Friendly staff an good location, small rooms

This is the only Accor group branded hotel in the area.  From my observation, it seems like this was another of those converted hotels  (maybe 2-3 years ago) to the Mercure brand or they did some renovations.  I normally am not a fan of any Accor hotels - but since this was the only hotel in the area with one of the loyalty program I belong to, I selected this property.

The hotel was surprisingly located just about 2-3 mins from the main station.  (I had not bothered to check the location or look up on the map before this until the day itself).  If you are coming in by train, you will see the sign of the hotel as you enter the station.  

It is about 5 mins walk to the city centre via a pedestrian only boulevard.  There are also a couple of restaurants/cafes around with more shops found within the train station itself.   The main bus station (as quite normally) is located within the station area.

I arrived just after 12pm at the hotel.  The reception area was slightly busy, but I was helped within 5 mins of arriving.  I was very glad that they were flexible and managed to find me a room - which was very welcomed.  Staff were friendly and I was off to my room within 10 mins of arriving at the hotel.  

The room was situated on the 5th floor (the hotel has 8 floor - but seems like the 8th floor is only a sauna/spa area - which I did not check out).  The hotel's layout is quite unique as it is in a sort of octagonal shape.  The room was quite bright with natural light and faced the road/city centre (there is not much other choices, with the other choice facing the railway tracks).

Size of the room was ok - slightly on the smaller side especially if you would have large luggage with you.  There was a working/dining desk with the TV above it.  There was also a small coffee/side table with a chair.  There was also quite a large wardrobe with ironing facilities.  The room was equipped with a sizeable safe - which should fit a 15" laptop from my judgement.

The room did have a small minibar/fridge which was empty - guests are able to get items from the hotel shop if needed.  Other than that, there was the usual hote water boiler with instant coffee/tea facilities.  Internet was complimentary and the speed was average.  TV channel options were the usual - local and international.  Since I did not use the temperature control, can't really say if it will cool well or warm well (warming is via heaters along the window).

The bathroom/toilet was situated close to the entrance.  This was actually the worst part of the room as it was really tiny.  With the door open, you had to first step into the shower area, close the door before being able to access the toilet.  Shower area size was ok - although the glass panel proctecting the water was just too short and basically after even a (gentle) shower, half the floor will be wet.  Shower pressure was good and temperature control was good too.  Toiletries were the usual Mercure branded items.

A small note for light sleepers - you will need to ask for a better side because the windows in the room are not really very sound proof.  For me it was still bearable (although the curtains are very good in closing out light).

The stay overall was ok.  It is at least to me quite unique that a Mercure has sauna/spa facilities (which I did not use), but the staff and location I would say is the best.  Some minor issues would be the bathroom size and the level of noise (both inside and outside).  From price-quality point, it was ok (can be better) - but again I might be biased as I find a lot of Accor hotels to be in the same including Novotels or Ibis and above that I don't have status with the chain (even with status, you don't get much compared to other chains).  All in all, if I would go back to the area, I will most probably still stay at this property, if it is not more than what I paid this round.