Colbert - Tours, France     

This small, family-run hotel is well located in the centre of old Tours, in a street full of good restaurants and interesting shops. Our bathroom was scrupulously clean with constant hot water and good quality thick white towels. The bedroom was a decent size with 24 hour central heating, which was essential during a very cold Easter! The beds were comfortable, there was a TV and good bedside lighting with a safe, a heater and an extra blanket in the wardrobe. Breakfast consisted of orange juice, yoghurt, cereal, bread, croissant and coffee and cost only 7 euros, which was excellent value. The room itself cost 57 euros plus tax per night, which for the location and level of comfort is a terrific price. The owner is charming and helpful, and can speak a little English if your schooldays French lets you down. Admittedly the decor seemed a little tired and dowdy to us, but nowhere looks wonderful in heavy rain. I imagine that during pleasant weather, with the doors open to the garden and some sunshine bouncing around the patio, it would look much more attractive. Having said that, the location, cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere and good value more than make up for the decor.

The Colbert is a small hotel on a pedestrianised street in the old town quarter of Tours within easy walking distance of rail/bus stations, tourist information, major stores and boutiques on the rue Nationale, cathedral, Musee des Beaux Arts and the river Loire. It is surrounded by small cafe/bars, restaurants of all types, with a mini-market and internet cafe within 200 metres. The hotel itself is an old townhouse on four floors (no lift/elevator) with bar and breakfast room (we didn't try either but only because there were so may alternatives close by): the decor is a bit tired and public areas do suffer from stale tobacco smoke, but our triple room with bathroom was spacious with just adequate closet/drawer space and spotlessly clean with excellent and unobtrusive daily housekeeping service. The patron was most cheery and welcoming and happy to advise on activities in Tours and around. All landmarks in Tours are within walking distance of the Hotel Colbert, but town buses have a fixed fare of Euro 1.20 for 60 minutes travel with as many changes as you like. For the chateaux, country buses from the gare routiere by the train station run to many of the chateaux towns and villages and have a fixed fare of Euro 1.50 regardless of length of journey. The Hotel Colbert was excellent value for money, in an outstanding location and we would certainly use it again.