I returned a few days ago from almost three weeks in Spain and France and while I am not yet ready to write up a trip report, I wanted to post this update about the Hotel LeGrand in Bayonne where we spent our first night after arriving at Biarritz/Anglet Airport from JFK, via Paris. The hotel has three classes of rooms. I took the middle class of room and ws satisfied. The room was quite large with a large bathroom and windows facing the street. Simply furnished but very comfortable with a good bed. I would not hesitate to return. My friend, however, chose the lowest priced room and was sorry that she did because the difference in price was not all that great. Her room was on the top floor (there is an elevator) tiny and cramped with windows facing a courtyard where construction was going on. It was quite a poor room in terms of decor and of comfort. The hotel is in an old building in a great location within walking distance of everyplace in the city. It is only a 5 minute walk to the PESA bus stop, with connections to Spain. So in short..hotel is fine with the caveat that you book rooms at the mid or upper price point. Staff were helpful, although the woman at the front desk knew nothing about PESA busses to Spain and remarked, when we asked her about them, "Oh..but those are the SPANISH buses..."

Thanks to Maribel and others who helped me with the selection.