Thomas Carpenter

where our clients are staying: may 2025

Thomas Carpenter
where our clients are staying: may 2025

Our clients are staying in some exceptional hotels this month. Did you know that it’s possible to stay overnight in Versailles? In the actual palace? Well, you can. And that’s exactly what our clients are doing. These are just three of the dozens of luxury properties in our porfolio. Check them out!

Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Controle, Versailles, France

It began life as a modest hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623, but under the ownership of Louis XIV, Versailles became a magnificent palace renowned throughout the world. Over the course of more than 100 years, and during numerous successions to the throne, the building was embellished and enlarged to accommodate the court of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. Now considered one of the finest achievements of French art, the Palace of Versailles remains a cultural symbol of royal splendour.

Set within the gates of Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle was built in 1681 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s favourite architect and an icon of French classicism. The grandiose building once played host to Europe’s political and cultural elite, from ambassadors and artists, to musicians, writers and scientists of the Enlightenment.

Now, more than two centuries later, Le Grand Contrôle has been entirely restored, offering guests an exclusive peek into the world of Versailles. Unlock access to the 2,000 acre-strong gardens, retrace famous footsteps and explore the palace halls and apartments like never before.

With 13 sumptuous Rooms and Suites replete with period furnishings and fittings for a royal stay, guests are invited to step back in history, but one coupled with contemporary comforts.

Paying homage to the rich history, every element at Le Grand Contrôle touches upon its former 18th-century splendour, from carefully-sourced interiors, right down to the uniforms worn by the welcome team. Furniture and paintings that once had a place in the palace have been reunited with their former home. Technology has been thoughtfully considered throughout; in place of TVs, guests will instead discover views of the Orangery Garden and the Lake of the Swiss Guards beautifully framed by drapery, whilst the lighting has been sensitively designed in keeping with 18th-century styling.

Throughout their stay, guests will enjoy revamped takes on royal classics - from the Alain Ducasse restaurant to the Valmont Spa. As always, the art of French service is taken to sublime levels as guests are treated like nobility at every opportunity.

With our hotel program amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (already included in property rates)

  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Pro-tip: The pièce de résistance? Guests can take advantage of exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Palace of Versailles before- and after-hours.

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire, England

Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel is renowned for offering one of Britain's finest gastronomic experiences.

Situated in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, it is also one of the country's most cherished manor house hotels, with 32 individually designed guest rooms and suites.

The hotel received two Michelin stars in 1984, the first year of its opening, and, remarkably, has held them ever since.

Surrounded by lawns, flower borders and orchards, the luxury hotel enjoys an idyllic, typically English setting. But beyond the eye-catching displays are vegetable and herb gardens that provide the kitchen—and the acclaimed Raymond Blanc Cookery School—with ultra-fresh, organic produce, ensuring the Michelin-star restaurant remains at the cutting edge of culinary excellence. Our gardens also home Averies with our very own Birds of Prey and The Raymond Blanc Gardening School where guests will learn the secrets of our world-class gardens and take home our advice, ideas and inspiration for their own vegetable plot or allotment.

Because Huckleberry Travel is a Belmond Bellini Club agency, our clients’ amenties include:

  • Room upgrade (priority for room upgrades at check-in)

  • Daily complimentary breakfast for 2 guests per day

  • Property Credit (varies by property, up to $200 USD or USD equivalent - conversion rate is determined by the hotel)

  • VIP Recognition by property management and staff

  • Special In-Room Welcome Amenity

  • Free Wifi

  • Priority for early check-in and late check-out (if available)

  • Priority for connecting rooms (if available)

Pro-Tip: Ask us about the Belmond Bellini Club’s “Dream Escape Package” with additional exclusive amenities!

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada

Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is recognized globally for progressive environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a year-round luxury mountain resort offering guided mountain tours, world-class skiing in the winter, scenic hiking and canoe activities in the summer, kid's camp, a luxury spa, and exceptional dining experiences.

Enjoy renovated rooms and suites, an expansion to the Fairmont Gold product, six restaurants, a Fairmont spa and easy access to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Step into our backyard and discover why snow worshippers, nature lovers and world travelers continue to visit this resort for the best outdoor adventure and timeless luxury.

With our VIP amenities, including:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Pro-Tip: Experience the signature Lakeview Cosmopolitan while noshing in the Lakeview Lounge with an amazing vista of the lake.

We’d love to add value to your next hotel booking — let us connect you with the VIP treatment at one of thousands of luxury properties around the world!

Want to take an incredible trip? Huckleberry Travel can put together the trip of a lifetime that includes tons of unique experiences you might otherwise miss.  Contact us for more information about our travel consultation services.