Premiere Classe Chambery

The self-service check-in was handy after reception had shut, though it handled only one room per go. We’d booked two rooms for a night on the way somewhere, and both had sticky floors and a strong stale smoke smell. Even the pillows and bedding reeked, despite the no-smoking signs, and none of us slept well. We knew it was a budget hotel, but expected clean, comfortable rooms for what we paid.

The shower kept swinging from scalding to freezing, and there wasn’t any soap in the dispenser. The sheets had been patched up and had some questionable hairs on them, but by then it was late and we just needed sleep. Our room was on the second floor, farthest from reception, even though one of us used a crutch. At 11:30 the automatic check-in wasn’t working; the lovely night receptionist came over and found the same problem. The room’s only light was a huge fluorescent tube, bright as daylight and painful to sit near. Unless you really have to stay here, go elsewhere. Even an F1 couldn’t be worse.

The staff were friendly, but that couldn’t make up for how run-down the place was. We’ve stayed at other budget hotels in Chambery over the years and found them much better. Room 9 was old and dirty, with sticky, marked floors, stained walls that looked like coffee had been spilled on them, and unpainted repairs to the cracks. Paint was on the curtain too, apparently from a redecoration a very long time ago. The bathroom was cracked, there were cigarette burns, and hair was caught in the shower drain. The bedside shelf slanted at about 45 degrees, and the toilet paper had run out, clearly without anyone checking it. The main fluorescent light had been replaced with a ceiling light that didn’t suit the room’s original design. Breakfast ran out of bread: apparently four baguettes had been put out for around 20 people. If they’re cutting costs on baguettes, well... I’d avoid this place. This is honestly the worst hotel I’ve stayed in in France.

It may be beside the motorway, but plenty of nearby places are too, and some are cheaper and better. The room itself was clean, and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Still, both the rooms and breakfast area are long overdue for refurbishment, and the price is far too high for this standard. Don’t waste your money. The only thing premier about this hotel is the price.