Better, The Second Time Around
Written: Nov 04 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Secure parking, clean and on the fringe of the core city.
Cons: Basic, homely and modern design.
The Bottom Line: A good value, but don't expect any charm.
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| ulysses4's Full Review: Hotel Kyriad Pau Centre Bosquet |
We visited Pau close to 20 years ago, and we were a little apprehensive about coming back. Hard to put in words, but we didn't particularly like the city nor feel entirely safe there. One doesn't have to have a rational reason for feeling that way. It is hard to ignore a city of some 180,000 when you are trying to get to know a region better, so we gave it another try.
With only the Michelin Guide and Atlas maps and extremely haphazard city signage it didn't take us long to be adrift as we tried to find our hotel. We saw one sign for the Kyriad high up on a pole, and it was anyone's guess if it was directed straight or for a 90 degree turn. We guessed wrong. Fortunately, some landmarks appeared (in the wrong place) and we reoriented ourselves and made a second pass as late afternoon traffic began to mount. Driving down a street that changed names three times, we finally found the hotel and entered through a narrow gate to a car park. The surrounding area didn't look too appetizing, forlorn apartment buildings and a somewhat threadbare avenue.
THE HOTEL
We had never stayed at a Kyriad Hotel before. I knew that it was part of the Concord Hotel Group, perhaps somewhere in the Novotel or Ibis Range of budget business hotels. The web-site and reality revealed a rather severe modern furnishings scheme. For some reason, orange and blue prevails, which reminded me of the old Howard Johnson Motels in 1950s America. The hotel earns its three star rating, but is nothing to write home about.
The lobby and breakfast room are lean, bright, and transient. Our check was was quite efficient and cheerful. We were offered a good map and some suggestions for dining. There is a small computer room where you can check your e-mails for a nominal price. A minimalist bar, not much more appetizing than drinking in your room.
The elevators were quick and of decent size. The hallways quite spartan, but well lit. Our room, much like that on the web-site, had all of the basic necessities, perfectly acceptable for a night or two. One of those rooms where when you wake up, you could be anywhere. Geared to the business traveler, there is a widescreen TV with a number of channels, wi-fi and cable internet access, phone, mini-bar, air conditioning, mini-shelf that could double for a makeshift office space, skeletal chairs, minimalist night stands, nothing that even the most desperate would consider taking.
Modular bathrooms with fluorescent lighting, antiseptically clean. A shallow closet. A room and price to keep the bean counters happy.
The breakfast was on the plastique side. In a country with marvelous bakeries, artisinal jams and honeys, characterful cafes, we had to settle for airport/airline grade generics.
We saw a tour bus parked outside, but fortunately, our schedule didn't mesh with theirs.
The secure parking, adequate but uninspiring physical plant met our needs but didn't exceed them. This hotel is not listed in the Michelin Guide. We visited a few that did, including the Continental and Parc Beaumont. We used the money we saved towards a good dinner. While the other hotels had a little more character, they didn't seem to justify their higher prices for a short stay.
While it was a fifteen to twenty minute walk into the more interesting part of town, it was good exercise and we felt quite comfortable from a security point of view. This is not a fun town to drive in, so there is some merit in leaving your car and using public transportation or just walking.
We enjoyed Pau more the second time around, with more time to walk about the historical center. We had some good meals and sensed that the city was moving forward towards greater prosperity. We would go back to the Kyriad, recognizing its utilitarian value.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ulysses4
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Member: Alan R. Fridkin
Location: Westfield, MA USA
Reviews written: 224
Trusted by: 19 members
About Me:
Mediator;attorney;retired Navy Captain;avid traveler;bon vivant.
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