Domaine Les Crayeres, Quartet of Luxury in Champagne

Within the town of Reims, France, is Domaine Les Crayeres. This estate is a perfect representative of its region as it's as regal as champagne. The hotel bears the Relais & Chateau label held only for the best of the best. It is a manor that was built in 1904 and holds a certain elegance that a former castle should, combined with the quaintness of a bed & breakfast.

You will not find large rooms at Les Crayeres, but every touch to formal detail in the 20 accommodations is fit for royalty. In fact, even the categories lead you there, as the rooms and suites are divided by Empress, Princess, Duchess, Countess, Marquise and Baroness. The rooms have an old chateau feel, with amenities such as high speed internet and modern bathrooms. The manor house includes a beautifully designed terrace that overlooks the beautifully manicured estate. Guests will not want to leave without exploring the grounds.

At the helm of Le Parc Gatronomic Restaurant is Head Chef Phillippe Mille, who is devoted to French Haute cuisine. The dining room is formal the service clearly French. Be prepared to sip from their extensive wine and champagne collection, will dining on courses that include "Poitrine de Canard de Challans laquee au Soja, Fine Semoule arrosee d'un Consomme aux Epices, Jus de Cuisson lie a la Puree de dates," also known as "Duck breast glazed with soy and fine semolina sprinkled with a spicy consumei in a sauce of pureed dates."

The accolades for Domaine Les Crayeres are endless and they include: "No. 1 Hotel in the World" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler; "Best Hotel Worldwide," "Best Small Hotel Worldwide" and "Best European Hotel," by Travel & Leisure; "World's Best Small Hotel," "Europe's Best Hotel" and "Best Dining Experience" by Zagat Guide; and "Top Ten World's Best Hotel" by the Gayot Guide.

A stay or even just dinner at Les Crayeres is not the budget minded, but you don't have to give up the visit completely if you can't spend a lot. Stop by La Rotonde Bar for a cocktail in the comfortable, almost pub like surroundings. The Brasserie on the premises also has excellent food - everything from Osso Bucco to Pumpkin Soup. It is also a local hangout frequented by the executives and owners of champagne house in the area. Unlike most wineries that impress their special guests with a private tasting on premises, in Champagne, you take your guests to Le Jardin Brasserie and buy them your champagne!

If you'd like to stay at Domaine Les Crayeres, or just go for a meal, check out their website for details on the hotel, restaurant, bar and brasserie.