We were on a budget and managed to get an unbelievable deal at the Christina (about £150 for four nights B&B for a double room). So obviously we were expecting a pokey room. Our requests for non-smoking and an upper floor were both confirmed by the receptionist on arrival.

The Christina is a nice walk to the Sanctuary, as people have previously said - about 10-20 minutes depending on your mobility. We were generally there in 10 mins without rushing.

The hotel itself is dated but in a really nice, dare I say "continental", way. There are stairs, about 6, leading to reception and the lifts so be aware of this - I think there was a wheel chair ramp to assist those in need.

The receptionist welcomed up and on hearing my attrocious attempt at French kindly assisted in English.

The room was small. Very clean and serviced every day. Tiny television with BBC World Service - but it's not important as it's generally not what people are in Lourdes for. I took an iPad with music and videos on it for those times where you've walked so far that you need to collapse on a bed. I do have to add that the walls are quite thin and when people are late back or very early to leave, the doors tend to slam - am not one to moan about things like that but you do think "can't you just close the door quietly"!

The bathroom was again very clean and towels serviced every day if required (put used towels in the bath if you want them replacing). Cleaners were around between 7.30am and 10.00am and, if like us, you like to scramble to breakfast and then back to the room to get properly ready, the Do Not Disturb sign on the door is fine - the room is still serviced even if we left at 10am.

The breakfast included held no surprises; When you arrive for breakfast your plate is on the table with a roll, a danish and a croissant. Excellent coffee machine, plenty of juices, plenty of ham and cheese and plenty of spreads and cereal. No complaints here - mind you, don't be arriving within 15 mins of breakfast ending - not a lot there! A nice touch was that to leave for our flights back we had to leave the hotel at 6.45 am and breakfast started at 7am. Without asking, they arranged for us to be able to have breakfast at 6.30am. Nice little touchs like that made our stay. Oh - and the view of the Pyrenees from the Breakfast room are stunning.

Little gift shop and tour advisor desk, plus a little bar and coffee shop in the reception area. We didn't use these but they looked just fine.

When we go to Lourdes again would we stay in the Christina? If we got a deal like we got again - 100% yes. Maybe even pay a little bit more.