InterContinental Chantilly | A Forest Château Escape
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InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal is one of those hotels you visit once and immediately think about returning to. Located in the Chantilly Forest at La Chapelle-en-Serval, it sits in a country setting where woodland dominates the views around the property. The château was originally built for Fernand Halphen, who wanted to offer his wife Alice “an enchanting view”. This very much remains true today.
Its location makes it an ideal spot for exploring northern Île-de-France and the surrounding countryside, or as a rural base for visiting Paris during the day. Charles de Gaulle Airport is around 20–30 minutes away by car, making it a convenient option before or after a flight.
The character of the property has been retained over the years, with extensions accommodating its 109 rooms and suites remaining in keeping with the original château. It has a timeless quality within the Chantilly countryside, one that’s worth exploring.
Who this Edit is for
Image: Forest view from Premium Room. © 2026 Palates & Miles
This Edit is for travellers who want to experience a French château in the privacy and comfort of the countryside. Character, charm and sophistication take precedence over a standard brand offering, setting this property apart from others in the portfolio. Grandeur is in no shortage either, with original ornate detailing still present and accentuated by modern finishes.
We explore the Queen Premium Room, breakfast served in La Brasserie and the overall hotel experience.
The standard
Every recommendation in this Edit is assessed against the same five points: service, design, food and drink, atmosphere and value. Value is not about cheap or expensive. It is whether the experience earns the time and price invested.
Arrival, design and setting
Image: View of the Château from the terrace. © 2026 Palates & Miles
On this occasion, we arrived by car from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The change from motorway to countryside was immediately noticeable as we approached the hotel. Imposing gates surrounded by woodland mark the entrance, with a winding drive leading up to the château. This adds to the country castle feel and builds anticipation as the hotel comes into sight.
Set across two buildings, the original château and a newer connecting wing, it is an imposing property that commands attention both by day and at night. The main entrance sits in the centre of the hotel, in a modern, open space with large windows on either side that fill it with natural light. Reception occupies an open but intimate area leading onto a large terrace overlooking the woodland. During the day, the terrace serves as an outdoor dining and lounging space.
Upon arrival, a porter was on hand to help bring luggage to the front desk. Check-in formalities were swift, with the benefits of the IHG One Rewards scheme clearly explained. Owing to the property’s unusual layout, staff also gave a quick explanation of where to find the different facilities.
To reach the rooms, particularly those in the older château, you make your way through the corridors to what would have been the original entrance hall. Here, a resplendent spiral staircase leads upwards. There is also a small historic lift with a distinctly post-Victorian feel, which is not for the faint-hearted.
The room
Image: Queen Premium Room. © 2026 Palates & Miles
The room during this stay was a Queen Premium Room with a small balcony, located in the château part of the hotel. Its fourth-floor position afforded views over the treetops of the extensive woodland surrounding the property. The room was notably spacious for a Premium Room, with high ceilings adding to its airy feel.
Particularly clever was the separation of spaces, with a small entrance hall and a further door into the bedroom providing additional privacy. The entrance hall contained the wardrobe space and access to the bathroom. In the bedroom, there was a table with a chair, though there was no other additional seating.
The bathroom was well appointed, with a combined bath and shower. The toilet occupied a small alcove, while a large single vanity filled the remaining space. Byredo Bal d’Afrique toiletries were provided in large reusable bottles. Whilst neither the largest nor the most luxurious bathroom, it was well equipped and in keeping with the character of the hotel.
The small balcony, furnished with a table and chairs, offered the perfect place to enjoy a morning or afternoon coffee from the room’s espresso machine. It is not every day that you get the chance to enjoy such lush woodland views in the French countryside.
Breakfast
Image: Breakfast Buffet in La Brasserie. © 2026 Palates & Miles
Breakfast here is something of a standout for the breadth of its buffet offering. Served in La Brasserie, located in the château’s historic music room, this is very much a breakfast worth getting up for.
As you would expect in France, continental options are central to the offering. The selection of breads, pastries, cereals, cheeses and cold meats is more extensive than usual and attractively presented. Items are arranged on tables around the room’s curved walls, keeping the buffet spread out and easy to access.
There is also a considered hot buffet selection, with cooked items including bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes. Eggs, including omelettes, can be ordered through your server, though you should allow time for these to arrive. A coffee machine is available, while speciality coffees can also be ordered to the table.
The room itself is impressive, though the buffet layout means those seated in the centre may find plenty of people moving around them. An additional seating area towards the back is raised and removed from the main buffet, offering a quieter breakfast experience if a table is available.
Service and value
Service at a hotel like this needs to make an impression of its own, given how much of the work the setting does. Throughout this stay, it was friendly, approachable and consistent. From check-in and breakfast to interactions in the Stradivarius Bar and on the terrace, the team maintained that approach.
As always, value is about more than whether a stay is cheap or expensive. Whilst hotel prices are dynamic, this is a worthwhile investment of time, especially if you prefer the countryside or need proximity to Charles de Gaulle Airport. It also works as a base for visiting Paris, though the additional travel time and cost need to be taken into account.
How to plan a stay
Image: Stradivarius Bar. © 2026 Palates & Miles
A stay here works in several ways. A one-night stop upon arrival or before departing Paris via Charles de Gaulle is a sensible option, with the airport relatively easy to reach by car. A longer stay combining Paris, the historic town of Chantilly and the surrounding region is equally viable, with the hotel providing a comfortable and reliable base. Its large car park is useful if you are travelling with a rental car.
Trains to Paris Gare du Nord are available from Chantilly-Gouvieux and Orry-la-Ville–Coye stations, both accessible by taxi from the hotel. Bus connections are also available from nearby La Chapelle-en-Serval. However, reaching these on foot involves walking along main roads without pavements, so this approach is not advisable. The hotel can arrange taxis, while ride-hailing apps also cover the area.
The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, with some categories able to accommodate larger families. Check the layouts and occupancy limits before booking to ensure the room you choose works for your stay.
P&M notes
The hotel’s secluded location means transport needs to be considered before booking. Factor the arrangements and costs into your plans, particularly when deciding how long to stay.
La Brasserie and the Stradivarius Bar provide dining options for evenings spent at the property. Evening dining was not sampled during this stay.
Most rooms have showers over the bath rather than walk-in showers. Check the bathroom layout before booking if this matters to you.
There is a sizeable car park on site, making it convenient for those travelling with a hire car.
The hotel has a spa with a heated indoor pool. Use of the pool and fitness centre is complimentary for hotel guests.
The hotel welcomes pets, but arrangements must be made in advance. A fee of €39 per pet, per night applies, correct as of October 2026.
Final thoughts
As a country retreat outside Paris, InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal ticks many boxes. It is somewhere to enjoy a quieter stay, use as a base for exploring or visit before or after a flight from Charles de Gaulle.
It is the combination of tranquillity, history and modern amenities that remains with you afterwards. The original château retains its character, while the surrounding woodland makes the countryside a constant presence throughout the stay.
Comfort and peace, especially when surrounded by nature, are increasingly valuable in our busy lives. This is a property that makes time away feel worthwhile and leaves you considering how best to return.
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Forest views from a château balcony and breakfast in a historic music room shape this stay at InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal. We explore its appeal as a country retreat outside Paris, alongside the details worth knowing before you book.