France

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Le Grand Leveque, Rue Cler, Paris
Why: good value, great neighborhood

Kimberly French in Middleborough, MA USA 09/02/2008

Best: Hotel Cluny Sorbonne
Why: VERY clean, quiet street, friendly and helpful staff, and fabulous location! So many interesting museums, monuments, and districts were within walking distance. We had 4 fabulous days of walking to most of the sights listed in your whirlwind Paris tour.

Ildi Varga in Vancouver, BC Canada 08/25/2008

Best: Hotel Cluny Sorbonne
Why: VERY clean, quiet street, friendly and helpful staff, and fabulous location! So many interesting museums, monuments, and districts were within walking distance. We had 4 fabulous days of walking to most of the sights listed in your whirlwind Paris tour.

Ildi Varga in Vancouver, BC Canada 08/25/2008

Best: Hotel Castex
Why: Reasonable price. Great location. Considerate staff. Small room, but not too small. Nice desk. The free wireless worked without a hitch. Everything in the room was organized conveniently. It was clean. The bed was comfortable. Everything worked. The Hotel Castex had everything I needed. Nothing less, nothing more. It was just great.

Barbara Robertson in San Francisco, CA USA 08/19/2008

Best: Hotel Regence in Arles
Why: Very friendly staff, very clean, nice breakfast room, walking distance to train station...2nd time we've stayed there

C. Sprague in Lawrenceburg, IN USA 08/18/2008

Best: The Hotel Relais Bosquet in Paris
Why: The Hotel Relais Bosquet just off the Rue Cler was like coming home at the end of the day. The staff was most helpful and friendly. The room was comfortable. We even had a view of the Eifel Tower. Our reservation was exactly as promised.

Thomas Strayhorn in Snyder, TX USA 08/14/2008

Best: Grand Hotel Leveque
Why: It's location of Rue Cler puts the traveler right into the flavor of Paris just by stepping out of the hotel and onto the street. Walking distance to most of the major Paris sights.

Ray and Arlene in New Westminster, BC Canada 08/10/2008

Best: Apartment, that's what we stayed in.
Why: We had a full kitchen and cooked at home often. We were in Paris for 2+ weeks.

C. Haller in Longwood, FL USA 08/08/2008

Best: New Hotel La Baume
Why: Only one from the book we used this time. First room was soggy thanks to a failed AC. Staff worked quickly to get us into another (better) room despite a full house.

Ken Gooderham in Fort Myers, FL USA 08/07/2008

Best: Hotel- Hotel d'Argouges, Bayeux, France
Why: Great location, beautiful gardens, quiet rooms, good breakfast; but what makes all the difference is the staff, who accommodate your every need. They were responsive, helpful, kind understanding. Due to a serious medical emergency, we had to extend our stay from 3 days to 8, and they worked with us to make this work.

Debbie Mc Kay in Santa Rosa, CA USA 07/27/2008

Best: La Tour de Cause, Dordogne
Why: Friendly (American) owners, free internet on their computer, lovely house and grounds, nice little touches (good soaps and towels), spacious rooms, and the best bed we had in France.

Christy in Seattle, WA USA 07/23/2008

Best: Le Cep in Beaune
Why: Idyllic location in the Burgundy region and VIP service from front desk to room - luxury and old world courtesy at its best.

Sharon Wardrip in Indianapolis, IN USA 07/16/2008

Best: Hotel Regence- Arles
Why: Very clean, small, cheery rooms, great location.

Worst: Hotel la Belle Meuniere-Nice
Why: Our quiet room in this place was exceptionally dreary, not very clean and you need to bring your own soap. (They do provide towels.) We looked at the brighter balcony rooms-fine if you plan on awakening at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m in summer, when sun rises, (beautiful lace curtains, but no heavier curtains to keep room dark) or if you don't mind the later night noise from travellers socializing on the patio in the evening. Also, what's with "charasmatic Madame Marie-Pierre presides..." Young college students from Mexico and Columbia (who were very helpful)and one older (50's) French man "presided" during our four day stay. I would never stay here again. We have stayed in Rick-recommended hotels in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, as well as other parts of France, and this one was the very worst. I suggest not recommending it, unless you really tell about the down side.

Sheila in Albuquerque, NM USA 07/14/2008

Best: Hotel Manoir de Rigourdaine
Why: This "resort" has a wonderful ambiance. Owner Patrick is a gem. When my wife badly injured her finger on a fold-up restaurant chair in Port Dinan, he dug around and came up with bandages and disinfectant. Thanks again Patrick.

Martin Jansen in Agoura Hills, Ca USA 07/13/2008

Best: Hotel Relais Bosquet in Paris
Why: Quality/reliability of hotel, breakfast buffet (free to us as Rick Steves readers), rue Cler neighborhood, proximity to Eiffel Tower. We also really liked Hotel Suisse in Nice.

Worst: Hotel Calendal (mildly disappointing)
Why: While we really liked the common areas, computers and breakfast buffet, our rooms were a bit less nice than expected. I stayed here 8 years ago, and liked the rooms better then. We had rooms 23 and 25 this time. It would be great if the rooms had a small fridge, too.

Chris McNally in Everett, WA USA 07/10/2008

Worst: Hotel Leveque, Paris
Why: We have not even taken our trip yet and I already know that this is the worst as someone at the hotel has made fraudulent charges on our credit card. It is the only vendor that we used the card and all of the charges have originated in France. Needless to say, we already have a bad taste in our mouth for this hotel.

Rebecca and Jason Hartsough in Charlotte, NC USA 07/08/2008

Best: La Grange Chambres (bed-and-breakfast in Amboise)
Why: Lovely room, beautiful courtyard garden for relaxing, nice breakfast, extremely hospitable hosts did everything possible to make us feel at home (owner Yveline was away for the weekend, but her son Alain did a great job).

Marian Ziegler in Drums, PA USA 06/26/2008

Worst: La Belle Chappee in Carcassone
Why: This is definitely not a worst B&B but a possible glitch needs to be pointed out. There is absolutely no check in until 4:00 pm. So we arrive at 2:00 pm and there is no answer at the door of this B&B. We check our printed out confirmation and there it is in fine print. No luggage drop is possible but she suggests exploring Carcassone and visiting the shops. Well there we are with our luggage so all we could do was wander down the street to a wine bar and wait there for two hours. Luckily the wine bar had big umbrellas on the outdoor terrace as it began to rain. The owner of Belle Chappee really needs to offer a luggage drop. I can't imagine what it would be like to arrive before noon.

Susan Jennings in Atlanta, USA 06/13/2008

Best: Residence Versailles, Beynac
Why: This is a great place to stay in a country setting (assuming you have a car). Francoise and Jean-Claude treat their guests very well and provide great breakfasts. I stayed in the green room which was spacious and had a great view of the hills. This is a good location because it's central to all of the caves with prehistoric art.

Kathy in San Francisco, CA USA 06/05/2008

Best: Hotel Regence, Arles
Why: It's been over five years since I stayed at this hotel and it's changed owners and they have been improving it. Rooms are nicely Provencal and clean. I like this hotel because of the location. We could park on the street in front of the hotel and it was a five to ten minute walk to the sights of Arles. It is also quiet and breakfast is reasonable and served by the owners in a friendly and gracious manner.

Bob in Norem, AZ USA 06/05/2008

Best: Chateau Meylet in St. Emillion
Why: This was a great place to stay. A real bargain with lots of charm. It is possible to walk into the little town of St. Emillion to avoid the parking hassle. Madam Favoure allowed us to use laundry in the B&B and when we returned from the town she had dried and folded our clothes. This was a first for us in our travels. We gave her some Euros for the favor.

Susan Jennings in Atlanta, Ga USA 05/31/2008

Best: Hotel Belle-Vue, Amboise
Why: Clean, comfortable rooms, decent price, friendly and helpful staff, breakfast was definitely worth the Euros - yoghurt, eggs, ham, cheese, fresh fruit salad, croissants, bread, cake, cookies, cereal and wonderful coffee. We loved staying in Amboise.

Worst: Cardinal de Rohan, Strasbourg
Why: Tiny, airless room. Mold on the ceiling above the shower. Very hard bed and pillow, very old, stained blanket. I barely slept.

Karen Snyder in Parsippany, NJ USA 05/24/2008

Best: Hotel Bourdonnais
Why: We spent 9 nights here and enjoyed it very much. The room was clean and very adequate and the staff were helpful. The atmosphere is very pleasant and it is close to Rue Cler and the Eiffle Tower. It is important to remember that the breakfast that they serve in NOT included so that there is no misunderstanding about the bill at check out time. There is a grocery store practically next door and other eating options nearby. We would definitely return to this hotel again.

Phyllis Smith in Minneapolis, MN USA 05/20/2008

Best: Chez Leslie in Colmar
Why: The rooms were nicely decorated and maintained. (We even had washcloths!) Breakfasts were good. Best of all, Leslie was extremely helpful. Besides helping us with restaurant recommendations and supplying bicycle trail maps, she came to our aid when we couldn't find the Europcar location to pick up our rental. What they listed as their "downtown" location was actually miles away at the airport. Leslie called them to make sure the car was still waiting for us and then drove us out to their airport location.

Kitty in Centennial, CO USA 05/19/2008

Best: Hotel Turenne, Colmar, France
Why: Wonderful, friendly, very accomodating staff, nice rooms, quiet. Close to everything-5 minute walk. Very worthwhile breakfast offered.

Worst: Hotel Villa Fleurie, Beaune, France
Why: Our room was small but comfortable, horrid, lumpy pillows, but it was on a very busy, very noisy major street that flanked the hotel on two sides. With the window open-it was spring and warm outside-we were kept awake until about 12:30 am and woken up in the mornings by about 5:30 am with all the traffic whizzing by. Not a restful place!

Suzanne Hannus in Bothell, WA USA 05/17/2008

Best: Hotel Churchill
Why: Great location in Bayeux; the staff is knowledgable, curtious, and friendly; and the rooms are reasonably priced. The Hotel Churchill is my new home in Normandy.

