Hotel De Bourbon Grand Hotel Mercure Bourges

This was our second visit to the Hotel for an overnight stop en-route to the South. It really is a delightful hotel with ample private parking, lovely gardens and bar. It is ideally located and the Old Town is very interesting and historic. Fabulous 13c Cathedral.

A large proportion of the restaurants were closed though some opened at 7.30. Alternative 'pub-food' establishments were not of great quality and the one restaurant we found last year that was terrific was closed because of street works! The hotel restaurant was not open. We concluded last year that the town was struggling to recover from Covid and that did not appear to have changed.

I very much like this hotel and have been there a number of times. We hadn’t been there since the refurbishment (although I can’t say I was a fan of the new décor) and went slightly out of our way to spend a night there on our way to the South West. Its big selling point is the restaurant which continues to serve good food in a fine setting. The staff are very helpful, parking is plentiful and it is well positioned for a longer city break-type stay.

As part of the refurbishment the bathrooms have been re-done in wet room style - the problem is, as is so often the case with this style, the water does not drain away and you are wading through water when all you want to do is dry your feet. Ironically it would have been very easy to extend the wall between the shower and vanity unit and the problem would have been entirely avoided. If I were staying more than one night I would not have had a room at the front with the strange half window (which makes it very dark). They also serve breakfast al fresco directly underneath and if you get the business person on his phone at 7am talking non-stop it does rather disturb your sleep.

The actual hotel appears to have been be built out of an old Château - which means the dining room was easily exquisitely decorated with century old rock, and other nice touches. Our family room was large with modern décor and high end fittings. Staff were professional and helpful. The room was dark at night and quiet.

The breakfast was basic and could have benefitted from a greater selection of freshly prepared foods. The car parking was not always available (full) and we had to wait some time for a place to park. There were a couple of steep stairs right outside reception which is challenging when lugging heavy suitcases as there is no ramp or elevators.

Parking right outside. Decorated very nicely. Lovely outdoor seating area to eat of for morning or evening drink. Bedroom was very small but fine. Comfy & clean. Nice 10 minute walk into the centre. Shower gel in room smelt amazing!!!

Lift access was a bit strange. Took Lift from rec to 1st (or 2nd) floor, walk along a corridor, through 2 double door sets to another lift to second floor. Maybe not good if with elderly

It was very hot so the AC was welcome. A very attractive building. Friendly staff. The gardens are lovely and a good place to relax after we'd eaten in the restaurant.

There was a kettle but not much choice with the tea/coffee. Only 2 little milks provided therefore only 2 drinks made. Could have been more generous with this facility. The room is quite small, a table and chairs were provided but placed in front of the dormer window so we couldn't easily look out of the window.

The location, petit dejeuner and the restaurant were excellent, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

On our first stay on the 24th September we were allocated a good sized room. However, on our 2nd sat on the 8th, 9th and 10th October our room was small with a very small window which let in little light.

Great location from the train station and very near to everything. Bourges is a small town after all. Very friendly and helpful staff for non-French speaking tourists like myself.

Sound-proofing of the rooms was a bit bad as I could hear my neighbour's coughs and sneezes in the middle of the night. Our phone alarms might have awoken him as well.

The hotel facilities were excellent the staff throughout the hotel and restaurant are friendly and professional. The restaurant is also very good and reasonably priced.

Only one minor problem the breakfast has a good choice of dishes but the croissant were awful quite small and doughy deffinately notthe usual french sort.

The staff were friendly and efficient. The garden was a perfect peaceful oasis after a difficult travel day. The dining room is an extraordinary space. The opulent breakfast had much variety. Parking was easy. Location was quiet but close enough to walk to an active old town.

There isn’t anything we didn’t like.

Location is lovely, across the road from Jardin des Prés Fichaux, where we took a stroll before dinner in the hotel restaurant, which is situated in a former abbey. Dinner was very good. Alternatives are within easy walking distance. Nice quiet comfortable room. Didn't have breakfast. We'll definitely stay again.

Knocking noice periodically during the night (plumbing / pipes?) Mentioned it at the desk so hopefully will be addressed before our next visit. A small blemish on an otherwise excellent stay.