Mercure Arras Centre Gare

Our room was comfortable, well equipped, and the hotel was generally very clean. Staff were helpful throughout: reception suggested good places to eat, and the bar team were great, including one barman who made an ace Negroni. The hotel is handy for visiting Arras, near the Grand Place and other areas. Breakfast was a bit of a struggle when the hotel was fairly full. Dinner one night wasn’t great either, as they couldn’t provide a beef dish and served dry chicken instead.

We only had a short stop on the way to the coast, arriving late and leaving early. I wish we’d had longer to enjoy the games in the attractive bar area with the child who was with us. The reception welcome was warm and cheerful, and the bar and restaurant staff were attentive and friendly. They took our granddaughter’s peanut allergy seriously. When dessert was delayed at dinner, they brought it to our room at our request. The underground parking in a public car park connects directly to the hotel, which was very convenient. There are a few steps to manage as well as the lift. The guest lifts to the rooms are in a separate spot from reception, beside the restaurant. That was a little disorienting, but not a problem.

After a long day of travel, the shower was perfect and the bed felt heavenly. The breakfast restaurant is peaceful and has a wide choice of food. It’s a charming, quiet place, even though you might expect noise given how close it is to Arras train station. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Arras.

The decor is stylish, the hotel feels clean and fancy, and the staff were welcoming. But sleeping and showering were another story. I was on the 4th floor and could hear every car outside as if it were coming through the room. The supposed double glazing seemed about as useful as plastic wrap, and I didn’t sleep at all. I was exhausted when I got up at 5:30 AM. The shower kept switching between warm and cold, with the warm water lasting about 30 seconds each time. I’d stayed one night at the Mercure Hotel, and after a long day that was all I wanted: a hot shower and some sleep.