Low initial expectations, fantastic hotel
We were late with our travels, missed our booking, and we first tried the Hôtel Kyriad Niort Espace because right before midnight we saw they had available rooms. When arrived they said there were no rooms available and they could speak only French. I believe all French can speak excellent English but they refuse to do so. A bit funny that people working at an hotel reception cannot speak English, in a country with one of the highest number of foreign tourists. However, they suggested by putting a few lines in Google translate to try the hotel opposite to them, saying they also had 24h reception. It was a joke of course. Reception was limited to a few hours during the day. We eventually found the Solana Hotel, 300 meters away. This is an hotel I wouldn't have picked (not being a chain, not like surprises, etc.). And I would have been terribly wrong
We can say a few things are old fashion but all is clean, nothing broken or about to break, the price is affordable and Bruno, at the 24h hotel front desk in that moment, was helpful and welcoming. He did not refuse to speak English. In fact his English was excellent and he is a very pleasant person. The restaurant is recently renewed and modern. Breakfast was fantastic and the coffee excellent
We will stop again there 100%