Hotel des Augustins

This charming hotel, housed within a historic convent, offers a truly unique and memorable stay, with its beautiful lobby and architectural features like stained glass and ancient arches creating a captivating atmosphere. Its signature feature is its unbeatable central location, placing guests directly in the heart of the city, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and those eager to explore the vibrant local culture. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway and history enthusiasts who appreciate its rich past. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for potentially better views and quieter surroundings, and be prepared for the parking situation by researching nearby garages in advance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's historical charm is evident throughout, particularly in its stunning lobby which many guests find captivating. Some rooms offer the delightful addition of a patio or terrace, providing a private outdoor space. However, feedback on other amenities is mixed. The elevator is noted as being slow and only reaching the second floor, meaning guests on higher floors must use stairs, which can be challenging for some. Many guests report that the air conditioning units are old, noisy, or ineffective, leading to discomfort, especially during warmer months. Additionally, several reviews mention the absence of kettles or coffee makers in the rooms, which is a common amenity guests expect. The Wi-Fi is generally available, though some found it slow, and issues with non-functional safes and TV remotes were occasionally reported.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest experiences regarding cleanliness and room comfort are varied. While many guests describe their rooms as clean and some find the beds comfortable, a significant number report that the mattresses are old, hard, or generally uncomfortable, impacting sleep quality. Rooms are frequently characterized as small, cramped, dark, worn out, or dated, with some noting that the carpets appear old or stained. The bathrooms are a recurring point of concern, often described as run down, needing renovation, or having broken fixtures like shower heads that do not stay in place, leading to water splashing everywhere. Issues with hot water availability or slow heating are also mentioned. Noise levels vary; some rooms are quiet, especially those facing courtyards, but street noise and sounds from other guests or hotel operations can be noticeable.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel’s breakfast receives mixed reviews. Many guests find it to be good, tasty, and varied, appreciating the selection of local products, cakes, and yogurts. However, a considerable number of guests feel that the breakfast is expensive for what is offered, with some describing the options as limited, particularly for savory choices, and comparable to standard supermarket fare. Some guests opt to dine at nearby cafes instead due to the perceived value. The breakfast room can also be noisy at times, with some guests noting disturbances from others on phone calls. There is no consistent feedback on other dining options such as in-room dining or a dedicated hotel restaurant beyond breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset. Situated directly off Cours Mirabeau and within the historic center, guests find it perfectly positioned for exploring the city. It offers easy walking access to numerous attractions, shops, restaurants, and local markets, making it highly convenient for sightseers. Despite its central position, many guests report that their rooms are remarkably quiet, especially those facing internal courtyards. However, parking presents a significant challenge. The hotel is located on narrow, often pedestrian-only streets, making it inaccessible by car for drop-off. Guests must use a public parking garage located several hundred meters away, which is often described as expensive and can be difficult to access or find space in, particularly on busy days.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for their excellent, friendly, helpful, and accommodating service. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond, providing valuable recommendations for local attractions and dining, assisting with room changes, and offering support with travel arrangements like printing tickets or arranging taxis. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, contributing to a positive first impression. Many appreciate the multilingual staff who are able to assist guests in both French and English. Overall, the staff's attentiveness and dedication to guest satisfaction are recurring themes, significantly enhancing the overall experience for many visitors.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of an energy contribution fee that is added to the bill, which some found unexpected and not clearly communicated prior to arrival. While the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, some guests noted that finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be challenging. For those who prefer in-room beverages, it is important to know that tea and coffee-making facilities are generally not provided in standard rooms, and bottled water from the mini-bar can be quite expensive. The hotel's unique historical setting, as a converted convent, adds significantly to its charm and character, offering a distinctive ambiance that many guests appreciate.