La Forteresse Jacuzzi-Sauna

The jacuzzi is enjoyable, self check-in is easy, and the apartment has a lot of charm, especially the original stone look. The decor is tasteful too. Still, for what it costs, the stay was a letdown. The mattresses are both paper-thin, like sofa beds, and sleeping was really difficult. The sheets were bobbly and the pillows very light. Downstairs has the best atmosphere, but the air conditioner is so loud that sleeping there wasn’t possible. Towels were small, damp, and smelled bad. There was Marseille soap in the shower, plus an unlabeled little bottle upstairs, so we couldn’t tell if it was shampoo. The fridge was completely bare, not even water or juice, and anyone cooking would need to bring basics like oil and salt. The apartment was clean, but the black marks on the walls seemed easy to wipe off, which felt a bit disappointing in a newly renovated place. The booklet also says that even with the cleaning fee included, guests have to strip the beds and leave the linens by the washing machine, then wash, dry, and put away the dishes. We do wash our dishes anyway, but with no dish towels they had to go away wet. Otherwise, there may be at least a €20 extra charge. Making guests do the beds feels excessive at this nightly price. Asking would probably go down better. The jacuzzi and stone style are lovely, but there are better options in Rouen for this price, with thoughtful extras like shower gel, a bathrobe, or a little madeleine.

€250 for a non-refundable room, and they don’t answer emails or texts. A perfect way to throw your money away.