If you've been here before, don't expect the same again! (Le Christina Hotel (Bourges, France))

Member Name: velissaria

Product:	Le Christina Hotel (Bourges, France)
Date:	30/07/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very good value, location, cleanliness, rooms

Disadvantages: Not all rooms are of equal standards

This independent 2-star hotel is affiliated with 'Logis' and we stayed there in April 2009 for 5 nights while it was being refurbished, which was quite adventurous. The end result can be seen at the hotel's updated website: http://www.le-christina.com/ with 3D panoramic view of the rooms and the reception (cool!).

The hotel is in 2 halves with room numbers under 200 at the front and those over 200 at the back. All rooms over 200 are now refurbished in a surprisingly tasteful brown and blue with soft lighting and credit card style electronic key access. There are elevators, with the one leading to the new rooms being modern and spacious.

-- The Booking --

My partner did the booking online and decided to be generous and go for a 'superior class' double room (68 Euro per night). The website has an English version, so language is not a problem even though the English is not great and sometimes it is mixed with French!

-- The Rooms --

However, due to the hotel's refurbishment at the time, the staff put us initially in room 46, currently un-refurbished and now belonging to the 'standard' category at Euro68 per night. In retrospect, I find this a bit bizarre since that room had a double bed and a single bed but we were only two persons, so we did not need the single bed. The room was large, with a shower and a separate toilet room which I found quite chic but I think we should have been placed in a standard double room and save a tenner (58 Euro per night). The shower was a bit grotty, but hopefully this is all now being ripped out and they moved us after 1 night anyway.

The staff, who speak reasonably good English, were apologetic, very polite and very helpful, so the upgrade work was being done with the absolute minimum of inconvenience to customers. We were moved to a superior class double room, with a separate toilet and a bathroom instead of a shower room. What put me off was that we had to carry our luggage up and down as the staff did not offer to help, but again it is a 2-star hotel and not the Hilton.

The real problem was that although the new room was great, we soon discovered that the new toilet was blocked (probably the construction team threw some concrete and pieces of mortar in as they often do - same old world everywhere...). I must say that the staff looked into it asap and because it was a bad blockage and the pipes needed changing, they had to move us again to another room!

I was getting really fed up by that point because I had to carry the luggage again and I was on a business trip, unlike my companion who came along for a short holiday and was more relaxed. I expressed my annoyance to the staff in French, who agreed to give us a free breakfast for two, normally costing Euro8 per person. I must say however, that the plumbers and the reception staff remained professional and very polite at all times.

The new rooms are fantastic with Villeroy & Bosch bathrooms, lovely power showers and a hair dryer in each. There's also an electronic safe in each room - nice touch - plus a 26" LCD TV and, er, yes the porn channel works... The hotel has a subscription to private channels, but although they claim online that they have 'channels in foreign languages' we could find none. Also be aware that the French have the bad habit to dub films. The weather was still quite cold and rainy, so we used the heating and not the air-conditioning. Rooms don't have a kettle and coffee/tea making facilities or a fridge though.

-- Breakfast --

Self service is provided from the tasteful breakfast bar, now refurbished, with a good selection from croissants, pain au chocolat, ham, cheese, butter, plus fresh fruits, yoghurts, eggs, cereals, milk, juices, a selection of honeys and jams and a high quality drinks machine for coffee, hot chocolate or even a combination! Fresh food is replaced regularly by staff so you don't have to get up at 6am for the best bits, and it all costs a modest 8 Euro per person.


-- General Area --

Directly opposite the hotel is the Blue Market which opens on Saturdays and is a proper French market with a very wide selection of meats, vegetables, jams, honeys, cheeses, wines, plants etc. from local producers plus a leather market. There's also a nearby Sunday market 15 minutes walk away. Excellent stuff. You are 5-10 minutes slow walk from the medieval centre of Bourges with all the main attractions including the Cathedral and le Palais Jacques Coeur nearby.


-- Extra Service --

We needed an iron for shirts and suit and the staff provided it quickly and with no fuss. You'll also find free Wi-Fi here. Ask the reception, they'll print you a ticket which gives up to 72 hours access. If it runs out or if you lose it, they give you another one. The reception also provides a fax service and Minitel. If you have pets, they're welcome but at 5 Euro supplement per night.


-- Parking --

We took a car and you can park on Rue De Halles for free but it can be busy - there are 2 parking spots reserved exclusively for tourist cars from 19h00 to 07h00 each day too. The hotel will provide private reserved parking for 7 Euro if you want it.


-- Overall --

A conveniently placed hotel with all the facilities you need, which are currently getting a luxury makeover. High standard rooms with a new polished marble reception and corridors. Staff are very polite and helpful. Nice breakfast. Parking is not a major problem. It is rated 2 star but three logos by Logis.
 I really can't believe it is only 2 stars, especially after the luxurious refurbishment. If you visit the centre of Bourges you need to stay here, it's lovely. Visit the website and have a look at the current special offers too.

An older version of this review was published on Trip Advisor under the username 'webspams' (my partner's choice, don't ask me) and we have uploaded some photos as well.

-- Contact details:
5, rue de la Halle 18000, Bourges
tél. : 02.48.70.56.50 - fax : 02.48.70.58.13
Email : info@le-christina.com

Summary: Great Hotel, Very Clean and Very Convenient