Novotel Caen Cote De Nacre in Caen

We had a very disappointing stay at this hotel.

We deliberately drove 2.5 hours from Paris to avoid the heat wave, arriving as a family of four with two babies. However, nowhere during the booking process was it made clear that the hotel has no air conditioning. The room was unbearably hot, and we were all sweating, struggling to breathe, and feeling nauseous after the journey.

The receptionist barely acknowledged our situation and immediately suggested we take towels to go to the pool, despite clearly seeing that we had just arrived exhausted with two babies. When I asked if there was at least a fan available since there was no air conditioning, I was told they couldn’t find one.

To make matters worse, the elevator is located a long way from the reception, and our room was at the very end of the corridor. I had to carry all of our luggage for a family of four, including everything needed for two babies, all the way down the corridor just to reach the elevator, and then continue to our room. The room location was extremely inconvenient for a family traveling with young children.

We had also requested a baby cot in advance, but instead of having it set up in our room, it was simply left at the end of the corridor, with the receptionist telling us, “It’s yours.”

The overall cleanliness and maintenance were also disappointing. A cleaning vacuum cleaner was left outside our room, and there was vomit on the floor in front of the elevator that remained uncleaned.

What disappointed us most was not only the lack of air conditioning but also the complete lack of professionalism, organization, and empathy from the staff. During a heat wave, especially when welcoming families with young children, basic comfort and attentive service should be a priority. Unfortunately, this hotel failed on both counts.

We cannot recommend this hotel and would not stay here again.