Hôtel Vieille Tour Centre Rouen

Whatever you do do not be tempted by the price, do not stop here, the rooms are small and dirty, the welcome is everything but welcoming.

This small family run hotel is excellently located in the heart of Rouen, opposite the Vieille Tour (regrettably under scaffolding in April 2010) and only a small distance from the Cathedral. Underground parking is immediately across the road from the hotel. Our double room, which looked on to the Tour, was quiet, adequately furnished, neat and clean. The room had a shower, toilet and hand basin and copious hot water. The bed linen and towels were clean. NOTE: We found the rates on the Internet much cheaper (E40) than over the counter (E65). Having seen some of the negative reviews on TripAdvisor, we only booked one night, which we very happily extended to a second night. There is also free WIFI access. The only thing I didn't like was the curtain separating the toilet and shower from the rest of the bedroom (I prefer a door!). The breakfast - at E6.60 - was also a bit basic. Coffee from a vending machine, limited quantities of orange juice, and baguettes and yoghurt. The owner/manager does not speak very much English, but is friendly and helpful in 'franglaise'!

We were tired when we pulled into the centre city of Rouen so we stopped in the first hotel that we saw. BIG MISTAKE. Whilst the lobby is compact and clean the rooms are anything but. The carpet is a mishmash of remanants, it is soiled, stained and tattered. The furniture is a collection of things taken from a Salvation Army. The bathroom was missing both a door AND a shower curtain. The bed linens were horrible and cheap. The phones don't work and there is no concierge at night. Anything over 20 EUR a night would be too much. To top it off, the drapes decided to detach themselves from the celing and attack my innocent husband! The only upside is that it is in a great location and there is a parking lot across the street.

Rouen is a lovely city, and you couldn't find a better located hotel than the Vieille Tour. It's right off Notre Dame Cathedral square, but be forewarned. Not all rooms have bathrooms. Check before you book and confirm. The shower is an odd plastic box that sits in the corner of the room, and the toilet is down the hall. On the first morning, there was NO hot water for a shower or shaving, so that got things off to a very unpleasant start. The small breakfast included was modest with nasty processed food, so it's better to go to the bakery down the street. The staff, a kind young French couple with a baby, are very pleasant, but the property needs lots of refurbishing. Cannot recommend.