There is seldom a time when I get impressed by an accomodation, and this is certainly the case with CHateau Mcely. I will start this review by saying that Rating 5 on Tripadvisor is simply not enough. If possible, I'd go with 7!

(for anyone doubting the authenticity of this review, check out my profile and the numerous other locations I have reviewed)

Location - the chateau is located in Chech Republic countryside, about 1 hour away from Prague. Via Michelin gives good directions, so finding it is not a problem. The vistas while driving towards the hotel are enchanting, especially in nice weather (which we had). Exploring Prague while staying at the hotel is a stretch, but taking a day trip over there is perfectly fine.

Check-in - We arrived in the early afternoon, and pulled up to the gated driveway. We were let in, after we called reception via the intercom. Once we stopped in front of the chateau, we were personally met by the man at the reception, as well as a bell boy who was to take care of our suitcases and valet our car. We also received a welcome drink of homemade ice tea in champagne glasses. At this point, I was already impressed by the service, for I have gotten more personalized welcome only at the famed Burj-Al-Arab, as well as at another SLH property (Baros Maldives)...
We were escorted to our room by the same man, who gave us a tour of the chateau and explained all there was to know about the hotel and what was available to us.

We were upgraded to a Deluxe room. Much to our liking, the hotel (which was fully booked just before we came) had emptied out and during the two days we stayed there, we were THE ONLY guests.

Rooms - The room we were upgraded to was on the small side, but very well lit because it was in the corner of the building. Furnishings were old style, but brand new, which I believe is essential in order to maintain the feeling of luxury. Linens and towels were great, bathroom was spacious, with understated luxury. Scale was provided, bathrobe and slippers - as well. Toiletteries were very nice, in other words, nothing to complain about. Wireless internet was free and pretty fast, glad that the hotel decidedto be old-fashioned, but modern, where necessary! Water in the minibar was free, which was a nice touch and we also got a welcoming letter and a tray of fruit in the room upon arrival. Housekeeping was perfect - always when we were not in the room; turn-down service was also available plus two heart-shaped sweets, which were very yummy. The room has its own book "The ghost of chateau McElly" :) - I read a few pages, but it seemed pretty cheesy; nevertheless, I thought it was a cool addition to the Chateau experience.

Hotel Grounds - Absolutely flawless. The pictures dont do it any justice - one has to see it personally. At the front side, there is a vast wooded area with two driveways one leading towards the hotel, and the other going the opposite way. Grass is uniform green, cut perfectly, it just cannot look any better. The back of the chateau has a smaller lawn, which is suitable for playing krockett (the staff are quick to help you with learning the rules of the game), or just laying down and relaxing. And dont you worry - you will not be laying on the bare grass - the staff are quick to bring you excellent blankets AND pillows so that you are as comfortable as possible. Should you care to have a drink, or two, you will be served anywhere on the property. On the one side of the hotel, there is a deck/patio, where there are several tables on which you can have your restaurant meal. There was also a jacuzzi at the end, and some loungers (seggregated from the restaurant part in a perfect way) but the jacuzzi was covered at this time of the year and we didnt use it. There were also a couple of sun-loungers on the back side of the hotel, as well as comfortable benches for sitting and relaxing.

Breakfast/Restaurant - I am almost positive our reservation did not include breakfast, but we got one anyway (for free). The buffet part is small, few croissants, sweets, some bread and cereals, however the waiter brings a tiered tray with select delectable cheeses, meat cuts, smoked salmon and other of the likes, as well as a mini-menu for warm breakfast selections. There are poached eggs, and omelettes, as well as others which I cannot recollect right now. Fresh orange juice is served by the waiter as well, coffee/tea/water - too.
We had dinner at the restaurant one night - prices are reasonable for a 5 star restaurant - main courses around 30 euro, appetizers - around 15. The food is excellent, and the chef is open for variations of the menu offered.

Children - We were traveling with our baby and when I first glanced at the chateau, I was worried that my fiesty llittle one could be a problem at this establishment. Could I have been more wrong! As soon as the man at the reception found out we had a baby with us, he asked that we are provided with a baby cot. Baby cot we didnt get, what we got was a smaller size white wooden bed, with a full set of baby linens, a changing pad, a bath tub with bath toys and baby shampoo, as well as regular toys!!! When we were outside, laying on the lawn, the staff brought out a small chest full of toys, so that he can play with them. Additionally, there is a sandbox and a swing suitable for toddlers or older infants. The restaurant had baby feeding chairs at our disposal, and basically what I am trying to say is that we virtually missed nothing to feel at home with the baby.

Service - Now, if everything mentioned so far is somewhat in line with my expectations (except for the "children" part), it is the level of service which scored sky-high with me. Anyone, and I really mean, anyone, on this property is trained how to treat a guest, regardless of whether they tip or not (we did tip, but there was an occasion when we forgot and it was never shown to us). We were treated with utmost politeness, any of our wishes came true... Restaurant service was 'white-glove' (verbally too), at a level, I have seen only at the finest restaurants I have been to. What was really valuable to me was the fact that I did not have to request something to have it done/delivered/performed...
here are a few examples -
- mid-day sun is shining on my head, while trying to rest on a blanket on the back lawn. One of the staff members silently comes and moves the toy chest in such a way so that its shade falls on me and shields me from the sun.
- we are trying to play krockett (sp?) and the staff member immediately materializes with laminated instructions of how to play the game
- we are just coming out with the baby, and right behind us comes a staff member with a blanket for us to lay on the grass, as well as toys for the baby
.... I could go on forever, but I hope you have gotten the idea.

Chateau Mcely is a superb accomodation. Owners, Management, Staff - what an excellent job you have done! Bravo!