Description: Reasonably priced
Hotel du Musée is close to my ideal hotel. Situated in what was formerly a grand private residence built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the hotel is no longer exactly grand, but it is spacious and possessed of that sort of rundown gentility that makes it charming rather than pitiful. It’s located a 5-minute walk from place du Forum, close to all the sights and the river. The entry is a rather stately hallway with a floor of large black and white tiles. The lounge, which also serves as a part-time art gallery, is large and comfy. You’re always welcome to hang out there.
The Dubreuils, who run Hotel du Musée, proved friendly and helpful. Monsieur took my car off to park it in the enclosed garage, two blocks away and €7 per day extra. When I had trouble dialing home with my purchased phone card, Madame assisted me in the lounge. The hotel also has a notable feature for an insatiable reader such as myself: a bookcase in the front hall where travelers leave books they’re finished and can pick up a left book to take away. I read so quickly that it’s hard for me to keep in English-language books when I’m traveling abroad. I was delighted to drop off a couple books I’d finished and pick up a couple more to finish my trip.
My room, on the second floor up a wide, wood-banistered staircase, was adequate in size if not spacious (it might be a little tight for two people), with ludicrous rusty orange full-length drapes covering a shuttered window, which looked out across the narrow street into a blank wall. It was furnished simply but had wonderfully efficient air-conditioning and a television with an English-language station. The bathroom was positively tiny. The shower, built into a corner, had one of those delightful shower curtains that persistently plasters itself to your legs, making it difficult to keep the floor dry. Nonetheless, there was an ample supply of hot water and good water pressure. Although my room was on the street, I noticed no street noise during the day or at night.
A standard issue continental breakfast is served in the leafy courtyard and costs €7 extra.
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