Hotel Best Western a Lilla

To add some context we booked this hotel as our base for the Rugby World Cup weekend of 22-25 September. The hotel is a good 30min plus walk from the heart of the city centre (which we knew) and close to the metro, Porte de Valenciennes the nearest station. We have been frequent visitors to Lille in the past - stopovers/passing through and this the first time we have stayed ‘outside’ the hub. Now, considering we paid a premier to stay (major event sporting event taken in to consideration) but in summary, a very disappointing experience throughout. Now, let’s start with the things the hotel has full control over. On arrival, it was apparent the hotel is definitely budget end of the scale, small lobby with a corner ‘bar’ attached to the end. We stayed in the third floor and on opening the door it hit the bed frame - the room was that small. There wasn’t any furniture to store clothes baring six hangers in a metal frame in the corner of the room; we live out of the suitcase propped up against the wall. The room appeared clean but the smell of sewers from the bathroom was strong - on our return home the smell had permeated our unused clothes. The room was incredibly small and the only surface face other than the bad was a small desk with was inaccessible due to a coffee machine (which was brill) and bed. Credit due, the bed was firm and comfortable but you had to one side hop over the mattress just to get out. Two nights running our key card didn’t work and needed re-charging and on the final night, we had to track down the only member of staff to help. We didn’t see many guests during our stay, but we did speak to other couples who shared the same view. Billed as a World Cup venue it was a poor experience as on the Sunday guests were left to watch the games in their rooms as there was no facilities. The staff juggled multiple roles so it’s hard to criticised but there was no enjoyment staying at this hotel and more spent more time in other hotel lobbies to use their facilities and ultimately, find so atmosphere and customer services. All in all, a very dated and hotel which is a shame as the building architecturally is very appealing. Now, on to the parts the hotel were not in control of. The area is best described as ‘tough’ and on returning back to the hotel of an evening, there were a group of adults smoking ****, drinking and sitting on dumped mattresses. Granted there was no incident but intimidating when you have young children in your party. As I say, not the hotels doing but the group were less then 100yrds for the properties entrance. The walk to the station was about 10mins but once again, notably tough area with pockets of adults drinking and shouting on the streets. Overall, we managed but we wouldn’t return here or recommend staying unless it’s to crash for a night. Underwhelmed by the facilities and welcome. Staff were pleasant and friendly but clearly stretched running the place. If you have the budget, stay elsewhere, Lille h