Hôtel Vauban

We had three nights in this comfortable and convenient hotel on the edge of the old town. Close to all the sites/restaurants/cafes. We had a room overlooking the river with a view of the impressive Eglise Saint Madeleine. All ran smoothly from check in to check out. Highly recommend and would be more than happy to stay here again.

First, the walk from the train station through Rue Battant may make you question your choice of destination as it runs through a poor, but safe, neighborhood. The surroundings are more favorable with fewer deserted storefronts when you cross Pont Battant. The hotel street, however, just across the river, appears from the outside to be a bit rundown. The hotel itself foes not run the whole block as it may appear in pictures; it is only 1 doorway. Once you gain access to the hotel by ringing the doorbell, you will be buzzed into the "lobby," a dark area with a large desk where you will eventually meet the proprietor, a hard-working man who serves as manager of the hotel, sets up the limited breakfast buffet (it is not worth the 13 euros charged per person for cold cereal, pan au chocolate circled by flies from the open windows, juice, packaged yogurt, & a coffee-dispensing machine), & serves as waiter at the rear-facing restaurant downstairs. The man wanders in and out clearing breakfast dishes from previous breakfast guests, & one day, he offered us eggs to be made in the connected restaurant. He is, in fact, very nice and helpful, but the whole affair is very casual. The hotel is spread over 4 floors of 4 tiny rooms each, some of which have a lovely river view and some of which have a view of the busier square behind the hotel where cafes abound. Our room was adequate, and we didn't bump into each other much. There was a small wall-mounted TV (all French channels), mini fridge, & private bathroom with shower. After a day, we relaxed and got used to our accommodations. For the price (under 100 euros per night for the 2 of us), it was fine. At that price, you don't expect luxury, and we did not see any luxurious hotels on our walks around town. Town was charming.

Rooms were clean, good location for walking around town. Towels need an upgrade, breakfast was very basic for €13/person. Arrived on a Saturday and had to park remotely and haul our bags about 3 blocks away. No a/c - opened the windows. We were on the first floor with a nice view of the river, but heard every conversation of people passing along the quay and the frequent trolleys

The view from our room was stunning. You'll be right over the river in a lovely old building, and in the most central location in Besançon with several tram lines running below. The friendly and helpful staff will make you feel welcome. It's a wonderful, old-fashioned hotel. We are planning to return.