I choose this hotel due to its location. As I was landing in BLQ late at night I wanted something easy reachable from the airport. The hotel fit the bill as it is in front of the Central Station, which is the terminus of the airport bus shuttle.

Moreover the rate was quite attractive. So I booked praying the reviews on Trip Advisor might not be accurate. 

Check In

I was given my litteral key to my room quickly after arrival, there was no paper to sign nor any authorization taken on my card. Drink voucher was also given and my status (Silver now) recognized.

The key are the old school type and needs to be dropped when going out.

Room

The room are old, really old. I had booked a twin and had the bad surprise to discover two singles. The furniture is worned, the wallpaper is cracking in some places and the lightning bleak.

Unfortunately this is not helped by the hard mattress, the one plug and the awkwardly placed closet where the safe is located. 

The room was on the last floor and facing south. This facade is facing a courtyard so low level rooms will be in a nice shadow but not mine. The sun was shining all days long and the AC does not work correctly. I had to keep the window open including at night to keep the temperature comfortable. Considering this was February, I shudder to think of what it would be in summer.

The bathroom was not great either, the floor tiles were broken and not level. Poor pressure of the shower and one towel only furnished (standard according to the reception).

Dining

The breakfast buffet was really bad, one of the worst I have seen for a Mercure. The juice watered down, the scrambled egg chemical, some cold cut and one choice of cereal only, plus canned fruits. 

The pastries were surprisingly good, but more adequate for afternoon tea than for breakfast, with exception of the croissant.

My usual selection was quite reduced due to the poor choices.

Location

The location is great: in front of the Central station, so perfect for a night between two trains. Also the station is the last stop of the bus from the airport, so very convenient for those flying. 

The old town is a few minutes by walk. And there was several people on convention there, so I assume the hotel is convenient also for the convention center. 

Overall

This is what Mercure is as its worst: an old hotel with poor quality hard and soft product. After a renovation this could be a good hotel but until then, it is to be avoided. 

Note that the Welcome drink was valid for all drinks except Millesimes Champagne and liqueur, one drink per guest registered with the card holder.