Hotel Auberge des Remparts

Auberges des Remparts is quite a unique hotel, not your average chain stay. It's interior design is is one a kind, eg. the lobby has the feel of a past era, not defined by one specific but a mix of several early and mid-20th century ones. My room on the other hand was clearly a retro room in the style of the late 60s and early 70s. I appreciate the helpfulness and kindness of what I believe to be the owner. He was making sure the guests got answers to their questions, I certainly had a few.

Despite feeling very cosy and spending an agreeable time, there were a few things that I think need pointing out. The water pressure in the shower is sub-optimal especially with longer hair it takes forever to get the shampoo out. As I was on a business trip I had to do some work on my laptop, but the desk and the 70s retro chair weren't really designed for ergonomic working. Lastly and in all fairness I probably could and should have asked this beforehand the breakfast had no real vegan options, apart from the bread and fruits.

If you like classic hotels, forget this place but if you want to get a different taste ... go for it. Every room could be an experience, so let's do it. If you are a hotel chain follower ... forget it but if you like having a smile for free or if you are looking for an owner working with his heart, book directly.

We turned up here quite late on a very wet day, filthy from having just cycled up the path beside the Mayenne. Le patron could not have been more helpful - totally unperturbed by our dishevelled state, he helped us to wheel our grimy bikes through the foyer and took care of our equally dirty luggage. No problem, no rush - just the ideal welcome at the end of a long, hard day. Nice big room, good shower, easy walking distance to eating places in town. Laval looked interesting; we didn't have much time to explore it but I recommend that you try to wander around the place. Great breakfast, lots of fruit and interesting bread and plenty of other stuff to get a couple of hungry cyclists ready for another day on the road. All in all, a great find.