Robert Schiffner in Moses Lake, WA USA 05/11/2008

Best: Hotel Churchill, Bayeux
Why: Centrally located, very nice pleasant staff. Nice rooms. (although the street it's on now has traffic)

travelfan in Washington, DC USA 05/10/2008

Best: Hotel le Calendal in Arles
Why: Was everything that your book said it was. The people there were so nice! There wasn't anything that they wouldn't do for us. We were so glad to stay there

Kathy and Mark Kelsey in Santa Clara, CA USA 05/02/2008

Best: Hotel Montaigne in Sarlat
Why: This is a 3-4 star hotel masquerading as a 2 star and at 2-star prices! Spotlessly clean. Good sized room and bathroom. Extremely courteous and helpful front desk. STAY HERE!!!

Harold Erath in New Orleans, LA USA 04/23/2008

Best: Hotel Montmorency, Carcassonne
Why: Location, location, location!! Also, the desk staff was exceptionally accommodating and helpful (especially when I sprained my ankle on the last day and they called a local pharmacy to open early so I could get crutches), the room was adorable and very clean, parking was easy on-site, breakfast was great, the list goes on and on. I would definitely go back there again.

Barbara Ricciardi in Denville, NJ USA 04/21/2008

Worst: Hôtel Prince, Avenue Bosquet, Paris
Why: France 2008 reports that this hotel has “acceptable” rooms. That may be an adequate adjective given the market in this neighborhood, but we were highly disappointed by Hôtel Prince, and we think that Rick should revise his description to reflect the hotel’s true character—très, très fatigué (very, very tired). We were in a “triple room with bath” (#202, two twin-size beds with a third rollaway shoe-horned between them) for 125 euros/night. The furniture was chipped and gouged, the lighting was dim, the towels were thin and frayed, the blankets were of questionable cleanliness, the woodwork paint was chipped, the wallpaper above the headboard was soiled, and the ceiling paint was peeling. The handheld shower head was mounted high enough for showering, yet it was impossible to shower, due to the absence of a shower curtain or door. We could hear telephone conversations, snoring, and creaking beds in the next room. The hallways were narrow and dreary—dimly lighted, with worn and rumpled carpeting over uneven flooring, cobwebs in the stairwell, evidence of water damage on walls, and an indescribable textured wall treatment. On the bright side, the sheets and towels were clean, the curtains and bedspreads were cheerful, the bathroom fixtures were clean, there was plenty of hot water, the room had a small refrigerator, and the location is indeed excellent.

Linda Durfee and Paul Henneberger Morgantown, WV, USA, and Barcelona, Spain April 2008

Linda Durfee & Paul Henneberger in Morgantown, WV USA & Barcelona Spain 04/20/2008

Best: Hotel Colbert, Avignon
Why: The Colbert is the perfect place to stay because it makes train travel very, very easy. They were friendly and the beds weren't as firm as other places we stayed at (like the Calendal in Arles -- those beds are inhuman).

Worst: Grand Hotel Leveque, Paris
Why: The staff was disappointing. We were there for four nights and they only gave us a thimble full of soap for showering. I asked for another thimble full and the young woman told me they didn't have any. We went back and forth and she finally agreed to have someone send it up. It never materialized, so we ended up using my face cleanser instead. And on departure day, our airport shuttle was booked improperly and didn't show up, so we had to grab a last minute cab (which cost twice as much). I had an instinctive feeling that it wasn't booked right because the guy who did it didn't seem overly invested in the details. Let me add that my husband and I are pretty easy going, as we're in the the hospitality industry too and know what a pain tourists can be. But relatively clean armpits and a timely ride on departure day are pretty basic needs that simply weren't met.

Elizabeth in San Francisco, CA USA 04/16/2008

Best: Hotel Churchill, Bayeux
Why: The hosts and hostesses are very nice, and they speak English well. It is a cozy place that seems to cater to English speaking tourists,decorated with D-Day memorabilia. The petit dejeuner was served in a bright and cheery fashion. I will say that as an older, smaller place, the walls are thin, so ask for a quiet room, and bring earplugs.

Elaine Cheng in Downers Grove, IL USA 04/05/2008

Best: Le Mas Normand
Why: We took our 11 year old grandson to Normandy over Easter and stayed with Mylene Gilles at Le Mas Normand in Ver sur Mer, just 20 minutes north of Bayeux. She is very welcoming and has poured love and attention into her rooms and guests. Our room for 3 was beautiful and had the best bathroom, with beautiful tiles, lots of hot water, 2 sinks, and great shower. Open beams adorn the room and bathroom, and the beds are most comfortable.

On Easter she gave our grandson a large chocolate rabbit! Her breakfasts are large and varied, and she loves to stay and talk with you about your plans, in French or English!

If 4 guests request dinner, Christian will cook, but we didn't have the opportunity to experience dinner here. Just a short drive away there are several restaurants serving pizza, crepes, fish etc.

We hope to return again. www.lemasnormand.com

Lorrie in Cincinnati, Oh USA 04/03/2008

Best: Chambres des Grand puits, Carcassonne
Why: The was large, Nicole was wonderful ( I speak enough french to converse in french with her). These chambres d'hotes are centrally located within the cite and there was plenty of roomfor myself, my son and another teen. We could make our own breakfast, there wwa a fridge and hotplate for cooking. Nicole provides breakfast food. There was even a private courtyard patio which we would have enjoyed more had it not rained. when we were leaving Nicole clled a taxi for us to met us at the Narbonne gate. A great experience.

Elizabeth Benham in Sable River, NS Canada 03/28/2008

Best: Les Vieille Digues
Why: Danielle was just great

Whit in Wilkerson, NC USA 03/26/2008

Best: Ibis Dinan
Why: Great location in downtown Dinan. Very reasonable rates (we paid 39€ per night over Easter weekend).

Karis in Cross Plains, WI USA 03/26/2008

Best: Hotel Leveque
Why: Terrific location. Terrific service. Terrific value.

Bridget Zappa in Mendota Heights, MN USA 03/24/2008

Best: Hotel Leveque/Hotel Rosarie
Why: Good price, comfortable accomadations, great location.

Worst: The worst accomadation was not recommended by you.
Why: We used Karen Brown's B&B guides for all other accomadations. They were all very nice but some of the older manoirs get kind of chilly especially in March. Our worst experience was in Toulouse at Arquier. It was a B&B I found on the internet. The manoir was beautiful and resonably priced but the host was a little grumpy. Oh well!

Yvonne Jahnke in Oconomowoc, WI USA 03/24/2008

Best: Andre and Madeleine Sebire Farm house Ryes
Why: Wonderful. Great shower. Please add to guidebook that Ryes is on D-12 then D-205 from Bayeux.

Worst: Dinan: Hotel Manoir de Rigourdaine
Why: Closed.

Jon T. Haugen in VANCOUVER, WA USA 03/06/2008

Best: accommodation recommendations in Colmar (Maison Jund) and Reims (the Phillipons)
Why: Wonderful, inexpensive, comfortable places that put us exactly where we wanted to be: in the middle of the picturesque sites! Both the Junds and the Phillipons were hospitable and friendly -- although Maison Jund is clearly "budget," in that it was a bit more run down that we'd expected (tiles were falling off in the shower, dishes in the kitchenette were dirty, etc.)

Erika in Santa Barbara, CA USA 02/18/2008

Best: Katia Frain's
Why: peaceful, good accomodations, breakfast, helpful

Liz Thompson in Ridgefield, wa USA 02/04/2008

Best: Residence Versailles - Beynac
Why: The Dordogne meet all my expectations - a river meandering thru lush mountains, castles, quaint rock sculptured villages and of course a gem of a bed and breakfast. We arrived there just in time for dinner and what a treat. Madame Francoise made a home cooked meal that I will never forget! Duck confit, greens from her garden, fresh squash soup, local goat cheese and homemade walnut pie. We happened to share several of our meals with 2 couples from different parts of Europe who like this place so much, they come back again and again! They helped translate all the info (shoping in Sarlat) and the stories (about cowboys and the wild west - the Fleurys love anything to do with cowboys) into english. We had a very large room with a big bed we had a terrace overlooking the valley in the distance. At night you could see lights flickering from distant castles and you could hear the leaves rustling as the wind goes by -- it was very peaceful. The breakfasts are just as good -- Madame makes her own jams --I thought the fig jam was great. The Fleurys made us feel at home -- even our laundry got done! The French are wonderful and hospitable people.

Maria Geary in Lakewood, CA USA 02/01/2008

Best: Hotel la Roseraie
Why: Laurent and Sophie were great!! They work hard to keep the place clean and their guests happy. My husband hurt his foot when we were in Brugge. Everybody there was attentive to our needs. They gave my husband ice every evening and made sure at dinner time that he sat close to the door. The dinner is a wonderful treat make sure to make reservations! Laurent and Sophie serve you themselves and treat you like friends and family. I don't drink wine, but Laurent gave we this sweet wine -- I drank the whole glass. Never have I tasted wine this good! The rooms were clean and charmingly decorated. The location was excellent too. If I were to go visit the Loire Valley I would stay here again!

Maria Geary in Lakewood, CA USA 02/01/2008

Best: L'Ermitage
Why: My girl friend & I spent a month in France. We visited the Cotes Du Rhone Villages while staying a week in an apartment at L'Ermitage that sits below the wonderful old village of Le Crestet- an untouristed delight to explore. Only a couple of miles away from Vaison-la-Romaine enabled us to enjoy Vaison's narrrow streets by moonlight & arrive early for a local street sale much like our garage sales. We drove to Mt. Ventoux on our way to Sault where the lavendar fields were in bloom. L'Ermitage location is just great. The best part of the stay was due to the gracious hospitality of Nick Jones the owner. He cheerfully unplugged the sink we ran pasta down, did our laundry & offered moral support when he received an email from my home that said my husband had suffered a stroke. He offered use of his phone to call the US & any other help I neeed. The next morning after receiving news of my husband, we found our car in the driveway with a flat tire. Nick changed the tire & directed us to his mechanic. L'Ermitage was a great place to stay. Nick Jones is a special host willing to extend human kindness when most needed.

Beverly Clauser in Ramona, CA USA 01/31/2008

Best: Domaine de Moulin Mer
Why: Newly renovated, fabulous settings by the sea. Domaine de Moulin Mer 34 route de Moulin Mer 29460 Logonna-Daoulas France www.domaine-moulin-mer.com

Stéphane in Logonna-Daoulas, France 01/24/2008

Best: Palais Bourbon in Paris
Why: Great location, good value, friendly staff!

