I had the idea to leave work on Friday and go partway to friends' home in the Perche by spending Friday night in Chartres. I looked at some reviews and the hotel La Grande Monarque seemed to really stand out.
Then I checked the Forum, and saw it had been recommended a few times here, including by Balso and Alexander - so that sealed the deal.
You can definitely stay somewhere cheaper in Chartres; on the other hand, this "level" of hotel is much less expensive there than in Paris (of course I also benefited from probably among the year's lowest prices because really, who is going to Chartres on a Friday night in January ??!).
I arrived at about 9 o'clock on Friday night, and as I went to check in, I could sense a cozy buzz emanating from the restaurant and bar sited on either side of the lobby.
The hotel has existed for many years and has extended through to neighboring buildings so I had a ways to head down the long convoluted halls to reach my room (the next day, when I looked at it from the outside, I could see that it used to be a totally separate small building).
The room was their smallest category, but the bathroom was nicely sized and appointed, and the bed I think was king-sized, very comfortable with crisp white sheets and some Toile detailing on some pillows and a coverlet. There was a desk, coffee and tea set-up, tv, and they left a bottle of still water and two little madeleines to welcome me. There was also a basket with bathrobe and slippers (for use especially if one were going to take any spa treatments).
I admit I snoozed too late to take advantage of the hotel breakfast, so I has tea in my room. if you wanted, Starbucks is just across the plaza from the hotel.
I checked out, left my bags, and went to see Chartres and the cathedral. Before my train, I came back into warm up and had a hotel chocolate in the supremely cozy hotel bar.
I know not many people will want a hotel in Chartres as it's so easily visited from Paris with just an hour's train ride from Montparnasse. But if you do want to stay, I can highly recommend -- and will return to - La Grande Monarque.