Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

The junior suite was spacious, but its furnishings reminded me of an airport hotel. The rock tile and muted colors pushed the castle theme too far, and despite the building's history, I was surprised the room felt so old after its 2010 remodel. The staff were outstanding, helping with every request and doing all they could. Their warmth, the location, and the hotel's remarkable history made our stay enjoyable, though the rooms could use improvement.

The rooms were lovely and spacious, the service was excellent, and the location made old Rouen easy to explore on foot. It was especially well placed for the Christmas market. A tip if you want breakfast at the hotel: skip the in-room option and go to L'Aumale restaurant. We paid 70e for coffee, bread, and yogurt delivered to the room. There are also plenty of places to eat within walking distance. Otherwise, we had a lovely stay with wonderful staff. Worth the splurge.

The lobby is a beautiful place to sit with a drink and get some work done, and the history of the building adds to the atmosphere. You can see the pool and spa beneath the glass floor, which is a nice touch without being distracting. I came by several times while living in Rouen to work on the WiFi and have a drink. The cocktails were only average, especially the espresso martini. I wouldn't come just for the drinks, but it's a great place to work and enjoy the setting.

Matthew, the front office manager, gave us a warm welcome and plenty of helpful tips, and general Manager Stevan greeted us too. We were upgraded to a great room. When we felt a little cold, they brought up a portable electric heater, which made things more comfortable. The pool and spa were another highlight. The hotel is right in central Rouen, with lots of restaurants and bakeries nearby. We'll be back.