Hôtel Le Ponson

We didn’t enjoy our stay. The place was noisy, practically beside a roundabout, and there wasn’t even a bar or café. The staff didn’t make us feel welcome, and breakfast seemed too expensive for this kind of hotel. We came in the off-season and the hotel was empty; for €55 for two, I think we should have been given a better room. Look elsewhere.

It’s a shame the nearby restaurant only opens for lunch, but being just steps away is handy. The hotel offers good value and easy parking in a fairly large lot nearby. It’s on the edge of the town center, within easy walking distance of the attractive new DOMITYS senior residence. Aubenas is also close to hilltop Balazuc, a gem of the Ardèche Gorges, and about 45 minutes from Montélimar.

The breakfast was superb, and the staff were so welcoming. Although it’s in the Aubenas area, the hotel is very quiet and close to shops, restaurants, Aubenas itself, small villages and the Ardèche Gorges. We’ll stay here again when we’re next nearby. I recommend it 100%.

We wound up here for three nights after our car broke down on the way back to the Netherlands. The staff were incredibly friendly, flexible and helpful throughout. Our two rooms were next to each other for two adults and two children. We would have liked more space for a family, but comfortable beds, good breakfast and such lovely staff made up for it. We didn’t have a car, so the location was less convenient for us: it’s a 1.5 km uphill walk to the town center, hard with two kids, and the only nearby food options are fast food. That wouldn’t bother me for a one-night stop, and I’d still recommend the place.