After reading mixed TripAdvisor reviews, we decided to think positively and book two nights at ResidHotel in Carcassonne. We are really glad we did. For one thing, Carcassonne is VERY touristy, and restaurant prices reflected that, so having a kitchen made our stay so much easier and economical. We walked 20-25 minutes to a Geant/Casino supermarket for groceries, only because the little epicerie 5 minutes from ResidHotel is closed on Mondays. Also, after seeing everything a reasonable distance from the attractions, we didn't see any hotel that for us would have been a better location. The walled city was just a 5-10 minute walk through a nice residential neighborhood. The neighborhood seemed so quiet, we were perplexed (as some other reviewers expressed) by the tall iron locked gates and prisonlike feel. On the other hand, we felt safe! Also, we needed to call reception for two reasons, and both times, a young man was at our door within 20 minutes with the requested items. To summarize:
On the plus side: super-clean, super-spacious apartment, comfy bed and couch, big balcony with table, chairs, and clothes-drying rack and louvered shades for hot afternoon sun, well-appointed kitchen, nice eating area, helpful staff
On the minus side: limited hours when reception office had a person in it
TIPS: Plan to check in during reception's stated hours; otherwise, you'll be sitting on your suitcase outside the gates till someone arrives at the office. If you dislike the smell of chlorine, ask for a room that is not near the swimming pool. Chlorine fumes are strong in hallways near the indoor pool. If you arrive in the city by train, I recommend taking a taxi to ResidHotel. It would be a long, long, uphill climb dragging luggage. From the train station, walk across the Canal du Midi toward the tourist department's satellite kiosk (which will in all likelihood be closed). Taxis will be lined up between the kiosk and McDonald's just ahead.
