Hotel des Colonies - Nantes, France     

I spent five nights by myself at this centrally located, 2-star hotel. I didn't arrive in Nantes until after midnight, and had called ahead to alert the hotel. Reception was waiting for me as promised. Overall, I found the reception staff to be friendly and helpful. (Usually, reception closes at 11 pm.) My room, on the "2eme etage" as they say in France, was clean but minimalist. (I was a bit put off as I walked down the hall, which was a bit dreary with dark red walls.) The hotel is situated on a small, relatively quiet street off of one of the main shopping thoroughfares. It is about a 5 minute walk from the tramway lines, 5-10 minutes from the medieval quarter, and even closer to the Place Royale. My taxi from the train station to the hotel was 7-8 euros. One of the major advantages of this hotel for me was the free WiFi internet access - just ask the desk for the code. There is an elevator, no AC (not usually necessary in Nantes, I think). I didn't inquire about getting a non-smoking room. I didn't notice any smoke until a couple days into my stay, when I think a smoker moved in on my hall. My room's large windows made airing out the room easy. But if you are sensitive it may be worth asking about a non-smoking floor - if it exists. For 54 euros per night (for one person), I thought was a fine hotel.