sjk

I'm trying to decide between two hotels in Avignon and would appreciate any help. The first is Hotel Blauvac and the second is Hotel Medieval. The first has a website so I've been able to see what the rooms are like. How is the location? Are the rooms quiet? Has anyone here stayed at either one of these hotels? Thank you so much for your advice.

Christina

I stayed at Hotel Medieval about ten years ago, I guess. It was okay for a basic budget two-star hotel, but I would choose elsewhere again for a couple reasons. First, I was alone and while it wasn't really far far from the main square, I would have preferred a little bit closer to it -- also because I was doing a lot of day trips by train, so would choose a hotel closer to the train station (I was walking).

It was a little noisy because it was in an older area of the city, of course, which has very narrow streets with cobblestones and stone buildings -- thus, late at night when young folks were going to/from clubs or something, their voices could get noisy (also some motorcycle noises). There was no setback from the street to help that, but that is typical of many older hotels in these old quarters. I was there in the summer so wanted windows open, so that's what you get.

It was convenient to a square area with shopping and some good restaurants, away from the main square, however, and the staff were very helpful and friendly. The room was clean and the bed comfortable enough, but nothing fancy, of course. The room was really large compared to hotels in big cities, but it is an old hotel (the name Medieval is real, I think, as to how old the building is), so the windows were smaller and higher on the wall, which meant less ventilation and light (which I didn't care about since I was only there at night). It had a nice interior courtyard area that was attractive (not large) and a room on that might have been quieter.

I don't know what the Hotel Blauvac is like to compare. The Medieval is very cheap, but was acceptable for that level of hotel. The rooms were sort of typical French 2* bland modern, as I recall. I would probably stay elsewhere without a car if you want to do day trips. I looked at the Blauvac's web site and would prefer that location for convenience. The rooms look nicer than the Medieval's (at least compared to ten years ago), although I wouldn't go for that loft thing.

Boots

I have stayed at the Blauvac several times. The location is great! Right on the square and very near the Palais des Papes. I walk from the station, so I don't think it is far. There is no lift. The rooms are fairly large, not elegant. No view. On a small street. Nice personnel. I take breakfast across the street rather than in the hotel. Two houses are joined with an interesting staircase with a seating area. Stairs are open, wide, and not hard to ascend. I will stay there again. Boots

sjk

Thanks Boota and Christina! That's great. I guess I'm going with the Blauvac. Boots, would you say that your rooms were noisy at all? Or is it set back enough that it doesn't matter? Not worried about the stairs - exercise will be good for all the wonderful crepes I plan to consume

Boots

I didn't find it noisy, but I am not bothered by noise. The street that runs by the hotel has very little traffic. It is only wide enough for one car; I think it is one way, and the main thoroughfare through the old city is a block away. Keep in mind that it is a two-star, so not luxurious. I said it is "right on the square," but actually is one-half or one block from the square which eliminates the noise. I hope you enjoy your stay there.

Christina

If I were you, I'd go with the Blauvac, also. I don't think the Medieval had an elevator, either, which I have noticed is common in 2* Avignon hotels. I didn't really care as I was only up 1-2 flights and often use stairs anyway in a hotel when I'm on that level.

I am bothered by noise a lot and I imagine both those hotels are going to be about the same on that regard, being on the street with no setback. The Medieval isn't on a main street, either, but you'd still hear from passersby, of course, and occasional motorcycle (which are probably popular in those little streets). I think it may have been near a club or something.