Hotel berhampiran Musée Régional du Donjon de Fouras, Fouras

We booked this months ago for our transit through France to Spain when it was still listed as a Campanile. No one notified us of the change. So it was brutal to discover no chef so no meal other than the offer of a potentially microwave meal, poor selection of beers and one line they had run out of. After a long drive from Roscoff we had been so looking forward to the Campanile experience and it had completely gone. This place is on the outskirts of town so unless you want to drive again food options are severely limited. Redeemed by an 8 minute walk to the Chinese buffet which despite some reviews was really good. We declined breakfast and got food on the motorway. The place looks run down and uncared for, peeling paint on the balconies, peeling paint on the shelf in the bathroom and a plug socket that wasn’t properly on the wall. No real services to speak of. Loud banging every five minutes from what sounded like dodgy plumbing but little point asking to move because despite there being only a few other guests it just felt like it wouldn’t be possible in terms of avoiding the noise. They are still using Campanile branding and charging Campanile prices so very unsatisfactory. On the plus side the room was clean and the staff did everything they could to be helpful, especially Joelle. I was asked to pay up front as we weren’t having food, being told the morning staff cannot work the cash machine. It took 10 minutes for them to get the ( new) terminal working and I was questioned about the use of my card in France which had been successful both on Brittany Ferries and at the fuel station that day. The issues with this place I don’t think are their fault and they are just trying to make the best of a poor situation but a quick google will find other places in the area to stay. Really couldn’t suggest anyone choose to stay here. If there was a score lower than terrible, this would meet it.

Gorgeous boutique hotel right on Vieux port making it in the heart of the buzz around the port but noise wasn’t an issue at all. Everything was accessible and within a few minutes walk. Bus from the airport stopped right outside the hotel, train station is a 5 minute walk away. Room is v small and a bit cluttered but view from the room made up for it. Didn’t have a balcony (a few rooms have) but we loved looking out our window at the buzz around the port and watching the entertainment. It was spotlessly clean and was cleaned daily. Bathroom was bright and had great lighting, a rare in some hotels where you can barely see without turning all all lights. Minibar including water, coke and iced tea included which was a nice touch. Also got a plate of macarons and a little welcome card which again was lovely. Safe also included free of charge. Beds were very comfortable and plenty of sockets to charge phones etc. Staff were wonderful and so friendly. Didn’t have breakfast as there are so many places to chose from in the city. La Rochelle was amazing and I will hopefully come back and would have no hesitation in staying in La Tour de Nesle again.

I struggle to recognise this as a 5 star establishment. Pleasant enough and in a good location, with friendly staff ready to assist. Sadly the systems and facilities let down the hotel. We stayed 4 nights. The hotel restaurant was fully booked on the first night (we were not warned are advised to book in advance despite contacting the hotel prior to arrival) and it was closed on our second and third nights. We were disinclined to book on our last night. The hotel allows dogs. Fine providing owners do not leave them in the room whilst at breakfast, allowing them to bark constantly and waken neighbours. Breakfast was average and let down by slow replacement of items. The moderately warm but congealed bacon and scrambled egg were not attractive. On the other hand, the kitchen produced two excellent omelettes. Leisure facilities were not used. The steam room and sauna were available but shower facilities were out of action during our stay. Who wants to sit around the leisure area in a sweaty state? The pool was poor and afforded nil privacy. A good, if rather expensive cocktail bar, staffed by a man who knows what he is doing. A good, but again, expensive car parking service. There are no sensible options in this part of town.

We arrived in the dark, wind and rain. However, the lady from reception and valet came outside to greet us, which we appreciated. Very good car parking. The hotel is a lovely building on a street with nice shops and cafes. The hotel bar and lounge area is very nicely decorated with comfortable furniture and there was a fire burning, creating a lovely atmosphere. Our bedroom was large, the bed and pillows comfortable and the shower was great. I was very impressed by La Rochelle and would love to visit in summer. Very friendly and helpful staff. We did not eat in the restaurant but it looked good. Thankyou