accomodations in the Loire Valley

Staying in Chartres to visit the Loire Valley would be like staying in Philadelphia to visit NYC.

My personal preference is to stay in Amboise, mainly because I find it a very cozy, walkable town (although, you need a car to see any chateaux beyond Chateau Amboise) without the bustle and traffic of larger cities. Although I did not stay there, Chenonceaux also looked like a delightful little village. I almost never use this word, unless referring to a certain period of art and music history, but I would describe it as "romantic" (little "r" emphasized, not big "R").

I stayed at Hotel Le Blason. It sits centrally in Amboise with ample parking, and the owner is one of the friendliest individuals I have met traveling. Here's the website:
http://www.leblason.fr/

I recommend La Roseraie (www.charmingroseraie.com) in Chenonceau.

thanks for the reccomendations...I have a week to do the Loire Valley and so I have time to make my way through the area pretty thoroughly...hence I thought Chartres AREA would be a good first stop,especially after an overnight flight into Paris...I am never too coherant on my first day on the continent ..the jet lag thing and all...I do prefer smaller cities and quieter locales with character...