The Hotel Kyriad, Montlucon is situated on the left bank of the River Cher across the water and near the centre of Montlucon. That’s what initially attracted me as I made my way south for an existential poetry convention; the experience that greeted me, however, could be described as something of a journey into the dark heart of decay.
The parking is shared with a bleak looking shopping centre, and is situated at the front of the hotel. I parked up and made my way to the front of the hotel, it wasn’t entirely clear where the entrance was. After a few moments I noticed a sign instructing people to ring a bell to be admitted – this either meant what was inside was a cornucopia of unworldly loveliness or what was outside was close enough to dystopia for the hotel to require security. As the bed and breakfast rate was €58, I was beginning to suspect the latter. Check-in was cheerful enough although I was asked if I wanted to pay upfront which I found a bit unusual.
My room was rather austere and in a state of decline – there were signs of minor damage and marks evident throughout. The bedside lights both worked, but only one of the switches did, and it switched on both lights rather than just the one. There was an air conditioning unit on the wall but it didn’t function (look what you could have had if you’d been here a few years ago!). The bathroom smelt stale which may have been the shower curtain, or the impressive stain of mildew on the wall. There was also a spider’s web but I’ll put that down to the hotel being eco-friendly. Now the soundproofing – there isn’t any, the opening and closing of every door in my corridor and the sound of the lift bell were so loud they could have been in my room. In fact, I haven’t heard my neighbours so clearly since I went camping (by the way the couple next door had a great time, expect a good review from them!).
That said, the bed was not uncomfortable and there was a kettle and a free biscuit, so some redeeming features. I’m also not ruling out the possibility that the room may, in fact, have been clean.
Venturing outside, I noticed the reason to the security. Not far from the entrance, was a group of socially disadvantaged young folk lurking in the shadows with no apparent purpose, there was another group who had fitted their car with a large speaker and were listening something monotonous – they’d left the doors open to help too. There was also an older gentleman with some cans of beer engaging passers-by in merry banter. For some reason, I felt that menace hung in the air, so once I’d eaten, I returned to my room to worry about the car.
Breakfast was okay.