ibis budget Caen Hérouville

The beds were comfortable and the shower was hot with good pressure, but there were several problems. We’d booked a family room for five for one night before an early ferry, yet the fifth bed hadn’t been made up. A duvet and pillow were there, but no sheets. The AC didn’t work, so the room was a very hot 25°C. We were also charged more than €25 above the amount in the confirmation email. Booking was more of a hassle than it needed to be: the website says the family room sleeps five but only lets you reserve it for up to four, so I had to email the hotel directly. Breakfast was very basic and not worth the extra charge. I’d go to a local boulangerie instead. Those were the worst pastries I’ve had anywhere in France.

The place was very clean and well maintained. There are pizzas for snacks and vending machines in the lobby, and a big shopping centre just two minutes away. We needed two rooms since there are no connecting ones, but they were next door to each other. It was very hot and there’s no AC, so the friendly, helpful receptionist offered us fans. We’d stay here again.

The receptionist changed our room when the TV didn’t work, so the kids could relax. We arrived with our two young children and my partner, and were made to feel welcome as people, not just customers. The rooms were clean and the beds comfy.

There’s a huge supermarket and shopping mall about a five-minute walk away. The city centre isn’t really walkable, but the tram is around 10-15 minutes away on foot and made the trip into town easy. There aren’t dining options close by apart from a Chinese buffet, which we didn’t try. It’s a good budget choice near Caen, with plenty of parking right outside. Our room was clean and in good shape, the wifi worked well, and the staff were helpful and friendly. Breakfast was fine: bread, croissants, cereal, cheese, cold meats, spreads, yoghurt, fruit, a few cakes, hot drinks, and juice.