Charlene Hottel in Westerville, OH USA 01/03/2008

Worst: Iris Hotel
Why: We had a room that reeked of cigarette smoke and the room looked dirty.

Marina in Honolulu, USA 12/31/2007

Worst: Hotel Europa in Madrid
Why: Front desk reservation desk staff are very ignorant and not helpful with directions over the phone on how to get to the hotel, especially in the summer when the streets are closed to vehicles. Also, they were not able to inform us that the garage ws not adjacent to the Hotel itself via e-mail when asked. They responded that there is hotel parking available but there was no mention it was located one block up the hill from the hotel. We had trouble locating the hotel as it was on a one-way street and it was blocked off onloy to pedestrians. I also e-mailed them 3 months prior to coming when I made the reservations. Hotel staff mentioned that the parking rate was only 20,00E a day, but we ended up for there 2 1/2 days and it was 25,80E a day- over 76,80E for only 2 1/2 days. Hotel Europa is at a good location nearby the Puerta del Sol area where everything is happening, but very expensive parking rates.

k. moy in san francisco, ca USA 12/23/2007

Worst: Residence Versailles- Beynec
Why: We are avid Steves' readers and know this chamber de hote has had rave reviews, however, as seasoned travellers, we were not impressed. It is very hard to find, hard to get to, and we felt there was an odor of cat urine outside and in our room. We drove down from Burgundy and , of course it took much longer than had been expected. We had told the owners that we would be late and found not only was it very difficult to find in the dark, but they had given away the pink room we had reserved. The green room was very small and the toilet did not work well. Also, as I stated, the was a smell of cat in the corner of the room. The price was way too high for off season and there are better values in town. They told us it had a castle view..yes, if one had binoculars.

Jane in Lebanon , OH USA 12/17/2007

Best: Les Cymaises in Semur-en Auxois
Why: Once again we stayed at the Les Cymaises in Semur. Very reasonable, Very clean, lovely breakfast, private parking,and best of all Monsieur and Madame Faidide are such lovely and helpful hosts. Close to wonderful medieval villages and the vineyards of Burgundy.

Jane Davis in Lebanon , OH USA 12/17/2007

Best: Hotel Suisse, Strasbourg, France
Why: The staff, Beatrice and Edith particularily, were extremely helpful from the minute we entered. Edith alerted us about the rail strike and suggested that we keep our car to drive back to Paris. The plus of this hotel was the CNN and BCC television stations to get the update on the strike news and the internet access for the guests. Edith gave us great directions when we got to Charles deGaulle airport - tip on which signs to return our car were very helpful. I would certainly send anyone visitng Strasbourg to this hotel.....right next to the Cathedral and next to the canal where you catch the boat excursions.

Marti Hawkins in Portland, Me USA 12/02/2007

Best: Hotel la Roseraie in Chenonceaux
Why: We traveled from Nice to Paris over the course of a few weeks and by far, the best accommodation we experienced in France was at La Roseraie in Chenonceaux. The hotel is beautiful and spotlessly clean. The reasonably priced rooms are all different and each is beautifully appointed has its own charming character. The proud owners, Laurent and Sophie directly oversee every aspect of the operation and they're alway available to answer your questions, to provide travel advice or to simply share a good laugh. Along with the exceptionally friendly and helpful Sabrina at the front desk, they truly make you feel at home. If you stay at La Roseraie, you MUST make a point of having dinner there. I promise, you will not have a better meal in all of France! And whatever you do, don't miss the breakfast; their chef makes the most delicious pain au chocolat I've ever tasted! When we next return to France, we'll definitely be spending a great deal of time in the beautiful Loire Valley but most of all, we're looking forward to staying at La Roseraie!!

J. Koch in Ottawa, ON Canada 11/20/2007

Best: Hotel le Bayeux, Bayeux, France
Why: We didn't actually stay because it was booked out however Madam Lamontagne went out of her way to find somewhere for us to stay. It seemed nearly every Hotel in our price range was booked out. In fact we had actually booked a B&B but they had not held our room and were extremely unhelpful. When she finally found us a room in an old lady's attic she walked us down and introduced us. She also spent quite a bit of time planning our itinerary in Bayeux, recommending a friendly restaurant and inviting us for breakfast the next morning.

Judith Bowman in mission beach, Ql Australia 11/15/2007

Best: Hotel Churchill, Bayeux
Why: Clean, friendly and helpful, the atmosphere at breakfast is special.

Quentin Kenney in Germantown, TN USA 11/10/2007

Best: Hotel Calendal, Arles
Why: Wonderful view of Classical Theater, worth the bit of street noise you get. Friendly staff, quaint establishment, well-stocked breakfast buffet.

Worst: Hotel du Parc, Avignon
Why: Very disappointed in this recommendation. They first tried to stick us in a room w/ a private shower, but shared toilet, taking advantage of the fact that I'd only specified the former and not the latter in my e-mail. I could have dealt with it, but it felt like they were trying to pull a fast one. Then my husband discovered that our "skeleton-looking" key did indeed unlock other people's doors (he checked with their permission)and vice versa. After that, we wanted to leave. After some squabbling, they did not agree to not charge us until I addressed Madame Rous and showed her my Rick Steves guidebook. I do not feel they are worthy of the listing, especially with the security issue.

Kristin Dow in Shawnee, KS USA 11/09/2007

Best: La Jacotiere
Why: The rooms were large, bright, and clean. Claudine and her husband were absolutely delightful. We were facing a Paris transport strike on our return, and they drove us to Rennes. This enabled us to change our rail ticket and easily arrive in Paris before the strike.

Susan Gibb in Santa Ana, CA USA 11/02/2007

Best: Hotel Le Blason, Amboise
Why: The front desk people were very friendly and helpful. The room itself was clean and well apportioned.

Worst: Hotel Le Bayeux, Bayeux
Why: The room was clean, and I loved having my own shower, but, I was turned off by the fact that they kept trying to nickle and dime me. I had to be very assertive that I did not want the 'optional' breakfast, she tried to tell me I couldn't eat in the room, charged 2 euros just to get a line out of the room (even though I had a phone card that wouldn't cost anything), and charged 2 euros for 2 consecutive hours of internet access (who needs two hours at a shot while on vacation?). The owner woman was also the person I had the greatest difficulty speaking with in my limited french while in France.

in Cambridge, MA USA 10/29/2007

Worst: Hotel Vert
Why: Rooms had an odor that we could not abide.

Jim Reid in San Diego, Ca USA 10/20/2007

Best: Hotel du Musee
Why: Clean, comfortable rooms, excellent friendly staff and owners, wonderful breakfasts, and close to all the things we wanted to see.

Worst: Hotel de Champs du Mars
Why: Cramped rooms, inattentive personnel, especially at breakfast (we only ate there once, then went across the street to a cafe).

David Rohlader in Eagar, AZ USA 10/18/2007

Best: Grand Hotel Leveque
Why: Fantastic street! We stayed on the courtyard side in a small double room. It was a bit noisier than I expected and a bit small, but am told this is common in Paris. Bathroom was small but clean and singing maid was a delight. Hotel staff was very very nice and helpful. We do not speak french and were able to communicate everywhere in Paris. Value of Euro is a killer, bu my wife absolutely loved Paris and Leveque. Not "roomy", but a good value. I would recommending taking my chance on a Rue Cler side room as the courtyard room was not that quiet. Very good location for a first timer in Paris. Thanks, Steve. We AlWAYS travel with your books and love your advice and tours. Thanks again.

Jim USA 10/16/2007

Best: Hotel D'Argouges in Bayeux
Why: Although a small room, the hotel is gorgeous and centrally located. Cheval Rouge was nice, but our room was terribly small. I would recommend the the hotel, but be sure to request a mid-size room.

Susan Tucker in Ashland , VA USA 10/08/2007

Best: Hotel la Roseraie in Chenonceaux
Why: Our room was big, and well decorated. The lovely garden has seating so you can enjoy an afternoon coke, read, or write in you journal. The restaurant was excellent. So good we decided to return for another evening. The breakfast has fresh croissants that are wonderful.

Joanna Olmstead in Anacortes, WA USA 10/07/2007

Best: We loved Hotel d'Argouges in Bayeux.
Why: Good location to Market day. It has lovely accommodations and the very charming, helpful Madame Ropartz makes your stay special.

Joanna Olmstead in Anacortes, WA USA 10/07/2007

Worst: Hotel des Arcades, Reims, France
Why: While in France this September, my husband and I decided at the last minute to spend a night in Reims. A friend of ours who lives in Paris checked on the internet and, after finding no vacancies at other hotels, made a reservation for us at the Hotel des Arcades. I noticed later that it is listed in your 2006 book as “nothing special, but a fair deal.” My local Barnes & Noble did not have your latest book on France, so I don’t know if you still have Hotel des Arcades listed. If so, please take it out! We didn't arrive until 8:30 pm. The place is hard to find and the lobby is "low rent," as was our room - carpet tiles not glued down, lighting was poor (maybe a blessing!), and bedspread strangely thrown together. My husband closed the curtain - afraid to see what was outside. Bathroom did seem clean. After a short time, we asked for our money back (which we did receive) and left. I would have rather slept in the car. We found a room at Grand Hotel Continental - lovely place. Des Arcades may be okay for college kids but not adults!

Julie Park in Richmond, VA USA 10/05/2007

Worst: Hotel Campanile Roissy
Why: Hotel Campanile Roissy was cheap but adequate for a one night stay near CDG airport. Kitchen was dirty and staff personnel were not helpful; but the hotel shuttle to airport did work.

Albert in Clanton, AL USA 10/02/2007

Worst: Grand Leveque
Why: The hotel was over rated. The carpet was deeply stained and obviously hadn't been cleaned in some time. The shower had mold growing up the corners, and the shower flooded (very slow drain). The toilet seat would not stay in the upright position. When we registered a complaint, we were told the hotel is being remodeled in Nov., and we were handed a tray of tools to make the repairs. When we requested plastic cups the second day (we'd thrown the first day's away), the response was, "We don't replace the cups every day." I would not recommend this hotel to anyone even at the two star price. Way over rated. Should be downgraded immediately.

