We stayed here for a week late June 2010. Its a lovely older hotel with much character. Unable to enter the town when we arrived as the last weekend in June is given over to their annual 'fete'. Partying and firework display on Saturday, huge procession on the Sunday - Venice themed - and the barriers were removed as soon as it was over. Parking no problem but Chatelaillon has a confusion of narrow, one-way streets - which can be frustrating. Our room had been recently refurbished and was spotless (we were refused admission by the cleaner one day until she'd finished cleaning and vacuuming it). Excellent double wardrobe. Small but more than adequate shower room/ toilet. The central staircase in the hotel is old, with a wearing carpet, but in its day must have been splendid. Lots of old photos in dining room show the hotel's history. Breakfast we thought was expensive but compared well to local bars ... lots of choice. Evening meal was nicely presented by well-trained, courteous staff and was reasonably priced. Eat elsewhere if you like - good choice of places to eat. We liked the 'Suzette' creperie (typically French laid-back atmosphere ... they do not rush you) and Le Milano Italian restaurant nearby - which was always very busy. South West France is a touch expensive with the current poor exchange rate (GBP-Euro), but the weather is good and there are lots of things to do - La Rochelle and Ile d'Oleron to name but two. The only minus points were a lack of ventilation in the bathroom ... a bit smelly at times, and building extension work above the dining room, making for a noisy breakfast.