Reims and a dud hotel…

This is the next instalment of Ann’s blog, read  Leaving London, Trafalgar Square Nelsons Column and the Cock or Dubai to London for her previous updates. 

Well I knew we’d strike a dud hotel somewhere along the way but I didn’t expect it to be this one! I imagined booking a known brand was unadventurous but safe. I frequently stay in Mecure or other Accor group hotels in Australia and they’re fine but here in Reims we are disappointed right from the start. We have to negotiate a steep flight of stairs from the driveway at the entry (no doorman here, or porter either), there’s no ramp visible, though we find one later way around the corner, so pity any disabled guests.

Our room is so small Leon and I keep bumping into each other but it’s new, modern and clean. There are paper cups and minimal tea and coffee supplies, a large wardrobe, fridge and safe. So it’s adequate. The biggest problem is the bed. The mattress is unbelievably hard I ended up lying on top of the doona to try and sleep. It was the worst night.

Oh well it’s a beautiful day, lots to see and do, better get out there.

We visit our first cathedral, where French Kings were crowned and Joan of Arc (pictured below) saw Charles VII anointed. I’m not religious but the beauty and architecture of these ancient buildings is awe inspiring. It has been a site of Christian worship for about 1600 years. The cathedral was built in 1211 after fire ravaged the city and the previous church was lost.It was burned and bombed in WWI when 80% of the city was destroyed. It was restored and reopened in 1937.

Ann’s blog #17