Naturally at that price I didn’t get their premier room, instead it was an older one at the end of a long hallway and about as far from the elevator as you could get. The view was of the back alley but the benefit to this was the absence of traffic noise so I was content. The room was quite large with night tables on either side of the double bed, large chest of drawers, comfortable reading chair and small TV on a swivel stand atop the mini bar. The wallpaper, bed coverings and drapes were done in a matching floral pattern and the large windows opened to allow fresh air (always a bonus as far as I’m concerned). The mini bar prices were close to what you’d pay in a grocery store. There were some nice little touches – a selection of glasses (tumblers and wine goblets), cork screw, hairdryer and coffee maker.

The bathroom was also spacious with a large tiled shower stall, loads of big fluffy towels and quality toiletries. The colour left a bit to be desired – 50’s deco green throughout but considering that was my only complaint, it was no biggie.

The hotel had an aura of understated elegance, sometimes a bit faded but was spotlessly clean and the architecture and décor made it seem like I was in a French country manor. Hallways were filled with antiques and comfortable, overstuffed chairs. On the main floor, the bar was decorated with inlaid wood and featured many Loire Valley wines. The hotel has two restaurants as well as private dining salons and a terrace.

Room prices are listed as singles €85-107 and doubles €105-125 but it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have anything cheaper. Optional buffet breakfast is an additional €13. Parking is available in their private garage at a cost of €8 per day.

Across the street is a pedestrian only shopping area with a Monoprix store among others. Currently the street in front of the hotel is dug up because of Gallo-Roman architectural excavations. This made it a bit dusty and messy but trust me, a stay at Le Grand Monarque is worth the slight inconvenience.