Our room was bleak, badly furnished, and in need of a total overhaul. There were chipped tiles, dirty grouting, and unhygienically exposed pipework in the bathroom, which was poorly equipped - one doesn't expect to have to provide one's own shower gel and shampoo. There should also be additional lavatory paper so that it doesn't become necessary to use face tissues.

The double glazing was a joke - so badly fitted that that it excluded virtually none of the noise from the road or railway station. The bed was ideal for someone with a bad back who had forgotten his bed board; it was so firm that it bore a remarkable similarity to the floor. However, the plastic covered mattress was preferred because of the stained and dirty carpet, even though the single and aged pillows had become so flattened that they provided virtually no support.

The air conditioning unit did work reasonably well, though it was a source of constant drips onto the floor.

Breakfast was adequate, though butter and other items were not chilled in spite of the fact that the temperature during our stay was in the high eighties. We didn't take any other meals as the menu, as is the norm in France, made no concessions to vegetarians.

The positives are due almost entirely to the location. The hotel is very handily placed for the railway station; the railway station car park is just across the road and only cost one Euro for overnight parking; and the city centre and the chateau are only a short walk away. Reception staff were friendly and helpful.

Overall, I'd say go to the Mercure, which is only a couple of hundred yards further from the railway station and doesn't cost a lot more considering the vast difference in quality. This hotel really needs to up its game.