Fasthotel Limoges

Rather than drive 500 miles in a day from SW France to Dieppe, I decided (in advance) to break my journey and chose Limoges as the place to do so. This was purely a functional stay: I wasn't after culture, nightlife, stunning views or haute cuisine, just a clean, dry bed for the night. The area is not unlike a Slough industrial estate (there's a clue in the 'Z.A.' on the road-sign), which means that LIDL is nicely close for a bit of quick DIY supper. Fasthotel itself gives the impression that a posh caravan and a tasteful, sage-green plastic shed had a litter of love-babies and stacked them all up around a cosy car park: the overall effect was actually quite pleasing, looking simple but smart.The room, likewise, was basic - no extras beyond two bars of soap and two plastic water cups- but clean and relatively quiet for the location (just off the A20 autoroute). The bathroom was a 'cassette' type, toilet, basin and shower so close together that anyone supple could use all three simultaneously without spillage, but clean and effective - the shower, for instance, was better than many in far pricier hotels. Staff were pleasant and up-beat. I was flattered at check-in that the staff member chatted with me about oil leaks (we were both suffering) as if I were French and understood everything. It's nice not to be talked at slowly, as if I am an uncomprehending idiot (even though I frequently am). As a place to stay and sleep, it did what I wanted. I'd use it again.