Les Charmilles

The restaurant was surprisingly good, and I’d happily eat there again. The food was much better than you might expect from the way the place looks. My room was clean and quite spacious, though I can only speak for my room, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. There was plenty of parking, and it felt safer than some Ibis hotel car parks along the highway. I left my motorcycle there without worrying much. A good choice for a night near the highway.

The hotel and grounds look like they need major refurbishment. Our room was a bit small and dated, and we got to it by a shabby staircase. The open shower sent water splashing around the small bathroom. The first-floor room itself could do with some work. Staff were friendly and welcomed us with information about the room and the option to eat at the restaurant. Dinner in the rather dark dining room was acceptable for the price, though the wine by the glass seemed a little expensive. Breakfast was sparse, with only three tiny croissants left when we arrived and little choice.

The restaurant is the reason I’m giving this place three stars instead of the two it deserves. The food was fresh, delicious, and a real treat. I had perch fillet with herbs and lemon, seasoned rice, and vegetables; my husband’s prawns were just as good. We had it all with a local white wine. I’d happily eat there again if I pass through, though I won’t stay at the hotel again. The room was a rough night for my asthma. There was no air conditioning, dogs were allowed in the restaurant, and the old carpets didn’t help. The furniture was dated, and the bed springs creaked so much that turning over kept waking us both. The walls were thin too, so we could hear early risers walking past outside. I’m following the official three-star rating, but honestly, the hotel feels like a two-star place at best.

The one thing this hotel has going for it is how close it is to the A6. The carpets were questionable and sticky, it smelled damp, and the toilet bowl was brown with limescale. The place badly needs a proper clean. At booking, the room was listed at £73 with breakfast included, and I checked online to see it still advertised at the same price. At checkout, though, I was charged €175. The breakfast staff in the morning seemed to think English guests couldn’t understand French. If guests are meant to wait to be shown to a table, staff need to be there to do it. After ten minutes, people will just find a table themselves. Complaining about guests isn’t acceptable, and the waiter in particular was rude. I did enjoy the look on both staff members’ faces when I spoke to them.