Plaisance

The room was simple and had no air conditioning, but there was an oscillating fan and double glazing to cut down street noise. The hotel is right in the centre, close to the attractions. It had a TV, Wi-Fi, toilet, bath, towels and shower gel. In the adjoining room there was a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, table, chairs, a large TV and books. I was very satisfied with the friendly welcome, the bottle of water, and the option to have a night porter if needed.

At check-in the receptionist made sure we understood there was no air conditioning and offered to move us to the main hotel for an extra €40. We said no. She knew we’d be spending the night in an oven, and she was right. We knew there’d be no air conditioning, parking or elevator, but no reception either? You have to go to the nearby main hotel for that, where the receptionist has a decent fan. The rooms only have a ridiculously small, noisy one. For that price, they could at least provide proper fans or charge less. It’s a rip-off!

With no air conditioning, our room reached 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), and the night was awful. The hotel is in the city center, but the street was so noisy that we couldn’t open the window, even with earplugs. The arrival arrangements need work too. Guests should be told how to check in in a way other than an email sent after the reservation is confirmed. We were a family of four and wouldn’t recommend it.

We spent a night at the Annexe and found the room more than comfortable and practical enough for one night. The welcome was warm and professional, and we enjoyed the view over the square. There’s free parking nearby, and the basilica is a five-minute walk away. We also ate at the hotel restaurant and highly recommend it. The menu has plenty to suit different budgets, from pizzas around €15 to more elaborate dishes around €18-20. Best to reserve.