Grand Hotel des Templiers

The Grand Hotel des Templiers is right by downtown Reims and the champagne houses, so we could get around on foot. When my wife and I arrived, the staff gave us a helpful introduction to the area and suggested places to visit. We loved our stay, especially the lovely rooms and fantastic staff. I highly recommend it for a visit to Reims.

The young receptionist was great from check-in through breakfast, and that's what earned the four stars. We tried the €11 breakfast, but the two mini pain au chocolat, two croissants, and three or four baguette slices were really hard and tasted old. The hot chocolate reminded me of Nesquik, and the nearby bakery is much better than what this supposed four-star hotel served.

The lobby and bar have a lovely French-style interior, and the rooms are very comfortable. Many have recently been redone with new furniture and bathrooms. Breakfast comes to your table rather than from a buffet, and they’re happy to accommodate preferences. We’ve stayed here several times and have already booked again. Despite the name, it’s a small hotel on a narrow lane in central Reims, with little traffic and quiet nights. There’s a small private car park, though fitting everyone’s cars in can mean another vehicle temporarily blocks the exit.

The entrance was a surprise: from the street, all I could see were what looked like rear building entrances and a very unimpressive “HOTEL” sign. Then the gates opened onto a private car park and a beautiful building and interior. The staff were so helpful, and the room was comfortable and exceptionally clean. It’s well located, and I’d definitely stay again on another visit to Reims.