Nelson Gooding in Lakewood, WA USA 10/01/2007

Best: LA DOMAINE DE CORGETTE - ST ROMAIN
Why: Veronique and her family are very accommodating. The rooms are spotless. They opened their B&B 3 years ago and it still looks brand new. The breakfast was very good. I would definitely stay there again.

Cindy Bonney in Fox Island, WA USA 09/22/2007

Best: Grand Hotel Leveque
Why: It was okay. We felt that a 13-year-old should be given a little lower price for sleeping on a pull-out couch.

Martha Brice in Bratislava, Slovakia 09/20/2007

Best: The apartment we rented in Paris through Paris Perfect.
Why: It had all the modern conveniences and comforts of home, and was clean and well cared for. It was within walking distance to Rue Cler, the Eiffel Tower and the Batobus. The Paris Perfect folks extend amazing hospitality, provide extensive information about the neighborhood and are available 12 hours a day to assist in any way. It was a great way to spend our first week in France.

Kathy Healy in Manhattan Beach, CA USA 09/17/2007

Best: Hotel du Champ de Mars (Paris - Rue Cler)
Why: Great in every respect. We stayed there for 15 days. Stephan and Francoise are wonderful people and operate a first class moderate price hotel. We will stay with them every time we are in Paris....assuming we can get a reservation since they seem to always be full.

Russell Smart in Greenville, SC USA 09/11/2007

Best: La Tour de Cause, near Castelnaud (Dordogne area)
Why: Beautiful accommodations in a fabulous area of the country. Our room was large, spotlessly maintained with a large bathroom. You will think you are staying in a 4 star hotel - very tastefully decorated, large comfortable beds, fluffy comforters, internet access, handmade soaps, nice outdoor pool. Cate and Albert are wonderful hosts. They know the area well and can recommend good restaurants, best places to visit, additional services (like a local laverie that can wash all your clothes for you while you sight see). Best of all they are warm and welcoming and very interesting to talk to. Highly recommended.

M. Weber in Merion, PA USA 09/05/2007

Best: Hotel Champ de Mars, Paris
Why: A nice suprise of nice, modern bathrooms!

Jennifer Larsen in Falcon Heights, MN USA 08/23/2007

Best: Did not use your accommodations, had a friend's apartment, then a timeshare.
Why: Nice - Hotel Suisse - fabulous - the view of the beach spectacular!

Sharon & Leo Marty in Olympia, WA USA 08/21/2007

Best: Au Faison Dore in Annecy
Why: Not in your book, it is not in the Old Town, but is a short 10-15 minute walk along the lake. We enjoy the stroll along such a pretty lake, and it was great to walk off our dinner at night. Hotel is a 3 star, not fancy, but a good price. The staff was extremely helpful and nice. They had English brochures waiting for us in our room when we arrived. They let us use their computer to check our email. Parking is easy, and they do have covered parking garage for 8 Euros a day. You really don't want to drive too much in Annecy, the traffic is a mess. We would definitely stay there again.

Worst: Hotel de l'Arve in Chamonix
Why: This is really not a bad hotel, a great breakfast and friendly staff. Also a good location. Easy parking. However, they do not have any non-smoking rooms. Our first night they were completely full and could not move us. The smoke smell was unbearable, even though we slept with the window open. All of our clothes smelled like smoke. They did move us the next day, still a smoking room, but it was bearable. They are close to a laundry, which was helpful, since we had to wash so many of our clothes. The smoke smell was that bad.

Kathy and Mark Kelsey in Santa Clara, CA USA 08/08/2007

Best: Chateau des Ormeaux Nazelles Negron, Loire Valley
Why: Simply put the best place we stayed in France, and we stayed at some lovely properties. Found it thru Tripadvisor, which I use in conjunction with Rick. Anyway, Excellent Chateau, breakfast, accomadations, flowered gardens, vineyards, hiking trails, etc...Including a super friendly yellow lab named Vick.

Jim in Marietta, Ga USA 07/30/2007

Best: Hotel Les Almadies, St. Jean de Luz
Why: M and Mme Hargous are very attentive and go out of their way to ensure that your stay is comfortable. Response to e-mail reservation request was very prompt and polite. Rooms are delightfully decorated, neat and clean. Excellent continental breakfast. Located just a 10 minute walk from the train station and a 5 minute walk from the T.I. Only disadvantage for those fond of early bedtime is somewhat noisy location on main pedestrian shopping street which becomes quieter after 10 PM. Guidebook description is exactly correct.

JAN COLLINS in PORTLAND, OR USA 07/29/2007

Best: Tie. Hotel Lyon Mulhouse (Paris Marais) and Hotel Medieval (Avignon)
Why: Very helpful staff. Good accommodations. Convenient locations.

Worst: Hotel Ibis - Nice
Why: Room smelled like smoke. Rude desk staff.

Heather Wills in Dallas, TX USA 07/18/2007

Best: hotel les almadies, st.jean du luz
Why: quaint boutique hotel;nice big bathrooms,excellent breakfast;very nice owners;only problem is parking as they're on a pedestrian street;best bet is park at the casino lot and walk 4 blocks downhill to hotel

ANDREW FORSTER in CORAL AGBLES, FL USA 07/16/2007

Best: Dordogne: La Tour de Cause, Pont de Cause, near Castelnaud
Why: This impeccably restored manor house and barn in a quiet village near everything of note in the Dordogne is a veritable oasis of luxury and kindness. The owners, Caitlyn and Albert Woodbury, go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and meaningful. Using Rick's France 2007, we called them from the road as we were heading north into the region on the A 20 from Cahors. They had accommodations for two nights which we grabbed. What good fortune for us. They gave us great directions and we pulled into the driveway with the blue gate as mentioned in the book. Our jaws dropped when we were shown our room: this was not just a B&B; this was like a second honeymoon! The room was beautiful and extremely comfortable with sumptuous linens and a bathroom with a huge shower and showerhead that made us feel as if we were in a spa. Breakfast was generous and delicious--the best baguette of the trip--with terrific fresh fruit. Better still, however, were Caitlyn and Albert who are a wealth of information and kindness. They directed us to canoe rentals, restaurants, and another great place to stay for the night they could not accommodate us. If you need a respite on your travels through France, this is a place that will not disappoint.

Betty Esris in Warrington, PA USA 07/11/2007

Best: the Beaugency Hotel
Why: It had free internet for us and was close to the Ecole Militaire Metro. Room was clean and air-conditioned.

madeline hanrath in gretna, la USA 06/29/2007

Best: La Cour St. Catherine, Honfleur
Why: Mme. Giaglis is a delight, the rooms are spacious and clean and Honfleur is a little gem of a seaside town. It was raining when we arrived, but the sun came out next morning, so Mme. Giaglis herself picked up our table from the dining room and carried it out into the sunny garden for our breakfast. Can't recommend this place enough.

Worst: Hotel du Champs de Mars
Why: This is not a bad place-it's very nice, actually, as far as decor and the wonderful breakfast. The problem is that the management is very disorganized and this can result in problems. They lost my reservation even with credit card confirmation, then found space for me at another hotel for part of my stay, which was an awful little room with no charm at all. I stayed at the Champs de Mars later when they did have an opening. They send the maid out for the oranges and bread as people show up for breakfast, which results in delays and some days angry sulking service. The owners seem pretty disinterested in helping with anything, even though we did not complain at all about the problems we had encountered up to that point. If you want absolutely charming rooms in a great location with a great breakfast, this is a good place. Just don't expect the warmth that you find in many of the French hotels I have stayed at.

Melinda Collins in Redwood City, CA USA 06/25/2007

Best: Hotel D'Argouges in Bayeux
Why: Wonderful, clean large rooms w/fridge and large bathrooms, beautiful hotel with flower-filled gardens, Incredibly Nice owner and staff, located in the heart of town, free parking, great breakfasts, beautifully decorated and inexpensive. We LOVED this hotel!!!

susan in corte madera, ca USA 06/20/2007

Worst: Stay away from Hotel D'Alma in the 7TH Paris
Why: Fleas !

Eric Sorensen USA 06/18/2007

Best: Villa des Consuls in Sarlat
Why: David has created classy, comfortable 4-star rooms and apartments in a medieval house. He has free laundry service and the BEST showers in France. (even better than the Hilton). David himself is very helpful.

Julie Nelson in Calgary, AB Canada 06/17/2007

Best: Hotel du Chateau, Beynac
Why: We called the day before arriving. No doubles were available but Christoph gave us a large studio apartment for the same rate. Beautiful view, king bed and fresh fruit on the table! Free internet, swimming pool and right in the center of town. Christoph is fluent in English, gives excellent driving directions and is very helpful.

We also spent 3 pleasant days at the beautiful Moulin du Fief Gentil in Blere. Florence is very hospitable and helpful, and her homemade jams are wonderful!

Worst: Hotel Angleterre, Versailles
Why: Our room was far from "comfortable and spacious" as described in your book. The bed was lumpy and there were hairs in the bedding and in the cramped shower. Great location, though.

Carolyn & Daniel Manrique in Tucson, AZ USA 06/17/2007

Best: Le Manoir Rigourdaine near Dinan and San Malo
Why: This place is a bit of heaven. Beautiful location, wonderful rooms, quiet surroundings with great walks, and great breakfasts. The hosts Patrick and Anne-France are delightful and took time to talk with us about where to go and talked too about the upcoming French election. It was nice to learn about the voting from locals. Wish we could have stayed longer than our few days. If you are tired and don't want to go out for dinner, try one of Patricks grilled cheese sandwiches with salad or bring a picnic dinner out on the terrace. We will go back to this place. Thanks Steve and Rick.

Paula Oppermann in Seattle, WA USA 06/09/2007

Best: Chateau de Pray- Near Amboise
Why: This hotel is excellent! The rooms are spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. While dinner at the restaurant can be a little pricey for some budgets, it is well worth the splurge! The food is excellent! Overall, Chateau de Pray offers top-notch accomodations and food in a beautiful location!

