Apparthotel Odalys Le Cheval Blanc

Nîmes is the real highlight here, the location is outstanding. The studio was roomy, but it was badly furnished, with a tiny kitchenette and dated fixtures. The electrical setup seemed poor, almost as if amateurs had fitted everything. The reception area also felt unwelcoming and gave a poor first impression. We expected quite a bit more.

The Arena view through our bedroom window was spectacular, and the beds were comfortable. Staff were friendly, too. It’s a fairly priced place in a great location, and on a budget you could do much worse, though there are quite a few room issues. The toilet shifted when sat on, the shower wasn’t secured and sprayed in different directions, and its screen let water flood the bathroom. The soap dispensers were empty or didn’t work, and the heater was noisy and smelled. The room cleanliness and general upkeep need attention. I’d still recommend it to people who aren’t fussy, want to save money, or care most about location. I’d give it 3/5, though fixing a few of these issues could easily earn a higher rating.

The Arènes view was lovely, and the staff were welcoming. The room was clean and the rest was good, but the bathroom was a serious problem for me. Water spread across the floor, and there was black mold they seemed to be covering with paint. I’m allergic, so that really affected me. The bathroom clearly needs renovating.

The hotel sits right across from the Arena, or coliseum, and the staff were incredibly friendly, though they didn’t speak much English. We paid about $80 for the night, with breakfast extra at $11 per person. It’s a former monastery from the mid-1800s, converted into a hotel, and has a lot of character. Our spacious room had a kitchenette, a separate toilet room, and a large bathtub in a very modern bathroom. The wood-beam ceiling, grand shutters, and staircase were lovely. Enjoy it while you can, as the chain plans to move to a new location in a year.