B&B Hotel Mons Gare

This hotel does not provide any hospitality, service is below zero. When entering the hotel and paying the bill immediately, we had to pay an additional 100 euro’s, we were forced to do so cause we had no credit card. We are a non-smoking couple 64 and 66, lot’s of travel experience but this was the first time we met this. Under protest we paid the additional money, we had no other choice. There was no proper explanation other than ‘the boss tells us so to do’. Agreement was we would get the money back next day. However… at checking out, we did NOT get our money back. We got the message, that refund was ‘waiting for approvement’. Approvement?? Why? And by whom? And under what conditions? We felt like being scammed by this hotel. Further more: breakfast inconvenient, insufficient bread, croissants underbaked, little choices. Elevator not working, it’s a worn-out hotel. Carpet smells musty. I do not blame the personnel. They have to do what is told them. I I may give any future travelers one advice: avoid this hotel.

Just in front of the train station and next to a main bus transfer point, it was well located. It's also an easy walk to the Saint Waudru collegiate church and the City Hall. Inside, reception and check-in was painless and the staff very friendly. There's a small well-stocked bar and the cafe. I requested the breakfast included with my room and there was a nice selection of European style breads, cheeses, cereal, etc. Also, scrambled eggs, beans, and small wurst. Best part was the orange juicer where I could "squeeze" my own fresh juice. Rooms were clean and quiet with fresh white sheets. Parking was an additional 9 Euro but the lot is fenced in and I believe under camera surveillance. Check-out was quick and easy. The only "complaint" I have is no fault of the hotel. There was a lot of road construction which when added to all the one-way streets made the hotel a challenge to get to when following the GPS. Once we figured our way around it wasn't a problem.

On a cycling tour of Belgium and France, I booked Ibis hotels and emailed each in advance to make sure they could accommodate the bikes. Ibis Mons came back straight away telling me that we were fine to take the bikes in the rooms and on arrival we were blown away by the welcome from the duty manager. He couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. Anyone can build a hotel, but not everyone can staff one with people who actually care. Recommended.