KYRIAD LILLE GARE - Grand Palais

The family room was a good size, and the location worked well for us, about 10 minutes by taxi from the city centre. Reception staff were lovely and very helpful, and breakfast was good for a decent price. The room itself was noisy, though. We were beside the lift, which made a terrible sawing sound, and noise also came through the door gaps. The worn carpet and loose skirting boards could use some attention.

We parked our motorcycle in the underground lot for 48 hours and had no worries about it. Parking, both outdoor and underground, was included, which was a real plus so close to Lille’s main spots. We spent two nights here during a wider motorcycle trip around Europe. The Westfield Shopping Center and city centre were around a 10-15 minute walk away. Rooms are basic but in line with the price, and the bed linen, shower and toilet were clean. There’s no air conditioning, so expect warm nights in hot weather. A good budget option for a few days in Lille.

The one good thing was the free parking. The metro is a five-minute walk away, though the neighbourhood felt shabby. At check-in, there was a strong cigar smell in the lobby. The room was dirty, with large stains on the carpet and hairs on two pillows. There was no air conditioning, the bathroom was small, and its door wouldn't close properly.

The room needs updating: chipped paint and tiles in the bathroom, a shower curtain that let water spill everywhere, and a brick-hard bed. The sheets and spare pillows smelled a little sweaty. Still, the location and service were good, and having parking near the city centre made the price feel fair. We were travelling cheaply, so it was about what we expected. If your budget allows, you could stay closer to the centre, but this place wasn't too bad for us.