The Originals Boutique, La Maison Rouge

The restaurant was very busy, but they still managed to fit us in for dinner. The steak was excellent and the staff were helpful. We booked at the last minute and were glad we did, it made for a very good night's stay in a convenient spot on the way back to Calais.

Quiet and well looked after, with enough space, comfort, and amenities for a business trip. The rooms were unusually spotless by French standards. It’s a pleasant hotel and I’d happily book again for work.

The room was pretty OK, and the hotel is well placed for a stop within an hour of Calais. But I wouldn’t expect a friendly welcome at reception. We arrived late on our way back to Calais from the Alps, and I’d booked a charging space for our EV overnight. After several tries I couldn’t get the charger working. The woman at the desk understood that we needed help, but answered entirely in French even though she knew we spoke none. Nobody came to help, so my wife and I had to drive 30 minutes to the nearest charger. That was totally unacceptable. We know we’re in another country and should know some of the local language, but for a hotel so conveniently placed before the ferry, we expected staff to be much more helpful and welcoming. Speaking to us in French when they knew we couldn’t understand, and not offering help, felt downright rude. Also, the metal window shutters in every room badly need oiling. People opening and closing theirs in nearby rooms woke my wife throughout the night.

The blackout shutters were a great touch, and breakfast was a good self-serve buffet. Our room was clean, tidy, and spacious, and they let us check in late at 11pm after driving from the UK towards the Champagne region. It was a comfortable stay and excellent value. I’d definitely stay again when driving through France.