Stay here if you like a broken toilet seat, greasy marks on the doors, black mould in the bathroom, broken air condidtioning, chipped cups at breakfast. The staff, it has to be said were very friendly, and we expected the hotel to be a bit noisy given its position, but we could not stay a second night and found another hotel that was superb for not much more money and far better value. This is sad because it could be a good hotel but is sorely in need of some redecoration and desparately needs cleaning and repairing. Some tender loving care would make a lot of difference.

My wife and I were here in June 2003. We enjoyed our stay. Staff was very helpful and recommended a great place for dinner. Room was fine, AC. Two elevators. Hotel is extremely close to the Palais Des Papes; the famous bridge, the "downtown" plaza. Was close to everything we wanted to see. Reasonable cab fare to and from the Gare.

We have just returned from the Hotel du Palais des Papes in Avignon. Please be advised that this hotel is NOT air-conditioned. That fact, coupled with the hotel's location directly facing the Palais des Papes, means that your windows must be open during the night for ventilation. We were unable to sleep during the two nights we were there. Not only was the square noisy until after 1 AM, street cleaning and merchant operations begin at 6 AM. I think this might be a fine option during any other season, but it is not a good summer choice. I might also encourage selection of rooms not facing the Palace, as the Palace is lit with floodlights from adjacent buildings, and our room was fully illuminated from 9 PM until 6 AM both nights. We gratefully moved on. Staff was pleasant, however. Just consider an air-conditioned hotel in the summer.

I spent a week in this hotel in late May, 2002. The hotel is smack dab across from the Palace of the Popes, which means a great view of it from most rooms, as well as being accidentally photographed by 6 tourists every time you leave the front door. Bring earplugs--the sounds of early-morning street musicians and late-night revellers ricochet between the buildings and make sound sleep difficult for the light sleeper. Their restaurant "Lutrin," already a fine place to dine, is being improved by a brand new executive chef, a bon vivant who's managed restaurants all over the world. If you get the chance to visit with him, do so, because he's a kick and speaks good English. (And notice how he awakens early most mornings to shop for the restaurant food at the local markets...) A good place with a great location.