Kyriad Caen Nord - Hérouville Saint Clair

We had trouble with the room key at first, so we went back to reception to get it fixed. When we returned, someone’s suitcase and belongings were in our room. I don’t know whether we’d been given another guest’s room or what had happened, but that’s obviously not something you want at a hotel. They found us a different room afterward. It was basic, but the bed was really comfortable, so that brought my rating up to the middle.

The noise in our room was constant all night, either a gurgling sound from the air conditioning unit or something else, and traffic could be heard through the poor sound insulation. The car park was also cramped, with tight spaces and not enough room to turn. I didn’t feel secure with the outside balcony walkways leading to the room doors. Non-guests can get right up to your door and might look inside. There are security shutters, but putting them down means losing all natural light. You also can’t open the window because people smoke outside. I wouldn’t choose this place if travelling with children who sleep in separate rooms. It was a bad experience. There are similarly priced proper hotels in the city, and I’d suggest staying at one of those.

I stayed at the ibis budget across the road. I usually came here for dinner when it was Campanile, but now there’s no food on weekends until March. That’s a problem if you book late. Their takeaway menu has very little choice, so keep that in mind when booking.

Everything we needed was within walking distance, including shops, restaurants, and other facilities. The room was clean and had a TV, tea, coffee, and towels. There was excellent, secure parking right outside the door. Handy for a ferry stopover or a trip back to the UK. I’ll definitely stay here again.