Grand Hotel De La Reine Amelie

To describe this place as dated would be generous. Possibly last saw a coat of paint in the sixties, which would be not too bad if it been done well then. Room was none too clean, with mouldy patches on the walls, cracked tiles in the bathroom, and a huge rip in the only chair in the bedroom. I love swimming, but the pool was filthy and much of the furniture broken. The positives were lovely staff and good food....desserts especially were excellent.

3* no 2 most. Some serious upgrading necessary. It is old (but not in an antique way). Hotel soap provided measures 45 x 25 x 3mm from new (an apolgetic waste) , as thin plastic. Not a problem, a sample of minimalizism. The toilet seat is a basic model,, it could be dangerous if one needs to shuffle the seat anchorage comprises thin male/female interlocking plastic. The small TV has two seperate programming units. The chairs were selected to ensure a mimimum of comfort.The shower is integral to the bath however for those with limited movement, (I don't) but 4those that do, be careful stepping out of the bath side, shower water seeps under the underside of the protective screen and on to floor, so a mop will be an advanantage. Externally the Tarmacadam frontage is worn such that suitcase-wheels will be better kept clear of the surface. Food for breakfast/dinner is available and quite good and plentiful. Amelie le Bains lies beside a mountain river with many tributaries; loverly, some great hill walks to be had, however the town is very run-down, the Tourist Office which is quite grand by building comparison appears to be the cleanest and most appealing in the town, however staff should hang their collective heads in shame as they appear to have lost the plot as to their point of existence, many residential/commercial & retail in-town buildings have also fallen into apparent neglect.

I stayed here as I was performing in the dance festival in the town. Room was clean, spacious and adequate. Nice shower. But no air conditioning and the weather was particularly hot this year. I didn’t have any meals so can’t comment. Staff were really helpful and friendly. Only a short walk from town.