Karen in San Antonio, TX USA 06/09/2007

Best: Hotel De la Marine - Arromanche
Why: Great location, wonderful customer service, terrific view of the ocean, easy to find... good food

Worst: Hotel Familie Jund - Colmar
Why: Extremely hard to find... multiple guests arrived in the days after us complaining they had spent 1-2 hours trying to find the place. While the family is welcoming... the bathroom door did not shut in either of our rooms, and we had to climb three flights of stairs to get to our room... challenging place to lie your head

Kaye Peloquin in Lititz, PA USA 06/08/2007

Best: La Tour De Cause (Dordogne River Valley)
Why: Caitlin Albert(?) treated us like family. They made reservations for restaurants for us, they suggested sites to see that were not in the guidebook, we even went out to dinner with them n our last night. There place was beautiful and we were very sorry to leave

Worst: Chateau De Nazelles (Loire Valley)
Why: When we arrived we could not find anyone and had no idea of where to go. We had to dig out our cell phone and call them from their courtyard. Our reception was cold, were were shown the breakfast room which is connected to the common room by their private livingroom. The fact that it was private was strongly emphasised. None f the amenites (forest, pool etc) were either eluded to or pointed out. The room we were put in allthough very pretty reeked of campfire, their is a fireplace in the room that I assume was causing the stench. During the dqy it is very hard to locate them. You have to really work at it. The French as a whole are very warm and friendly people we did not get that here.

Destiny in Littleton, CO USA 06/02/2007

Best: 3 B&Bs in the Dordogne/Lot region in France
Why: My husband and I recently returned from 10 great days in the Dordogne region of France. We stayed at 3 B&Bs.

(1) Residence Versailles. Large, clean room, peaceful setting, GREAT breakfast.

(2) Chateau Nineyrol. Ann and Phil treated us like family and shared many stories and tips about the region. Beautiful home, Bedroom was cozy, comfortable and very clean. Pool looked very inviting, too.

(3) Moulin de Fresquet in Gramat provided an absolutely beautiful setting in a rennovated mill. We had the smallest room of the 4 but it was perfect for us. Definitely want to eat your evening meal here.

You can't go wrong with any of these 3 B&Bs.

Tina & Andy Martelon in Denver, CO USA 05/29/2007

Best: Apartment on Rue Amelie
Why: Great landlord, Slim. Great location. Comfortable, clean, convenient apartment. Ask for the apartment on the quiet side of the building!!

Judy L. in Oklahoma City, OK USA 05/17/2007

Best: Residence Versailles, Beynac
Why: Fabulous people. Welcoming, friendly, helpful. Breakfast was lovely as were the grounds, view and room. We loved it here!

We also loved Gite Toulemon in Sarlat. They were great and we loved our huge room and smoke-free private dining terrase.

Worst: Le Belvedere-Rocamadour
Why: It took one month and 6 emails to get a confimation on my reservation after sending credit card number. Then they had both the rate and number of beds incorrect when we arrived. I politely showed them our email with the correct beds and price but was treated extremely rudely. (He said he would give us the correct price but he would not give us a view, even though the price difference was only a couple euro and it was their error). This treatment continued through our whole visit. Basically we were abused because of their mistake. The room was fine except we still received an incorrect room as we had requested a shower and got a bath instead. My mother and I were very disappointed in this hotel.

Judy A. Vosburgh in Atascadero, CA United States 05/15/2007

Best: Le Calendal
Why: Pleasant staff, charming rooms

Sharon Basile in Foster City, CA USA 05/14/2007

Best: Relais Medicis
Why: Great location on a quiet street except when the bars close.

Worst: Relais Medicis
Why: I am tall and we need a king size bed which is not always available. Steve Smith told us Rick has the same love of French tubs which I have. Hopefully, we will be able to find une cabin de douche in the future.

Frank Barry in Little Rock, AR USA 05/09/2007

Best: Maison Jund House in Colmar
Why: The place is very spacious, with a kitchen, a couch, a dining area, TV and balcony. The half-timbered houses was charming and the price is very reasonable at 50 euro per night.

Worst: Hotel Regence in Arles
Why: The manager over-charged us and refused to acknowledge it when we questioned him. We did not press the issue since it was not much and we had a train to catch, but I was disappointed with the dishonesty. Beware of the rates quoted through e-mail as it might be different from the ones clearly posted at the hotel. Double check with their websites.

Chang in San Francisco, CA USA 05/08/2007

Worst: Hôtel Saint-Michel Ridel at Mont-Saint Michel
Why: Hi, am contacting you as I am very disappointed of this hotel I don't want to recommend to anybody. When I checked following web site www.lesaintmichelridel.com/ I saw your book and I supposed it was nice to go there. Not at all ! It's expensive (80€), dirty (really !), old, noisy. Bad experience for such a beautiful place Le Mont-Saint Michel. Please go there but don't choose that hotel. Unfortunately, it's not a great image of France and I can understand how foreign travellers would feel after my experience. Thanks for reading and sharing my comments.

Claudie Cormier France 05/05/2007

Best: Bayeux, L'Argoules
Why: Central location,felt like safe environment and within easy walking distance of historic sites; quiet and refreshing; parking in garage facilities; very helpful staff. Breakfast was slightly over-priced. Overall, well recommended.

Howard E. Glitt in The Villages, Fl USA 04/30/2007

Best: Le Clos de Bellefontaine B&B in Bayeux
Why: Small (2 room) B&B in quiet, convenient location, close to train station. Hosts Jerome & Carole are cordial and helpful. Private, quiet, clean room and bathroom, lovely breakfast. Hosts will help with booking tours and navigating the area. Reasonable rates.

Beth Swanberg in Bloomington, Mn USA 04/28/2007

Best: La Jacotiere in mont St. Michel
Why: The room was spacious and the owner was cherry and helpful.

Chang in San Francisco, CA USA 04/27/2007

Best: Hotel du Dauphin, Honfleur
Why: Excellent downtown location, comfortable room, special requestlate evening tea/cake, understanding when lost key to room (later found)

Worst: Hotel le d'Avaugour, Dinan
Why: Sprained my ankle from a fall in the stairwell between second & first floors due to inadequate lighting. Management expressed concern but did nothing (said lighting could not be improved, did not have a doctor or nurse attend to me, did not offer to pay for first aid treatment (ointment and bandages), did not offer a complimentary service to compensate (aside from a free bag of ice) in any way for an injury that could have severely undermined my mobility for the balance of my vacation.

Richard Frank in Toronto, On Canada 04/26/2007

Best: Hotel Martin Jund, Colmar, France
Why: Having stayed in dozens of "Rick" hotels all over Europe, this was one of the most charming. Complete kitchen in a winery. Free wine tasting. Wonderful people, wonderful wine, great location. Apartment very clean, great shower. A real value at 49 euros! Plus laudry 2 blocks away.

Pat in Vinkenes, VA USA 04/23/2007

Best: Hotel Leveque, Rue Cler, Paris
Why: Good price, fine room, great neighborhood. They are updating the lobby and eating area as we speak.

Carl Scheider in Woodbury, MN USA 04/06/2007

Best: Grande Hotel Continental
Why: Sophie, Jamel, and the other staff members were most helpful, and the package was a great value! We enjoyed touring the Pommery champagne cellar, Reims cathedral, and other attractions. Thanks for the great recommendation. (For most of the trip, we stayed in the Paris condo of some friends.)

Mary B. White in Alexandria, VA USA 04/06/2007

Best: Hotel Royal Phare in Paris
Why: For the price, it was fantastic - included breakfast and the internet and the location was great.

Seth Resler in Providence, RI USA 02/25/2007

Best: apartment 1/2 a block from the louvre
Why: Clean , close ,

Jim & Sarah Stillo in Naperville, il USA 02/08/2007

Worst: Hotel de Nevers, paris
Why: Three middle aged sisters stayed in this hotel for 4 nights at end of Sept. 2006. No sight of Sophie and Alain as mentioned in guidebook. I think the hotel might have changed hands. I asked where the cats were and was told with Sophie and Alain. None of the gentlemen running the establishment were very friendly.

Ok, I can live without that in a budget hotel but our door lock was broken which resulted in us not locking the door, but piling our luggage up against the door, in case of fire. This was reported on 2 if not 3 days and we were always put off because it was the week-end and messages were not passed on.

While there is an offer of free internet, I was rudely told to get off in two minutes. As it turned out a gentlman was waiting and he was extremely pleasant but I have to say, I think women were second class to this particular gentleman.

I decided to settle my bill then and was quoted a higher rate. I advised that I was emailed that I had been guaranteed at a lower rate. He asked if I had a copy of this communication and luckily I had made a copy and brought it with me. I hiked up three floors, because the elevator was broken, to get the information. Upon my reutrn he had a binder open and a copy of my fax. I deliberately decided to settle my account in front of another customer because I was not feeling very comfortable with this establishment. I met another guest of the hotel, a U.S. woman who was travelling her mentally handicapped daughter and she commented that they were not helpful to her needs.

Recommend that this place be removed from guidebook. Other locations visited in Milan and Sorrento were bang on and acceptable budget accomodation.

Wendy Meynert in New Westminster, BC Canada 01/09/2007

Best: our best wasn't recommended
Why: it was Le Petit Matin B&B in Bayeux. A beautiful place run by a wonderful person. Great location.

Worst: Hotel de la Tulipe, Paris
Why: "...stylish bathrooms..."? Ours had a large hole in the tub enclosure that was covered by a coffee table book. Someone had attempted to repair the hair dryer with black tape but didn't get the job done so you dried your hand or arm if you used the hair dryer. Staff was very friendly but didn't seem concerned about security. We were advised to leave our luggage in the lobby while we waited for our room to be made ready. This was immediately after arriving to a completely empty lobby. It appeared that person at the front desk would hand a room key to whoever asked for it, no questions asked. We had a front room and, due to the heat, had to open the window and listen to a noisy street. In my opinion the hotel is overpriced and our room needed work. We paid €140 for a double.

Calvin Hilton in Jacksonville, FL USA 12/26/2006

Worst: Hotel des Deux Iles
Why: Not really the worst BUT very very tiny rooms.

suzanne krueger USA 12/07/2006

Best: Calendal (Arles) and Hotel La Capelle (Millau)
Why: Thanksgiving weekend was our third time at the Calendal and I'm happy to report it's just as nice in the off-season. Good, well thought-out room, great service, a very clean room and the best breakfast value anywhere.

