Amy Adejokun
Section editor
This 14th century manor was transformed into a charming hotel in 1986. The building is sure to win over foreign tourists who come to discover the Châteaux of the Loire, while French tourists will appreciate the pretty garden with its swimming pool.
The Manoir Saint Thomas is located in the town of Amboise, on the banks of the Loire River in the Touraine region. The hotel is hidden a few streets behind the Royal Château, with the town centre close by. With its great location, the hotel is a good base for visiting Amboise and its historic heritage.
On the upper floors, the manor rooms have been converted into homely guest rooms. The 10 guest rooms are decorated in either a Renaissance or a more English style. The solid wood furniture is impressive, but thankfully the large spaces make it feel a little lighter. Wooden floor, mouldings, cut stone or exposed beams, and sometimes even a fireplace give these rooms an authentic atmosphere. You really feel as though you are in the residence of a nobleman still living in the region. At the same time, all of the guest rooms are equipped with the modern comforts: free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, television, telephone, safe, minibar and a bathroom with a shower or a bathtub. Some of the bathrooms have windows. Note that there is a suite with a more contemporary decor in tones of mauve.
This beautiful 14th century building, which has been changed time and time again by the different owners, has a glorious and rich history. The Manoir Saint Thomas belonged to the noble families of the town and the region, and has maintained its elegance over the centuries. In 1986, the manor became a famous restaurant under the leadership of French chef François le Coz. Then in 2003, it was transformed into a charming hotel following renovation and development works.
Visitors catching sight of the manor from the street are immediately intrigued by the imposing building. Once inside, you feel as though you are in an English manor. Although we are in the Touraine region of France, the region of the Châteaux of the Loire, the decor in the Manoir Saint Thomas conjures up images of the manor house of an English Lord. The lounge, with a fireplace, a piano, a chessboard, wooden flooring and panelling is the perfect place to relax in the evening after a long day of visiting the area.
The swimming pool in the garden is heated from April to October. Guests can cool off in the summer after exploring all of the region's châteaux and wine tasting cellars.
The hotel does not have a restaurant. In the morning, breakfast is served in a room with wooden flooring, period moulding, a chimney and a view of the park. The cold buffet includes: cold meat cuts, cheeses, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, hot drinks and breakfast pastries.
The Manoir Saint Thomas is closed from 1st January to 1st February every year.