Bloc G

Bloc G: A Modern Oasis Steps from Carcassonne's Medieval Charm

Bloc G in Carcassonne, France, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, offering a distinctive blend of minimalist, modernist design within the historic Trivalle district. Guests consistently praise its exceptional location, stylish accommodations, and warm, attentive service. It's often described as a charming bed and breakfast or guesthouse that provides a refreshing aesthetic contrast to the ancient fortified city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Bloc G is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Very good" (8.4 out of 10 based on 551 reviews). It earns high marks for cleanliness (9.2), location (9.4-9.5), and staff and service (9.2-9.4). Many reviewers highlight the tranquil atmosphere despite its central location and appreciate the unique design elements.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Bloc G for several key aspects:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's minimalist and modernist aesthetic provides a striking and refreshing contrast to the medieval surroundings of Carcassonne. It’s housed in an old building, with a great design throughout.
• Exceptional Location: Situated just off the Pont-Vieux in the historic Trivalle district, it offers unparalleled access to the medieval city (a 4-minute walk to the Historic Fortified City) and is within easy walking distance of the new town's restaurants, bars, and the train station.
• Friendly Hospitality: The hosts and staff are frequently commended for their welcoming, helpful, and attentive nature, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay.
• Convenient Amenities: Free WiFi and complimentary parking directly outside the property are highly valued by guests.

3. Room Quality

Bloc G offers five rooms and one apartment, all designed with comfort and style in mind. Reviews consistently describe the rooms as spacious and comfortable. Guests particularly appreciate the very comfortable beds. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature private bathrooms, often equipped with rainfall showers and ample space, including two sinks or a versatile laundry area that can serve as a child's bathtub in some accommodations. The high cleanliness rating (9.2) further underscores the quality of the accommodations.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Bloc G is a significant draw. The property features its own restaurant, which is also recognized by Gault&Millau as a "cool and committed" establishment. The restaurant is known for its traditional cuisine, prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal products, often at reasonable prices. The menu changes daily, offering creative dishes such as spicy mackerel rillettes, wok of squid with mushroom, chorizo, and black rice, and chocolate mi-cuit. A regional wine list complements the food.

Breakfast at Bloc G is consistently rated as "fantastic" and "top," typically served as a semi-buffet, providing a delicious start to the day.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Bloc G receives glowing reviews, with staff and service scoring highly (9.2-9.4). Guests frequently commend the owners and staff for being extremely friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Whether it's providing local recommendations, assisting with check-in, or offering attentive service during meals, the team contributes significantly to a positive guest experience. One guest noted that even when faced with an initial check-in issue, the staff, once reached, were very responsive and helpful.

6. Location & Accessibility

Bloc G boasts an enviable location at 112 Rue de la Barbacane, placing it perfectly for exploring Carcassonne. It is situated in the vibrant Trivalle district, just under the Pont-Vieux, offering direct access to both the medieval Cité and the lower town. The medieval city walls are practically on its doorstep, and the main attractions, along with numerous restaurants and bars, are all within easy walking distance. The Carcassonne train station is approximately 1.42 km away, and Carcassonne Airport is 5.34 km distant. The availability of free parking directly outside is a significant advantage for those arriving by car.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Bloc G to offer good value for money, with an average rating of 8.5 for this category. Room rates can vary, with prices ranging from approximately $76 to $159 per night. KAYAK users have seen prices around $117 for recent bookings. The restaurant is noted for its "low prices," with an indicative price per person (excluding drinks) around €16. A city tax of EUR 1.15 per person, per night, applies for guests over 18. Given its prime location, stylish design, and high-quality service, many guests feel the pricing is justified.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor issues have been noted by guests:

• Check-in Procedure: One guest reported difficulty with check-in outside of the designated hours, finding no one present and needing external assistance to gain entry. This suggests that while flexible, it operates more as a guesthouse than a 24/7 hotel.
• Restaurant Opening Hours: The on-site restaurant is closed one day a week, which might surprise some guests expecting it to be open daily.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. hotels.com
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. trip.com
6. gaultmillau.com
7. gaultmillau.com
8. sluurpy.fr
9. kayak.com
10. kayak.com.au