Mercure Niort Marais Poitevin

My daughter and I have been driving through France and Spain for 2 weeks including camping. We are en route back to England and making our way back to the north of France and were looking for a stop off place that was convenient and comfortable and perhaps provided some luxury add ons like a pool! The Mercure in Niort was absolutely perfect for this. Big plus points are: - we’d arrived at 10pm and there is ample parking ON-SITE. In my eyes always a bonus when on a road trip driving for long hours. Last thing you want to do is be fighting for a space or shlepping bags long distances. - Check-in was until midnight so no pressure for the weary driver. The process was quick and staff speak excellent English and were very friendly. -The bar is also open until 11pm if you need a cheeky late night rosé. - A very spacious and clean room with a huge comfortable bed. Extra pillows if needed. - A power shower with lovely Nuxe hair and body wash. Just another sign of the added care and attention the hotel gives you. - The breakfast (served until 10.30am bonus when travelling with a teenager who needed a lie-in!) is out of this world. A beautifully presented buffet with cooked options like scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon and pancakes. But also delicious varieties of French bread, fruit, cheeses, charcuterie and freshly squeezed juices included blended ones. Everything was top quality and local produce with hand-written signs and lovely bottles and bowls to give you that added ‘je ne sais quoi’. Again the staff were extremely friendly. - We didn’t manage to dip in the pool as it was raining but it looked lovely with plenty of loungers. It was surrounded by lush greenery so I would imagine you feel there is plenty of privacy. - Check-out was at midday giving plenty of time to pack and prepare for another long journey ahead. Plus there are trolleys you can take from your room to the car if you have lots of luggage.

All the staff we met were very friendly and helpful. The bed was very comfortable and the room had a kettle and fridge. Good breakfast The hotel was easy to find on the edge of town, with free outside parking (underground parking available for a reasonable price) A good range of restaurants, including Moroccan, Japanese and French within 5 mins walk

The Mercure Niort is near the centre of town in it's own small park and in a quiet district. Almost all hotel restaurants in France are closed on Sunday evening. We found a less than satisfactory Japanese/Thai restaurant about 10 minutes walk away that proved more or less satisfactory. The rooms in Mercure Hotels are good and breakfasts in this one exceptional. We didn't make use of the swimming pool as it appeared closed for most of the time during our overnight stay.

Convenient location, parking, great breakfast, clean and pleasant room. The staff were very friendly and there was a nice atmosphere throughout.

Amazing location. Beautiful pool unusual in a town centre hotel. Beautiful restaurant. Very friendly staff speaking good English.