Avignon Grand Hotel

Built in 2000, the Avignon Grand Hotel features a rectangular facade with a modern tiered layout. The front of the hotel is plain chain-hotel beige, but the back has sunny yellow walls that feel bright and homey against the hotel's courtyard garden. The two-story lobby offers grand Provencal style with concrete floors, wrought-iron accents, and window walls on two sides where natural light comes streaming in. In addition to the reception desk, there's a small lobby bar and carpeted nooks with IKEA-esque white couches that give guests a chance to relax and lounge. People can also gather in the garden terrace or on the rooftop terrace that surrounds a small pool, but for most guests this hotel is a starting point for exploring the old city right outside it's front doors. Another draw here, especially for families, are the spacious rooms, though the room decor doesn't quite match what's found in the lobby.

The Avignon Grand Hotel is located just outside of Avignon's famous old city walls (truly -- they're right across the street). It's a spot that's in walking distance to old-town sights. The regal Palais des Papes, for example, is a 16-minute walk away. Avignon's central train station (Gare d'Avignon Centre) is just a two-minute walk away, while the Palais des Papes is a 15-minute walk. Nearby airports include Avignon - Caumont Airport (20-minute drive), Nimes Airport (45-minute drive), and Marseille Provence and Aix en Provence Airports (one-hour drive). The TGV station is less than 10 minutes away via the regional train from the Gare d'Avignon Centre. Parking is available on site for an extra fee. 

Rooms range from rather spacious to downright huge with at least 430 square feet of space, and up to 700 square feet in apartments and duplexes. The Provencal-style decor offers local color with wrought-iron and white-painted wood furniture, but the wall-to-wall carpeting and drapes and upholstery in pink, red, and yellow feel outdated (though soft refurbishments were occurring during our 2016 visit). Bathrooms have beige-tiled floors and white tiled walls, plus glass shower stalls and separate soaking tubs. In the rooms that have them, the outdoor terraces are nice and spacious enough for lounging. Views either face the garden or, better yet, the ramparts. 

All rooms include separate sitting areas, safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea service with electric kettles, and mini-fridges stocked with bottled water. Bathrooms have hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Upgraded rooms might add terraces with tables and chairs, dining areas, or extra bedrooms.

Avignon Grand claims to be a four-pearl property, but the features tell another story, with only some of the expected amenities on offer. In addition to the well-maintained and manicured lawns and a first-floor terrace, the hotel has a terrace on the roof featuring a stylish terra-cotta patio and wooden lounge chairs that surround a circular pool. The pool, though, is small for a hotel of this size and is only opened during the summer months. There's no gym or other wellness facilities. 

For dining, the hotel offers a nice buffet breakfast with hot and cold options, served in a bright dining room. Most guest are charged an extra fee (some guests find it pricey), but kids under 16 eat free. There's also a small but stylish bar with lounge spaces in reception, open through mid-evening. There's no on-site restaurant, though Avignon Grand Hotel's sister property, Le Cloitre Saint Louis, has a restaurant, a four-minute walk from the property. Room service is available into the evening.

Pets are allowed in specific rooms, and the hotel is family friendly with laundry and babysitting services available all for extra fees. The front desk runs 24 hours, offering concierge services as well. Wi-Fi throughout is free, but parking costs an extra fee.