Normotel - La Marine

The bed was decent and the staff were friendly, and the price seemed fair. Still, the rooms are cramped and very dated, with hardly any soundproofing. The bathroom layout is awkward enough that your knee hits the sink when you use the toilet, and the broken shower doors wouldn't stay shut. I'd only stay here for one night.

As someone who works in tourism, I wouldn't spend my money on lunch here. The 38 euro menu was a letdown: cold, overcooked fish with frozen vegetables, cheap sliced supermarket bread with foie gras cream, and industrial bottled cream tartlets. Between courses we waited an hour, with the waitress explaining each time that there were only two people in the kitchen. Management was clearly absent, and that's where I think responsibility for this poor experience lies. It's a shame in a small town with so many international tourists. I'd rather eat in Le Havre or Rouen, where the same menu would cost 20 euros less per person and the service would be better.

The view over the Seine at sunset is lovely, and the atmosphere is pleasant. The staff are polite and very nice, though they may not speak English. Food-wise, it was disappointing: everything was just okay, neither good nor bad, and there wasn't much choice. The more elaborate set menus cost twice as much as the basic one, which feels like too much if they're anything like the rest.

The balcony had brilliant views, and the rooms were clean. It's a good base for exploring the local area. This is a very good old hotel, and the food was very good too.