Hotel Vauban

Our time at Hotel Vauban was fantastic. Service was prompt and more than satisfactory. We enjoyed the locked outer door for security. The rooms were well appointed with everything we needed. The breakfast service was hospitable and offered diverse food choices. We even had fresh eggs prepared for us at our request. The location in the city center was perfect for visiting Besancon's sites as well as catching public transportation to see things outside the center. We would stay here again if we ever have the fortune of visiting again.

First, the walk from the train station through Rue Battant may make you question your choice of destination as it runs through a poor, but safe, neighborhood. The surroundings are more favorable with fewer deserted storefronts when you cross Pont Battant. The hotel street, however, just across the river, appears from the outside to be a bit rundown. The hotel itself foes not run the whole block as it may appear in pictures; it is only 1 doorway. Once you gain access to the hotel by ringing the doorbell, you will be buzzed into the "lobby," a dark area with a large desk where you will eventually meet the proprietor, a hard-working man who serves as manager of the hotel, sets up the limited breakfast buffet (it is not worth the 13 euros charged per person for cold cereal, pan au chocolate circled by flies from the open windows, juice, packaged yogurt, & a coffee-dispensing machine), & serves as waiter at the rear-facing restaurant downstairs. The man wanders in and out clearing breakfast dishes from previous breakfast guests, & one day, he offered us eggs to be made in the connected restaurant. He is, in fact, very nice and helpful, but the whole affair is very casual. The hotel is spread over 4 floors of 4 tiny rooms each, some of which have a lovely river view and some of which have a view of the busier square behind the hotel where cafes abound. Our room was adequate, and we didn't bump into each other much. There was a small wall-mounted TV (all French channels), mini fridge, & private bathroom with shower. After a day, we relaxed and got used to our accommodations. For the price (under 100 euros per night for the 2 of us), it was fine. At that price, you don't expect luxury, and we did not see any luxurious hotels on our walks around town. Town was charming.

Traveling solo, I stayed in one of the cozy single rooms on the top floor. Just fine for a traveler traveling light. The bathroom was a very nice surprise. There is an elevator. The room had a nice view of the river. The breakfast was very convenient with sufficient choices. This was a special trip for me and the Hotel Vauban was the perfect place to stay.

The view from our room was stunning. You'll be right over the river in a lovely old building, and in the most central location in Besançon with several tram lines running below. The friendly and helpful staff will make you feel welcome. It's a wonderful, old-fashioned hotel. We are planning to return.

We had a one night stay and found the room very comfortable and clean. Great location for wandering around Besancon and close to plenty of restaurants. Parking is a few minutes walk away in the shopping centre underground car park as recommended by the hotel.