Hôtel Mercure Castres L'Occitan

Perhaps the authorities tote up a range perks and facilities to give a hotel a rating. From a much traveled customer's point of view, this is a 3 star hotel trying to be a 4. In some ways, that is a good thing. The staff is very nice. The dining room puts out some very fine food, although I wouldn't say the same about breakfast that was quite pedestrian. They have the right color for the orange juice, but it and the pastries are very underwhelming. Nice hallway carpeting, clean rooms, thick towels, but you can't hide that the plant is pretty utilitarian '70s or '80s design. The only thing "privileged" about our upgraded room is that it was in the back near the parking lot and the not yet opened pool. The location is convenient, away from the congested downtown and relatively quiet. We have stayed in many Mercure and Accor facilities. This one is working hard to meet the standard. In some ways, they succeed. But they aren't quite there.

Modern decor and comfortable room and bed, although the storage space in our room was tiny (not good for a 3 night stop as part of a 2 week holiday). The toilet was also housed in a cubicle not much bigger than a broom cupboard which might be a challenge for the larger figured person. Cleaning staff pleasant and efficient and room serviced promptly. Pleasant garden area to the side of the property and a decent size swimming pool which is adjacent to the terrace adjoining the restaurant. Relatively secure parking both at the front and the back which is good as the area in which the hotel is located is a bit run down in places. Handy location and just 15 minutes walk up to the centre of town, where there are lots of restaurants. Breakfasts up to the usual Accor/Novotel/Mercure standard and plenty of choice. Would have liked to have tried the attached L' Occitan restaurant more than once but we were told at quite short notice that the entire restaurant had been reserved for a private company function on our last night and we would either have to eat in town or we could have room service. We were on B&B terms so could not really object but nonetheless one expected better of the hotel and its attitude to its paying visitors. On the one night that we did visit, we had a good meal and the staff attentive.

Don't be fooled by the exterior of the hotel, it is hiding a very shabby 45 year old building.Was put in one of the " older" rooms with separate toilet. Fine if you are short, there was not enough room for me to sit on the loo!! Managed to change rooms for the second night. Be warned of the Fly Amelia van driver who parks at the hotel. I was showing my disabled badge on the dashboard but he deliberately parked so close to my drivers door I could not fold my mirrors out.Had to get reception to get him to move his vehicle.I was then met by the rudest, aggressive most ignorant piece of work I have ever met.Certainly would not stay there again. No way is it 4 star

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L’hôtel est superbe ! Les chambres sont très belles, avec du mobilier et une literie de grande qualité. Nous avons été super bien reçus, l’accueil est vraiment au top. Un collègue a eu un petit souci avec sa chambre, mais ça a été réglé très rapidement et avec une gentillesse incroyable. Le restaurant est superbe lui aussi, avec de très beaux menus. La piscine et le petit déjeuner absolument royal — beaucoup de choses faites maison, un vrai régal dès le matin. Donc réellement que du plus ! Et un petit clin d’œil : merci à la gendarmerie pour avoir « réquisitionné » l'Ibis Style de Castres, ça nous a permis d’être relogés au Mercure… et on ne regrette pas, c’était parfait !

À mon arrivé, il y a eu un petit problème dans la chambre, mais l’équipe a été très réactive et m’a proposé un changement rapidement. La directrice est venue me voir personnellement, s’est excusée avec beaucoup de gentillesse, et nous avons eu un très bon échange. Le dîner au restaurant était délicieux, la piscine propre, et le personnel très accueillant. Merci pour l’attention et le professionnalisme !