Hotel Cloitre St Louis

The restaurant was nice, but the menu choices felt very limited if you were staying more than two nights. We were in a modern, all-metal extension, with steps going up and down to the room, which we hadn't expected. The local train station was nearby, which was good. Our room was hot and stuffy when we arrived. It took ages to cool down, even with a chair propping open both the outer and inner bedroom doors. The A/C was useless, blowing air outwards no matter what I did with the control pad.

The building is beautiful and centrally located, but it needs restoration. The breakfast was self-service and fairly good, though the scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages weren't very hot. We didn't use the pool, so I can't comment on it. The daily housekeeping was cursory. The kettle didn't work properly, and a tap in the toilet dripped constantly. Each day the room had one Earl Grey tea bag and two small instant coffee sachets. If you don't like Earl Grey, bring your own tea. On arrival there was a small bottle of water in the fridge, but no milk, biscuits or other little treats you'd expect in a decent 4-star hotel. The hotel entrance had a dead rat left there for four days. It was only dealt with after my friend suggested to reception that public health authorities should be told. The central courtyard was full of leaves and wasn't swept at all during our stay, which spoiled its appearance. The staff attitude felt defensive, and there seemed to be no hotel manager or deputy on site for three days after we arrived. It felt understaffed, and most of the staff didn't seem to take pride or pleasure in their work, though there were a few exceptions. The hotel felt overrated and definitely overpriced, with no clear leadership about the standard expected. My friends and I booked six nights after reading a glowing review and article in The Daily Telegraph. I wouldn't return or recommend it.

The staff made our stay special. Fatima helped me book by phone when I couldn't add dinner online, and she was also the person who checked us in. She was so kind and attentive, and made a little itinerary with activity and restaurant suggestions after we said we weren't sure what to do. At the restaurant, a friendly gentleman with glasses guided us through the menu, though I unfortunately can't remember his name. The room was lovely, with a timeless view over the courtyard. The hotel felt like Avignon itself, pretty, charming and full of history. I really fell for the city, and the hotel had a lot to do with that. Breakfast was excellent, with fresh orange juice and plenty of options. I was there with my father for a few nights, including the night of the 31st. We'll definitely come back to Avignon and stay here again. My only small suggestion is to rethink the room decor a little. For a 4-star hotel, I expected something a bit more restrained and elegant.

We had a superior room overlooking the lovely courtyard, and the bed was very comfortable. The hotel is close to all the points of interest, and the staff were gracious and helpful. Yoann kindly helped us with our bags when we arrived. The price was very reasonable for such a beautiful historic building. It's a privilege to stay somewhere like this, though the upkeep it needs shouldn't be underestimated. I recommend it 100%.