Hôtel Henri IV (La Rochelle, France)

For those wanting a base from which to explore, with clean rooms and basic facilities, this is the ideal choice. The rooms are simple, with comfortable, soft bedding and the accommodation is kept immaculately clean by the housekeeping staff. The hotel offers good value for money for those on a budget.

This hotel is well placed in the thick of the action in La Rochelle. It’s within the pedestrianised area, but also a few steps from the port area where the majority of restaurants are located.

The staff at reception are friendly, accommodating and happy to help at any time. Staff will retain room keys if requested and return them to guests when they arrive back. Those wanting information about the city, sights to see or recommendations about where to eat will find those behind reception have a wealth of knowledge.

The advantage of the central location of this hotel is somewhat diminished by the noise from crowds of people at the weekends. Noise carries from the huge array of bars and restaurants from the neighbouring pedestrianised streets and the harbour. Street cleaning noise can also rouse guests at a very early hour at weekends.

Some found the accommodation to be incredibly small, not just the rooms, but the bathroom and shower within it. The lack of a lift may prove an issue for those on higher floors and with heavy luggage as staff members don’t carry luggage for guests.

The hotel offers breakfast, but this is expensive considering that it is very basic, consisting of a juice, hot drink, croissant and bread slice. For many, it simply wasn’t worth the price charged.