ibis Orléans Centre Gare in Orleans

This property is directly across the road from the central Orleans train station and a 10 minute walk from the old city centre. In short, its location for a tourist is excellent. The hotel is good 3 to 4 star standard - clean, comfortable, good bed and bathroom, and reasonably priced. Rooms are small (by our Australian standards, at least) and there is a shortage of clothes storage and hanging space. Apart from that, we found this Ibis to be very comfortable. Breakfast was excellent, both in range of foods and drinks offered and price. The dining room was spacious and comfortable. All members of staff with whom we had contact were excellent. That included the cleaner whose English was as non-existent as our French. Through some charades and sign language, we were able to understand each other and she proved her side of the understanding by doing just what we requested, when we requested it. Full marks, both for dealing with linguistically-challenged tourists and for her subsequent service. (So, Ibis, if you're watching - 5th floor on 3-5 Jan - your room service lady deserves a raise:) She was the best exemplar for your brand we came across.) Overall, we were very satisfied with our three night stay. This Ibis was very convenient, clean and comfortable and provided very good service at an excellent price.

I arrived at about 7pm, and was kept waiting in an otherwise empty reception for three or four minutes waiting to be attended. I could see someone sitting at a computer in the office, facing in my direction, but he was really dressed in his casual home attire, not dressed for work, so I assumed he wasn't working on the reception desk. However, after three or four minutes of him watching the computer, he looked up and came to the desk, with no apology, just "I'm listening to you". He handed me the key, did not explain anything about the hotel, did not offer me the complimentary drink that comes with being a silver member, and seemed more interested in getting back to his computer. The room was small but clean and comfortable, the bed was comfortable, and it has its own private car park at the rear of the hotel, for €8 per night. It was no more than a five minute stroll to the city centre. Apart from the poor welcome, it was a pleasant stay.

This is a typical Ibis right next to Orléans station and close to the historic area. It's everything you need and nothing fancy but clean and well located. Here is the ridiculous part. There are 4 rooms where your room key will not allow you to access the lift security. Mine was one of these. I found out after checked in and tried to get back in the lift. The man behind the desk then said I have to approach the desk every time I need to use the lift. Not acceptable. His response was rude and unhelpful. Beware the bald man with glasses.