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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Nov 9, 2024 · Updated: Feb 13, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Chateau du Sureau - 5 Star Luxury near Yosemite

    The Château du Sureau is an award-winning boutique hotel with ten luxurious rooms located in Oakhurst, California, just south of Yosemite National Park.

    Photo of Chateau Du Sureau with text reading "Chateau Du Sureau 5 Star Luxury just South of Yosemite by ParkRangerJohn.com"

    Chateau du Sureau

    Chateau du Sureau offers an old-world charm set in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Oakhurst, California.

    The Chateau is 48 miles (55 minutes) from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport and 16 miles (30 minutes) from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

    Each guest room is decorated in an old European style that matches the feel of the entire Estate by the Elderberries. We stayed in the Chamomile Room, which was gorgeously appointed and had a king-size canopy bed.

    Most of the guest rooms are located on the second floor of the Chateau, but a few are located on the main level. They do have ADA-accessible access to the main floor for guests needing it.

    The first morning, we awoke to the smell of fresh croissants baking downstairs in the kitchen. We had scheduled ourselves to be up and out of the hotel by 5:30 am to get into Yosemite National Park for sunrise and to take photos of the gorgeous fall leaves. Right then, I seriously questioned our schedule as I had to crawl out of the crazy, comfortable bed.

    Sitting room at Chateau Du Sureau

     

    The staff was unbelievable and put together a breakfast package with fresh croissants and fruit for us since we would be missing breakfast. We paired the fresh croissants with jam and brie from the Yosemite Valley grocery store, and it may have been the best car picnics we have had.

    Thankfully, we learned our lesson after the first morning and made it to breakfast the following day. The fresh croissants are not to be missed! Each morning, we were greeted with a personalized breakfast menu detailing the morning options and information on Yosemite.

    The service at the Chateau is impeccable.  The staff greets you by name and ensures you are happy during your entire stay. Every staff member we talked with went out of their way to ensure our stay was terrific.

    The sitting room in the Chateau is what dreams are made of. It's the perfect place to relax by the fire with a book and forget about all your stresses.

    I could have easily spent an entire afternoon curled up in the corner of the couch with a good book and just relaxed.

    Chateau Du Sureau Reservations

    Click here to book your stay at Chateau Du Sureau.

    room in Chateau Du Sureau

    Chateau de Sureau Room Options - Chamomile Room

    We walked into the Chamomile Room and had to take a second to soak in the gorgeous room. There was a king-size canopy bed, a writing desk, two comfortable chairs, a fireplace, and a limestone soaking tub. This room was created for luxurious relaxation.

    I wish we had planned more time to relax and do nothing at the Chateau. On our final morning, we decided to change our schedule and spend a few hours genuinely enjoying the peaceful luxury of our room and the Chateau. It was pure bliss.

    Sitting in the Chamomile Room with open windows looking out over the grounds was beyond relaxing. I could have happily spent the entire day relaxing with a good book and a cup of hot tea.

    Treats on bed at Chateau Du Sureau in Oakhurst California

    One of the little luxuries that truly impacted our stay was the sweet little notes left by the staff during the turndown service. After spending 10+ hours out exploring Oakhurst and Yosemite, we would return to the room to find a couple of house-made chocolates or sweet treats, along with a small card wishing us a good night.

    One of the cards said, "May all of your dreams be filled with Magic!" This small card now sits on my nightstand and makes me smile every night before I go to sleep. It is a reminder to savor the luxury in life and take time to dream big.

    Wine at Chateau Du Sureau in Oakhurst California

    Villa Sureau

    If you are looking for a private getaway, look no further than the Villa Sureau. This 2,000 sq. ft. Parisian Manor features two bedrooms with private baths, a sitting room, a library, and a gorgeous balcony to look out over the grounds.

    Amenities:

    • Fine antique furnishings
    • Precious art
    • Charming details abound
    • Two lavish marble bathrooms
    • Whirlpool tubs and steam showers
    • Luxury with sumptuous bathrobes, towels
    • Finest toiletries
    • Personal butler
    Chateau Du Sureau Oakhurst CA

    Chateau Du Sureau Information

    Phone Number:
    (559)683-6860

    Address:
    48688 Victoria Lane
    Oakhurst, CA. 93644

    Check-in time: 3:00 PM If arriving before check-in time, please call to make arrangements.

    Check-out time: 12:00 PM

    Pet Policy: 
    Pets are allowed on the downstairs floor only. Pets are allowed in the Mint Room, The Ciboulette Room, and The Sweet Geranium and Thyme Room. Pets must be over one year old and under 15 pounds. There is also a non-refundable pet fee.

    Accessible Rooms: 

    The Thyme Room is an ADA Accessible Unit

    Website: www.chateausureau.com 

    List of Chateau du Sureau Amenities

    • Complimentary newspapers
    • Premium bedding
    • Free valet parking
    • Complimentary wi-fi
    • Outdoor pool
    • Pillowtop beds
    • Breakfast included
    • Air conditioning
    • Electric car charging station onsite
    • TV in common areas
    • Restaurant/bar, spa on site.
    • So many more! My personal favorite was treats left in the room and in common areas!
    Elderberry House Chateau Du Sureau

    Elderberry House Restaurant

    The Elderberry House, formerly Erna's Elderberry House,  is the Chateau du Sureau Restaurant located on-site near the chateau. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with 3-course and 5-course dinner options. The restaurant is comfortable and luxurious, perfect for a fantastic dinner.

