L'Arrayade

...Jim, but not as we know it! It's a hotel because: * it accepts paying guests * it offers beds (sheet and blanket) in a private room with a private bathroom if you reserve that option (we did!) * there are hard chairs, a small table, a bedside table and a wardrobe * towels are provided * there is ample parking outside * there are drink and snack vending machines in the foyer. It falls short of my natural expectations of a hotel because: * there is no coffee/tea tray in the room * there are no little bottles of shampoo etc in the bathroom * there is no bar * the advertised restaurant was "unavailable" * cards are not accepted * feeble, intermittent WiFi * no TV in the room Some of this was expected, for the cheap stopover we wanted, and we could have overlooked most if there had been any ambience or sense of welcome on arrival/gratitude on departure. Don't get me started on breakfast. I was given a coupon at check in. When I entered the dining room, tables were reserved by room number. But no 302! I was just settling myself at 303, having fetched my coffee when a staff member arrived, inspected my coupon and then set me up a "Billy-No-Mates" table for one (My husband doesn't have breakfast). She brought me my single croissant in a basket and left. It was the most basic breakfast buffet I have ever seen! * coffee, chocolate, milk, orange juice, water * cornflakes/chocolate flakes * baguettes * yogurt * fresh fruit Cost: €5.50 As we left (having had to settle our bill on arrival) we were completely ignored by the two women behind reception; they didn't even return our "goodbyes". My advice... Go somewhere else!

The manager of this hotel is not a nice person, she wants to take money from you when you haven't even stayed there, why didnt I stay? because; no notice telling you that you need a door code to get in at all times!, it only stipulates use code for after 21hrs before 0800. I didn't take my door code out with me as it stipulates reception is manned??? (not) staff was ill, consequently locked out all afternoon in the cold and needing the loo, until 8pm at night when I managed to wake the caretaker. The hotels attitude? who gives a dam??, no help or understanding at all, no wonder the hotel was empty and I was the only person in the world silly enough to stay there. Never again, the staff let it down big time! especially the director.

For that price I was not expecting such a magnificent location in the middle of a huge wooded parkland full of rabbits, absolute quiet, spotlessly clean, free WiFi, huge window and working desk in room. 5 star budget accomodation. It doesn't get much better than that.