The La Capelle in Millau was a nice surprise. Clean room, helpful staff and by far the most comfortable bed of the trip. The hotel is a little hard to find but it's reasonably priced and well located for exploring the old town with its leather manufacturing outlets just a block or two away. Also, there's a nice self-service laundromat just around the corner from the hotel.

Roger McClurg in Portland, OR USA 12/07/2006

Best: Hotel Les Nevons-L'Isle Sur La Sorgue
Why: Very clean and hospitable staff. Rooms newly remodeled and very spacious. Great breakfasts and easy internet and parking. Sits right on one of the water ways within walking distance of town and easy access to Roussillon. Also has a roof top swimming pool.

Jack & Sieni Page in Phoenix, Az USA 12/06/2006

Best: Hotel Canto Cigalo in Saint Remy
Why: A charming French country side setting. Nice size rooms with shuttered windows over looking the manicured garden where breakfast was served each morning. Within walking distance of town. Very clean and pleasant staff. Not in Rick's book but it should be. Very reasonable rates for the area. Read about this hotel in Ricks "Grafiti Wall", written by another satisfied traveler.

Jack & Sieni Page in Phoenix, Az USA 12/06/2006

Best: Hotel Belle Etoile, La Roque-Gageac
Why: Room with a river view, great restaurant, friendly, helpful staff, and a short drive to Sarlat and Grotte de Font-de-Gaume.

Worst: Hotel des Ramparts, Carcassonne
Why: With a reservation for two nights made four months in advance, the hotel "bumped" us a week or so before our date of arrival. They did place us in another hotel in the area, but not within the walled city. Furthermore, the hotel called our house-sitters in San Diego at 2 a.m. to deliver the news.

Judith Murphy in San Diego, CA USA 12/04/2006

Best: La Villa des Consuls in Sarlat
Why: We spent 4 days in the Mirabeau room with a balcony which over looked the main street. It was like a suite, small kitchen sitting room, a/c, Free laundry room with new washers and dryers and a garage for parking. Wonderful english speaking host. Ideal for visiting caves, Dordogne river, San Cirq Lapopie and the lot River area, as long as you have a car. I hear this is a new adition to the 2007 France Book. Very good idea Rick!

Jack & Sieni Page in Phoenix, AZ USA 11/24/2006

Best: Clos d'Amboise
Why: Although we were on the third floor, the room was spacious and very nice, new bathroom. Breakfast is 10 euros but large selection of items.

Sally Griffin in Chevy Chase, MD USA 11/21/2006

Best: Hotel Muguet, Paris
Why: It was very clean, well located, quiet and the staff was very friendly. We were 2 blocks from Rue Clair and walked to the Eiffel Tower several times.

Rosemary Gomez in Sunnyvale, CA USA 11/16/2006

Best: Hotel la Roseraie in Chenenceaux
Why: Sophie and Laurent are great. This was our second time there and we loved it again. The restaurant is wonderful. We ate on the terrace-last time we ate in the dining room. This time we saved time for the pool and it was great. However, I also wanted to thank you for recommending Hotel de La Pelissaria in St Circ Lapopie. What a wonderful town and hotel. We adored it. I want to take everyone I know to that town. I feel blessed to have been there. Talk about history coming alive. Also, we really liked La Peiriero in Fontvielle. Most of my daydreams find me on the terrace there sipping my wine. It was so comfortable and charming. Lastly, we also had a great time at Hotel la Flore in VilleFranche. I also find myself back on my balcony there imagining that I am in a Babar book. I loved that view. Wow. Their restaurant was also lovely. We also stayed in the St Hubert in Eguisheim. It was comfortable and clean. The best part was the town itself. What a little treasure. We almost didn't go there and I would have kicked myself to have missed it. We went on from there to the other little Alsatian wine towns and had a blast.

Kathy Gabin in Natrona Heights, PA USA 11/15/2006

Best: Hotel des Remparts, Beaune, France
Why: Location (To RR Station & Centre Ville)hosts and staffs who could not have been more soliticous and helpful; a lovely setting and a good value. No worst hotel-Hotel Turenne in Colmar, Hotel Suisse in Strasbourg were as solid as you said and staff was very helpful as well, especially Emily Becker in Strasbourg

George Werner in Pittsburgh, PA USA 11/04/2006

Best: L'Ecole Buissonniere near Vaison la Romaine
Why: The room was great at an excellent price. John is extremely friendly and helpful. We drove the Cotes du Rhone Scenic Loop described by Rick and expanded by John and it was super.

Kent Hildreth in San Diego, CA USA 10/26/2006

Best: La Villa des Consuls, Sarlat
Why: This Hotel in the centre of old town Sarlat has to be one of Rick's best finds. The rooms and apartments are fantastic and great value. Where else would you get to use for free, brand new washing machines (3) and dryers!!. The location couldn't be better for strolling around the wonderful old town. Well done Rick.

John & Rosalind Calder, BC. Canada

J.Calder in Sidney, BC Canada 10/26/2006

Best: Lyon Youth Hostel
Why: It was the only recommended accommodation used and was quite good as hostels go.

Gary Johnson in Livermore, CA USA 10/21/2006

Best: Hotel de l'Amphitheatre in Arles
Why: The room was very spacious and quite nice for the money. The tub was a bit narrow but I still managed a lovely soak with my bubble bath, candles and a glass of the local wine recommended by Rick Steve's. The Hotel was in a central spot so you could go back to the room for a break and then back out again. We loved Arles and wished we'd had a little more time there. $115 EURO per night

Susan Rohde in Shoreline, Wa USA 10/15/2006

Worst: Le cheval blanc, Honfleur
Why: This was listed as a 3-dollar sign hotel. Unfortunately, it was more like a 1- charging 3-dollar star prices. The room was spartan, the bathroom small, and the breakfast the worst I have had in decades of visiting France. When I cancelled our second day reservation, I was charged 30 Euro, which was a small price to pay for ending an unpleasant experience.

Laurence Landow in Rockville, MD USA 10/15/2006

Worst: Hotel Champ du Mars: Paris...not really "worst"
Why: Just wanted to clarify that Hotel Champ du Mars in Paris was not a bad place to stay..... wanted to emphasize, as others before us had, that the room was very small, even with minimal luggage. The location within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and many other sites, and the added benefit of being very close to a Metro stop, made it a great place to stay. It was fun being right around the corner from Rue Cler!

Hal and Karen Phillips in Edgewood, WA USA 10/13/2006

Best: La Cour Ste. Catherine in Honfleur
Why: This bed and breakfast was so delightful and charming and the owners couldn't have been kinder or more helpful. Our room was fabulous and huge, with a quiet view of the inner garden area. The morning breakfast was fantastic and a great start to the day.

Worst: Hotel Champ du Mars
Why: Although in a wonderful location, with a helpful staff and a great bathroom, our room was extremely small. We did adjust after a week's stay, but were at times frustrated with our inability to move safely around the bed and other furniture. One of us tripped on the corner of the bed and fell coming out of the bathroom at night, resulting in a badly skinned knee. Just be aware that when Rick says the room is small -- it is small!

Hal and Karen Phillips in Edgewood, WA USA 10/13/2006

Best: Hotel Martin Jund, Colmar
Why: It was part of a working winery - very much old France. The room was old, quaint, and quite cozy. The onwer, Sebastien, took us on a tour of the winery, and gave us a free wine -tasting. Delicious wine.

Bob and Janet James in Smiths Falls, ON Canada 10/11/2006

Best: La Peiriero
Why: Perfect location in Fontvielle, wonderful breakfasts, great two storey room, beutiful pool, lots of kids. Every hotel recommended was great.

Margaret Hansen in Silver Spring, MD USA 10/06/2006

Worst: Café de la Rivière, Le Bourg, 24220 Beynac et Cazanac, Dordogne
Why: We had booked 3 nights in this property with the new owner John Apps, arriving Sunday 24 September 2006 and also reserved a table for dinner in the restaurant that evening. Mr Apps had my phone number and also had confirmed via e-mail that he had booked us into "River Room 3" with a table reserved for 7pm in the restaurant. I phoned Mr Apps en-route to give him our estimated time of arrival (I had said tea-time and it was going to be 6 pm due to a flight delay)only to be told that he had closed the restaurant the night before due to the lack of tourists because of the rain! I asked if anywhere else in Beynac was available for a meal he said it all looked dark, he would try. When we arrived, he was in the doorway of the restaurant and I had to ask to be allowed in out of the rain. I asked if he had found us a table in a restaurant, he said "no, you will have to go into Sarlat". I told him I was unhappy that he had not bothered to let me know, he said he had only decided the night before. I said that he could have phoned or e-mailed me, his reply was an incredible "If you don't like it I am more than happy for you to go - go on, go"! My husband and I booked into a travel lodge for the night and had a meal in Sarlat. Whilst talking to the restaurant owner and other diners I related this story. They knew Hamish & Xanthe,the previous owners, who still live in Beynac and who, they said were wonderful people. They had deservedly been in your guide. They were horrified that the new owner was so rude and said that the Cafe will soon lose clientele. They kindly found us accommodation in Sarlat for the next two nights. A dreadful start to our holiday and a dreadful man. I hope Mr Apps loses his place in your guide

Susan & Nigel Jones in St Albans, UK 09/30/2006

Best: Le Grand Puits, Carcassonne
Why: I don't want to share this because I don't want to ruin it. Inside the walls. Nicole was wonderful. Very inexpensive. Great self serve breakfast. I would love to go back. Wish we had stayed longer.

Worst: Hotel Mont Blanc, Chamonix
Why: WAY overpriced. Hotel had an odd smell. Staff were less than helpful. I would definitely avoid this one.

Jillian in Kingston, ON Canada 09/28/2006

Best: Hotel de la marine, Arromanches
Why: Lovely location on the ocean and right downtown. Friendly and helpful staff. Excellent seafood restaurant.

Dan in Washington, DC USA 09/18/2006

Best: Hotel Le Bayeaux
Why: Clean, cheerful and lovely. Walking distance to all of town.

