Hotel & Spa Oceania Lille Les Augustins

Location: The hotel is praised for its excellent location, being conveniently situated near the train stations and the city center, providing easy access to local attractions.

Situated within the former bank Scalbert Dupont, Hotel Oceania is unfinished and surrounded by major roadworks. Key details omitted when we booked! Seems they got so far with the refurbishment and realised the budget was out the window, so got the place open and trading. Not a problem if guests are forewarned and the rooms priced accordingly, but we weren’t and the rooms were full value. When finished, and assuming it remains clean and undamaged, it should be great. It is a 4* hotel with a pool and pleasant décor, centrally located. Presently, with chunks of stone gone, ceiling tiles missing, builders popping up everywhere, it’s not a good experience. The novelty of being in a former bank wears off quickly. Rather than being impressed and relaxed swimming in the safety deposit vault, you feel like you’re floating whilst waiting for a loan review. No towels in the pool area, and though the world’s smallest gym with three machines was novel, it seemed a ticking box exercise rather than providing any real guest benefit. Rooms are small but well appointed, open bathrooms in all but premium categories, which have a curtain for added privacy. Top-end rooms have a thing called a ‘bathroom door’, amazing! Air con worked during daytime hours, appeared deactivated later no matter what we did, maybe an electrical issue, maybe cost-saving. Many meetings and conferences were taking place on the ground floor, good to see, but as an overnight stay? Hard to recommend in this state for the price charged. The nearest car park is a headache with a confusing exit via a shopping mall. Staff were super welcoming and made every effort to improve our visit, but until they finish this hotel, only book if there’s a deal, and if driving, don’t follow the satnav at the end!