I was not exactly sure why. All was good until promptly before checkout she emailed asking for payment about $400 us and a small city tax which was a standard thing. I knew I had paid, found the receipt of payment 7 months previously and I knew I had paid and that you can't make a reservation without doing so. She quickly confirmed it was paid but said she had issued with *******. Though I have never known a property to give you the Keys without the payment in full. A red flag went up to weather or not she was pulling a scam and that others could have fallen for it. Since she wanted cash and the only cash machine in this small town had a big fee. So I ended up not getting the amount of the city tax right. I wish I knew the truth but I didn't get to 62 without listening to my instincts. Long story short and not for just that reason I wouldn't stay there again, even though it was a cute place.

The host was very kind and informative. He even drove us from the town properbtobthe train stationnon our departure.

I could show you 100 photos and give you 100 reasons to stay here with the wonderful Chantal, but if you want to stay in the heart of a beautiful Swiss village, with everything a stones throw away, and meet the wonderful Chantal, you must look into this place. Historical, scenic, great for walkers. Good bus and train network to local towns. Lovely neighbourhood vibe, the local shop owners all know Chantal and are very welcoming. Chantal also offers shiatsu and massage, and is such a lovely host, our stay exceeded our expectations and this is because of her wonderful hospitality and caring nature, accompanying beautiful views.

I spent two nights here with my adult daughter. Our room was warm and cosy. There was a nespresso coffee machine, kettle, small fridge and toaster along with coffee pods, tea bags and sugar. Shower gel, shampoo and a hairdryer were also provided. Stephane was a wonderful host, very considerate and helpful. He loaned us a travel adaptor as we had not realised that Swiss electrical sockets are different to the others that we have come across in Europe. Definitely recommended.

It would be hard to overstate how beautiful Gruyères is, and how absolutely perfect Chantel’s property is. With 2 foot thick walls that date back to the 1300’s and massive ceiling beams, the room is snug, comfortable, safe, and the view out the open window toward the Alps is truly amazing. We arrived late, the day-trippers had left and Gruyères was quiet on a lovely April evening, the sun setting in the ancient town and on the snowy peaks. Kind neighbors helped us find the key to the house. The restaurant next door provided delicious traditional dinner (cheese fondue, meringue, double cream) and breakfast (croissant, cheese, terrific coffee). The next morning, Chantel’s partner gave us a tour of the careful historical restoration they are doing in the rest of the house, 800 years of history revealed, respected, celebrated. It would be hard to overstate how perfect, quiet and amazing it all was. Truly one of life’s shining jewels. 11/10.