Worst: Hotel Berniere
Why: I was charged on arrival (not departure) for 2 nights. When I had to eliminate one night to make my D Day tour in Bayeux, I was not credited for the extra night. Three attempts with 2 employees & email did not resolve this. Perhaps this is a frequent problem, as the room was a bit too Spartan, mold was growing on the walls, and the area in the evening was locked up tight and did NOT exude a sense of security....

Sherry Elkins in La Mirada, CA USA 09/10/2006

Best: Hotel Ares (Eiffel)
Why: I actually loved this hotel for its spacious room, comfortable bathroom and fantastic location on a quiet street. However, continental breakfast was overpriced at 9 euros (no discount for even little kids), and the elevator was out of order on 4 of the 6 days of our stay. When I suggested that there should be some accommodation for not having an elevator (as it was an essential part of my requirements when booking a room), I was told they would find me another hotel on the second (or third) day of our stay, but that was all. As I was traveling with two small children (ages 2 & 4), had already unpacked and had gotten acclimated, I didn't consider this a realistic option. When I asked for a late check-out (2:30 pm, as opposed to noon), as a small concession, I was flatly and rudely refused. Otherwise the service was very helpful.

Kim Bomar in Stanford, CA USA 09/09/2006

Worst: Maison Jund, Colmar, France
Why: We have stayed in many of Rick's recommended accommodations all over Europe. Maison Jund was very dirty and just plain worn out. The bed was horrible and so were the towels. I use better ones to wash my car! It seemed like nothing was done in between guests - I just hope that they changed the linens!

Kim in Sindelfingen, Germany 09/08/2006

Best: Hotel Champ de Mars, Paris
Why: Close to the Eiffel. Reasonable. Added wifi during my stay. Very pleasant owners! Francoise and Stephane..

Richard Doremus in Newport, NH USA 09/05/2006

Best: Hotel Muguet (sp)
Why: It was the only one we stayed at in Paris but I don't think I would return. It was too expensive.

Jane in North Mankato, MN USA 09/03/2006

Best: Avenue Saint Lazare, Chinon, Loire Valley, Fr
Why: Only 1 room and looks terrible from busy street, but turned out to new, great shower and towels, very quiet, best breakfast we had in France (ask for eggs for breakfast), close to Super-U and cheap gas. Need car to get to. Web site http://tourisme.chinon.com/gb/hebergement/fiche.php?id=78

Bradley Nelson in Renton, WA USA 09/01/2006

Best: Le Manoir in Aix en Provence
Why: Free parking in Aix? A dream come true. The first time in three trips that I didn't have to get up and feed the meter. Nice staff, too.

Maureen Williams in Mountlake Terrace, WA USA 08/20/2006

Best: Hotel le Blason in Amboise
Why: Fine accomodations, with very friendly and super-helpful hosts. Great contintental breakfast, worth the price.

Summers Henderson in Somverville, MA USA 08/18/2006

Best: Hotel de la Poste
Why: excellent rooms and service at great prices. The restaurant which is subed out was great. Best meals we had in France. Book the rooms in the rear on the 3rd floor overlooking the country side or room 2 on the first floor by itsel.

larry in shurtz, ca USA 08/16/2006

Worst: Hotel Massena
Why: Huge but much over priced. Although we were told our rooms would be "connecting" the only thing connecting them was the hallway. The breakfast buffet was nice, though.

Marsha Hudson in Seattle, WA USA 08/04/2006

Best: Hotel d'Arromanches
Why: It is located in the heart of Normandy and steps away from the Landing Beaches. Our room overlooked the beaches. The owners are very friendly and helpful. We ate dinner at their restaurant - Le Pappagall. It was superb!

Lisa Valle IL USA 08/01/2006

Best: Hotel Calendal in Arles, Prance
Why: This hotel lived up to our expectations based on the narrative in the guidebook. Although not fancy, the rooms were well planned, attractive; facilities were very satisfactory; service was terrific.

Worst: Hotel Campanile, Roissy, France
Why: The book described this hotel as set in a town. While it's technically in Roissy, it's in an industrial park adjacent to De Gaulle airport along with about 12 other hotels, none of which are mentioned in the guidebook.

Hotel Campnile was substandard, below "Motel 6" in facilities and dining, and located in a noisy place where departing planes take off overhead.

Dr. Wendy C. Kasten in Kent, OH USA 08/01/2006

Best: Chateau de Nazelle
Why: Veronique & Olivier helped us when our rental car broke down a few miles from Nazelle on the way to Amboise. We caught a ride back to the Chateau and Veronique called our rental company for us, as we were having difficulty due to the language barrier. She arranged for our broken-down car to be picked up and for us to get a taxi ride into a nearby town to get a new rental car the next day. She even drove us into Amboise for dinner that night. What an amazing family, an amazing Chateau in an amazing location. I want to go back very soon.

Worst: Le Mas d'Aigret
Why: Although the pool was nice and the restaurant is great, our room was dirty, small and didn't have a view. I expected much more.

Mark Butler in Salem, OR USA 07/21/2006

Best: Le Manoir les Minimes, Amboise.
Why: Beautiful modern bathroom. Quite Large bedroom with superior bed and linens. Bathrobes, slippers. Lovely breakfast room. Easy walk by chateau base into town. Also thorougly agree with your recommendation of Hotel Diderot in Chinon. Great breakfast. Very nice staff.

Susan Gruber in Avon, CO USA 07/19/2006

Best: La Roseraie, Chenonceaux
Why: Sophie and Laurent were fabulous hosts. You could tell they put their heart and soul into their hotel. The food was fabulous, and there's no reason to go anywhere else for a great meal. The terrace was very attractive and quiet. Our family loved it.

Dale and Linda in Portland, OR USA 07/17/2006

Best: Hotel Beaugency in Rue Cler
Why: Professional and helpful staff, small rooms but we spent most of our time exploring Paris so it was fine. Actually just about every recommended hotel from Paris to Mt. St. Michel was just wonderful. Enjoyed the staff, made lots of new friends along the way. Just one block from the hotel there are delightful Boulangeries where you can buy breakfast (baguette or pan au chocolat) and Cafe Marche where you can get a good cup of cafe au lait and sit and enjoy the street and neighborhood. We'd go back in a heartbeat!

Worst: Hotel Le Colbert, Avignon France
Why: The rooms were as described, clean and charming. The manager however was more welcoming in email than in person. She actually made very derogatory & insulting comments about foreigners to our children (our daughter is fluent in French and so understood the comments, she probably thought we were ignorant Americans and wouldn't understand what she was saying) and her behavior was very odd compared to other hotel staff that we had met along our travels. Our collegiate daughter who has lived, studied and traveled in Europe for a year said she had never met anyone who treated visitors so poorly.

Laura in Vancouver, WA USA 07/12/2006

Best: La Tour de Cause (Dordogne)
Why: Wonderfully friendly and helpful owners; very clean, roomy place.

Steve Wahle in San Anselmo, CA USA 07/09/2006

Best: Lettie's Pension in Bacharach
Why: The HOSTESS

Worst: Hotel du Champs de Mars
Why: The staff was horrendous! First, the man who checked us in (was it Stephen?) would not answer a simple question as to which room would be best for the most air floor (we booked four rooms and did not want to walk up and down all the floors to find out); the the night guy (he went back to Tunsia to get married) told me about an internet cafe down the street, he gave me the wrong street number and didn't bother to tell me it was closed until after I walked down there. The female (owner?) was as rude as could be. The location was sensational but I will not recommend this place for anyone and it should be removed from the book.

Diana Braaten in Chandler, AZ USA 07/09/2006

Best: hotel du bresil
Why: just as you describe. tiny hotel, tiny elevator, tiny rooms; didn't matter, they were for sleeping. i am handicapped and use oxygen 75% of the time. hotel had handicapped room on ground floor; just off the lobby. large enough to fit the oxygen equipment i needed and easy access to a large bathroom. hotel was in a perfect location. turn left outside the door and at the corner look rt up ste soflott (sp) and 4 bls to the panthenon, left at the corner to luxenberg gardens. there were 6 of us traveling together, so the McDonalds on the corner before crossing to luxenberg gardens was perfect for the 3 teenagers who occasionally craved a hamburger on a bun...and i got daily cups of ice for my instant ice tea i'd brought. Michael, day desk clerk at hotel; incredibly t;houghtful and helpful...his recommendations saved us time and money.

sharon hussey in antioch, ca USA 07/09/2006

Best: Hotel Churchill, Bayeux
Why: Great location, pleasant and helpful staff, reasonably priced.

Les Share in Miami, FL USA 07/08/2006

Best: Hotel Versailles, Beynac
Why: Jean Claude and Francoise were so very kind. Francoise's breakfasts were excellent, the rooms big, the bathrooms classy, and the price (around $70 US) a real deal.

Shane McCamey in Clackamas, OR USA 07/06/2006

Worst: L'Arlatan
Why: Gracious folks but rooms are too small.

Bernice in Hecker, WA USA 07/04/2006

Worst: Hotel de Medicis
Why: Yikes! The guidebook warned that it was a dive. I have stayed in Europe 15 weeks over the last 5 years all in budget accomodations. This hotel was really gross. It smelled bad, it looked dirty, the floor in our room was uneven - we wondered if it might fall in! Everything was just so smelly and seemingly dirty - we had an unfunctioning bidet in our room with a piece of wood on top, the armoire was broken and tied shut with a rubber band, etc. We didn't want to be in the room at all. It was just a disgusting place to be.

Stephanie in Paris, TN USA 07/02/2006

Best: L'Auberge de Launay-Amboise
Why: Wonderful place. We arrived at 3pm and our room was not ready. They comp us a bottle of wine. When we got into our room, it was the most modern we saw in France. Great location on N152.

Jim in Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 06/26/2006

Best: Auberge Veyret, Les Eyzies de Tayac, France
Why: This was a wonderful accomadation! Nice, clean, pool. Rooms very clean, nice dining room with fabulous food. Dinners are not to be missed here with their own foie gras, soups, etc. They dont really speak any English, but we were able to get by.

gizella betak in canton, ma USA 06/26/2006

Best: Hotel Champ Du Mars
Why: This little hotel http://www.hotel-du-champ-de-mars.com/ is affordable, charming, clean and withing walking distance to many of the main attractions there in Paris. Right around the corner is Rue Cler, a delightful market street and location to many good restauraunts. You are also only a 4 to 5 minute (timed) walk to the metro - Line 8, Ecole Militaire.

