SEJOURS ET AFFAIRES MARIE CURIE

The Séjours & Affaires is a very good option for longer stays in the (4 or more days) in the new business parks on the Northern corner of Grenoble (such as Europole or the Presqu'ile area). It's not luxurious, and is also used by students, but the bed was comfortable enough and there were 2 chairs, with a desk/work area for one person. This lacked adequate lighting, so if I wanted to read I had to sit on the bed, but there were plenty of power sockets to plug a laptop into - unfortunately mine wouldn't connect to their wifi, but my mobile phone did so successfully. There's plenty of wardrobe space and drawers. as well as a small kitchenette, with a slightly random collection of equipment (and no coffee machine or drip filter). The two ring electric hob worked OK once I figured out how to switch it on - you have to leave your finger on the button for about 5 seconds - it's a safety measure, but not explained! There's a standard sized fridge with small freezer compartment - it's not too noisy, and also a microwave and electric kettle. Breakfast is available (apparently only 5 days a week at the time of year I was there) but I elected not to pay extra for it. I had no problems with nose from any neighbours, but the corridors often had strong cooking smells. The TV only offered basic French language channels. The shower/toilet was effective, but I found there was a danger that I could easily knock the temperature control while standing in the shower, suddenly getting scalding (or cold) water. The hot water tank is above the WC, and I managed to bang my head on it once! It's close to a Tram stop (Cite Internationale on line B) and less than 10 minutes walk from the main railway station, but everyone uses the M Velo+ cycles for preference - there are many cycle racks for them nearby, so no need to try and get into the underground car park.

5 mins walk to the station & right next to a tram stop. Spacious rooms similar to a 3* hotel. Nice little kitchenette in the room with a fridge, microwave , hob & kettle with some sachets of tea & coffee. Slight smell from the drains in the bathroom which was the only thing that marked it down a little but a very good, cheap place to stay in Grenoble. The building is part of a complex that also does student accommodation so there are also washing facilities for clothes. They offer breakfast for €8 although I didnt try it so cant comment. Check in & reception is not 24hrs so that may limit whether you can stay here depending on your arrival time.

We stayed three nights here when visiting Grenoble for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and were pleased with our choice. Part of a larger complex that also houses students, the lodging is adjacent to a tram stop and a short walk to Grenoble train station, making it very convenient for our early morning departure. Check-in was simple and the pricing was excellent, probably the best value of our four week trip around France. Our room wasn’t huge, with a small kitchenette for preparing breakfasts (you wouldn't want to be much more ambitious!), but had decent wi-fi and storage options. On the downside, the bathroom was very small and poorly laid out, making it difficult to use. The light in reception adjacent to the lift was out for all of our 3-night stay, not evidence of great attention to maintenance. That said, we’d be happy to stay here again if visiting Grenoble.