Mercure Angoulême - Hôtel de France

Due to recent renovation there was a strong smell of paint throughout. The room telephone wasn't working (I was told that there were no technicians available on Friday evening). The box of wipes in the bathroom was empty (rectified later) and some of the worktops were dusty. No explanation of TV operation ( later rectified). After a long journey on the road I expect better. On the positive side the breakfast was excellent. Can you please train your staff not to sound like robots! Your guests are human beings who pay a not insignificant amount to stay in your establishment. Thank you.

It's a joy to stay in an older hotel with character that is taking real steps to maintain and perhaps upgrade their four star status. On this 5 week trip we have stayed in a number of "4 star hotels" that just didn't deserve the rating. First and foremost, as with most Mercure hotels, the staff is exemplary. We checked in the afternoon before a big party. The front desk manager assigned us a Prestige Room at the far end of the second floor, essentially guaranteeing us a quiet night's rest. The hotel is int he process of redoing the HVAC system. We were quite cold in our room and couldn't adjust the temperature. She brought us a portable heater which definitely helped on two chilly nights. Our large room was immaculate. The only criticism a shortage of hangars (corrected) and poor lighting in the bathroom, somewhat compensated by a large window, at least in daylight. We have suffered through a lot of mediocre breakfasts this trip. Praise to the hotel for having very good quality orange juice and coffee, two things that have disappointed us in many establishments. The rest of the breakfast buffet was somewhat standard. Why do so many places, including this one, offer fine scrambled eggs, but left to cool to room temperature? The public areas and courtyard confirm that this hotel has some history. Its location is ideal, and the large underground garage is a significant plus. We enjoyed Angouleme and would be happy to stay here again.

The hotel room was the dirtiest room I have ever stayed in! The toilet was brown below the water line. The level of dust on all services was disgusting. This room had not been properly cleaned in a long time. I raised this with reception on check out to which I received a shrug of the shoulders.

Great location. Good restaurant. But room had not been cleaned very well before we arrived. Most of staff friendly and helpful. But, elevator to parking wasn’t working when we left and we weren’t offered any assistance with our bags.

Well-located in the town center near the market and service was very good.

We stopped off for a night en route South. The hotel is right in the centre of the upper town. A handsome building, its public areas on the ground floor are certainly 4 star quality, whilst its large adjoining garage is excellent and essential. The rooms are slightly tired and more three star quality, but overall the value proposition is very good. Slightly underwhelming reception when we landed and service generally, not least when our reserved parking seemed to have been given away by a receptionist who seemed relaxed by it all. Don’t let this put you off - the hotel and town can certainly entertain you for a very good 24 hours.