Gary & Sharon Hoffman in Post Falls, ID USA 06/20/2006

Best: Residence Versailles in Beynac
Why: This is a gem! The Fleury's are so warm and welcoming. They gave us lots of local tips. The rooms were spotless and the breakfasts were, by far, the best we had during our entire 2 weeks in France.

Kitty Kramer in Centennial, CO USA 06/06/2006

Best: La Chevalerie, Amboise
Why: Extraordinary value, spacious room and bathroom, with breakfast included in 35 euro (April) price. Their is a kitchen for the 2 upstairs rooms, and another for the 2 ground floor rooms. A few km outside Amboise. Mr. Aleksic is a Serb who has lived in France for 41 years. He rebuilt this farmhouse, added the tourist accommodation wing - all with his own labor, including plumbing, masonry, electricity, tile work, etc. A retired engineer, he speaks some English, as well as French and (of course) Serbian. He is very friendly and accommodating. The best value of a 3-week driving tour through France.

Duncan Gardiner in Lakewood, OH USA 06/06/2006

Best: Hotel Diderot, Chinon
Why: Superb and inexpensive accommodation, modernized bathroom, relatively spacious room. Very kind staff; good breakfast.

Duncan Ga;rdiner in Lakewood, OH USA 06/06/2006

Best: We were VERY pleased with all our hotels.
Why: Grand Hotel Leveque in Paris was pleasant and affordable and it was wonderful to be a part of the daily life on rue Cler. In Honfleur - La Cour Ste. Catherine and in Dinan - Chambres d'Hotes Le Logis du Jerzual are both just as descibed in the book with such hospitable owners. Sophie and Laurent at Hotel la Roseraie in Chenonceaux are charming, helpful, fun and hard-working. La Domaine de Corgette in St. Romain has beautiful rooms and excellent breakfast. Hotel Les Nevons in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was an ideal base for traveling all around the Provence and Luberon. Hotel du Chateau in Annecy is perfect for staying in the "old city" to walk everywhere and at Hotel de l'Arve in Chammonix the rooms and the scenery were beautiful.

jack & Jean Christensen in Fort Dodge, IA USA 05/27/2006

Best: Chateau Nineyrol near Castelaud
Why: Wonderful rroom, best bed and shower of trip. The hosts were just wonderful. One of best experinces of month long trip

Worst: Hotel Berniers in Caen
Why: 5th floor with no elevator, Bathroom disgusting, room smelled bad!!!

K & G Jenkins in Edmonton, Ab CANADA 05/25/2006

Best: Chateau Nineyrol near Castelaud
Why: Wonderful rroom, best bed and shower of trip. The hosts were just wonderful. One of best experinces of month long trip

Worst: Hotel Berniers in Caen
Why: 5th floor with no elevator, Bathroom disgusting, room smelled bad!!!

K & G Jenkins in Edmonton, Al CANADA 05/25/2006

Best: Only used one, Chateau Ninerol in the Dordogne
Why: Wonderful location with a view across the valley to Castelnaud. Nice friendly owners.

Derek Gardiner in Lexington,, MA USA 05/13/2006

Best: See below, I recommend any of these.
Why: We used the Rick Steve's guidebook of Paris, France and Spain and were happy with all of the recomendations. Here are a few opinions from each stay. Hotel De Tulipe, Paris:Bernhard is very helpful. Room was very nice, great location. Loved the blue and white tiled bathroom overlooking the courtyard. Great choice. Manoir les Minimes, Amboise, Loire Valley. Nice location, room was fine(although our room did not have a view of the chateau.) The breakfast room was breathtaking, beautiful. The "no picnic policy" is annoying since they have such a nice view of the chateau from the garden terrace.A 4 star hotel should cater to guests wishes, not try to make more money off there food.Chateau de la Fleunie, Dardogne Region. Beautiful setting and chateau, loved the goats in the field, they need to replace the matresses and wash or buy new bedding. Our room was spacious and even had a piano in it, but the room and bed wreaked of body odor. L'Eermitage, Crestet Provence was nice. Crestet is a lovely hill town, make sure they have not sold it yet. They were nice to wait up for us until 9:30 pm when we arrived. Breakfast very basic. Hotel Musee, Arles. What a great value. The Breakfast was well worth the price, best in France. The room was spacious and nice, courtyards very pretty, owners very helpful(and attractive). I would highly recomend Hotel Musee. Hotel Les Tempiers, Collioure. What a beautiful seaside town, I wish we would have spent more than one night there (we were on our way to Barcelona). The hotel was small and fine for the price. Restaurant downstairs very smokey. Last hotel was Hotel Granvia, Barcelona Spain.Beautiful, good sevice, good breakfast. Carlos was super to deal with.

Annette & Norbert in San Francisco, CA USA 05/12/2006

Best: Hotel Prince, Paris
Why: We spent four days and nights at the Hotel Prince that was recommended in Rick Steve's France. In our rush to get to the airport on time for our flight back to the USA my husband left his moneybelt with credit cards and a ATM card and several hundred American dollars. At the airport he noticed that he didn't have his moneybelt. He called the hotel and talked to Neda and asked if she could check our room. We called her back and she told us that she had found it and that she would bring it home with her. We were able to get FedEx to pick up the package. When it arrived, everything (credit card, atm card and several hundred dollars) were all there. Thank you Rick for the wonderful recommendation of Hotel Prince. We spent 24 days in Europe using all of your books and stayed at the places which you recommended except one hotel. We met many people with your guidebooks and all felt the same as us in regards to your recommendations. We also had the opportunity to meet in person some of the people who are featured in your DVDs. How interesting that was! I highly recommend you to many people who plan on traveling in Europe. Both my wife and I hope to return to Europe in the future and of course we will be taking along Rick's books!

Bob Kallaugher in East Granby, CT USA 05/03/2006

Worst: Hotel Lorrain
Why: I had made reservations with this place prior to leaving the U.S. After trying to find this place in Nice for 1.5 hours there wasn't anyone there. We had to walk to find a pay phone and I called the owner. He didn't speak English, and just kept saying "no reservation" over and over. It didn't make for a great evening. We found another hotel just down the street for less money, and very friendly people.

Heidi York in Skowhegan, Ma USA 05/01/2006

Best: Hotel Le Beffroi -- Vaison la Romaine
Why: A truly charming and beautiful hotel in the old town of Vaison la Romaine. The staff was gracious, the room was spacious and beautifully furnished, and the location could not havebeen better. The restaurant looked very good, but we opted for a picnic instead.

Worst: Hotel Blauvac - Avignon
Why: Tiny, stuffy, grimy-looking room with insufficient curtains (thanks to a light in the alley, the room never got dark) and lack of hot water. When we complained about the hot water, the response was "that is impossible." Even when another guest agreed, they said it was "hard to believe." To their credit, they did discount the room 15% for the hassle, but only after a good 20 minutes of the above. Thankfully, we only had to stay one night before moving on.

Stephanie Winters in New York, NY USA 04/22/2006

Best: Hotel De la Bourdonnais
Why: We migrated over from Hotel Eber Mars and found the staff very delightful and willing to help. Initially they only had 2 of 3 nights we needed but they came up with the 3rd night and we did not even have to change rooms. They helped us confirm restaurant reservations and pointed us in the right direction on several occasions.

Worst: Hotel Eber Mars
Why: While the lobby and breakfast area had a clean Ikea-style look and the pics on the website were nice, the hallways were dark and dingy, the carpet was filthy, the rooms were very beat up, carpet and bedspreads dirty and stained. It looked like a group of people had just trashed them and they had not had a chance to clean up. I would recommend you make an unannounced visit to check it out for yourself. For what they charge, we were not willing to stay in such a dirty place.

KDHJ in San Francisco, CA USA 04/20/2006

Best: Le Moulin du Fief Gentil
Why: The reality was even better then we expected!! Tranquil atmosphere of an old mill, wonderful hosts, immaculately clean rooms, fresh local dinner, great advise... What else you can wish for?. Thank you Florence and Francois-Xavier

Lana in Swampscott, MA USA 02/10/2006

Best: Hotel Champ Du Mars, Paris, Hotel du Chateau, Annecy and Hotel Regence, Arles
Why: Great bargains in great locations!

Matt in Somerville, MA USA 01/29/2006

Best: Hotel Servene in the the Marais
Why: Great staff great location small room but all renovated

alexander in san francisco, ca USA 01/26/2006

Best: Hotel Diderot, Chinon
Why: Beatiful little courtyard, a great breakfast, reasonably priced, a helpful owner and staff, and quaint rooms.

Don Groves in Topsham, ME USA 01/23/2006

Best: Hotel de Londres Eiffel
Why: We had read one negative review and hesitated booking this hotel. How glad we are that we ignored it and ended up here. The staff is friendly and helpful... the room was recently renovated, extremely tasteful and comfortable, the hotel is near everything yet tranquil. Five stars!

n. budd in Lihue, HI USA 01/17/2006

Best: Le Moulin du Fief Gentil
Why: Loire Valley Bed & Breakfast Le Moulin du Fief Gentil (http://www.fiefgentil.com/) Having visited France 15 times over the past 20 years, I am always delighted when I discover a new "find". The highlight of our most recent trip to the Loire Valley was our stay in the 500 year old former water mill, "Le Moulin du Fief Gentil". Our hosts, Florence and Francois-Xavier, were very welcoming, outgoing, and fluent in English. The atmosphere was really as if we were invited guests in their home. We all met for drinks in the two story high living room with its exposed beams and rafters each evening and enjoyed local Vouvray wines. The breakfasts and four course dinners were delicious and served in the amazing dining room, one wall of which is glass and allows a view of the remnants of the old mill wheel and waterfall as the stream from the pond outside runs directly under the house. Unlike some other B & B's which are miles from anything, this magical place is within easy walking distance of Blere's wonderful village center. We also loved the convenience of having the chateaux of Chenonceaux and Amboise only minutes away by car. "Un grand merci" to Florence for her great advice on day trips, local restaurants, etc. and many thanks to Rick Steves and Steve Smith for finding this gem of a B & B.

Jean E. in Bellevue, WA USA 01/07/2006