    The Elderberry House features ingredients from local farms that harvest local ingredients exclusively for them.  There is also a charming cocktail menu and a sommelier on-site to help you pick the perfect wine pairing with your meal.

    Dinner at Elderberry House Restaurant Oakhurst California

    The dinner menu changes nightly based on what is fresh and available. Here is a look at our dinner options:

    Ora King Salmon Tartare - beet, avocado, creme fraiche, mustard

    Cast Iron Seared Diver Scallop - Burgandy truffle risotto, pea tendrils, parmesan

    Estate Grown Zucchini Veloute - curry creme, cilantro, borage

    Brandt Farm's Beef Ribeye - Anson mills polenta, long bean, radish, bell pepper jam, local okra

    Stone Fruit Ravioli - herb chevre, pecan, arugula, red onion

    Lemon Mascarpone Mousse - salted caramel, white chocolate, strawberry

    Hazelnut Financier - dark chocolate, raspberry, praline crumble

     

    Vegetarian Menu

    Local Beet Tartare - avocado, creme fraiche, mustard

    Burgandy Truffle Risotto - pea tendrils, parmesan, autumn flora

    Estate Grown Zucchini Veloute - curry creme, cilantro, borage

    Bounty of Seasonal Vegetables - Anson Mills polenta, long bean, radish, bell pepper jam, local okra

    Stone Fruit Ravioli - herb chevre, pecan, arugula, red onion

    Lemon Mascarpone Mousse - salted caramel, white chocolate, strawberry

    Hazelnut Financier - dark chocolate, raspberry, praline crumble

    If you have any dietary restrictions, the restaurant requests advanced notice so they can craft a menu you will love.

    You will want to dress for dinner with a nice jacket and tie for men and a casual dressy or elegant outfit for women. We saw everything from church dresses to formal gowns during our dinner.

    Reservations are accepted by phone Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at (559)683-6800 and can be made online.

    Deserts at Elderbery House Restaurant

    Cooking Classes

    Chateau Du Sureau does offer cooking classes on occasion. Check before your arrival to see if there are any class offerings. We had a genuinely fantastic experience taking the Sweet Treat Hors d'Oeuvres class.

    The Sweet Treats Hors d'Oeuvres class was excellent, and I want to return to every class they offer. The chef led us into the kitchen for a hands-on class filled with great baking tips and tricks.

    We laughed, learned, ate more than enough sweet treats, and honestly had the best time. I would take another one of these classes in a second. I now dream of taking the three-day immersive cooking school they offer that covers everything from bread to wine to main dishes.

    A few of the recipes we learned to make include these Lemon Butter Cookies, Pate a Choux Craqueline with Vanilla Mousseline, Seasonal Pate de Fruit, Cinnamon Apple Tartlet with Chantilly Cream, and Thumbprint Cookies.

    Spa Du Sureau at Chateau Du Sureau

    Spa du Sureau

    Spa du Sureau offers luxurious treatments, including facials, massages, and body care. Each treatment starts with the signature Elderberry footbath and a taste of local honey.

    They offer three traditional European Kurs: Thalassotherapy (Marine Therapy), Krauter (herbal baths), and Thermal Mineral (mud & medicinal elements).

    If you are plus size, the robes fit up to about a size 2x and then get a bit tight. If you are heavier in the chest or above a size 2x, you may want to bring a swimsuit under your robe before your treatment. The foot bath is done in the main lobby of the spa.

    massage table at Spa Du Sureau

    Additional places to stay in Oakhurst, California

    Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas are very popular and can be difficult to find a room. Below is a list and map of additional hotel options in the Oakhurst Area.

    The Pines Resort - Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!
    Click here to book your stay at the Pines Resort.

    Sierra Sky Ranch - located near Oakhurst, California, offers easy access to Highway 41 into Yosemite National Park. They offer several amenities, including free WIFI, pool, Air Conditioning, free self-parking, complimentary continental breakfast, arcade/game room, and a fantastic restaurant on-site!
    Click here to book your stay at Sierra Sky Ranch.

    Hounds Tooth Inn - Located on Highway 41 on the North end of Oakhurst. Amenities include Breakfast, air conditioning, free WIFI, and room service.
    Click here to book your stay at the Hounds Tooth Inn.

    John and Tammilee at Chateau Du Sureau in Oakhurst California

    Yosemite National Park Resources

    Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park - Complete guide to exploring Yosemite National Park.

    Make sure also to check out my articles on  Things to do in Yosemite, 1-Day in Yosemite guide, Curry Village, Yosemite Winter Guide, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley Guide, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Midnight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, and Bracebridge Dinner - which I have selected as one of my top 100 Experiences in the U.S. National Park!

    Breathtaking views from Chateau Du Sureau Oakhurst California

    Additional Information on Oakhurst/Bass Lake, California

    Guide to exploring Oakhurst, California, the southern entrance to Yosemite

    Bass Lake Travel Guide

    Bass Lake Camping Guide, including the Lupine Campground and the Cedar Bluff Campground.

    The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

    Madera Wine Trail

    Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

    Oakhurst Restaurant Guide

    Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.

    Breakfast area at Chateau Du Sureau in Oakhurst California

    Sitting down for breakfast at Chateau Du Sureau

    We stayed at the Chateau as part of our ambassadorship with Visit Yosemite Madera. All opinions expressed are our own. 

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    Filed Under: Lodging, Travel, US National Parks

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