The Citadines is a no frill pay by the night residence. Note that I didn't say hotel and that's because when I checked in, the woman at the front desk made that clear to me. they are a residence, not a hotel.

Got it.

In other words: pay for your stay in advance, no hotel like amenities such as help finding a restaurant or clean linens included in the price of the stay. Want clean towels? That'll be 8 euros and isn't offered daily, although laundry facilities are so one could clean one's linens oneself.

The good part is that the suite was clean (think 80s decor) and had a little kitchen area with a fridge and stove. On-site parking is also available as is breakfast in a little cafeteria.

Note that the Citadines does not have air conditioning. They offer an "air cooling system" which is otherwise normally called by the rest of the world: "a fan." Seriously, they told us they had an air cooling system. No joke. Remember that in the summer, Grenoble can become one of the hottest cities in France...

Ok - I know nice council estate flats do exist, but if you imagine a slightly under-average one, one with flaking paintwork, stained carpets and cobwebs, one that hasn't been redecorated in 25 years and you'd be getting close to the Citadines experience.
The entire apartment had the acrid smell of a limescale removing toilet cleaner, a smell so strong that you might imagine they had washed the walls down with it. However, closer inspection revealed tiny, blood-like dark red smears on the lounge wall, so that possibility was rather unlikely. Even once your nose had become accustomed to the scent of ammonium chloride, the slightest disturbance of the atmosphere (nodding for instance) could send your nostrils reeling again.
Sooty black dust marks were baked onto the walls above radiators and perfectly picked out the grid-like framework beneath the plasterboard on the bedroom wall/roof.
The decor was textbook 1980's, yellow walls, green carpets, and tired if not exhausted, furniture and fixtures. However, sheets were fresh (blanket were not the worst I have seen but I was happy to have a sheet between me and it) and the apartment was superficially clean on the surfaces etc, so long as you didn't look too hard.
We booked through Expedia so may have got the worst of the rooms - it's quite possible that rooms on lower floors were better, but the decor in lobby didnt hold out much promise for that.
Internet was easy to access within apartment.
Only met one member of staff, she was really friendly and had perfect English.

I booked the Citadines in Grenoble for a short stay for a group of 16. It turned out to be perfect for us. The rooms are all well fitted, clean and comfortable. If you want to eat in your room, there are supermarkets in the same street and if you want to eat out, there are many cafés nearby. It is close to a tram stop and a short walk from the city centre. All this and reasonably priced too. I have no hesitation in recommending Citadines Grenoble.

We got a very good rate on a triple suite here and were delighted with its amenities. Living room with a pullout sofa, two balconies with great views and a very functional little kitchen. Excellent value!

The staff were very friendly and helpful and pointed out a terrific little bistro around the corner (whose name I have forgotten, sorry!). There are also two supermarkets just outside the building and an internet cafe about 5 minutes away.

The hotel is in the business district so it's a15 minute or so walk into the older part of town. However, if this is not an issue then I would recommend without hesitation, especially for families who need a little more space!