The hotel is one of only two or three that's directly inside the medieval castle in Carcassone. This makes an ideal vantage point for exploring the small city. The inside of the hotel is somewhat dated, but it's still interesting to be staying literally inside a medieval castle. There's a slightly odd small in the lobby area, but the room itself smells fine. The bed is very comfortable, with a strong shower and good bath products. There's a coffee machine, minibar, and complementary chocolates and waters refreshed regularly. TV has international channels including CNN and BBC World. The staff is professional, helpful, and friendly. We had an excellent breakfast on our first day, and the reception team helped us organize a lunch reservation at a nearby winery. My one suggestion for improvement would be in the logistics around arrivals at the property. Google Maps directs you to the wrong place, so you have to call and get the directions. Then, a hotel employee a very charming and welcoming young man meets you at that location and give you two seemingly cryptic choices - you can have the free car par, or the paid one, but both are quite close to each other apparently. We took the free one, which required first following the hotel employee's car to the parking lot, leaving the car there, then getting in his car with our bags and driving directly to the hotel. Apparently it has something to do with the fact that not all cars are allowed inside the castle walls. Instead, I would suggest sending all guests an email with the exact location of the car park in the first place, then offering a phone number to arrange an arrival time, and meeting there directly for an escort to the hotel. Also, for a five star hotel, I'd expect a nicer escort car than the rickety mini-size hatchback we were picked up in.
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