Campanile Nimes Centre - Mas Carbonnel

“Easy access to the attractions and has the benefit of parking.”

I booked for a night to spend Sunday afternoon sightseeing in Nîmes without the benefit of predicting that France would be under another canicule! We arrived in a haven of air conditioning at the reception where there was also a welcoming cold water dispenser. It was before the check in time but a… more

I booked for a night to spend Sunday afternoon sightseeing in Nîmes without the benefit of predicting that France would be under another canicule! We arrived in a haven of air conditioning at the reception where there was also a welcoming cold water dispenser. It was before the check in time but a very helpful receptionist allowed us to store our bags. Unfortunately there’s no luggage room and our things were just behind the desk which wasn’t manned at all times. We parked for free in front of the hotel, not in the secure compound, but judged this to be pretty safe. At the other side of the hotel, beneath the trees, there was shade but you can expect to find your car covered in bird excrement by morning as the starlings roost there for the night. The location of the hotel was good for relatively easy access to the Roman remains, 25 minutes to the arena and a further 10 minutes to the Maison Carrée. We walked on to the Fountains but hadn’t the energy to climb to the Tour Magne due to the 37c heat. The return from the gardens felt long and we were looking forward to a shower followed by drinks and dinner in the hotel. Unfortunately we were advised that the kitchen is closed at weekends so we had to head out again in the heat. The nearby restaurants are not fantastic but at least you can have a pizza, burger or an Indian buffet (that doesn’t serve alcohol) without getting into your car. We found our room to be very good with air conditioning, a comfortable bed and a huge television. There was a kettle and paper cups with coffee, milk and herbal tea, but no breakfast tea. The bathroom had some shortcomings in that the shower head was too heavy for its fitting so, unless hand held, water was directed at the wall. The wash basin was completely crazed, it looked as if it had been smashed and glued back together not just having surface cracks. The towel rack was hanging off the wall and the shampoo/shower gel was above the basin while the hand wash was inside the shower. (No worries, I suspect they are identical). As we were on the airport run early next morning we didn’t take breakfast. At €14 each it deserves being consumed in a leisurely way. Instead we had a quick croissant and coffee at the local bakery whilst there’s a McDonald’s next door for those who enjoy their food. We found the proximity to Nîmes airport very handy, an uncomplicated 10-15 minute drive away straight across from the hotel. Access to/from the autoroute is also very easy. We will certainly stay here again if the need arises and the price is acceptable.

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