I'd heard about Hotel du Vin as a good brand, but I'd never stayed in one before, partially due to the costs and circumstance, but on this occasion we managed to get an excellent deal with a double room being under £80 for the night, no breakfast or meals included.
From the moment we stepped inside, the calm interior with low-level lighting helped put me in a relaxing mood and the receptionist was warm and welcoming. If I am being picky, I was a bit confused about the spa/gym options the hotel has and it wasn't clear if anything was included in the price of not. I didn't ask, but a little more clarity wouldn't harm.
The room we stayed in was called Le Pin and was surprisingly large and furnished to a high standard, with a fantastic bed and luxurious bedding that made it hard to leave the room. I was delighted to find there was a Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities. The TV didn't work properly due to a problem with the wiring but I didn't need to use it so this wasn't a problem.
Hotel du Vin's website boasts about its bathrooms and rightly so - the shower is powerful, the soaps smell great and the dressing gowns are a nice extra touch. I have to say, the toilet was wedged in by the door and I can't imagine a particularly tall person would find it comfortable.
I couldn't get wifi or phone signal in the room. For some, this would be the end of everything but sometimes it's nice to have a break from technology!
The Hotel has a restaurant, pub and cocktail bar on site. We had a drink in the cocktail bar and while the costs were higher than you would find in a normal bar, the ambience was head and shoulders above the raucous crowds in the city centre and the Mojitos were reassuringly strong.
Overall, one of the best hotel stays I have had of late. Stylish and friendly, it's a winner.