Good thread, John. We've been discussing which tale-from-hell to share and believe me, we've got a few. Since our last trip is top of mind, we'll tell you about our experience in Aix-en-Provence.

We have never used booking services so sometimes our choices are limited by the availability of email. We wrote to a number of hotels but only one answered so we took it as a sign and booked, noting that it was in a great location.

Well, aside from a couple of great employees (the night clerk and the woman in the office) it was shabby and neglected; such a shame, because it has the potential to be wonderful!

It was so awful that we threatened to leave unless they gave us a new toilet seat and replaced the blankets, which they did. Of course that was not enough to make us want to spend too much time there - we avoided the place like the plague.

Where to avoid until completely renovated: Hotel de France **

Misery loves company; now we'd like to hear from you.

Cheers! Linda and Don