Life at the estate
St Gerlach castle is more than a castle, it’s an estate, it’s that beautiful place you see in movies where young lords spend their summer or winter vacation, that bourgeois property found at the countryside, surrounded by endless green fields.
This one is part of the Oostwegel Collection and Relais & Châteaux. The property is just 10 minutes from Maastricht, so it’s quite conveniently located.
For history lovers, you can also visit the St Gerlach church that is located besides the restaurant, a magnificent 12th century holy place with grand paintings and beuatifully crafted chandeliers. The entrance is free.
How about the rooms?
The room that I stayed in, number 207, called Château Margaux was impeccable. As you all know, I’m a big fan of vintage anything, thus the furniture didn’t disappoint me at all..
The bathroom was equipped with a bathtub, an integrated wall radio and bath amenities from Christian Lacroix. I would like to mention also the in-floor heating here because it’s very important for me – having a place that feels like home is so nice!
The minibar is included in the room rate and can find juices, water and beer there.
I slept like a baby in that lovely bed 😉 .
Breakfast and dinner.
The property holds a buffet breakfast each morning at their back hall, a luminous surrounding with a beautiful garden in front. My belief is that they set up tables in the summer so people can also enjoy the sun while eating their breakfast.
Dinner at the St. Geralch restaurant is beyond words.. from the inside decoration to the magnificent meals prepared with high precision and care. The 4 course meal that I had was absolutely delicious.
The menu was:
Corvina sea bass – cucumber smoked eel- tarragon cream
Cod – pak choi – extract of mushrooms – sesame
Wild duck – fermented carrot – sauce of cinnamon and red beet
Beescrew of Gerlachus honey – semifreddo cremeux of Valrhona chocolate
I’ll probably do a more precise and detailed article on all of that in my 2019 project, Restaurants around the world where I’ll be featuring the best restaurants that I tested out and that I recommend. You never forget a good meal 😉 !
Spa time
As said before, the estate features also a lovely spa where you can also book massage treatments or just enjoy the beautiful pool designed in a roman influence, with Turkish baths, a steam sauna and a hammam.
The service
I must point out that the service at the estate was impeccable. The staff is discreet, but very attentive and very polite. It was super nice receiving a little treat before bed ! That’s the first time I ever had such a warm service and I definitely must thank them on this occasion. 🙂
The Lobby
One of the most important parts of the hotel is the lobby. The furniture is still vintage, like throughout the hotel, enforcing that “country estate” feel with a touch of bourgeois. You also have a bar that reminded me more of a 20s style.
All in all, my stay at the St. Gerlach was perfect ! I think that each season has its charm at the estate, but I must say that visiting it during Fall was dreamy. It was like a mix between Fitzgerald and Edgar Allen Poe.
I hope you enjoyed my little article and hope to be back soon with more !
Kisses,
R.