Best Western Plus Masqhotel

The BEST WESTERN Masqhotel is situated in a squat concrete building that, like the interiors, feels both modern and vaguely industrial. The lobby and bar/lounge -- the latter a main gathering point for guests -- are outfitted with molded and upholstered chairs in red and black, with their eclectic array of smooth, rounded silhouettes settling somewhere between mod and modern. Ceilings are accented with exposed silver piping, and, modern lighting -- barnacle-like near the reception desk, snaking down from the ceiling in the bar -- which add funky flair. The hotel owns about 100 abstract art pieces painted by a pair of brothers, which add original style to common areas and guest rooms alike. The location near the train and exposition center draws lots of business guests to this hotel, but leisure travelers also find their way here, too.

The hotel is situated on a quiet street lined with local businesses, just a four-minute walk from the Gare de La Rochelle, the city's main train station. While the area isn't quite as character-filled as locations closer to port, it's still in walking distance to most major area attractions. The event center, Espace Encan, and the aquarium can be reached in under 10 minutes on foot. The heart of the city, Le Vieux Port, with its shops and restaurants, is about a 12-minute walk. La Rochelle is a 15-minute drive. Parking is available on-site, but spaces are limited and it costs an extra fee.

Rooms at Masqhotel are spacious and contemporary, featuring the classic neutral color palette and muted decor typical of chain hotels, think: brown wall-to-wall carpeting, white walls, black furniture. It may not be what guests expect based on the ultra-modern lobby accents, but many of the pieces are designer, large windows let in lots of natural light, and original art (big abstract paintings, created by two brothers) makes the decor feel less impersonal. White-tiled bathrooms feature wood floors and combination showers and tubs.

Rooms are air-conditioned and include desks, 26-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea service with electric kettles, though they lack mini-fridges or minibars. Bathrooms have hairdryers and a combination of individual toiletries and dispensers. Most accommodations are roomy double and twin sizes, but the hotel also has five executive rooms and three suites, which add space and perks like iPod docking stations and bathrobes. 

This hotel has features that enhance its convenience for business travelers and other guests. There's a pleasant breakfast room where a buffet is served (for an extra fee). It features typical hot and cold standards -- plus Champagne. There's also a roomy, modern bar and lounge. While there's no full-service restaurant, room service is available 24 hours. There's no gym or wellness facilities, though many of the area hotels lack these. 

The hotel has three modern business and event rooms, plus a small business corner off the lobby with three individual workstations with computers. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The front desk is open 24 hours, and staff offer concierge services (some tickets are available to purchase at the front desk) and laundry service, plus in-room childcare can be arranged. Secure parking is available on-site, but it's limited and costs an extra fee. Pets are allowed for an extra per-day fee.