Just returned from a month in Europe and found this hotel to be the low point of our accommodation. As written in a previous tripadvisor review, the room (apparently their best) was shabby and the cleanliness questionnable. When I complained that the bed cover was dirty, the proprietor indicated that this was to be expected. The room had a chemical smell (cleaning solvent, insecticide?) that made my husband and I both nauseous and left my throat burning. Not what we expected from the Frommer's guide. After one night, we ended up finding alternate arrangements elsewhere in town.

My husband and I stayed there for a short break in September 2004. Having read the review from Frommer, we expected a simple, but charming hotel.

In reality, the hotel isn't well maintained. The garden and room which look lovely on the picture are shabby. The toilets make a terrible noise when flushing - they look like 'portable' toilets.

The hotel is also located opposite a huge parking lot just outside the historic part of Pau.

I would say, stay there if you arrive late at night and can't find anywhere else to stay, but do not plan to stay there for a 'charming' week end - you will find this hotel depressing despite welcoming staff.

Do not make your decision based on the pictures and review of the Frommer. Being French, I am actually familiar with the standards of hotel in France. We're also a young couple, so usually not too fussy!

Go down to Bielle - it's beautiful there and unspoilt.